What is the caber toss?

The caber toss is a Scottish heavy athletics event in which a competitor lifts a tall tapered log — the caber — vertically against their shoulder and runs forward to flip it end-over-end. Scoring rewards a straight 12 o'clock landing, not distance.

What should I wear to a Highland Games?

Most Games are outdoors on grass, so dress for the weather: comfortable walking shoes, layers, a hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. A clan tartan, a kilt, or a clan T-shirt is welcomed but never required. Bring a folding chair if you plan to stay for the massed pipe bands.

Highland Games Spectator's Guide

Q: What are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are traditional Scottish festivals that combine heavy athletics like the caber toss and stone put, pipe band competitions, Highland dancing, clan tents, food, and Celtic music. Modern American Games are family-friendly day or weekend events held in cities and towns across the U.S.

What are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are traditional Scottish gatherings combining heavy athletics, pipe band competitions, Highland dancing, clan tents, Celtic music, and Scottish food. The first modern Games trace back to the 19th century in Scotland; today the U.S. hosts more than 200 every year, from small community festivals to the major championships at Grandfather Mountain and Stone Mountain.

What you'll see on the field

Heavy athletics

Kilted athletes compete in seven traditional events: the caber toss, sheaf toss, stone put, weight for distance, weight for height, hammer throw, and Scottish hammer. Watch for the announcer to call "12 o'clock!" — the gold standard for a perfectly tossed caber.

The caber toss

The caber is a tapered log, typically 16–22 feet long and 100–180 pounds. The athlete balances it against their shoulder, sprints a few steps, and flips it end-over-end. The goal isn't distance — it's a straight flip that lands pointing directly away from the thrower (the 12 o'clock position).

Pipe bands and massed bands

Pipe bands compete in grades throughout the day, and most Games end with a massed bands ceremony — every band on the field together, playing standards like Scotland the Brave and Highland Cathedral. Don't miss it.

Highland dancing

Dancers, often as young as five, compete in the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Sailor's Hornpipe on raised platforms judged by certified adjudicators.

Clan tents

Genealogy is part of the fun. Walk Clan Row to find your surname, learn your tartan, and meet clan society volunteers who can connect you with your Scottish ancestry.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes — Games are usually on grass.
Layers and a light rain jacket — outdoor day, Scottish weather is the joke.
Hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
Tartan optional. A kilt, sash, or clan T-shirt is welcomed, but jeans-and-a-tee is just as common in the stands.
Bring a folding chair for the massed bands ceremony.

What it costs and how long to plan

Most U.S. Highland Games charge $15–$30 per adult, with kids often free. Plan a full day — gates typically open mid-morning, and you'll want time for athletics, the parade of tartans, food, shopping, and the closing massed bands.

Food and drink

Expect Scottish staples: meat pies, sausage rolls, fish and chips, Scotch eggs, shortbread, and (sometimes) haggis. Many Games host a beer tent or whisky tasting with single malt distilleries.

Find a Highland Games near you

Tartan Trail lists Highland Games, Burns Suppers, Tartan Day events, and Celtic festivals across all 50 states. Browse by state or month and start planning.