Scots in New England

The Concord Players present Brigadoon
2026-04-24 20:00 - 2026-05-09 18:00 (America/New_York) | 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
The Concord Players presents Brigadoon, Lerner and Loewe’s beloved musical set in the Scottish Highlands. This new production places special emphasis on the show’s Scottish roots, incorporating traditional and authentic dance forms including Highland dance, sword dance, and ceilidh/country dancing, along with live bagpipes and cultural traditions. When two American travellers stumble upon the mysterious village of Brigadoon, they find a community suspended in time, where love, loyalty, and tradition shape everyday life. A romantic classic re-imagined with a deeper connection to Scotland’s living heritage.
For tickets, go to concordplayers.org
Performances:
Friday, April 24 at 8 PM
Saturday, April 25 at 8 PM
Sunday, April 26 at 2 PM
Friday, May 1 at 8 PM
Saturday, May 2 at 8 PM
Sunday, May 3 at 2 PM
Friday, May 8 at 8 PM
Saturday, May 9 at 8 PM

Scotland Vs Brazil
2026-05-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, FL, 33056, United States
Match 3 (Miami)
Scotland’s third group match takes the Tartan Army south to Florida for a massive clash against Brazil.

Open Roundtable
2026-05-11 18:00 - 19:30 | online via Zoom, Zoom, MA, United States
Join Us for Our Bi-Monthly Open Roundtable
Connect with a global community to explore our shared heritage! Our last two Roundtables were incredibly well-attended, bringing together participants from across various states, the UK, and Ireland.

Date: May 11th
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via ZOOM

What We’ll Explore
We will be diving into a variety of fascinating subjects. Discussion topics will include:

Family Stories & Genealogy: Tracing roots and uncovering personal histories.
The Immigrant Experience: Exploring the origins of our ancestors and their experiences upon arrival.
Regional History: Deep dives into Scottish, Ulster, and Maine history.
Open Forum: Topics of specific interest to YOU!

🎟️ How to Register
Ready to join the conversation?

RSVP: Send an email to Dave@MaineUlsterScots.com to register.
Access: Upon emailing, you will receive the ZOOM meeting link to join the roundtable.

RIFC's first ever Scottish Heritage Night
2026-05-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Centreville Bank Stadium, Centreville Bank Stadium, 11 Tidewater Street, Pawtucket, RI, United States
Please join Rhode Island FC and The Scottish American Society of RI on Saturday, May 23rd as we celebrate Scottish Heritage leading up to Scotland’s appearance in the big tournament! Each package purchased comes with your ticket to Rhode Island FC vs. Brooklyn FC + a special RIFC x Scotland Scarf for you to showcase your country’s pride. Scarfs will be available for pickup at our sales table located outside section 131 on gameday. You can choose to donate to the Scottish American Society of RI if you’d like as well! We look forward to celebrating with you!

For any questions please contact Jared Rachko at 401-389-1809 or jrachko@rhodeislandfc.com

Rhode Island FC - Scottish Heritage Night May 23rd
2026-05-23 | Centreville Bank Stadium, Centreville Bank Stadium, 11 Tidewater Street, Pawtucket, RI, United States
We are less than 2 weeks away from RIFC’s first ever Scottish Heritage Night! Join us as we honor Scotland Pride on May 23rd at Centreville Bank Stadium as Rhode Island hosts Brooklyn FC at 730pm kickoff. The night will be featured with a live performance from the Rhode Island Firefighter Professional Bag Pipe Band & Ceilidh Dance Group during pre-game and halftime break. A special ticket & Scotland Scarf package is available for just $29! Come join us and celebrate!

Maine Maritime Museum & Merrymeeting Bay Boat Tour
2026-05-31 09:30 - 18:30 | Maine Maritime Museum, Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, ME, United States
🚢 Join Us for a Wonderful Day
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to further explore our Ulster-Scots heritage along the Kennebec River!

Date: Sunday, May 31st
Location: Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, Maine
Special Price: $46 per person (normally $58)

Your Ticket Includes: General museum admission, a 45-minute docent-led tour of the Historic Shipyard, and a 3-hour boat cruise.

🗺️ Event Itinerary & Activities
The Museum

Time: Opens at 9:30 AM (Arrive at your leisure)
Details: Explore the incredible stories of people who have lived, worked, or played on Maine’s waters. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, the museum’s immersive exhibits have something for everyone.

Learn More: mainemaritimemuseum.org/visit
The Tour: Historic Shipyard & Blacksmith Shop

Time: 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM (Assembly at 2:00 PM)
Details: Step back in time at the Percy & Small Shipyard, America’s only surviving shipyard site where large wooden sailing vessels were built—including the six-master Wyoming, the largest wooden vessel built in the country. Our private, docent-led outdoor tour will take in the four buildings of the shipyard, its wharves, building slips, and the historic Blacksmith shop.

The Boat Cruise: Merrymeeting Bay

Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Boarding begins at 3:00 PM)
Details: Experience the Kennebec River from Bath to Fort Richmond and see the home of our Ulster-Scots ancestors from the water. We’ll hear about these hardy souls and what they found upon arrival in the 1718–1722 time period. Pass through the swirling eddies of Chops Point into the virtually untouched serenity of the bay, known as one of the best places in the state to view bald eagles and migrating waterfowl.

🎟️ How to Register
Tickets are subject to availability, so order yours today!

RSVP: Send an email to Dave@MaineUlsterScots.com to reserve your spot.
Confirmation: Upon receipt of your RSVP, we’ll email you further information and confirm times.
Payment: Payment is due at the event and can be made by check or cash.

Boston Scottish Fiddle Club’s 8th Annual Gala
2026-06-07 15:00 - 2026-06-11 17:00 | Hall in Needham, VFW Hall, 20 Junction St., Needham, MA, United States
Join us in celebrating two incredible milestones: the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club’s 45th Anniversary and the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra’s 10th Anniversary!
Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time guest, we invite you to an afternoon filled with wonderful music, community, and dancing.
📅 Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: VFW Hall in Needham (20 Junction St., Needham, MA) — Please note our new location!

Musical Highlights & Festivities

Opening Performance: The afternoon kicks off with a special performance by the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
Featured Concert: Enjoy a fantastic live concert featuring Ed Pearlman, accompanied by Neil Pearlman on piano.
Ceilidh Dancing: Step onto the dance floor for some fun and easy Ceilidh dancing! An Open Ceilidh Band will be providing lively session tunes. The dances are simple to learn, making it a great time for everyone to join in the fun.

Extras to Enjoy

Silent Auction: Browse and bid on wonderful items.
Refreshments: Enjoy light snacks and treats.
Cash Bar: Grab a beverage to sip while you enjoy the music and dancing.

We can’t wait to celebrate our history, enjoy fantastic music, and dance the afternoon away with you!

Scotland Fan HQ: The Haven
2026-06-10 | The Haven, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA, United States
Boston’s only Scottish pub is transforming into the official home base for the Tartan Army. Continuous match coverage, live music, a limited-edition Haven World Cup whisky release, food trucks, and live comedy. Over 120 kegs of Tennent’s stocked!

Official FIFA Fan Festival™
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-27 | City Hall Plaza, City Hall Plaza, Boston, United States
Experience the absolute thrill of the 2026 World Cup like never before at the Official FIFA Fan Festival™! Located at the iconic City Hall Plaza in the heart of Boston, this incredible 16-day fan zone is completely free to enter (Registration Required).
Gather with thousands of passionate supporters to watch the biggest tournament games on giant screens, featuring the thrilling Scotland vs Haiti and Scotland vs Morocco clashes. Beyond the football, you can enjoy delicious food from a variety of local vendors, daily live music performances, and a rich cultural showcase celebrating the global game. With up to 5,000 fans admitted per session, this fan zone is the ultimate destination to celebrate football, community, and culture throughout the tournament. Don’t miss out on the biggest party in the city!

No Scotland, No Party
2026-06-12 22:00 - 2026-06-13 17:00 | The Royale, Boston, The Royale, Boston, MA, United States
A major Scottish night in Boston on the eve of Scotland’s first World Cup game since 1998. Live entertainment, all-inclusive drinks, and a full dinner programme. All profits are donated to Street Soccer Scotland.

Vermont Highland Games
2026-06-13 | Highland Center for the Arts Greensboro, VT, 2875 Hardwick St,, VT, Greensboro, VT, 05841
On June 13th, the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts and the Highland Center for the Arts is hosting the Vermont Highland Games. The games will be happening at the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro, VT. Get tickets at: https://highlandartsvt.org/
These are our performers and events this year:
Prydein, Catamount Pipe Band, Rowan, Joanne Garton & Rachel Clemente, Green Mountain Celts, and Jen Curtin
Scottish Music Session, Highland Dance Contest, Sheep Herding, Adult Gaelic Language Workshop, Youth Gaelic Language Workshop, Celtic Storytelling, Harp and Fiddle Performance, Cape Breton Step Dance Workshop, Historic Bagpipe Presentation, Whisky Tasting, Drum Major Workshop, Scottish Country Dancing, Children’s Games, Kilt Making Discussion, Bodhran Workshop, Highland Clans, and Celtic Vendors

Celtic Strength World Championships
2026-06-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Fino Field, Milford, MA
The Celtic Strength World Championships (CSWC) will be held this June 13th outside Boston at Fino Field in Milford, Massachusetts. We will have a most impressive gathering – uniting Scottish and Celtic heritage, tradition, language, strength science, folklore, and community in a unique way. The vision is to make the inherent interdisciplinary nature of Celtic strength traditions an educational, tangible, and experiential reality. Our event is a unique chance for the Scottish and Celtic communities and aficionados to come together to support culture, traditions, language, folklore, interests, sport, and identity. Never before in Celtic history have all of these branches of our Celtic tree been so unified, cohesive, and proudly on display for the public to come experience and take part.
Moreover, Scotland returns to the World Cup the same day later at 9pm at Gillette Stadium, only 25 minutes away from our venue. Thus, we are positioned to be a cultural anchor point for Scotland over that weekend, and we are asking the Scottish and Celtic communities to rally and unite.
Here are most details for an overview of this historic Event:
Highland Games Heavy Events:
– The CSWC will serve as a launch platform for the Celtic Championship Series, the new Heavy Events Pro League. Representation from across Europe, Canada, USA, South Africa, and Australia. Open Format. Removing nepotism and favoritism. If an athlete wants to test their mettle, they can register and put their hat in the ring. All Classes contested, women and men.
Two (2) Celtic Wrestling Championships:
– The first ever North American Scottish Backhold Wrestling Championships, sanctioned & officiated by the Scottish Wrestling Bond, flying in from Scotland.
– The return of Irish Collar and Elbow Wrestling after 100 years in the Northeast Championship. Sanctioned & officiated by the Irish Collar and Elbow Federation flying in from Ireland.
Team Highlander Championship:
– Barbell clubs from around New England and beyond form to battle each other in 5 events. Started in 2023 and a huge success throughout all of New England.
Celtic Stonelifting:
– Crowd Try-it Station
– Inauguration of Clach Fear Alba lifting stone freighted from Scotland, paired with the Cloch Bán stone from Ireland.
– The Stone Man Challenge with historic Stones of Strength.
Strength Challenges:
– CrossFit Highlander Challenge: 2min WOD
– Zercher Squat Challenge
– Irish Stickfighting & Celtic Combat: Bareknuckle Boxing, Catch Wrestling.
– Kids Tug-of-War vs Pros
Celtic Village:
– Games Chieftain: Clan MacGillivray Chief Iain MacGillivray of Scotland
– Opening Ceremony
– Scottish FanZone
– VIP Guests
– Pipes & Drums
– Celtic Vendors
– Live Music
– Youth athletics
– Celtic Organizations
– “What is Celtic Strength?” Cultural panel and discussion
– The Black Harp traveling pub & Guinness “perfect pour tutorial” with Guinness Ambassador Michael Reardon
“What is Celtic Strength?” Cultural Panel & Discussion:
Harvard Celtic Department, Boston College Irish Studies Program, David “Indiana Stones” Keohan (Irish Stonelifting Revivalist and seanchaí), Martin Jancsics (Scottish Stonelifting and Mythology expert) Nathan Featherstone (Irish Martial Arts Expert, Scholar: Collar and Elbow Wrestling & Bataireacht), Vivienne Sayers O Callaghan (NYC based Irish Language, Culture, and Arts advocate and educator), and others. *We are looking for more Scottish and Gàidhlig representation if you know anybody!
Contact us at clan@nofamegames.com if you have any questions, comments, or feedback! Slàinte Mhath!

Pre-Match Party - Socceroof
2026-06-13 15:00 - 21:00 | Socceroof Boston Central, Socceroof Boston Central, Boston, MA, United States
Get ready for the ultimate build-up to the big game! Join us for an exclusive, ticketed pre-match party at Boston’s brand-new Socceroof facility. This is the perfect chance to gather with fellow fans and experience a buzzing match-day atmosphere.
The festivities kick off exactly 6 hours ahead of the highly anticipated Haiti vs Scotland match. Enjoy a great selection of drinks, fantastic live music, and non-stop excitement with a crowd that shares your passion. It is the absolute best warm-up spot to get your energy high before heading over to Gillette Stadium for the main event. Reserve your spot and start the match day right!

Haiti V Scotland
2026-06-13 21:00 - 23:00 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA, 02035, United States
Group C · Match 1 TV: FS1 / FOX Sports / Peacock
Transit: MBTA special event trains

Scotland V Morocco
2026-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA, 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA, 02035, United States
Group C · Match 2

TV: FOX / FOX Sports App / Peacock en Español

Transit: MBTA Commuter Rail — special event trains from South Station to Foxboro

Match Overview: Get ready for an exciting Group C clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Scotland takes on Morocco!
📅 Date: Friday, 19 June 2026 ⏰ Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM ET / 11:00 PM BST 🏟️ Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA
📺 Where to Watch: Catch all the live action on:

FOX

FOX Sports App

Peacock en Español

🚆 Transit Information: Traveling to the stadium? The MBTA Commuter Rail will be running special event trains directly from South Station to Foxboro.

West End Museum Watch Party
2026-06-19 18:00 - 21:00 | West End Museum, West End Museum, Boston, MA, United States
Experience the Game Live with Fellow Fans! Hosted by Boston Sports, the West End Museum is staging a dedicated, high-energy watch party for Scotland’s crucial second Group C match against Morocco.
What to Expect: Gather with the Tartan Army, enjoy the electric match-day atmosphere, and cheer on Scotland on the big screen. Whether you are a die-hard football fan or just looking for a great crowd to enjoy the game with, this watch party is the perfect spot. Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event right in the heart of Boston!
Match Kick-off: 6:00 PM ET Tickets: Grab your Eventbrite tickets early to secure your spot!

Margaretta Festival - Machias, Maine
2026-06-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Machias, Maine, Machias, ME, United States
June 20 | 9 AM – 3 PM

Join the Machias Historical Society to remember and celebrate the 251st anniversary of the Battle of the Margaretta, the very first naval battle of the American Revolution! This is a unique opportunity for history buffs and the community to connect with a defining moment in American history.
Event Highlights:

Celebrate History: Honor the anniversary of this crucial naval battle in the town where it happened.
Maine Ulster-Scots Project: Visit their tent and display to learn about their contributions to Maine’s history.
Community Gathering: Enjoy a day with fellow history enthusiasts and the Machias community.

Essential Information:

Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Machias, Maine
Sponsored By: Machias Historical Society

Stay Updated:
Follow the festival’s official Facebook page for details and announcements: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/MargarettaDaysFestival/

June 21: Father's Day concert featuring Scottish power trio Cantrip
2026-06-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Sudbury Meetinghouse, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA, 03276, United States
Enjoy a very special Father’s Day concert featuring the dazzling, driving music of Scottish power trio Cantrip on Sunday, June 21 at the Sudbury Meetinghouse, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury. Featuring three leading figures on the Celtic music scene – Jon Bews (fiddle, vocals), Dan Houghton (pipes, whistles, flutes, guitar, bouzouki, vocals), and Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals) – Cantrip’s stellar musicianship, ingenious arrangements, and sheer power promise a musical event to remember. Performance 4-6 p.m. Tickets $32, $27 students and seniors. For information visit https://www.viewcy.com/event/cantrip_a_magical_fo.
The name Cantrip is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell, or piece of mischief, which aptly describes the band’s spellbinding music. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar and rich vocals blend to create a sound energetic enough to raise the roof. Expect the unexpected as Cantrip, starting with a solid love and command of Celtic music, infuses the tradition with influences including funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer.
The band was born at a local session in Edinburgh a couple of decades ago, after which they were quickly signed to the Foot Stompin’ label. After releasing their acclaimed first album, 2001’s Silver, the embarked on a busy touring schedule. Their next two well-received albums, 2005’s Boneshaker and 2008’s Piping the Fish, were self-produced. Next came a period of hiatus during which children were born and moves were made. The band re-formed with a tighter trio format and singular sound, displayed on 2016’s The Crossing. The 2019 release of Cantrip Live features a re-recording of Silver. Its release was followed by the band’s fifth studio album Undark, captured live in one take by engineer Reuben Taylor in Edinburgh. After many years as a trio, Cantrip recently welcomed the addition of acclaimed fiddle Alasdair White. The quartet formation has taken the band’s sound to new heights of joy, mastery, and scintillating music.
Veteran fiddler Jon Bews came to Scots music from a classical education by way of Goth rock. A prizewinning graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 1994, he spent seven years with the acclaimed band Malinky, releasing two award-winning albums with them. Jon continues to maintain an active schedule as one of Edinburgh’s most in-demand fiddlers. He’s performed with artists including James Yorkston, Mikel Urdangarin, Ranarim, Deaf Mutes, Samling, and Shooglenifty. In addition to Cantrip, Jon performs with Storm the Palace and OBT.
Dan Houghton was born in Ghana, but was transported to Scotland shortly thereafter, where he grew up surrounded by traditional music and dance. He has toured and taught throughout Britain, Ireland, The Americas, Asia, and the Antipodes. In addition to Edinburgh, Dan has lived in New Zealand, France, Nova Scotia, and Vermont. Exposure to traditional music communities in those places helped hone Dan’s skills and introduced him to a plethora of musicians. He has performed with Salsa Celtica, Doolin, Prydein, and a Parcel of Rogues. He is a multiple winner of Scottish Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society Open Borderpipes and New Composition events and the Maitre de Cornemuse at St. Chartier. In addition to pipes, he is accomplished on the flute, bouzouki, and DADGAD guitar, all of which are showcased on his recent solo album Border Pipe Personality Disorder. He teaches at the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts and performs in the duo If You Must Know with harpist Rachel Clemente. Outside of music, Dan holds advanced degrees in Applied Mathematics and Geophysics as well as Gaelic Literature and Language.
Guitarist Eric McDonald was raised in a musical Boston family surrounded by the sounds of modern piano compositions, lively klezmer clarinet, and songs of the American folk revival. Early performances with The Revels and at Club Passim set Eric on his musical path, studying at Berklee College of Music under John McGann and Eugene Friesen and attending summer fiddle camps in New England, where he discovered a love for DADGAD guitar. Eric is one of the US’s premier accompanists in many styles, and is an active session player, recording and traveling with musicians including singer-songwriter Connor Garvey, Pan Celtic supergroup The Outside Track, flute phenom Chris Norman, Juno Award-winning Canadian folk legends The McDades, and fiddlers Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIsaac, and Katie McNally. Eric is also a member of Celtic roots trio Kalos and folk trio Bellwether. Eric’s debut solo recording Rove features his unique style and approach to tunes on the mandolin, as well as carefully crafted deliveries of traditional ballads on voice and guitar.

Maine Celtic Celebration
2026-07-17 - 2026-07-19 | VT
July 17–19 | Belfast, Maine

Join us for a family-oriented weekend celebrating the rich Celtic heritage, culture, and hospitality found along the Coast of Maine! The festival takes over the beautiful waterfront at Belfast Common and Steamboat Landing, bringing together a vibrant mix of:

🎶 Music and Dance Performances
🛠️ Workshops and Demonstrations
🎨 Crafts and Artisans
💪 Sports and Games
🍽️ Food and Beverages

Visit the Maine Ulster-Scots Project Tent! We are thrilled to announce that the Maine Ulster-Scots Project will have a dedicated tent and display. We hope you’ll stop by for a visit, learn more about our shared history, and connect with our team.

For full event details and schedules, please visit: 🔗 www.mainecelticcelebration.com

Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival
2026-08-08 | Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, ME
🗓️ NEW DATE: August 8, 2026 📍 Location: Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, Maine
Join us for a full day celebrating all things Scottish! This family-friendly festival features a wide array of cultural, athletic, and musical entertainment.
Event Highlights:

💪 Athletics: Heavy Athletic Competitions & Youth Athletics.
🎶 Music: Massed Pipe & Drum Bands, Piping Competitions, and Scottish Music Concerts.
💃 Dance: Traditional Scottish Dancing performances.
🤝 Clan Village: Explore historical clan tents and connect with your heritage.
🐮 Animals: Meet adorable Highland cows and watch Sheepdog Demonstrations.
🎭 History: Historical Reenactors and Genealogical Information venues.
🛍️ Food & Shopping: Enjoy Scottish Food and browse unique Merchandise vendors.

Special Feature: The Maine Ulster-Scots Project (MUSP) will once again host the popular Clan and Family information venue. Please stop by the MUSP tent, spend some time with us, and learn more about your family history!
For more details and ticket information, visit: 🌐 www.mainehighlandgames.org

Quechee Scottish Games and Festival
2026-08-22 | VT
Step onto the field and experience decades of timeless tradition!
🗓️ Date: August 22
📍 Location: Quechee, Vermont

✨ Experience the Tradition
Immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of Scottish culture! Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Scottish heritage, where generations unite to create cherished memories.
Festival Highlights:

🛡️ Clan Gatherings: Walk among the historic clans as they encircle the main field.
💃 Highland Dancing: Watch as talented Highland Dancers gracefully take the stage.
🎶 Live Music: Let the stirring, traditional sound of the bagpipes fill the air from all directions.

🌐 Learn More: quecheegames.org

NH Highland Games & Festival
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | VT
When: September 18-20
Where: Loon Mountain, NH

Experience one of the largest and most diverse Highland Games in North America! With everything from lively Scottish music and graceful dance to powerful heavy athletics and the impressive massed bands, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights Include:

Scottish Music & Dance
Scottish Food & Fun
Heavy Athletic Competitions
Sheep Dog Trials
Massed Bands Spectacular

Find out more and get your tickets at nhscot.org.

Dixfields 1st Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games
2026-10-10 | VT
Food vendors
Clan tents
Merchandise vendors
Pipers & drums
Athletics
Highland coos
Free admission
Vip parking for vendors ,clans/societies, athletes, entertainers.
Free on site paking for general public and haundicap parking.
Any Questions ? email Questions to ScottishSocietyofMaine@gmail.com
