Scotland has a surprising home in Florida — and it’s been there for a long time. Dunedin’s deep-rooted connection to Scotland dates back to 1899, when Scottish settlers founded the city. That heritage didn’t fade quietly into history; it grew into one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved annual celebrations. The Dunedin Highland Games & Festival holds the distinction of being the oldest Highland Games in Florida, drawing athletes, musicians, dancers, and curious visitors alike — and with multiple competition divisions open, there truly is a place for everyone.
Now in its 58th year, the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, hosted by the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation as a two-day event featuring thrilling competitions, lively music, and cultural festivities that bring Scotland’s traditions to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of all things Celtic or you’ve simply never seen a man toss a telephone pole-sized log in the air, this festival has a way of pulling everyone in.
What to Expect at the Games
Scottish heavyweight athletics are among the most crowd-pleasing highlights, with competitors tossing cabers and sheaf bags, along with large stones, hammers, and weights all hurled in good-hearted sport. The caber toss, in particular, draws gasps and cheers from the crowd — it’s the kind of spectacle you have to see in person to truly appreciate. The nine-event games even feature a special $1,000 on-the-spot caber throw challenge — a feat so difficult that even seasoned athletes have tried and failed.
There are piping, drumming, pipe band, and Highland dancing competitions featuring some of the best entrants in the country. Multiple pipe bands travel from across the country to compete, filling the air with traditional Scottish music, with each band performing intricate routines judged on musicality, marching precision, and overall presentation. Grabbing a spot near the performance area early is a smart move — the championship rounds are not to be missed.
The Pipe Band March is another standout moment, filling Downtown Dunedin with the stirring sounds of bagpipes as musicians parade down Main Street. It’s a goosebump-worthy preview of what the full festival day has in store. Runners even don their kilts and take to the trails for a 5K Kilted Trail Run, adding an athletic and wonderfully absurd layer to the weekend’s festivities.
Workshops for bagpipes, drums, and dancing are offered throughout the day, and you can also take a stroll around the Clan Village where vendors display traditional and modern Scottish goods. The clan tents help visitors trace their family roots and learn about Scottish heritage, with dozens of clans setting up colorful displays featuring their specific tartans, crests, and historical information — and representatives eager to share stories and help you discover potential connections.
Sheepdog demonstrations are a delightful wildcard — the dogs show off their herding prowess, and the sheep are just plain cute. It’s a charming, unexpected touch that kids and adults equally adore.
Food & Drink
Forget typical festival food — the Dunedin Highland Games brings authentic Scottish cuisine to Florida’s Gulf Coast, with vendors serving up savory meat pies, proper fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and bridies. Meat pies are consistently the most popular item, with flaky pastry surrounding seasoned beef or lamb filling that makes for a perfect handheld meal to fuel a full day of wandering.
Sweet treats include shortbread cookies, tablet (a Scottish fudge), and deep-fried candy bars that sound outrageous but earn devoted fans year after year. Be aware that the food area can get quite busy — lines tend to grow as the day progresses, so arriving early or timing your meals around peak crowd moments is a good strategy.
New for 2026 is a Whiskey Master-Class and Tasting with Robert Sickler of ImpEx Beverages, available as a ticket add-on when purchasing festival tickets and open to any general admission or VIP ticket holder. It’s a limited-capacity experience that’s worth snapping up early if whisky culture is your thing.
Atmosphere & Setting
The sound of bagpipes echoing across Dunedin’s waterfront creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. The festival takes place at Highlander Park, a spacious and well-maintained venue that gives the event plenty of room to breathe — with different zones dedicated to athletics, performances, vendors, and food all spread across the grounds. The grounds are large and easy to access, and the pipe bands are reliably entertaining throughout the day.
The crowd itself is part of the charm. Most attendees embrace the spirit of the event, with many wearing kilts and Scottish attire — you’ll feel slightly underdressed if you show up in plain shorts. The energy is festive but relaxed, and between events, athletes often chat with spectators and pose for photos, creating a friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone into the Highland tradition.
Good to Know Before You Go
How much does it cost to attend? General admission tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate, kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult, and premium ticket options are available that offer a range of perks including food and drink, parking, and seating. For a full day of world-class competition and entertainment, the value is hard to argue with.
Is this a good event for families? Absolutely. Families will love the dedicated kids’ area, while food vendors serve up Scottish fare the whole family can enjoy. The sheepdog demonstrations are a guaranteed hit with the little ones, and the sheer spectacle of the athletic competitions keeps all ages entertained.
What about parking? You can skip the parking hunt entirely by hopping on the complimentary shuttle, which runs from 8 AM to 7 PM with pickups at Dunedin High School, North Dunedin Baptist Church, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Handicap parking is located at the Dunedin Community Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any tips for what to bring? Feel free to bring your own folding chairs — you’ll want them for the pipe band performances and Highland dancing competitions. Only service animals are permitted at the Games, and coolers and tents are not allowed on the grounds, so plan accordingly. Sunscreen and a hat are also strongly encouraged, given Florida’s April sunshine.
Should I book a hotel in advance? Yes — this is a popular regional event. The festival has partnered with local hotels to offer discounted room blocks for guests, so check the official website for hotel deals and be sure to book before individual hotel deadlines pass.
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
📍 Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Website: https://www.dunedinsafoundation.com/highland-games/
