One of the best ways to celebrate life in the Peach State is to attend a festival in Georgia, and we certainly have plenty of them to choose from. Each season brings its own array of events, and many of the state’s most popular festivals take place in the fall. One of the longest-running festivals in Georgia has been happening for nearly 50 years and occurs annually in the small town of Stone Mountain. This year’s Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival is scheduled for October 20-22, 2023. It’s one of the largest Scottish festivals in the southeastern United States, and it’s always a blast. Even if you’re not of Scottish decent, everyone’s Scottish for the weekend at the Stone Mountain Highland Games!

The Highland games are held each spring and summer in Scotland to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture. The event has become so popular that it's spread all over the world, so you can now find Highland games in a variety of countries and U.S. states.
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook
This is such a wonderful way to experience another country, especially if you have Scottish heritage in your family.
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook
All aspects of Scottish life are on display here, and you'll see plenty of tartan kilts.
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook
There's even a tartan "forest" where you can walk through and see all the different clans' patterns.
Many musicians will be performing live. You can catch fiddling, drumming, bagpipes, and more.
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook
Dancers will perform in traditional styles and compete for prizes.
Stone Mountain Highland Games
One of the festival's most popular events is the sheep dog demonstration.
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook
Sheep herding is an important way of life for those living in the Scottish Highlands, and this is a great opportunity to see border collies in action.
This probably goes without saying, but there will be lots of bagpipe music to check out, too!
Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

There’s plenty more to do at the festival, with a Scottish and Celtic craft market, Scottish athletics, and more. This is a wonderful family-friendly festival perfect for a fall weekend.

This year’s Stone Mountain Highland Games are scheduled for the weekend of October 20-22, 2023. You can learn more from the Stone Mountain Highland Games website or Stone Mountain Highland Games Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the website.

If you decide to stay in town the entire weekend, there are plenty of great vacation rental homes in Stone Mountain available on Vrbo.

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Marina, 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA