The 22nd Annual Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games - Part 5 in a Series
The Highland Games: Where Strength Meets Heritage
The Highland Games are a cornerstone of the festival, featuring traditional athletic events where both men and women compete.
The Highland Games date back to the 11th century, when King Malcolm III summoned clans to compete in feats of speed and strength—laying the foundation for a tradition that still thrives today. Though centuries have passed, the spirit of camaraderie remains at the heart of the Games. Seasoned athletes often take newcomers under their wing, offering guidance, encouragement, and the kind of tips you won’t find in any rulebook—just clan-to-clan wisdom passed down through generations.
Our highly competitive traditional Scottish Highland Games feature traditional competition classes including Braemar stone toss, open stone toss, weight for distance, weight over bar, heavy and light hammer, sheaf toss, caber toss, and more.
Participants in our games receive national points. We use the NASGA database to enter our scores for comparison. Please refer to the NASGA website for a list of rules.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time spectator, these competitions showcase strength, skill, and centuries-old tradition.
The Highland Games start at 9 am on Saturday and run all day until completion.
Athletes can register up until the time the games start on Saturday.
Festival Weekend Schedule
Friday Night – Free Admission!
Kick off the Celtic celebration with a festive evening of music, heritage, and community. Admission is FREE on Friday night, with a preview of some of the incredible vendors and clans who will be featured throughout Saturday.
- Activities begin at 5:00 PM. Enjoy live music, food, and cultural displays as the festival comes to life.
- 7:00 PM – Calling of the Clans Torch Ceremony A powerful and moving tradition, the Calling of the Clans honors ancestral ties and opens the weekend with unity and pride.
Saturday – Full Festival Experience
Gates open at 9:00 AM for a full day of Celtic heritage, entertainment, and family fun.
- · Highland Games begin at 9:00 AM and run throughout the day. Witness feats of strength, skill, and tradition in one of the festival’s most iconic events.
- · Live Music All Day 🎶
- · Explore Clan Row, shop artisan vendors, enjoy delicious food, and discover interactive activities for all ages.
Admission at the gate Saturday -
$10 each for adults
$5 for senior citizens (age 60 or older) and children (ages 8-16)
Children 7 and under get in FREE.
Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) $25
Reserve your tickets now and bring your family for a weekend of Celtic fun, food, and fierce competition—September 5 & 6, in Buffalo, MO!
Saturday Entertainment Schedule
The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, has provided financial assistance for this project.
Thank you for following along with us on our journey into the spirit of the Southwest Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games. This celebration isn’t just about music or tradition—it’s about community, connection, and honoring the stories that live on through every note, craft, and conversation.
We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
Slàinte,
The Festival Team
If you missed any of the previous posts in this series, you can find them here:
Echoes of the Highlands, right here in the Ozarks. Kilts, pipes, and timeless tradition.
From Bagpipes to Celtic Fusion ~ Tradition Meets Innovation at the SWMO Celtic Heritage Festival
Welcome to Clan Row ~ Where Heritage Comes Alive
