Scots in New England

October 12, 2025: Scotland Connecticut Highland Festival and Games
2025-10-12 00:00 (America/New_York) | Brooklyn Fair Grounds, Brooklyn, CT
We are pleased to announce that our new location for our annual Highland Festival & Games will be held at the Brooklyn, Ct. Fairgrounds. After months of searching, walking, emails and meetings, our committee found that the Brooklyn Fair Grounds offered all that we were looking for. Not only is there on site parking , they also have numerous locations where we can set up the different events going on through out the day, areas where the many bagpipe bands can perform for the public without interfering with a different on going activity and it is located in the beautiful country town of Brooklyn, Ct::))
The 37th. annual Scotland Connecticut Highland Festival & Games will be held on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. The location of our festival is at the Brooklyn Fair Grounds, Brooklyn, Ct. on Rt. 169.
WE would like to encourage everyone to please follow all CDC guidelines, give yourself and others space. There is plenty of room and time for you to view all activities taking place throughout the day.
This festival supports many local businesses as well as offering Scholarships. The scholarships can be awarded to anyone who will be studying about Scotland ( U.K.) while in a college, advanced studies, which includes BUT NOT limited to the study of or lessons for the Bagpipes, Harp, drums, Fiddle, singing, dance, history, etc. Scholarship applications are available to print off of this web site. Just click the “more” icon at the top of the page, this will take you to the scholarship applications.

October 8-9, 2025: Kevin Bridges: LIVE!
2025-10-08 19:30 - 2025-10-09 22:00 | Boch Center Shubert Theatre, 270 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02116
Outback Presents & Off The Kerb Productions are thrilled to announce that after more than two decades of packed arenas, five critically-acclaimed tours, and over 1.5 million tickets sold worldwide, Kevin Bridges—one of the UK’s most celebrated comedians—is coming to North America with his Live tour this fall.
With five stand-up specials, including the cinematic release of his latest show The Overdue Catch-Up, and two bestselling books, Kevin Bridges is a comedic force whose sharp wit and relatable storytelling have made him a household name across the UK and beyond. Now, for the first time ever, North American audiences will get to experience his signature brand of comedy—live on stage.

Jim Malcolm Concert
2025-10-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI, 02920, United States
The Scottish-American Society of RI (SASRI ) has the pleasure of hosting award winning Scottish folk musician Jim Malcolm for the final New England stop on his current solo US tour. Jim will entertain us with traditional Scottish music, including selections by Robert Burns, as well as his own compositions. As a bonus, the concert will be held in the historic Governor Sprague Mansion. This is a show not to be missed!
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.
All guest must be seated by 3:00 PM – please plan accordingly!
Refreshments will be served during intermission.
Open seating is limited to 65 guests.

September 28, 2025: Litchfield Hills Highland Games
2025-09-28 00:00 | Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT
The Litchfield Hills Highland Games are bringing Highland Games back to Lime Rock Park in 2025! Immerse yourself in a day of spirited competition and cultural celebration as athletes showcase their skills in traditional Scottish games.

September 19-21, 2025: NH Highland Games & Festival
2025-09-19 09:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00 | Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH
There’s something for everyone from Scottish music, dance, food, to sheep dog trials, and the crowd-favorite: massed bands. Experience Try-It classes all day long in street curling, stone lifting, and more. See a seminar exploring topics ranging from Scottish cooking to genealogy. Watch the Caledonian Clash featuring five teams of seven athletes, competing in seven traditional heavy athletic events. Fun for all ages with special kids programming and opportunities to shop in Vendor Village.

September 13, 2025: Summer Pipes & Cider
2025-09-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Palmer-Warner House, 307 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join East Haddam’s Palmer-Warner House for our second annual Pipes & Cider event, where the rich traditions of Scotland come alive! Enjoy barrel-aged cider and whiskey tastings from Yankee Cider Co. The Portland & District Pipers will perform a lively set, accompanied by a short trail walk around the beautiful Palmer-Warner grounds (weather permitting). Bring your friends and test your knowledge with a round of pub trivia. One of the three trivia categories will feature questions based on the historical fantasy television series, Outlander, which takes place in Scotland. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Outlander attire. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. Raise a glass, embrace the music, and celebrate the magic of Scotland!
Tasting, Music, and Trivia: $40/Person, $35/CTL Member
Music & Trivia: $20/Person, $15/CTL Member
Purchase tickets at https://ctlandmarks.org/event/pipes/
Tours of the Palmer-Warner House, a Connecticut Landmarks museum, will be available during the event for regular admission between 1 pm and 4 pm, with the last tour at 3 pm. Experience the home Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger made in what they called “the wilds of Connecticut.” Frederic Palmer turned the Palmer-Warner House, which he lovingly called Dunstaffnage as a nod to his Scottish heritage, into a safe place for his LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and family to gather and enjoy life unhindered by societal norms. Learn about the collection of letters and diaries, photographs, historic furnishings, and decorative arts used to reconstruct their lives together. House tour tickets for September 13 may be purchased separately at www.ctlandmarks.org/pwhousetour

September 11, 2025: Rockport Celtic Festival
2025-09-11 00:00 - 2025-09-14 00:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, MA
Rockport Music and Artistic Director (and harpist) Maeve Gilchrist–returns with a Celtic Festival that explores traditional and contemporary music from around the Celtic world. Exploring Celtic Roots and Branches features a wide, and quite extraordinary variety, of new and familiar musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers. This Festival was cofounded by the late GBH Celtic Sojourn host Brian O’Donovan.

August 23, 2025: 50th Anniversary of the Quechee Scottish Games and Festival
2025-08-23 09:00 - 17:00 | 45 Deweys Mills Rd, Hartford, Vermont 05047, Hartford, VT
The 50th Anniversary of the Quechee Scottish Games And Festival
August 23,2025
Hartford, Vermont: 2025 will be a hallmark date for the Quechee Scottish Games and Festival at the Quechee Polo Grounds, 45 Deweys Mills Road, Hartford, Vermont.
On this 50th Anniversary of the Quechee Scottish Games And Festival, Scots ranconteur and singer Jeremy Bell will be the Master Of Ceremonies.
Noted Boston singer and guitarist Eamon Sefton who will lead the new Quechee Games Ceilidh Band. Revels North Artistic Director Alex Cumming will lead ceilidh dancing. Rebel Collective, noted local Celtic band, will be singing ballads. There will be live entertainment throughout the day.
The 50th Annual Quechee Scottish Games And Festival will feature massed Pipe and Drum bands. And Highland Dance and Solo Piping competitions. There will be Celtic vendors, food vendors, cultural displays including the Ottaquechee Water Protectors Association and Vermont Folklife. There will also be Scottish clan tents and genealogy displays.
The Quechee Scottish Games And Festival will feature Scottish Heavy Athletics including Caber Toss and Hammer Throw. There will be sheepdog demonstrations and there will be children’s games and activities. Among these will be the Quechee Quest with a Scottish themed raffle.
Admission to the 50th Quechee Scottish Games And Festival will be free for children under 12, and $25 general admission. The Quechee Scottish Games And Festival will run from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Quechee Polo Grounds is near Quechee Gorge and is next to the Abenaki Gardens in the town of Hartford, Vermont. Hartford is between White River Junction, Vermont and Woodstock, Vermont.

August 22, 2025: Jesse Ofgang & The Diaspora with Bagad New York
2025-08-22 19:00 - 22:00 | Scottish Dave’s Pub, 24 E. Main St., Clinton, CT, Scottish Dave’s Pub, 24 E. Main St.,, Clinton, CT, United States
What do you get when you mix a bagpiper who is an ex member of the 16 time world champion Shotts & Dykehead pipe band, a jazz fusion drummer who has toured with the likes of Jean-Luc Ponty, Joe Beck and Liza Fisher, a classically trained pianist/organist/choral director turned rock star who tours with Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple and two graduates from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland? Jesse Ofgang and the Diaspora
Combining Scottish & Irish music with rock, jazz, funk and fusion to create a sound unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
Bagad New York is a New-York based instrumental music ensemble presenting traditional Breton music in the format of a Bagad, or Breton pipe-band. Pretty similar to the traditional pipe band (Scottish Bagpipe + snare drums) but with an extra section, made of bombards (Breton oboe). It start developing in Brittany after the second world war, and never stop its development.
The band consists of over a dozen musicians from across New York and New England as well as North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana.

Annual Tartan Picnic
2025-08-17 12:00 | Goddard Park, 1095 Ives Rd, East Greenwich, RI
Each year, our members get together in late summer to socialize, share food, and listen to great music. The Society provides hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone, as well as soft drinks – the event is potluck so bring a side dish or dessert to share. So grab your lawn chair and join us for this casual end of summer picnic.

Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival
2025-08-16 00:00 - 2025-08-17 00:00 | Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, ME
Join us for the most exciting Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival™ yet, as we bring you a jam-packed two days of Scottish heritage, competitions, music, and entertainment. Come meet our special guest,Outlander star, Graham McTavish! And don’t miss the 2025 Scottish Heavy Athletics Men’s World Championship! Top athletes from around the globe compete for the title, and a new World Champion will be crowned this weekend!

Natalie & Brittney Haas
2025-08-06 00:00 | Watermelon Wednesdays, West Whately, MA

St Andrew's Society of VT 1st Annual Golf Tournament
2025-08-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Ralph Myhre Golf Course, 317 Golf Course Rd, Middlebury, VT, 05753, United States
Calling all golfers! Golf to help raise funds to grow Scottish connections and traditions in Vermont. Participate in the 1st annual golf tournament sponsored by St Andrew’s Society of Vermont at the scenic 18 hole course at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course at Middlebury College. A Scottish-themed luncheon buffet follows featuring Clapshot, Chicken Balmoral with Whiskey Sauce, and Cranachan, along with the presentation of awards and silent auction winners.
$100 per player includes a greens fee and cart, tee gift bag and the luncheon held in the Kirk Dining Room above the Pro Shop. Guest fee for lunch is $25.
Special thanks go to our primary sponsor War Cannon Spirts, a New York farm distillery in Crown Point. Hole Sponsorships are also available for $100.
The Scotland Shop will be on hand with an assortment of tartan golf and other attire.
Visit the website for more information and to register online by July 15.

Whaling Coast Highland Games
2025-07-26 09:00 - 17:00
Get ready for a day of traditions, strength, and community spirit at the Inaugural Whaling Coast Highland Games! This action-packed celebration of Scottish heritage will showcase all 9 classic Scottish heavy athletic events, including the iconic caber toss, hammer throw, and Braemar – featuring athletes from across New England.
At the gate admission is $15 per person, with $10 advanced pricing opening up soon! Children 12 and under are free!
In addition to the games, experience a hands-on stonelifting clinic hosted by New England Stonelifting, where you can learn about the ancient art of lifting legendary stones. Cheer on your favorite group or organization in our spirited Tug of War Tournament, while they battle for bragging rights and community pride.
Opening ceremonies kick off at 0900, setting the tone for a full day of fierce competition, cultural celebration, and fun for all ages. Enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks, serving up a variety of amazing food.
Every dollar raised supports the Goat’s Charity Athletic Club Inc., helping provide mental health benefits for our nation’s veterans.
Don’t miss this unforgettable day on the Whaling Coast, where Celtic Strength meets the Seafaring Spirit, and our communities come together for a cause that matters.
Registration for athletes on Heavy Athlete is open until June 28th. Send your $35 registration fee via PayPal @goatscaci
Follow us on Instagram! @whalingcoasthg

An Evening of Highland Hospitality with the Hebridean Baker
2025-07-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Provence sur Mer, 39 Touro St, Newport, RI, United States
Welcome the Hebridean Baker Coinneach MacLeod on his first visit to Newport! Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception celebrating Coinneach’s latest cookbook, which recently hit the USA Today best-seller list. Inspired by family recipes, Scottish flavors, and the myths & legends of the Hebrides, Coinneach’s powerful storytelling and delicious recipes have made him Scotland’s best-selling cookbook author.
Provence sur Mer
39 Touro St, Newport, RI
$50 per person
Your ticket includes a signed copy of The Scottish Cookbook, with gin and whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery, wine, and hors d’oeuvres served during the reception
For tickets, please visit: https://HebBakerNewport.givesmart.com

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
2025-07-19 00:00 | ​Look Park, Florence (Northampton), MA
Our 2025 festival promises to be extra special not only we are bringing incredible Dancers, Athletes, Entertainment, Food, and more to Northampton. We have a few surprises up our sleeves for all of our attendees. You won’t want to miss our 30th Anniversary Celebration!

A Garden Party Celebrating Alpha Kilo & Joe Waroquier HOME's work/shop Nantucket
2025-07-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Greater Light, 8 Howard Street, Nantucket, MA, United States
Celebrate British craftsmanship, heritage, and storytelling, featuring pieces from our friends at Araminta Campbell, over cocktails and canapes in the magical garden of Greater Light, 8 Howard Street, Nantucket
FREE. Space is limited. Please RSVP to claira.w@alphakilo.com

Maine Celtic Celebration
2025-07-18 00:00 - 2025-07-20 00:00 | Commons and at Steamboat Landing Park, Belfast, ME
The Maine Celtic Celebration is a family-oriented weekend celebrating the rich Celtic heritage, culture, and hospitality found along the Coast of Maine. The 2025 Celebration will be our 19th Annual event! We are an all-volunteer group of community members and we are looking forward to our celebration this year!

Kalos
2025-07-16 19:30 | The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, ME
Kalos is drawn to water. Every performance is like stepping into a river – they never play a song the same way twice. They make music inspired by the maritime traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and North America. They revel in the driving danceability of Irish tunes, but also take inspiration from the pastoral melodies and naturalistic metaphors of Scottish music. But while the music they write is forged in tradition, it is nonetheless cast and tempered in new and unexpected ways. The trio spans three generations, three cities and two countries.

July 15: Kalos at Club Passim
2025-07-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Club Passim, Cambridge, MA
Acclaimed Celtic music trio Kalos brings together three masters of tradition for music full of “pluck, depth, and good reels.” Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola, background vocals), Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, lead vocals), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion, keyboards, background vocals) perform on Tuesday, July 15 at the legendary Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25, $20 members. For information call 617-492-7679 or visit https://www.passim.org/live-music/events/kalos/.
Inspired by maritime traditions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cape Breton, and Québec, Kalos explores the dark corners on the edge of tradition, creating an alluringly complex sound full of spontaneity. With National Scottish Fiddle Champion McKasson’s virtuosity and expressiveness, McDonald’s eloquent vocals and propulsive guitar, and McLane’s agile accordion and keys, Kalos delivers rhythmic electricity, swirling intensity, and poignant balladry in their heart-stopping performances. Their 2023 release Headland received wide acclaim and placed as a top album on folkradio.org’s folk charts.
McKasson, McDonald, and McLane crossed paths over the years at highland games, contra dances, and fiddle camps before making their first recording in 2016. All three come from Scottish immigrant families, cementing their deep connection to the music while embracing the concept that Celtic music is a living tradition holding the richness of the past while evolving and growing into the future. That expansive vision informs the skillful architecture and ingenious inventiveness of Kalos’ original compositions and singular arrangements.

Festival at Fort 4 [CANCELLED]
2025-07-12 09:00 | The Fort at Four, 267 Springfield Rd, Charlestown, NH
Event has been cancelled. Update from The Saint Andrew’s Society of Maine :

The Festival has been Canceled By The Fort at Number 4. We appologize for any inconvenience. The Saint Andrew’s Society of Maine had no control over the cancelation of this event that we entirely fund.

Previous Description:
Come to The Festival at Fort Four & Highland Games and enjoy Scottish music, food, heavy athletics, sheep dogs, vendors, dancers and more. With try-it classes in Stone-lifting, kids highland games, and more there will be no time to be bored. Enjoy the historic Fort at Four grounds and if you’re over 21 don’t forget to whet your whistle at our whisky and beer tent.

No Fame Games: Home Games
2025-06-21 09:00 | Fino Field, Milford, MA
Home Games is a gathering that showcases and promotes Celtic Strength Culture, with a focus on Heavy Athletics, traditional Stonelifting, niche Celtic Sports like Backhold Wrestling and Swingletree. Visit Celtic Clan tents and organizations. Watch 9 traditional heavy events of Highland Games, and our iconic Team Highlander competition. Athletes hail from New England, across the United States, and abroad. Join this gathering of people forged together in friendship by stone, heavy metal, and tree.

A Symphony in Stone
2025-06-18 13:30 | First Presbyterian Church, 270 Franklin St, Quincy, MA, 02169
Join us for a special screening of A Symphony In Stone with the movie’s producer, Tony Burton.

The Vermont Highland Games - June 14th 2025
2025-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 | 2875 Hardwick St, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro, VT, 05841, United States
The Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts (VICA) is proud to present the Vermont Highland Games at the Highland Center for the Arts. Superb musical performances, Celtic cultural demonstrations and seminars will take place throughout the day. Come and see wonderful vendors selling Celtic goods, explore your heritage in the Clan tent village and learn the Gaelic language. We’ll have bagpipes, Highland dancing, and much more!

Lecture on Scottish Prisoners from the Battle of Dunbar
2025-06-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd., Freeport, ME, United States
Join us for this important free lecture presented by the Maine Ulster-Scots Project.
JUNE 2, 2025 7:00PM
Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd. Freeport, Maine
Chris Gerrard, Professor of Archaeology at Durham University (UK) and team leader for the Scottish Soldiers Project will present:
‘Lost Lives, New Worlds. Unlocking the story of the 1650 Scottish Soldiers buried in Durham (UK)’
In November 2013 archaeologists observing building work near Durham Cathedral (UK) made an unexpected and unusual discovery when disordered tumbles of articulated skeletons were uncovered in two mass graves. Over the next three years, a complex jigsaw of evidence was pieced together by a team of researchers in order to establish the identity of the human remains.
Today we know them to be some of the SCOTTISH PRISONERS who died in terrible circumstances in Durham Cathedral and Castle following the Battle of Dunbar on the south-east coast of Scotland on 3rd September 1650. Using the latest techniques of archaeological science, it has been possible to reconstruct how and why these men vanished off the historical radar. This lecture follows the controversies as researchers sought to solve a 350 year-old mystery.
To learn more about this lecture, the Scottish Prisoners from the Battle of Dunbar, and what they endured BEFORE they were transported to New England.

The Hermit of Treig - Special Screening Event
2025-06-02 12:00 - 2025-06-04 19:00 | 300 Summit St, Hartford, CT 06106, 300 Summit St, Hartford, 06106, United States
Join us for an extraordinary cinematic journey to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands with our special screening of The Hermit of Treig. This BAFTA-winning documentary offers a beautiful escape into the remote wilderness, following the remarkable story of Ken Smith – a true legend who chose to live in complete isolation for decades in one of Scotland’s most stunning yet unforgiving landscapes.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this captivating film provides an intimate glimpse into a life lived on nature’s terms. Ken Smith’s incredible story of solitude, survival, and connection to the land will leave you both moved and inspired.
Screening Dates: June 2-4
Show Times: 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM daily
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Scotland’s most compelling documentaries on the big screen. Whether you choose our afternoon matinee or evening showing, prepare to be transported to the wild beauty of Treig and discover why Ken Smith’s story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Reserve your seats today for this unforgettable Highland adventure!

Branford Celtic Festival
2025-06-01 12:00 - 20:00 | Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
A new and exciting pan celtic event in Branford, CT. Come down and join us to experience the clans, entertainment, and vendors. It will held at the Stony Creek Brewery in Branford. If you can’t drive, bring your boat up to the docks, or ride the train as the station is literally across the street. For more information visit our website.

RSCDS Boston Highland Ball Brunch and Dance
2025-05-11 11:00

Cantrip
2025-05-10 20:00 | Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, RI
The name Cantrip is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar and three rich voices blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off. Echoes can be heard of trad music from the 1960s and 70s, but the years have slowly infested their music with the sounds of funk, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer.

RSCDS Boston Highland Ball
2025-05-10 18:00 | Melrose Memorial Hall, Melrose, MA
