Tallahassee Gears Up for 2026 Highland Games This Weekend

Annual festival celebrates Scottish culture and community with athletic competitions, traditional crafts, and local food and drink.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Tallahassee is set to host the 2026 Highland Games this weekend, offering a full slate of Scottish sports, cultural demonstrations, and local flavors for all ages. The two-day festival at the Highland Games grounds will feature iconic Highland cows, local blacksmiths, unique Highland ales, a variety of food vendors, and thrilling athletic competitions like the caber toss and stone lifting.

Why it matters

The Highland Games are a long-standing tradition that bring the Tallahassee community together to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. With over 100 volunteers involved, the event is about more than just economic impact - it's a way for people to connect and experience something meaningful together.

The details

Attendees can look forward to classic Scottish events like the caber toss, where participants attempt to throw a large tapered pole end over end, and the strongest stone lifter contest, challenging athletes to test their strength with massive stones. Organizers Rachel Boatwright and Ryan May emphasize that the games are not just about the economic impact, but also about bringing the community together for a fun and meaningful shared experience.

  • The Highland Games kick off on Saturday, February 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.
  • The games resume on Sunday, February 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The players

Rachel Boatwright

One of the organizers of the Tallahassee Highland Games.

Ryan May

One of the organizers of the Tallahassee Highland Games.

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What they’re saying

“We are going for a very positive economic impact, but that's not just with money and funding, that's also with the people that are involved. And so we want, we want the community involved, and so much of this is just a way for people to get to know each other.”

— Rachel Boatwright, Organizer (WTXL)

The takeaway

The Tallahassee Highland Games are a beloved annual tradition that bring the community together to celebrate Scottish culture and heritage through athletic competitions, traditional crafts, local food and drink, and shared experiences. The event's focus on community involvement and meaningful connections makes it more than just an economic driver, but a way for residents to come together and enjoy something unique and special.