Festival
Attractions

IHGF Highland Games

The Highland Games are a celebrated tradition that began after the Highland Clearances to preserve Scotland’s cultural heritage. Legend says the games originated during the English occupation as a way for Scots to train for war, since they were forbidden to bear or train with arms. Today, the highland games include competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and heavy athletics.

Pipe Bands & Live Music

Throughout the weekend, you’ll hear pipers and drummers performing as soloists, small groups, full bands, and spectacular massed bands. We’ll also be showcasing Celtic modern and folk bands on the main stage during our festival. They’ll make you feel as though you’re in Scotland, as you sing and dance along. Bands in recent years have included Flowers of Edinburgh, Scotland Rising, Waxie Dargles, Vintage Wildflowers, The Irish Breakfast Club, Tornead O'Malley, Murder the Stout, Ravens Three, and more.

Highland Dancing

Traditional Highland dances and the graceful National dances. The Highland dances are a spectacular combination of strength, agility, precision, movement, music, and costume. Unlike other dance mediums, these are generally performed solo and in competition. The National dances are much more rhythmic and balletic; however, they still require quick and precise movements.

Scottish Clan Row

Scotland is renowned for its hospitality and kinship. Clans give a shared sense of identity and descent to members. On Friday evening, we’ll host a traditional Fire Ceremony and Calling of the Clans. Afterward, there will be a cèilidh (an informal social gathering) with folk music, singing, dancing and storytelling. Come find out if your clan is represented at our festival and learn more about your history!

Whisky Tastings

Did you know scotch is made only in Scotland and distilled from malted barley? Not only are our whisky tastings educational, but they’re highly entertaining and provide attendees a unique opportunity to learn about (and enjoy) single malt Scotch whiskies.

Celtic Vendors

A large variety of vendors will be in attendance at our Scottish festival, carrying tartans, clothing, kilt accessories and other handcrafted goods. There are limited vendor spaces available at the Oklahoma Highland Gathering. Because of this, we do our best not to overlap vendors of the same type of merchandise – offering unique products that fit within the genre or are culturally suitable for the festival.

And More!

• Ancestry Resources

• Celtic Storytelling

• Gaelic Lessons

• Sheep Herding

• Falconry