Alma Highland Festival & Games
- Dates
- Expected May 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Alma College
- Price
- $15
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Alma Highland Festival & Games's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 22 to 24 May 2026 in Alma, MI. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Alma Highland Festival & Games is held each Memorial Day weekend on the Alma College campus in Alma, Michigan, a town that bills itself as Scotland, USA. One of the largest Scottish festivals in the Midwest, the three-day event features heavyweight Scottish athletics with a men's professional and women's invitational field, a Kilted Mile, massed pipe bands with piping and drumming competitions, Highland dancing, a Parade of Tartans and a gathering of more than 20 clans, plus a Birds of Prey display and whisky, mead and bourbon tastings
What people love
Local residents describe the Alma Highland Games as always a fun time, and visitors come for the bagpipes, the heavy athletics and the marching bands. One reviewer praised the marching bands but found seating in the entertainment tent cramped
Last time around (2026)
The 57th edition ran May 22 to 24, 2026 on the Alma College campus over Memorial Day weekend, with the Great Lakes Scottish Heavyweight competition, massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, a Parade of Tartans and Sunday whisky tasting
The games
Heavy athletics
The Great Lakes Scottish Heavyweight competition fields both a men's professional and a women's invitational division, and the weekend adds a Kilted Mile and a Midwest Region National Qualifier for athletes competing toward nationals
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Piping and drumming competitions run for both bands and soloists under the Midwest Pipe Band Association, with all pipe bands joining for Mass Bands on the football field; the Highland Dance Competition includes the Great Lakes Open Championship
Clans & genealogy
The festival gathers more than 20 clans over three days, and the Saturday Opening Parade features a Parade of Tartans led by the Alma High School Marching Band, with a Queen of Scots ambassador program that is more than 50 years old
Taking part
Away from the athletic field the festival offers whisky, mead and bourbon tastings, a Birds of Prey display, live bands at the Entertainment Tent, arts and crafts, and Scottish food
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
How do I get to Alma Highland Festival & Games?
By car
Most people drive to Alma Highland Festival & Games. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost There is plenty of free parking around the festival and its grounds, plus many free downtown lots; handicap parking is near the corner of Superior Street and Wright Avenue.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
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Where
Venue
Alma College
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Alma Highland Festival & Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
131 West Lincoln Road, Alma, MI 48801
Link coming soonAirport hotels 1
4850 Town Center Drive Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Link coming soonHotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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