PARK CITY, Ky. — The Southern Kentucky Highland Games will return to Park City on Saturday, May 30, bringing a full day of Scottish culture, athletics and family-friendly activities.

The free, one-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bell’s Tavern Park, located at 130 Old Dixie Highway. Admission and parking are free.

The event also carries added local significance, as Barren County previously hosted a similar Highland Games festival at Barren River Lake State Park that began in 1986 and continued until 2020, when it ended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relaunch of the Highland Games tradition took place in 2025, and this year’s event marks only the second time it will be hosted in Park City, about 30 miles north of where the original games were traditionally held.

Organizers say the festival will feature traditional Highland athletic competitions with participants traveling from across the United States, along with clan tents, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors and children’s activities. A tug-of-war challenge and a children’s tug-of-war are also planned.

Live music will run throughout the day, with performances scheduled from Jacobites by Name, Kris Colt and Doon the Brae.

Food vendors will include Celtic Pig, Philly Willy, Esters Farm Café, Frozen Flamingo and Nectar, offering a range of options from Celtic-inspired dishes and cheesesteaks to shaved ice, lemonade, snow cones and more.

The event will open with a ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by Highland games beginning at 9:15 a.m. The tug-of-war events are set for 1 p.m., followed by a calling of the clans at 2 p.m. featuring piper Karen Brumley. Athletic awards will be presented at 3 p.m., with a closing ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m.

The event contact is Karin Baldwin-Carroll, who can be reached at grandvictorian@msn.com or 270-590-1935.