Charleston Scottish Games

This longstanding tradition has been around for more than half a century and brings all things Scotland to the Lowcountry.  It’s sponsored by the Scottish Society of Charleston, and it’s the second oldest event of its kind in the Southeast. 

While it was often located at Boone Hall Plantation, now the 54th Annual Charleston Scottish Games will take place at the expansive Riverfront Park in North Charleston, on the banks of the Cooper River. 

It kicks off with a preliminary Calling of the Clans Ceilidh happening Friday night, with plenty of live music, Scotch whiskey tastings, and the Calling of the Clans ceremony.  

Then Saturday is the big event.  Gates open at 8:00 a.m. with the Grand Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Tartans with massed bands starting at 11:30 a.m. 

Prepare to see many patterns of plaid, as more than 40 different clans will take part.  Each clan will have its own booth to visit and make family connections. Every year, one is singled out as the Honored Clan of the Games.

Here's some of what to expect throughout the day at the Scottish Games…

• “Heavy Athletics” like the Putting of the Stone, Hammer and Weight Throws, Sheaf Toss, and the ever-popular Caber Toss, where they basically throw a 175-pound telephone pole end over end;
• Piping and Drumming, with the Southern USA Pipe Band Championship (GR III) Competition;
• Highland Dancing Competitions;
• Scottish Country Dancing, like reels, wee jigs and strathspeys;
• Border Collie Sheepherding Demonstrations;
• Childrens’ Games like the Scotch Egg Relay, along with storytelling, Craft Hall, face painting, and more;
• Live music by Albannach;
• Scottish Fiddling Competition;
• Beer garden with craft beers from Highland Brewing;
• Plenty of Scottish vendors with edible delicacies and merchandise;
• Scotch Whisky Tasting with approximately 30 Scotches, including Macallan, Balvenie, Dalmore, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, Glenrothes, Highland Park, Jura, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.

Adult tickets are $25 online ($30 at the gate), children $5, free for kids 5 and under, with VIP options. 

The Scottish Games last till 5:00.  They’re expecting about 8,000 people, so it’s wise to get there early and stay late.

NOTE: Dates and details for 2025 are tentative.  Check back closer to the festival for the latest info.