If you have not been to the Wisconsin Highland Games at the Waukesha County Expo Center, then you have been missing out! The Wisconsin Highland Games is a weekend of affordable Celtic fun for the entire family (kids 12 and under are free) Fri. Aug 30 – Sun., Sept. 1, 2024. From live music to learning more about the Celtic culture and everything in between, it’s a weekend of Celtic magic. Here are seven activities to check out when visiting the Highland Games.
Piping & Drumming
Pipe and drum groups and solo acts will compete at the pipe and drum field on Sat. Aug. 31 and Sun. Sept. 1 with the sounds of Highland bagpipes and drums.
Dancers Prancing
See a variety of local dancers compete at the Highland Dance stage on Sat., Aug. 31 and Sun., Sept. 1 with workshops in the morning and competitions in the afternoon.
Live Music
Enjoy live Celtic music all weekend at the Young’s Pub Tent.
celtic canines
Meet Celtic canines where you can pet a variety of dogs and puppies.
The Games
One of the best reasons to attend the Wisconsin Highland Games is for… the games! It’s amazing to witness the competitors’ strength, agility and coordination with Caledonian & Hibernian heavy athletics. Competitive athletes come to the Wisconsin Highland Games from around the world, including Olympians, national champions, world record holders and local amateurs. The games they play use their strength and power in the heavy athletics portion of the weekend. These opponents throw stones, heave weights, hammers and cabers (these look like large telephone poles) and compete in the sheaf toss (tossing a sack of hay with a pitchfork). You can also join in the games with learning how to throw battle axes or shoot longbows.
Shop at the Celtic Marketplace
The Celtic Marketplace offers a wide range of Celtic and Scottish kilts, accessories, clothing, art, jewelry, books, signs, and gifts.
Just for the kids
The Li’l Rampant Lions Kids Area is a place for kids to play, pick up a Wisconsin Highland Games Passport, get wearable art for their face, arm, hands, etc. and enjoy fun hands-on activities.