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The 38th Annual Scottish Festival

& Highland Games

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The 38th Annual Scottish Festival

& Highland Games

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The 38th Annual Scottish Festival

& Highland Games

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The Chicago Scots are excited to announce the relocation of the 38th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games to our new home at the DuPage County Fairgrounds! Mark your calendars for June 14 and 15, 2024, as we prepare for a memorable celebration of Scottish culture, tradition, skill and athleticism.

Stay tuned for more details as we approach the event date, and please be patient as we work diligently to curate an unforgettable experience at the Game’s new home. Whether you’re a seasoned participant, a first-time attendee, or someone eager to experience the rich tapestry of Scottish culture, we look forward to sharing more about the festivities that await at our new and enchanting venue. Check back regularly for updates on the schedule, performers, and activities, as we strive to make the 38th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games at the DuPage County Fairgrounds the best yet!

The Scottish Festival & Highland Games has activities and attractions for everyone – from the Caber Toss to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland. This family-friendly outdoor event is a chance to explore Scottish culture without buying a plane ticket. Plus, all proceeds benefit the Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.

Chicago Scots (The Illinois Saint Andrew Society) is the oldest not-for-profit in Illinois, founded in 1845. We proudly nourish Scottish identity through service, fellowship and celebration of Scottish culture in order to support our principal charity, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.

FAQs

Parking

General parking is free this year at the DuPage County Fairgrounds! Premier parking is only available for those with a VIP ticket and is including in the VIP package pricing.

Festival Hours

General admission hours are as follows:

Friday, June 14, 2024: 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, June 15, 2024: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Liquor

Beer must be purchased and consumed on-site. Liquor control laws prohibit alcoholic beverages from being brought in from outside. Registered participants of the Scottish Festival & Highland Games may bring in coolers with non-alcoholic beverages. Coolers will be inspected by security at all gates and outside liquor will be disposed of. Those 21 and over must show ID and obtain a wristband in order to purchase liquor.  Your compliance in these important liquor policies helps us be able to continue to host this event.

Outside Canopy and/or Tents

Festival attendees are permitted to set up outside canopies, tents and chairs in designated areas only.

Food

No outside food is allowed on festival grounds.

Lost & Found

Report and/or retrieve lost children and items at the CHICAGO SCOTS Tent and our team of staff and volunteers will assist you in the necessary next steps. After the event is over, please feel free to notify us of any missing items.  Please be aware that we are not in the office on Sunday, June 16th but we will respond to your messages when we return to the office.

Massed Bands

The massed bands performance will begin at approximately 6:30 – after all piping and drumming judging is complete.

Pets

The festival is dog friendly! Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Please curb your animals and kindly clean up after them. Please be mindful of small children and other dogs at the festival.

Weather

The Festival will proceed rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. This festival would only be cancelled due to life-threatening weather such as a tornado. In case of lightning, please return to your car or sheltered areas. DO NOT shelter under tents unless they are clearly signposted as grounded.

Whisky Tasting

Tickets for the whisky masterclasses can be purchased at the bar. ID is required to purchase.

WHEN
June 14-15, 2024
Friday: 1:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-10:00pm

WHERE
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 Manchester Road
Wheaton, IL 60187

TICKETS & APPLICATIONS

Buy Tickets Now

Food & Marketplace Vendor Application

Clans and Organizations Application

SPONSORSHIPS

Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities at the Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

Activities & Information

Use the links below to learn about activities and register to participate at the Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

Food Vendors

Food Vendors

Savor a variety of Scottish fare or sample an assortment of festival food.

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Lodging

Lodging

View hotels offering discounted blocks of rooms for attendees of the Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

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Scottish American History Forum

The Scottish American History Forum brings experts and history enthusiasts together to share and discuss topics of Scottish and American History once a month.

Stop by the Scottish American History Forum tent on the South Field.

Upcoming Events

Watch Past Forums

Men in Kilts

Men in Kilts Contest

Root for your favorite kilted Laddie or strut your stuff yourself as our judges determine who has the knobbliest knees (Laddies ONLY).

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Children's Area

Children's Area

Have fun with your kids as they meet a Clydesdale horse, play mini-versions of Scottish heavy athletics and miniature golf and more!

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Scottish Genealogy

Genealogy

Research your Scottish heritage with help from the Chicago Scots’ Genealogy Group.

Marketplace Vendors

Marketplace Vendors

Shop for clothing, crafts, collectibles and more from local merchants.

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Sponsorships

Sponsorships

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and sign up to become a sponsor at the Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

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Patron Tent

VIP Tent

This year’s VIP Tent is the ultimate way to enjoy the Scottish Festival and Highland Games!

Tickets are $200 per person for two days of VIP benefits.

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Live Music

Entertainment Tent

Kick up your kilt as you jam to the various Celtic rock and local bands featured on the main stage.

Haggis Hurling Contest

Haggis Hurling Contest

Test your throwing skills and poise by hurling a frozen 1 pound haggis as far as you can, all while balancing on a half Whisky Barrel! Farthest throw is the champion. (Lassies Only)

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Haggis Eating Contest

Haggis Eating Contest

Come see which contestant can "down a pound" of this Scottish culinary delicacy the fastest or give it a try yourself! Contestants will east as much haggis as possible without using their hands.

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Heather Queen

Heather Queen

The Heather Queen is a female between the ages of 15-20 years old who is Scottish by birth, has Scottish heritage and/or is actively involved in the Scottish community. During her reign, the Heather Queen serves as a goodwill ambassador for Chicago Scots by encouraging her peers to explore their Scottish or other cultural identities while promoting Scottish culture in Chicagoland.

Look for our reigning Heather Queen at this year's Games!

Clans

Clans & Organizations

Visit our community of Clans & Organizations who represent the great family names & traditions of Scotland and delight in the pageantry of the "Parade of Tartans" The word clan in Gaelic means "children of the family". In highland Scotland, a clan is an extended family or group of families.

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Heavy Athletics

Heavy Athletics

Witness incredible feats of strength & accuracy while watching classic, including the Caber Toss, Clachneart, Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss & Weight Throws.

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Piping & Drumming

Piping & Drumming

Listen to the talented pipers and drummer at their very best as they compete for top solo and pipe band honors.

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Dogs of Scotland

Dogs of Scotland

Meet these hardy breeds of Celtic canines and learn how they have aided Scots throughout the centuries.

Highland Dancing

Highland Dance

Visit the Highland Dance competition stage where dancers of all ages demonstrate this intricate and technically challenging sport.

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Shortbread Contest

Signature Shortbread Contest

Bake up a batch of the "secret family recipe" or create your own original concoction in this competition of both traditional & flavored shortbread.

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