The Festival has tons of events, and they seem to get better each year!

To apply for a certain event, choose it from the list at the left. You can also choose "Full List" to see all applications available. You can view the applications online, print them, and mail them in to apply.

We're proud to present the finalized 2013 Schedule of Events!

Literally thousands of people from the United States and Canada gather together once each year in Alma, Michigan “Scotland U.S.A.” to join in the celebration of the Alma Highland Festival and Games. This year marks the 46th year and will be held May 24th, 25th, and 26th on the campus of Alma College. Alma is located in the middle of Lower Michigan, has a population of some 10,000 citizens, and has seen this event grow to become one of the largest, most prestigious attractions of its kind in the Mid West.  

The 46th Alma Highland Festival & Games will kick off Friday night, with world class entertainment, and continue Saturday and Sunday.

Other festival highlights include:

The Great Lakes Highland Dance Championship, featuring the best highland dancers from the USA and Canada.

The Heavyweight Professional Athletic Competition on Saturday and the Great Lakes Heavyweight Amateur Athletic Competition Sunday, where you can witness these strong men toss the caber (a cedar log the size of a telephone pole) with incredible ease. 

US Open Pipe Band Championship featuring 27 to 32 pipe bands competing each year. They compete individually and also perform in Massed Bands which equates to 300-500 pipers and drummers playing in unison. When they play Amazing Grace it sends chills up your spine and brings tears to your eyes.  

The Saturday Morning Parade features Miss-Michigan and the Alma Queen of Scots, pipe bands, prize-winning floats, marching bands and an array of Scottish pageantry and if we are lucky “Nessy” the Loch Ness Monster will once again make a rare appearance. 

Special events include a “Harp for All” Workshop where anyone can learn to play the harp. Border collie sheep-herding exhibition, Scottish Cattle, the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, Children’s games and the 42 Royal Regiment Reenactment group.

A vending area from which one can buy a kilt, bagpipes and just about anything Scottish. Our food vendors give you the chance to taste excellent Scottish food such as shortbread, empire biscuits, meat pies and briddies. 

An Arts and Crafts Fair featuring over 120 crafters with the accent on Scottish goods.