Every April, Lyon College holds the Arkansas Scottish Festival, one of the premier Scottish festivals in the United States. Established in 1980 as the Highland Games, the festival is emblematic of the College, its Scottish heritage, and its Presbyterian connection. Over the years, the festival has grown from a small Scottish fair to one of the top competition venues in the South Central United States for pipers, bands, and dancers.
Join us for a weekend full of piping competitions, delicious food, and unique handmade crafts.
Gates open early Saturday morning, April 13, and opening ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. with a parade of massed bands and clans.
Plan out your entire Scottish Festival experience with the schedule of events listed below.
Friday, April 12
- 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Golf Scramble registration begins – Eagle Mountain Golf Course
- 12:30 p.m. Start time of Golf Scramble.
- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Kilted Mile Race Registration – Natural State Running at 148 East Main.
- 6 p.m. Kilted Mile Race from Twelfth Street – North Central Ave.
- Entertainment by Patrick Regan from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. at 109 Main.
Saturday, April 13
- 8 a.m. – Festival Open – Lyon College
- 10 a.m. Entertainment under the coca cola tent, British Car Show begin at Lyon
- 10 a.m. Scottish Athletic demos begin at East Complex
- 10 a.m. (also at 12 p.m. , 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.) Highland Dancing Demos, Sheepdog demo all begin on the Lyon Campus
- 1 p.m. Opening Ceremonies and the parade of clans
- 4 p.m. Festival Awards Ceremony and closing
- 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Ceilidh and Fest will be held at Paterson Dining hall. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased by contacting Jennifer Green at (870) 307-7071.
Sunday, April 14
- 9 a.m. – Iona Worship Service
- 10 a.m. Scottish Athletic demos begin at East Complex
- 10 a.m. (also at 12 p.m.) Highland Dancing Demos, Sheepdog demo all begin on the Lyon Campus
- 11 a.m. (also at 1 p.m.) Celtic Mini Concert
- 12 p.m. Bonniest Knees Contest.
- 2 p.m. Festival closes.
Content sponsored by Lyon College.
