Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games
- Dates
- May 15 to 16, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Greater Smokies Event Grounds
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games returns to Townsend, TN, May 15 to 16, 2027. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games is Tennessee's oldest festival of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture, founded in 1981 and held each spring at the Greater Smokies Event Grounds in Townsend, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The weekend packs in Highland heavy athletics and the caber toss, piping and drumming, Highland dance, clan tents, border collie sheep herding, whisky tastings, axe throwing and three stages of Celtic music
What people love
Attendees appreciate that the roomy Townsend layout spreads out the games, clans and vendors, and first-timers describe having a blast among the kilts, athletics and clan tents. Common gripes are long food lines with only a few trucks, limited spectator viewing space away from the clan areas, and a wish for more seating
Last time around (2026)
The 44th games ran May 16-17, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greater Smokies Event Grounds in Townsend, with Highland athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dancers and clan tents alongside live Celtic music across the weekend
The games
Heavy athletics
The games run Scottish heavy athletics, a spectacle of strength rooted in everyday implements such as the stone, the blacksmith's hammer and the tree trunk or caber
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Piping and drumming competitions run through the weekend and draw players from around the world across levels from beginner to professional, alongside a Highland dance competition
Clans & genealogy
Scottish clan hosts staff clan tents where visitors can find out whether they belong to a clan, learn about its tartans and join as members
Taking part
Beyond the competitions the weekend offers border collie sheep-herding demonstrations, whisky tastings, axe throwing, children's activities and three stages of Celtic rock, Gaelic folk and other live music
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
How do I get to Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games?
By car
Most people drive to Smoky Mountain Scottish 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.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
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Where
Map shows the centre of Townsend. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Airport hotels 3
2001 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701
Link coming soon126 Cusick Road, Alcoa, TN 37701
Link coming soon125 Furrow Way, Alcoa, TN 37701
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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