North Georgia Highland Games Bring Scottish Heritage, Athletics, Music, and Family Fun to Clayton
Make plans now for a full day of Scottish heritage, athletic competition, music, food, vendors, family activities, and mountain-town hospitality in Clayton, Georgia.
The North Georgia Highland Games will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Rabun County Civic Center, located at 201 West Savannah Street, Clayton, GA 30525.
This family-friendly event brings the spirit of the Highland Games to the North Georgia mountains with traditional Scottish heavy athletics, pipes and drums, clan heritage, Scottish food, vendors, demonstrations, children’s activities, and more.
For full event details, registration information, volunteer opportunities, and updates, visit the official North Georgia Highland Games website at northgeorgiahighlandgames.com.
Event Details
- Event: North Georgia Highland Games
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Rabun County Civic Center
- Address: 201 West Savannah Street, Clayton, GA 30525
- Admission: Tickets available at the gate
- Adults: $20
- Students: $10
- Children 12 and under: Free
A Full Day of Highland Games Traditions
The North Georgia Highland Games celebrate the traditions, sights, sounds, and strength of Scottish culture. Guests can enjoy a full day of entertainment throughout the event grounds, with something for longtime Highland Games fans, families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for a memorable day in Clayton.
Entertainment listed by the North Georgia Highland Games includes Georgia Mountain Falconry, Highlander Fiber Friends, Appalachian St. Andrews Pipes and Drums, John Mohr MacKintosh Pipes and Drums, 78th Fraser Highlanders, stone lifting, Scottish heavy athletics, and chainsaw carving.
Scottish Heavy Athletics
One of the signature attractions of the Highland Games is the athletic competition. Visitors can watch athletes take on traditional Scottish heavy athletic events that test strength, technique, balance, and endurance.
The event website lists Scottish heavy athletics as part of the entertainment, along with stone lifting and other demonstrations. Athlete registration information is available on the official website for those interested in participating.
Learn more through the North Georgia Highland Games athlete registration page.
Children’s Activities and Family Fun
The North Georgia Highland Games are designed to be fun for the whole family. Children can take part in their own Highland Games activities, giving younger guests a chance to experience the traditions in a hands-on way.
Activities listed by the event include:
- Children’s Highland Games including Tug of War, Stone Throw, and Caber Toss
- Face Painting
- Axe Throwing
- Find Your Clan
- Scottish Maps Exhibit
- Tartan Search
- Vendors
- Scottish Food and other food options
Whether your family is exploring Scottish heritage, enjoying the music, trying festival food, or simply spending the day together, this event offers plenty to enjoy.
Clans, Tartans, Vendors, and Scottish Food
Guests can explore Scottish culture through clan connections, tartan searches, Scottish maps, vendors, food, and heritage displays.
The “Find Your Clan” and “Tartan Search” activities are a great way for visitors to learn more about family heritage and Scottish traditions. Vendors and food options will also be available, including Scottish food and other festival favorites.
Come ready to browse, shop, eat, learn, and enjoy a full day at the Rabun County Civic Center.
Tickets, Parking, and Pet Policy
Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children 12 and under.
According to the event FAQ, parking is free in designated areas and there is free all-day parking located throughout the downtown area. Guests should make sure they are parked in an approved parking spot. The main gate address is 201 W Savannah Street, Clayton, GA 30525.
Please note that pets are not allowed. Service animals are allowed under Georgia and Federal laws.
Supporting Place of Hope North Georgia
All proceeds from the North Georgia Highland Games benefit Place of Hope North Georgia.
Place of Hope North Georgia is a faith-based nonprofit organization providing resources for children who need familial, spiritual, and financial support because of abuse, neglect, or homelessness, with a primary focus on children and parents in the North Georgia foster care system.
The event is run by Operation Ghillie Brogues, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the main goal of serving children.
Volunteer, Register, or Support the Event
Volunteers play an important role in making the North Georgia Highland Games a success. Those interested in helping with the event can visit the volunteer page at northgeorgiahighlandgames.com/volunteers.
Registration opportunities are also available through the official website, including stone-lifting athletic registration, 501(c)(3) group or demonstrator booth space, clan registration, vendor booth space, and additional vendor space.
For registration details, visit North Georgia Highland Games Registration.
Thank You to the Sponsors
The North Georgia Highland Games are made possible through the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, participants, and the community.
Current sponsors listed by the North Georgia Highland Games include Eagle Cleaning Services, Mountain Glass, Life Point Medical, Two Sisters Shop at Butler Gallery, Rabun County Bank, Edward Jones – Ara Joyce, and Deal’s Appliance.
For the most current sponsor list or to support the event, visit the official sponsor page at northgeorgiahighlandgames.com/sponsors.
Make a Day of It in Clayton
The North Georgia Highland Games are a wonderful reason to spend the day in Clayton. Before or after the event, visitors can explore downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, and local businesses, or make a weekend of it by enjoying waterfalls, hiking, scenic drives, and everything Rabun County has to offer.
For places to stay, eat, and explore while visiting the area, the event website recommends Explore Rabun as a helpful local resource.
Celebrate the Highlands in the North Georgia Mountains
The North Georgia Highland Games bring a unique and meaningful celebration to Clayton. With Scottish heavy athletics, pipes and drums, clan heritage, falconry, food, vendors, children’s activities, and a mission that supports children in need, this is an event worth putting on your calendar.
Join the community on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Rabun County Civic Center for a memorable day of heritage, strength, music, family fun, and mountain hospitality.
For updates, registration, volunteer information, sponsorship information, and event details, visit northgeorgiahighlandgames.com or email northgeorgiahighlandgames@gmail.com.
