Loch Norman Highland Games
April 12-13, 2025
Scotland is the land of mountain wilderness known for its vibrant cultural scene. Wherever you go in Scotland, you can find the beat of a music festival, the adrenaline of an outdoor adventure, and the experience of a breathtaking culture. Scotland may be 3,646 miles away, but on April 12-13, 2025, you can hear the bagpipes roar at the Loch Norman Highland Games in Lake Norman.
Historic Rural Hill hosts an exciting array of events yearly to create a popular, family-friendly weekend that celebrates Scottish history and culture with unique entertainment. Take a few steps back in time with us to witness skilled Blacksmiths and a Wood Wright demonstrating their craft. Then, you can show off your skills through a hands-on experience where visitors can participate in rope making, candle dipping, and drill demonstrations.
The Loch Norman Highland Games offer thrilling entertainment for the whole family. These must-see events showcase world-class athletes competing to break records. Experience seven traditional Scottish contests that challenge the strength of top-ranked heavy athletes, along with exciting longbow and battle axe competitions.
Highland dancing is another beloved performance at this festival. It requires great stamina and is known for meticulous and aggressive movements. Traditionally, these dances were performed by men before and after battle. Another type of dancing displayed at the event is Scottish country dancing, which consists of two lines of dancers, men on one side facing women on the other.
As promised, you will feel the vibrations of authentic Scottish music rumble through the festival grounds. Scottish bagpipes and drums symbolize the Great Highland community and are accompanied by performances by The Steel City Rovers. This band uniquely combines traditional Celtic music and North American styles, including bluegrass, folk, and roots. Six bands and musicians will take on the stage, performing various Scottish and Celtic music.
Take a leisure walk around the informational tents that display Scottish family history throughout the festival and watch the Parade of Tartans. Grab a pint and an order of bangers and mash and shop around the local vendors. Anyone, Scottish or not, can appreciate a weekend full of exciting culture here!
The working farm at Rural Hill is also home to Scottish cows that showcase Scotland a step further. The sheepherding events are also popular to mark on the event timeline. Visitors from all over the country are often in town for a weekend full of music, dancing, family, friends, and food.
Rural Hill
- 4431 Neck Road
Historic Rural Hill Farm was the home of Major John Davidson, American patriot and signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Today the 265 acre historic plantation stands as a memorial to early American agriculture and has become a cultural center for Scottish…