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.
Vendor Links
Food Vendors
Food Vendors Packet Application (2023)
Marketplace Vendors
FAQs & Policies
Parking
Follow the general patron parking signs to enter the parking garage. $5 per car per day or $8 for both Friday and Saturday: CASH Only
Handicap parking available. Please ask a festival volunteer if you require a golf cart to take you from the parking garage to the main gate.
Festival Hours
Friday, June 17, 2023: 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, June 18, 2023: 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. 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.
Outside Canopy and/or Tents
Festival attendees are not permitted to bring in any outside canopies or tents. For an additional fee festival attendees can reserve space near the Heavy Athletics field that will allow them to set-up (1) canopy or (1) tent per space. For additional details please email: info@chicagoscots.org
Food
No outside food is allowed on festival grounds
First Aid
Paramedics are on-site
Lost & Found
Report and/or retrieve lost children and items at the CHICAGO SCOTS/Information Tent
Pets
Must be leashed. Please curb your animals and kindly clean up after them
Weather
The Festival will proceed rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. Festival would only be cancelled due to life-threatening weather such as a tornado. In case of lighting, please return to your car or sheltered areas. DO NOT shelter under tents unless they are clearly signposted as grounded.
WHEN
June 16-17, 2023
Friday: 1:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-10:00pm
WHERE
Hamilton Lakes
2 Pierce Road
Itasca, Illinois 60143
TICKETS
Attendees can purchase tickets by clicking the button below.
Activities & Information
Use the links below to learn about activities and register to participate at the Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
Entertainment Tent
Kick up your kilt as you jam to the various Celtic rock and local bands featured on the main stage.
Piping & Drumming
Listen to the talented pipers and drummer at their very best as they compete for top solo and pipe band honors.
New this year, Grade-1 pipe band competition!
Food Vendors
Savor a variety of Scottish fare or sample an assortment of American food.
Marketplace Vendors
Shop for clothing, crafts, collectibles and more from local merchants.
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).
Whisky & Spirit Tastings
Please your palette with the supreme whiskies and spirits of the Scotland and the world.
Genealogy
Research your Scottish heritage with help from the Chicago Scots’ Genealogy Group.
Heavy Athletics
Witness incredible feats of strength & accuracy while watching classic, including the Caber Toss, Clachneart, Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss & Weight Throws.
British Car Show
Admire the best of British engineering and vote for your favorite at the British Car Show on Saturday from 9:30am-6:00pm.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Chef Gary Maclean
Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, will be performing three live complimentary cooking demonstrations in the culinary tent at the 2023 Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
Highland Dance
Visit the Highland Dance competition stage where dancers of all ages demonstrate this intricate and technically challenging sport.
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.
Raffle
Win a trip to Scotland! Raffle tickets available soon.
Dogs of Scotland
Meet these hardy breeds of Celtic canines and learn how they have aided Scots throughout the centuries.
Children's Area
Have fun with your kids as they make Celtic crafts and face painting, or play mini-versions of Scottish heavy athletics and miniature golf.
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.
Sponsors
Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for sponsoring the 2023 Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
