San Antonio readies for Highland Games, Celtic Music Festival
This weekend the Helotes Fair grounds will be nothing but a sea of tartan. The San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival is back with another fun-filled time celebrating Scottish heritage and culture, according to the festival’s website.
For nearly 20 years the San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival has been inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Scottish culture and history through education, demonstrations, vendors, music, and of course — the games. Every year men and women compete in various events, such as the caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw, and stone put, showcasing feats of strength during the Highland Games. Some even set world records at the San Antonio games.
Members of the School of Irish Dancing perform during the San Antonio Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival at the Helotes Festival Grounds on Saturday, April 6, 2019.
Billy Calzada/Staff photographer
What to do at the Highland Games
The San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival hosts over 30 clans, which can help visitors establish their Scottish history through their family names and give event goers an opportunity to join the clan. While there, visitors can stop be several vendors selling all things Celtic such as kilts, jewelry, and handmade items.
Apart from watching the games, there are numerous living history displays, educational demonstrations, storytellers, and odes to Scottish dogs to visit and participate in. Event goers can meet Vikings, weavers, archers, blacksmiths, and weapon makers. There are also several Celtic musicians singing folk songs along with performances from fiddler and bagpipe players. For more entertainment visitors can check out the dance competition, which hosts dances such as the Highland Fling, sword dance, and other national dances.
There will be plenty of Scottish food to sink your teeth into like haggis and meat pies, but for those not brave enough to touch the Scottish fare there is more traditional American festival food, such as pizza and kettle corn, available.
Where are the Highland Games held?
The dog-friendly event is held on Saturday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Helotes Fair Grounds. Parking for the games is free but admission is not. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of the games (however the tickets are non-refundable), or they can be purchased at the gate for $16. Seniors, military, and kids from 3-12 can get in for $8. For a full list of events and to view the schedule visit the festival website.
Find it: 12210 Leslie Road, Helotes, TX 78023
