The North Alabama Scottish Festival Finds Its New Home in Decatur
Get ready for kilts, bagpipes, and a brand-new tradition in Decatur. On March 14–15, 2026, the North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games will officially rehome to Point Mallard Park, bringing the sights, sounds, and spirit of Scotland to North Alabama for a weekend packed with heritage and community celebration.
This festival is more than an athletic event — it’s a living tribute to centuries-old Scottish traditions. From clan representatives sharing family histories to the unmistakable sound of pipe bands echoing across the park, the weekend will immerse visitors in a vibrant celebration of culture. The Highland Games themselves are the heartbeat of the festival, showcasing incredible feats of strength like the hammer throw, stone putting, sheaf toss, and the iconic caber toss. Watching an athlete lift and flip a towering wooden caber end-over-end is an unforgettable sight, requiring not just power but balance, precision, and skill.
The 2026 festival also ushers in exciting milestones, including its designation as the new home of the prestigious United States Eastern Women’s Highland Games Championship. In addition, children will have the opportunity to participate in their own age-appropriate games, creating an experience that honors tradition while welcoming the next generation…