Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 2026 Visitor Guide

The Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held July 9-12, 2026.  The gathering of the Scottish clans feature Scottish athletes, dances, bagpipe parades, Celtic music and food and craft vendors.  The games are held at the base of Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina.  Here is some helpful tips from the High Country Regional Visitor Center Staff:

Why are the Highland Games held at Grandfather Mountain?

Nowhere in the New World is there a place more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina.  This lead to many immigrants of Scottish descent to choose the High Country Region as their home.  Now we celebrate this heritage with the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!

What is the closest and best place to stay?
Lodging for the Highland Games books quickly, so book as soon as you know you will be attending! We suggest staying at lodging located along Highway 105, because the best parking lot for the shuttle is located on this highway. Our top picks are all located along Highway 105 for an easy drive to parking. Our staff voted and picked these top 3 places to stay:

·       Best Mom and Pop: Hidden Valley Motel

·       Best Views Cabins & Condos: Foscoe Rentals

·       Best Hotel: Graystone Lodge

Can I park at the Games?

• You will need to take a shuttle to the games as there is no parking on site unless you are camping, handicapped or a vendor.  Here is a list of shuttle locations: https://gmhg.org/parking/

What do I need to take with me?

• The grounds have limited bleacher seating and some benches at the music areas.  You might want to bring a large blanket to use on the hillside, instead of a chair as the ground is mostly uneven.
• The weather can change drastically throughout the day at Grandfather Mountain, we suggest you dress in light layers, wear sunscreen (and bring an umbrella - or even better- a raincoat!) You can also use your umbrella for shade.
• There are limited hotel and cabin accommodations near the Highland Games, for help finding a place to stay, call the Regional Visitors Center at 1-800-438-7500.

LINEUP:

To see the lineup of events, click to: http://www.gmhg.org/events.htm

TICKETS:

Ticket prices vary and are available per day, per event and also can be combined with camping.  Purchase your tickets online to avoid the long line at the entrance at: https://sabas.idloom.events/2026_GMHG/register

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