So you’ve decided to venture into the world of kilts, bagpipes, and flying logs. Welcome!

Attending a Highland Games and Festival is a fantastic way to experience Scottish culture, whether you’re in Scotland or at a local festival closer to home. But for a first-timer, the sheer volume of events, food, and tartan can be a little overwhelming. To help you navigate the day like a pro, we’ve put together some practical tips to ensure your first Highland Games and Festival experience is one for the books.

Dress for the weather: This might sound obvious, but it’s a golden rule since 99% of the events are always outdoors, rain or shine. Scottish weather, in particular, has a mind of its own. It can be sunny one minute and pouring rain the next. The key is layers. Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking around all day, and always, always bring a light waterproof jacket. Trust me on this one; you’ll thank me later. And don’t forget sunscreen!

Opening Ceremonies: Once you’re properly dressed, be sure to arrive early. The opening ceremonies are a can’t-miss spectacle, featuring the stirring sound of the Massed Bands and the parade of the clans. Arriving early not only guarantees you a great spot for the opening but also saves you the headache of finding parking. Be sure to check the schedule of whichever event you are attending to find out what time the ceremony starts. This is also true of the closing ceremonies.

Bring Cash and Cards: As you get into the swing of things, make sure you’re financially prepared. While many vendors accept cards, it’s a good idea to bring some cash, especially small bills. You’ll find that some of the smaller food stalls and craft vendors prefer it, and you don’t want to miss out on that delicious shortbread just because you didn’t have cash.

Try the food! Your taste buds are in for a treat. You absolutely must try some traditional Scottish fare. Be brave and sample the haggis—it’s way better than it sounds and is an essential part of the experience! If haggis is too adventurous for you, there’s always plenty of other delicious options like Scotch eggs and classic shortbread.

Plan your day: Before you go, take a moment to look up the event schedule online. Competitions like the heavy athletics, Highland dancing, and piping often happen simultaneously, so a little bit of planning goes a long way. Make a game plan to ensure you don’t miss the events you’re most excited about, especially the iconic caber toss. There’s nothing quite like the sight of a massive log flying through the air to get you in the spirit.

Clan Row: While you’re exploring, take some time to wander through the clan tents. Even if you don’t have Scottish ancestry, it’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of the different clans and chat with some incredibly passionate people. If you think you might have some clan history in your ancestry, ask them. They will help you look up family surnames or give you the resources to do your own at-home research.

Tartan: If this is your first Games and Festivals experience, you might not have any tartan items, but if you do, this is the place to sport it! Wear the kilt or skirt! Wear the tartan scarf! You will be in good company! And rest assured, there are HUNDREDS of tartan patterns that are not family/clan specific. You can wear the Pride of Scotland tartan, the Blackwatch Tartan, the Royal Stewart Tartan (the most famous tartan on the planet), or even the tartan of your US state or Canadian Province. Personally, I love wearing the California state tartan in addition to the tartan of the University of Aberdeen, which is my alma mater. They just happen to be my favorite patterns despite my rich Scottish ancestry. So, if you want to rock some tartan and don’t know where to begin, visit  www.scotlandshop.com or www.usakilts.com and browse around. The options are endless!

Engage and Socialize: Beyond the formal competitions, it’s the little details that make the day special. Feel free to engage with the performers and vendors. Ask a piper about their instrument or a dancer about their intricate footwork. The people who make these events happen are proud of their heritage and love to share it. Asking them about their craft will make their day!

Try some Whisky: Many festivals (although not all) offer formal Whisky classes and tastings, so be sure to pre-book these when purchasing your tickets online, if applicable. They are generally small, so seats may be very limited. Be sure to book these as far in advance as you can.

And most importantly – enjoy the experience! A day at the Highland Games is a celebration of community, tradition, and physical prowess. So get out there, soak it all in, and have an absolutely unforgettable time.