The 47th Annual Savannah Scottish Games & Celtic Festival returns on Saturday, May 3, 2025, bringing a full day of competition, culture, and music to the scenic grounds of Bethesda Academy. Nestled on 650 acres along the Moon River, the venue sets the stage for a dynamic festival celebrating Scottish heritage through athletics, dance, music, and living history.

For the 17th year at Bethesda, the Games will welcome competitors and spectators alike to experience Celtic traditions firsthand. Heavy athletes will test their strength in seven traditional events, while Highland dancers vie for top honors in the ScotDance Southeast Regional Championships, a stepping stone to national competition. The stirring sound of pipe bands and solo pipers will echo across the field, carrying the spirit of Scotland through Savannah.

Music lovers can look forward to electrifying performances, including acoustic Celtic band Lochlann, viral bagpipe sensation Ally the Piper, and the genre-blending Seven Nations, known for their bold fusion of folk, rock, and Celtic influences. Children will enjoy storytelling, interactive games, and a passport adventure that leads them through clan tents, where they can learn about their Scottish ancestry. Living history demonstrations will transport visitors to 18th-century Scotland, with reenactments by Clan Nan Con and soldiers from Fort King George in Darien.

This year’s title sponsor, Stewart Marshall of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty & Stewart Sells the Lowcountry, is proud to support the event, saying, “With deep Scottish roots in Savannah, it is an honor to celebrate our heritage and bring the community together for this incredible tradition.”

Stewart's father and Savannah Scottish Games & Celtic Festival President is Murray Marshall, and his great-great-grandfather, Major James Turner Stewart emigrated from Scotland to Savannah in the 1850s. 

From the thrill of competition to the richness of history, the Savannah Scottish Games offers something for everyone. Mark your calendar and join the celebration at Bethesda Academy on May 3, 2025.