The RedStone Highland Games & Festival returns to St. George April 10–11, bringing Scottish heritage, athletic competitions, music, and family activities to Sandtown Park.
Now in its eighth year, the festival draws visitors from across Southern Utah and beyond to experience traditional Highland Games, Celtic music, cultural demonstrations, and a marketplace featuring Scottish and regional vendors. Admission to the event is free.
The festival takes place Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM at Sandtown Park, 600 N. Bluff St. in St. George.
Founded by Kathy and Dave Rawlings, the RedStone Highland Games began in 2019 and celebrate both the couple’s Scottish heritage and the growing interest in Celtic culture across the region.
At the center of the festival are the Highland Games athletic competitions, where athletes compete in a series of traditional strength events. Among the most recognizable is the caber toss, in which competitors attempt to lift and flip a roughly 15-foot log end over end.
Other events include the hammer throw, stone throw, weight-over-bar, and the sheaf toss. The competition is hosted by Utah Heavy Athletics.
Music is also a major part of the festival atmosphere. The Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band will return with performances throughout the event, alternating with Celtic rock group Swagger on the main stage. Additional performances Saturday include St. George’s Thistle and Knot and the duo Joyce and David.
One of the festival’s signature traditions is the “Gathering of the Clans,” scheduled for noon on Saturday. Led by festival chieftain Darrel McFarland, the procession includes clan representatives and festival attendees marching together with the pipe band.
The RedStone Celtic Marketplace features vendors offering Scottish goods, crafts, and food alongside local artisans.
Family activities are also part of the weekend, including face painting, inflatables, storytelling, historical characters such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and appearances by Nessie, the legendary creature of Loch Ness. Demonstrations including blacksmithing, chainmail crafting, and swordplay are also planned.
Food vendors will be located throughout the park, including Oscar’s Meat Pies and other festival favorites.
More information and performance schedules are available at redstonehighlandgames.com.
