Louisiana Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Historically the ultimate battle of brawn—Highland games athleticism requires strength, skill, and endurance using blacksmith's hammers, steelyard weights, and rounded riverbed stones called clachnearts. Since 1999, the traditions of the Scots have been celebrated in Louisiana at the annual Highland Games & Celtic Festival, held this year at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Participants compete to be the best champion stone-thrower, hammer thrower,  and caber tosser, as well as the best bagpiper or drummer—and if you are truly daring, don't miss the broadswords competition. Haven't fully developed your throwing or your musical Scottish musical skills yet? Workshops and demos will be provided all throughout the weekend, alongside performances from local musicians and dancers including: James Linden Hogg, Louisiane Vintage Dancers, and the New Orleans Strathspey & Reel Society. As if that weren't enough to get you up to high doh—there will also be a homebrew Beers of the British Isles tent, whiskey tastings, traditional foods, and traditional shepherding. Plus plenty to keep the wee ones busy too. 10 am–6 pm. $10; $5 children 6–12; Free for children under 5. lahgcf.com.