Once again Amy and I are looking forward to attending the 25th annual Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. We have rented a Celtic Cabana for Saturday. We look forward to attending this event each year. We have been attending this event for at least the last 15 years.
The annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV will be held this year on February 17-18 from 9AM-6PM. It is held each year on President’s Day weekend. You will be able to experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine that truly honors the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.
Queen Mary celebrates the rich history of their heritage. Did you know that construction of the Queen Mary began in Scotland? Almost ninety years ago, in the quaint seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction began on the Queen Mary.
For its silver anniversary, ScotsFestival is bringing back the amazing Scottish clans & vendors throughout the weekend with professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing, and Highland athletics. The Scottish Highland Games, a precursor to today’s Olympic Games, were designed to test the strength, skill, and technique of ancient warriors, with competitors converging on our beautiful ship to once again test who’s the best!
The 25th annual ScotsFestival will offer a full weekend of rich Scottish tradition highlighted through authentic activities, dancing, entertainment, cuisine and athletics. Whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts are available for adult festival goers ($18 pre-sale) and Chef McBride will demo authentic Celtic Cuisine in the Culinary Corner. In addition to cooking demos, multiple exciting and authentic food vendors will offer delectable bites sure to tantalize taste buds of all ages.
Tastings, archery, herding and so much more are returning to celebrate the ancient culture of Scotland, while the wee laddies & lassies can bear witness to Queen Mary’s coronation, knighting ceremonies and even take part in the Wee Highland games as we celebrate our 25th year bringing culture and joy to the community!
Last year, Amy surprised her nephew and his wife with kilts for their twin boys. We love this video of them watching the parade and listening to the bagpipes. So special! Click here to watch the video.
What’s New This Year
Kick off ScotsFestival weekend on Friday, February 16 and keep cozy into the wee hours of the night at the all-new pop-up pub, Greyfriar’s Pub, with authentic food, a full bar, and a lively atmosphere. After a full day of events, continue the fun into the night from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. with the Ceilidh on Saturday, February 17. Grab a pint and experience the traditional clans’ celebration with games, live music, food, drinks, dancing, and more. Tickets to the Ceilidh are $10 online and the event is open to all ages.
Sport Kilt, in partnership with Long Beach-based design firm Commune Communication, will unveil the officially designated Long Beach Tartan at the 25th Annual ScotsFestival. The colors and pattern featured in the Long Beach Tartan pay homage to the city seal and are representative of the virtues of the city.
Special Events & Pricing
You can purchase tickets here.
Ceilidh
The Queen Mary presents a true Gaelic tradition brought in celebration of our 25th year anniversary!
Taking place on board our ship after the event closes on Saturday, February 17th, come join us for traditional folk music, dancing, and pub-style lounges!
Feb. 17, 6:45 p.m.
Tickets: $10
*Does not include event ticket, event ticket needs to be purchased separately.
ScotsFestival
Feb. 17-18, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $12 online for ages 4-11 and $25 online for guests 12 and over. VIP tickets, two-day festival passes and hotel packages available.
Photo Gallery
About Queen Mary ScotsFestival
For more information about the ScotsFestival, please visit http://www.queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/
1126 Queens Highway • Long Beach, CA 90802
Information: (877) 342-0738 • Hotel Reservations: (877) 342-0742 • QUEENMARY.COM
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Visiting Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival has become a yearly tradition for us. You can read about our experience at last year’s event here, 2016’s event here, and 2014’s event here.
Be sure to follow us this year on our Instagram for event coverage throughout the weekend.
Disclaimer: Amy and I will be attending the Queen Mary ScotsFestival and purchased the Celtic Cabana on our own dime. As always, all thoughts are our own.
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