Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

If you’re looking for a little summer getaway to medieval Scotland, with swirling kilts, melodic bagpipes, ancient games of strength, clan traditions and Celtic food and drink, don’t miss the heralded return of the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

According to Vice President Barry Conway, who played the bagpipes in the first festival 49 years ago, the two-day celebration is for Scots and anyone from the Celtic nations of Ireland and Wales.

“Festivities kick off Friday after sunset with the Calling of the Clans,” he says. “Just as was done hundreds of years ago, representatives from clans gather for a stirring torch-lighting ceremony that feels like part history lesson and part cinematic spectacle.”

On Saturday morning, people can marvel at the extreme jousting performances that bring medieval combat to life. For something a little calmer, the Ohio School of Falconry will showcase majestic birds of prey, while trained border collies demonstrate their uncanny herding instincts, and glassblowers show off their delicate art.

Feats of Strength

“The Highland Games are one of the most popular attractions,” Barry notes. “Athletes both local and from around the country test their strength in ancient contests that are judged, such as the Caber (Gaelic for tree) Toss and the crowd-pleasing Haggis Throw. Brought back this year by popular demand is Stones of Strength, with contestants lifting heavy stones. Hundreds of years ago, it was considered a right of passage for any man in the clan.”

Also new this year is a 5K Race and 1-Mile Kilted Race, where—you guessed it—runners wear kilts. Proceeds benefit the festival’s 501(c)(3) foundation that sponsors Scottish learning opportunities throughout the year.

Music lovers will enjoy the eclectic lineup of traditional and modern bands, including headliners like Canadian/American Celtic rock band The Devil’s Brigade, American/Irish punk band New York’s The Prodigals, and Father Son and Friends.

During the grand parade at noon on Saturday, all the musicians will be heard, from bagpipers to drummers, harpists and fiddlers, along with dancers.

Raise a Pint

“Culturally relevant food and drink is a big draw,” says Barry, noting there will be more than 50 vendors. “We welcome back Haggis Hut, offering the traditional dish of meat and oats stuffed into a sheep’s stomach, as well as Cameron Scottish Market from the East Coast with its famous meat pies, and Sully’s Irish Pub from Medina with its signature fish and chips.”

He says the whisky pavilion, where you can sample eight different high-end single malt Scottish whiskies, is the largest whisky tasting in the state. Only 300 tickets to enter are sold, and last year it sold out quickly. The beer tent, which serves Guinness, Smithwick’s and Harp, as well as Scottish brews like Tennent’s Lager, gets more popular every year.

To take home a bit of the magic, a host of retailers will be on hand offering clothing, home décor and all things Scottish, Irish and Welsh.

But the sun must set on this trip back in time. At 6 p.m. Saturday, during the Twilight Tattoo, the festival closes in a blaze of glory. This Scottish musical jam session of bands and dancers is a testament to the pageantry of a weekend steeped in culture, camaraderie and celebration. As they say back in Scotland, slàinte mhath … cheers!

The festival will go on rain or shine Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. Dogs are allowed to attend. Buy your tickets online or at the door. Prices range from $10 for juniors ages 11-17 and $20 for adults. Children 10 and under are free. 

At the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, bagpipe and drum competitions will be presented. 

Music lovers will enjoy the eclectic lineup of traditional and modern bands, including headliners like Canadian/American Celtic rock band The Devil’s Brigade, American/Irish punk band New York’s The Prodigals, and Father Son and Friends.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

19201 E. Bagley Road, Berea

OhioScottishGames.com