Dunedin’s Highland Games and Festival kicks off on Friday (March 27).

DUNEDIN – It’s the event this city waits for all year – the annual Highland Games and Festival.

Events actually begin today (March 22) with the kirkn’ of the tartans at the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin & Our Lady of Lourdes. Later in the week, there’s a Scottish dinner and a whisky tasking. On Friday (March 27), the big events start:

The Tide Festival of Piping on Friday (March 27) and Sunday (March 29) at Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, the same location as Highland Games.

Also Friday (March 27) –  At 5 p.m. Searson will perform at Pioneer Park in downtown Dunedin. At 6:30 p.m. the Pipe Band Parade will “step off” from the Sheriff’s Office parking lot on Louden Avenue, march down to Main Street, turn west and follow Main Street throughout Dunedin to Broadway, turning left (south) at the Chamber of Commerce and on to Scotland Street. Afterwards, the Dunedin Tide Festival of Piping will be putting on a recital at Pioneer Park, and Searson will come back on stage for the remainder of the evening.  Beer, soft drinks, and Holy Cow’s Kettle Corn & Nuts and Pizza from Dunedin’s Lat 28 will be available for purchase.

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (March 28) – The 49th Annual Dunedin Highland Games will be once again bring you the best of top-notch competitors in piping, drumming, dancing, and athletics.  Come and be amazed by the strength of the athletes, and the talents of the young dancers.  Of course, what would Highland Games be without bagpipe competitions? Bands from the entire eastern U. S.  are expected to participate. Bring the children – 12 and under are free:  They can “toss” a mini-caber or a “Haggis”!  We’ve got Off Kilter, if you’ve never heard rock music combined with bagpipes you are in for a treat! Several Celtic vendors will be there for you to select a special piece of jewelry, tartan scarf, kilt, among many handmade items.  Wander the Clan Village and research your family Celtic heritage. Clan Village Stage will also have music acts throughout the day including the Scottish Country Dancers of Dunedin. And don’t forget, a large variety of beers and wine in the Pipe Drone Pub! Come hungry and select your lunch, dinner and snacks from many food vendors.

For a full schedule of events and information, go to dunedinhighlandgames.com.

Dunedin Highland Games | Festival of Piping | Local News | Dunedin

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