Chicago Scots festival returns for 39th year with Scottish music, athletics and culture
Spend a weekend immersed in Scottish music, culture, traditions, athletics, and entertainment, including a performance by the legendary Scottish band Skerryvore, with the 39th annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games.
The Chicago Scots host the Midwest’s largest Scottish event, which will be 1 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 13, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.
There are activities and attractions for everyone — from the Caber toss to Highland dancing to the Dogs of Scotland.
This family-friendly outdoor event is a chance to explore Scottish culture without buying a plane ticket. Plus, all proceeds benefit the Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.
Music stage
Opening the music stage will be Scottish singer/songwriter Jamie McGeechan, who will be performing at 2 p.m. Friday and again at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Frogwater, the Celtic rock acoustic duo of Jack and Susan Nicholson, will follow at 3:15 p.m. Friday. Aberdeenshire folk singer Iona Fyfe, one of Scotland’s finest singers, will be performing at 4:30 p.m. Friday and again at 4:15 p.m. Saturday.
Logical Fleadh, known for performing Celtic music Chicago style, will be taking the stage at 5:45 p.m. Friday and again at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Festival headliner, Skerryvore, has reinvented and reignited a traditional Scottish scene for a modern, multicultural audience. The band, celebrating their 20th anniversary, is bringing a fusion of folk, trad, pop and rock to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday. Also take the stage on Saturday will be Shadowfields, featuring singer-songwriters Heather Humphrey and Tom McKeown, performing at 2:15 p.m.
And don’t forget the piping and drumming competition at this year’s games from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. It is the largest competition in North America. It will be followed by the Massed Band Performances at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
British Car Show
Vote for your favorite at the Don Morrison Memorial British Car Show, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Judging is at 2 p.m. Eligible cars are those that were manufactured in the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland. They can be of any age or condition; $30 registration fee per car.
Children’s fun
The children’s area will be open both days from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Meet the Highland Cows or have fun with crafts, mini golf, or mini Heavy Athletic. The wee ones under age 12 can participate in the “Running of Bairns” at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at the athletic field. Sign up in children’s area by 4 p.m.
Dogs of Scotland
The popular Dogs of Scotland event is back at the Highland Games from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with Agility Junkies’ shows scheduled at 10 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Joining the festivities is Border Tails Rescue, offering the opportunity to adopt dogs right at the event.
Competitions
On Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., watch the invite-only competitors in the Scottish Heavyweight Athletics. They will be competing in the Braemar and Clachneart Stones, Scottish Hammer Throw, and Sheaf and Caber Toss, as well as the Georgeson War Hammer.
The Parade of Tartans will be at 12:30 p.m. at the athletic field. It will be followed by the Men in Kilts Contest at 2:30 p.m. at the entertainment stage. Judges will be critiquing stage presence, costume/outfit, and legs/knees. Categories are 16 or under or 17 or older. Sign up by 2 p.m.
Women can test their throwing skills and poise by hurling a frozen 1 lb. haggis as far as they can, all while balancing on a half whiskey barrel. Farthest throw is the champion. Register by 3:30 p.m. Saturday for the 4:30 p.m. contest.
Afterward, come see which contestant can “down a pound” of this Scottish culinary delicacy the fastest — or give it a try yourself if you’re game! At 5 p.m., contestants will eat as much haggis as possible without using their hands. Register by 4 p.m.
Ticket information
Tickets are $20 on Friday or $30 on Saturday; kids, age 12 or younger are admitted free. A two-day pass is $45. A two-day VIP pass for $200 includes complimentary food and beverage service with a Scottish flare at the VIP Tent; Whiskey Masterclass; meet & greet with Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland; premier parking; ringside seats for the Heavy Athletics competition and Massed Bands Performance. Online fees apply. Get tickets at chicagoscots.org/festival/.
Parking is free. For more information on event schedules, competition registration forms, or volunteer opportunities, visit chicagoscots.org/festival/ or call (708) 447-5092.