The January 17, 2026, Central Florida Scottish Highland Games felt like stepping through a doorway in time. Even before we reached the gates, the crowds told the story. About 200 people waited in line to catch the shuttle bus. They were coming from one of the two satellite parking areas into the event area. The energy was already high. We’ve attended Highland Games before (in St. Augustine, Florida and in southern Maine), but this one immediately felt like it was operating at “big event” scale.
Note: All photos in this post are our personal photos. Deborah Smith co-authored this article.
Getting There: Shuttles, Crowds, and “Highland Games Parking”
After parking in the satellite lot, we were directed onto large shuttle buses that carried everyone to the main field. On the approach, we noticed some “creative” parking that would usually be ticketed on a normal day. Apparently, Highland Games days come with their own rules.
Stepping off the bus, we could feel the excitement all around us. Families came prepared with strollers, wagons, and folding chairs. Couples with little ones moved toward the entrance. Older folks went in the same direction. Groups of friends shared the same sense of anticipation.
First Sight: A Sea of Clan Tents
Inside the grounds, the layout was immediately striking. To one side stood rows upon rows of clan tents. To the other was the large field where the athletic events were held. The visual impact of seeing so many clan names proudly displayed was hard to describe. There were so many that we lost count quickly.
We first visited a reference tent. Volunteers asked for our clan names and looked it up in their books. They then let us photograph our clan history pages. It was a simple, welcoming way to help us connect instantly to our heritage.
Clan Fraser: A Personal Connection Brought to Life
We eventually found the Clan Fraser tent. Terry’s grandmother, Isabella Fraser, came from Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, so this was a meaningful stop for us. The tent had several younger members dressed in Fraser colors, and they were genuinely friendly and welcoming.
Terry ended up joining the Clan Fraser Society of North America. The Fraser folks also told us they would be present at other highland game gatherings, including Mount Dora.
One of the most memorable people was the gentleman representing Clan Fraser. His traditional attire covered him from head to toe. His Scottish accent enhanced this impression. It felt like he’d stepped out of the medieval world Deborah knows so well from novels and history books. For a moment, we didn’t feel like we were looking at a display. It felt like we were standing inside the story.
Templar Life – Armor and Living History
One of the surprises of the day was encountering a Templar life display. We felt like we were stepping into an episode of The Curse of Oak Island. This felt particularly accurate. The Templar Knight story connects with markings and legends across the North Atlantic. It is a popular theme in history culture.
A woman dressed in Templar Knight attire showed what the knights would have worn into battle, including chain mail, a helmet, and swords. Terry felt how heavy the gear was when he tried on the chain mail and helmet. And then held a sword for photos. It was equal parts fun and educational.
Revolutionary and Confederate Roots: Genealogy in the Middle of the Games
Deborah spent time at the Daughters of the American Revolution area. She also visited the Florida Historical Society tent where she aimed to gather information on how to explore her Confederate and Revolutionary-era genealogy.
Deborah learned about Florida organizations that could help guide her research. She also pointed out that one of her grandfathers is named in a book titled Pioneers of Florida.
Bagpipes, Cheers, and the Athletic Events We Loved Most
At one point, we heard the beautiful sound of bagpipes across the grounds. We could have closed our eyes and imagined a mountainside in Scotland, with the same notes carrying through the air.
Then we heard the roar of cheers rising from the field, pulling us toward the heart of the action. We spent a large portion of our visit watching the athletic competitions unfold. Events included women’s caber toss and women’s stone carry, along with men’s weight for distance, hammer throw, and sheaf toss. Two events quickly became our favorites: the women’s caber throw and the men’s sheaf toss. Throughout the competitions, the crowd remained energized and encouraging, while the athletes brought focus, strength, and intensity to every attempt.
Families and Kids: A Truly Welcoming Atmosphere
We would recommend the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games to both first-time visitors and families with children. Many children were present. One of the best parts was seeing athletes interact with them kindly. Athletes even let kids try lifting some of the heavy throw weights. That kind of welcoming, hands-on spirit is what turns a festival into a real community experience.
Characters and Costumes: From Highlanders to Feathered Fashion
All through the event, we saw people dressed in everything from traditional kilts to peasant clothing to creative “highlander interpretations.” We snapped plenty of photos because you could hardly look anywhere without seeing something interesting.
One attendee’s Scottish-inspired outfit included a shoulder full of feathers, and he wore them with confidence.
Here’s some more interesting outfits/people at the games.
Vikings, Mischief, and a Quick Rescue
Just when we thought we had seen everything, the Vikings appeared. A trio of Vikings briefly “captured” Deborah. They were clearly enjoying the day. They relished the attention they were getting. Terry’s ‘Highlander genes’ rose up, and the situation was quickly resolved with good humor all around. Not long after, Deborah posed for photos with them. It was obvious they were a popular attraction. Others were lining up for pictures as well.
Impressive Large Highlander
One particular Highlander stopped Deborah in her tracks. He was a massive, shirtless presence. The kind of guy any NFL team would happily sign on the spot. Deborah didn’t hesitate. She walked right up and asked if he would pose for a photo with her, and he graciously agreed.
She summed it up perfectly: ‘That’s exactly the Highlander I pictured when I was reading my Scottish Highlander books. Can I take him home?’ Terry didn’t miss a beat: ‘No. He won’t fit in the car.’
Terry briefly entered a private moment of reflection. He thought about diet and strength. He wondered if adding more spinach to his meals might work the same miracles it did for Popeye. Research on that theory is ongoing.
The American Touch
You can’t attend a festival like this in America without firearms making an appearance somewhere along the way. We found a display of long guns that drew steady attention. Many people stopped to admire them. They asked questions and took a closer look. The display was not a focal point. It quietly reminded us of how American history and culture naturally weave themselves into events that celebrate older traditions from across the Atlantic.
It was simply one more example. This Highland gathering blended Scottish heritage with unmistakably American elements. All of these elements coexist comfortably in the same space.
Hands-On Fun: Try-It Areas and a Blacksmith Demonstration
We also found an area where small groups could try activities like hammer throw and hatchet throw. Nearby, a blacksmith demonstrated how metal was formed “back in the day,” which was a great living-history touch.
We also took a video of Scottish-clad musicians playing bagpipes. One of those moments that instantly anchors the memory of a day like this.
Vendors and the “Pitcher + Refill” Beer System
On the way out, we explored the vendor area. There were Scottish-themed items, clan clothing, and jewelry. Some prices were steep (for example, around $50 for a black belt to go with a kilt).
We didn’t sample any specific food or drink worth naming, but the alcohol system was memorable. You purchased drink tickets at a few central locations and redeemed them at the numerous alcohol stations around the grounds. A beer deal offered a full pitcher purchase for $15 with subsequent refills for just one dollar. Dozens of people, mostly men, walked around carrying both a glass and a pitcher. More than one person joked that it was a fulfilling system.
Final Thoughts: Five Hours That Felt Like Time Travel
From arrival to departure, we spent about five hours at the event. It felt like leaving a lively bubble of history when we headed back to the shuttle buses.
People were friendly. The atmosphere was energetic. The mix of heritage, sport, and living history made the day genuinely memorable. We’re already planning to attend more Highland Games soon, including the Mount Dora, Florida games.
More Scotland and Ireland Stories
If you want more guides that connect real places to the records your ancestors left behind, subscribe to irishscottishroots.blog. You will get travel-ready history, practical genealogy strategies, and story-driven context you can use right away.
More from irishscottishroots.blog
- Scottish Settlers in America Before and After 1776
- Viking Age Material Culture in Ireland: What Survives
- Saint Sourney…Drumacoo Ruins and Inis Mór Echoes Today
- Bill Millin Mad Piper…Normandy and Highland Heritage
- Irish Hurling Basics – A No-Stress Dublin Match Guide
Discover more from Irish Scottish Roots
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
