The Alaska Scottish Highland Games
Return to Palmer FAIRGROUNDS, June 28–29
Contributed by Jeni McDaniel
Alaskan Scottish Club
www.alaskascottish.org
Grab your tartan and mark your calendars! The 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are back at the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, June 28–29, bringing a weekend packed with heritage, heart, and Highland havoc.
This year’s Games are set to be the biggest yet, featuring over 175 vendors, more than 200 athletes, award-winning tastings, live Celtic music, and a visit from an extra special guest—Honorary Chieftain Graham McTavish, best known for his roles in Outlander, The Hobbit, and Men in Kilts.
We are thrilled to welcome the one and only Graham McTavish as our Honorary Chieftain for 2025! He’ll help kick off the Games during the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday at 10 a.m., and host exclusive tastings of McTavish Spirits throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to share a dram with Graham, hear his unforgettable stories, and make memories with one of Scotland’s most iconic ambassadors.
This year’s musical lineup is truly epic. Albannach makes their long-awaited return—raw, fierce, and unapologetically Scottish. Their thunderous tribal drumming, lightning-fast piping, and didgeridoo growls will shake the stage (and probably your soul). This is not your grandma’s pipe band—it’s a full-on Scottish war cry! House of Hamill also joins the lineup—whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies to traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, they captivate from the first note. The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly, return with the Volfgang Twins for a whirlwind performance of metal, magic, Celtic classics, and Norse vibes. Expect epic music, laughs, and unforgettable flair! Live music will echo across the Games grounds all weekend long.
Our Whisky & Mead Tastings include offerings from McTavish Spirits, Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, and Beard Brothers Mead. Tastings are 21+ and ticketed—book early, tickets are going fast!
Athletes from around the country will compete in our largest field to date, with events including Tug-O-War, Heavy Athletics, Strongman, Kilted Mile, and the Mighty Denali Stones. This year we’re introducing an Open Format for Heavy Events—anyone can register, no invites, no politics, no favorites. Just pay to play, and throw to win! With a massive $10,000 prize purse, one of the largest in Highland Games history, payouts will be awarded per event for both Men’s and Women’s Open Classes across all nine events. The competition will be fierce and the spectacle unmatched!
Off the field, the contests continue with the Midnight Sun Spurtle Challenge—the ultimate porridge cook-off; the Shortbread Baking Competition—who makes the best buttery delight; the Haggis Eating Contest—how much can you handle; Beards, Braids & Mustache Contest—show off that Highland hair; and the Tall Tales Competition—spin your most outrageous (but mostly true) Scottish story!
The Alaska Scottish Highland Games are a family-friendly event, and we didn’t forget about the littlest lads and lassies! Kids can enjoy pint-sized athletic challenges and fun, hands-on cultural activities. Bring the whole clan—there’s something magical for all ages!
In our Celtic Marketplace, shop until your sporran’s full! With over 175 vendors and food trucks offering kilts, swords, jewelry, tartan goods, traditional Scottish eats, Alaskan treats, artisan gifts, clan gear, and collectibles—it’s one of the largest Celtic marketplaces in the U.S.
Want free tickets? Volunteer! Give just three hours of your time and receive a two-day admission ticket and a volunteer T-shirt. The Games rely on over 200 dedicated volunteers every year—be part of the tradition and the team!
Whether you’re Highland-born or Highland-curious, the 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are your ticket to a summer weekend full of heritage, horsepower, and Highland hilarity. Don your tartan, bring the whole clan, and get ready for the most unforgettable weekend of the year.
Advance discounted tickets are available online now at alaskascottish.org. Want to buy your tickets in person? Advance discounted tickets will soon be available at Bosco’s in Anchorage, The Book Shelf in Eagle River, Fireside Books in Palmer, and Black Birch Books in Wasilla. See you at the Games! Look out for the Alaska Scottish Highland Games Offical Event Guide in the next edition of Make A Scene Magazine!