If you enjoy the sound of pipes and drums and the thrill of highland games, you won’t want to miss the 2023 Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, scheduled for May 6, 2023, at the historic Bethesda Academy in Savannah, GA.
The Scottish Games and Celtic Festival are a 45 year-old tradition here in Savannah. The popular, annual event draws thousands of people to the city every year for live music, athletic games, food, gifts, and so much more.
Attendees to the event will find plenty to do and see. One of the main highlights, of course, are the Scottish Games. Traditional athletic challenges like the Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss, and Scottish Hammer Throw. Come watch as the contestants try to outdo one another on these traditional feats of strength.
Another very popular event is the Border Collie Herding. You’ll be amazed as these amazingly smart Border Collies herd sheep guided only by their master’s whistle and voice. You’ll also be treated to a lot of music and dancing. Pipes and Drums bands, Highland dancing, and two Celtic bands on stage: North of Argyll and Lochlann.
Hungry? Stop by the Celtic Marketplace for refreshments. You’ll also find vendors selling a selection of traditional Scottish goods, made by Scots. A wonderful gift-buying opportunity!
The festival also includes children’s activities, genealogy, historical reenactments, Scottish Clans and Societies, and more.
Best of all, it’s held on the grounds of the Historic Bethesda Academy, less than 20 minutes south of our Savannah bed and breakfast, McMillan Inn!
2023 Savannah Scottish Games Schedule
8:45am – Gates open
9am – Athletic Competitions Begin
9:30am – Border Collies Herding Demonstration
9:45am – Lochlan
10am – Children’s Activities and Games
11am – North of Argyll
Border Collies Herding Demonstration
12pm – Opening Ceremony
Presentation of Colors
Flowers of the Forest
Parade of Tartans and Massed Bands
12:20pm – Children’s Kilted Run
12:30pm – Lochlan
Athletic Competitions Resume
1pm – Children’s Activities
Border Collies Herding Demonstration
1:30pm – Pro-Premier Highland Dancing
North of Argyll
2:30pm – Lochlan
3pm – Border Collies Herding Demonstration
3:30pm – North of Argyll
4pm – Highland Dance Awards
Heavy Athletics Awards
4:30pm – Closing ceremony
All times are approximate. Pipes and Drums bands will also make regular performances throughout the day.
The 2023 Savannah Scottish Games are scheduled for May 6th, 8:45am to 4:30pm. The event will be held at the historic Bethesda Academy, located at 9570 Ferguson Avenue, Savannah, GA.
Visit the Savannah Scottish Games website for more information. You can also find this event on Facebook.
Spend a fun day celebrating Celtic culture and history, then it’s just a short drive back to your comfortable room at McMillan Inn. Maybe stop by the Inn kitchen fridge for a snack or something to sip on the porch before dinner.