Illinois’ oldest non-profit is bringing back the beloved two-day Scottish extravaganza featuring cooking demonstrations by the National Chef of Scotland, North America’s largest and most prestigious pipe band competition, the crowd-pleasing heavy athletics, The Dogs of Scotland with a rescue dog agility show, and much more.

Scotland returns to Aye-Tasca for the final time! The Chicago Scots are thrilled to again bring back the Midwest’s Largest Scottish Event, the 37th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, to Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place, Itasca, IL. Thistwo-day summer-kickoff celebration will once again bring back all the crowd favorites along with some exciting new additions. From the iconic caber toss and haggis throwing to the Grade 1 – largest pipe band (bagpipes and drums) championship in North America.  New to this year’s lineup, cooking demonstrations with Chef Gary Maclean, the national chef of Scotland, an expansion of their kids area including a family-friendly cricket demonstration led by Tom Melville, American cricket player, teacher and author, and an opportunity to meet a Clydesdale Horse. 

Attendees can enjoy beer, whisky and other refreshments as they observe various competitions throughout the afternoon such as the Full Pipe Band competitions and men and women Heavy Athletics. Patrons can also make their way to the Celtic Rock Stage for live entertainment and watch Scottish contests such as the Haggis Hurling, Haggis Eating, Knobbly Knees and more! The Games will conclude with a closing ceremony and massed band show that will feature over 1,000 bagpipers and drummers performing traditional musical selections including Amazing Grace that is both moving and is it extraordinary.