The sounds of Scottish bagpipes, the excitement of Highland athletics, traditional dancing and centuries of Scottish heritage will fill the Lyon College campus this weekend as the 46th Arkansas Scottish Festival and Lyon College Homecoming return to Batesville Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Known as ScotsFest, the 3-day celebration is presented by Lyon College and Experience Independence and brings together musicians, athletes, dancers, Scottish clans, vendors, alumni and families from across Arkansas and the United States.
General admission to the festival is FREE, although certain special events, entertainment areas and alumni activities require tickets or registration.
The festival will continue rain or shine.
Visitors can experience Scottish traditions, bagpipe and drum performances, Highland games, sheepdog demonstrations, living history, a British car show, live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors, traditional crafts and Lyon College Homecoming celebrations.
Saturday, October 24, is the festival’s biggest day, with gates opening at 8 AM and the official opening ceremonies featuring massed pipe bands and Scottish clans beginning at 12 Noon.
The weekend also includes Lyon College’s Homecoming football game against Texas Lutheran University at 4 PM Saturday at Bad Boy Mowers Stadium.
ARKANSASRADIO.COM ROAD GANG BROADCASTING LIVE SATURDAY
The ArkansasRadio.com Road Gang will be broadcasting LIVE from the Arkansas Scottish Festival Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM until 1 PM.
Listeners across North Central Arkansas can follow the excitement through the ArkansasRadio.com family of radio stations, featuring 5 formats, 9 frequencies and online streams.
The live broadcast will highlight the festival’s activities, Scottish heritage, entertainment, special events and the people helping make the annual celebration possible.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the ArkansasRadio.com live broadcast location during Saturday’s activities.
OPEN MIC INTERVIEW: KENTON ADLER TALKS ABOUT SCOTSFEST’S GROWTH AND SCOTTISH HERITAGE
During a special edition of the ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations’ Open Mic program, hosted by Bob Connell, Lyon College’s Kenton Adler discussed the history of ScotsFest, the growth of the festival and the attractions visitors can expect this weekend.
Adler, Lyon College’s Director of Development for Scottish Heritage, is also an experienced bagpiper and an advocate for preserving traditional Scottish music.
During the interview, Connell and Adler reflected on how the festival has changed over the years.
Adler recalled attending ScotsFest in 1995, when the event was much smaller and concentrated around a limited area of the college grounds.
He explained that the festival has since expanded throughout Lyon College’s main campus, providing visitors with easier access to performances, demonstrations, vendors and other activities.
The expansion has transformed ScotsFest into a major regional celebration of Scottish culture and heritage.
One of the highlights of their conversation involved the festival’s Scottish Clan Village and the opportunity for visitors to learn more about their family history.
“If you are interested in Scottish history or genealogy, you can come and talk to some of these people,” Adler said.
Adler explained that representatives of the Scottish clans are knowledgeable about their heritage and can help visitors explore their possible Scottish ancestry. Visitors interested in tracing family connections to Scotland can visit the clan tents and speak directly with representatives.
The Open Mic conversation also explored the relationship between traditional Scottish music and the bluegrass and old-time mountain music familiar to Arkansas audiences.
Adler said ScotsFest will showcase that musical connection with performances by the Arkansas bluegrass band The Gravel Yard.
“We want to kind of demonstrate to people what the tie is between the old country Celtic music and Appalachian music,” Adler said.
Adler explained that Celtic musical traditions helped influence the Appalachian music that eventually developed into bluegrass and the old-time mountain sounds heard throughout the Ozarks. That connection is one reason organizers are featuring The Gravel Yard in the festival’s entertainment lineup.
Adler also discussed traditional Scottish foods, bagpipe history and the popularity of sheepdog demonstrations.
“Admission is free, but we do have some events that require admission,” Adler said.
The interview highlighted ScotsFest as both an entertainment event and an educational opportunity for families.
SCOTSFEST HAS GROWN FROM SMALL HIGHLAND GAMES TO MAJOR FESTIVAL
The Arkansas Scottish Festival began in 1979 as the Highland Games at Lyon College.
What started as a relatively small celebration of Scottish traditions has grown into one of the better-known Scottish heritage festivals in the South Central United States.
The event reflects Lyon College’s longstanding Scottish heritage and its Presbyterian roots.
Over the years, the festival has expanded to include more pipe bands, musicians, Highland athletes, dancers, clans, cultural activities and family attractions.
The festival website notes that AY Magazine previously ranked the Arkansas Scottish Festival No. 7 among its top 100 things to do in Arkansas.
Today, the event attracts participants and visitors from communities throughout the state and beyond.
The festival also provides an opportunity for Lyon College alumni to return to Batesville and reconnect with classmates, faculty and friends during Homecoming weekend.
BAGPIPES, DRUMS AND SCOTTISH CLANS TAKE CENTER STAGE
The sound of bagpipes will be among the most recognizable features of ScotsFest.
The Lyon College Pipe Band will perform alongside visiting pipe bands and individual pipers.
Lyon College’s Scottish Heritage Program is led by Pipe Major Jimmy Bell, a respected bagpiper and instructor. The college’s program includes students and musicians dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Scottish music.
Festival entertainment will also feature the Central High School Kilties from Springfield, Missouri, Celtic singer Misty Posey and longtime festival favorite Patrick Regan.
The Scottish Clan Village will provide visitors with opportunities to explore Scottish history, tartans, genealogy and family traditions.
Representatives from Scottish clans will be available to discuss their heritage and answer questions about clan history. For visitors with Scottish ancestry, the Clan Village offers an opportunity to explore family names and possible historical connections.
HIGHLAND ATHLETICS RETURN SATURDAY MORNING
One of the most popular attractions at ScotsFest is the Highland Athletics Competition.
Competition begins Saturday, October 24, at 9 AM in Couch Garden.
Athletes will demonstrate strength, technique and skill through traditional Scottish heavy athletics. Highland competitions are known for events involving heavy weights, stones and other traditional athletic challenges.
Visitors can watch the athletes compete throughout the day.
Individuals interested in participating in the Highland Games can contact Dan Murphy at 870-310-3852 or register on the day of the event, according to the festival schedule.
SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATIONS RETURN TO SCOTSFEST
Sheepdog demonstrations are another major attraction.
Trained working dogs will demonstrate how they guide and control sheep through commands and coordinated movement, giving families an opportunity to watch the relationship between handlers and highly trained herding dogs.
During his Open Mic interview, Kenton Adler described the sheepdog demonstrations as particularly popular with visitors.
Demonstrations are scheduled throughout Saturday and Sunday, with several performances taking place near the Brown Fine Arts Building and Brown Chapel.
SCOTTISH LIVING HISTORY BRINGS THE PAST TO LIFE
ScotsFest will also feature living history demonstrations presented by MacLachlan’s Jacobite Highlanders and Colonel Munro’s 37th Regiment of Foot.
The groups will recreate elements of Scottish and British military history through historical clothing, equipment and presentations.
Demonstrations are scheduled Saturday and Sunday in Nichols Meadows.
NEW LYON COLLEGE TARTAN TO BE FEATURED
Lyon College art faculty member Cody Norton will demonstrate tartan weaving during the festival.
Norton has designed a new Lyon College dress tartan intended to complement the college’s official tartan.
Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about traditional tartan weaving, Scottish textile heritage and the role tartans play in cultural identity.
Tartan weaving demonstrations are scheduled Friday afternoon and during multiple sessions Saturday.
BLUEGRASS BAND THE GRAVEL YARD TO HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT
This year’s entertainment lineup includes Arkansas bluegrass band The Gravel Yard.
The group features Lyon College alumnus Aaron Farris, a member of the Class of 2013.
The Gravel Yard will perform in the festival’s Entertainment Zone Saturday at 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM.
The Entertainment Zone will be located on the south lawn of the Brown Fine Arts Building. The festival lists separate admission prices for the Entertainment Zone, and visitors should review the ticket information before attending ticketed entertainment.
FAMILIES CAN ENJOY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Families attending ScotsFest will find several activities designed for younger visitors.
The Lil’ Highlanders Fun Zone will offer children’s activities on the Lyon College campus.
A special Lil’ Highlanders Tea Party will provide a royal-themed experience for children. The tea party is scheduled for Saturday morning and will feature Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite royal attire.
The festival also includes a petting zoo, rocket-building activities, rocket launch demonstrations and opportunities to learn about Scottish culture.
Some children’s activities require separate tickets or registration.
DOG SHOW AND BRITISH CAR SHOW ALSO PLANNED
Animal lovers can enjoy the ScotsFest Dog Show Saturday at 2 PM in Couch Garden. Registration is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM near the Brown Fine Arts Building.
Automotive enthusiasts can also enjoy a British Car Show beginning Saturday at 11 AM near the Brown Fine Arts Building Crescent.
SCOTTISH FOOD, CRAFTS AND VENDORS
Visitors can browse vendors offering handmade crafts, merchandise, traditional items and festival foods.
During his Open Mic interview, Kenton Adler said visitors can expect Scottish specialties along with familiar fair foods, including traditional Scottish shortbread, tablet candy and meat pies.
LYON COLLEGE HOMECOMING ADDS SPECIAL EVENTS
ScotsFest weekend will also bring Lyon College alumni back to campus.
Homecoming activities include the 154th Founders Day Convocation, alumni awards, receptions, a bonfire, sporting events and social gatherings.
The annual Alumni Awards Celebration is scheduled for Friday evening. The Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally will take place Friday at 7 PM near Grigsby House. An Alumni and Friends Social is scheduled Friday evening at Polk & Paddle in downtown Batesville.
On Saturday, Lyon College will host Texas Lutheran University in its Homecoming football game. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM at Bad Boy Mowers Stadium.
The weekend also includes a Homecoming Dance and Sunday recognition of longtime alumni.
SATURDAY NIGHT FEATURES SCOTTISH FEAST, CEILIDH AND DANCING
One of the festival’s featured evening events will be the Feast, Ceilidh and Dancing celebration, beginning Saturday at 6 PM in Edwards Commons, Patterson Hall.
A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social gathering featuring music, dancing and fellowship.
The festival lists tickets at $75 per person, with tables available for $550. Advance reservations and ticket purchases are available through Lyon College’s ScotsFest registration website.
SUNDAY INCLUDES WORSHIP SERVICE, ALUMNI CELEBRATION AND FISHING DERBY
The festival continues Sunday, October 25, with Scottish clans, vendors, living history and sheepdog demonstrations.
Tea and Scones are scheduled for 10:30 AM. At 11 AM, the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Worship Service will take place in the Entertainment Zone, reflecting Lyon College’s Scottish and Presbyterian heritage.
At 12 Noon, Lyon College will hold its Club 50 Celebration in the Maxfield Room of Edwards Commons, recognizing members of the Class of 1976 and earlier.
A new ScotsFest Fishing Derby is scheduled for 1 PM at Bryan Lake on the Lyon College campus.
The festival concludes Sunday at 4 PM.
46TH ARKANSAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
12 Noon – Vendor Setup, Brown Fine Arts Center Crescent
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
8 AM–4 PM – Open Classes, Lyon College Campus (registration: cindy.barber@lyon.edu)
9 AM – Founders Day Choir Reunion
11 AM–12 Noon – 154th Founders Day Convocation, Sloan Auditorium
12 Noon – Festival Soft Opening – Vendors and Scottish Clans
12 Noon–2 PM – Tartan Weaving Demonstration, Lyon Building, Room 103
4–8 PM – Director’s Reception, Highland House
5:30 PM – Annual Lyon College Alumni Awards Celebration, Edwards Commons
6 PM – Lyon College Volleyball vs. Principia College, Becknell Gym
6:15–8 PM – Alumni Awards Dinner and Program
7 PM – Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally, Grigsby House
8:30–10:30 PM – Alumni and Friends Social, Polk & Paddle, 3rd Street, Downtown Batesville
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
8 AM – Festival Opens to the Public – Hospitality Tent, Scottish Clan Village and Information Tent Open
8:30 AM – Living History Demonstrations – MacLachlan’s Jacobite Highlanders and Colonel Munro’s 37th Regiment of Foot, Nichols Meadows
9 AM – Highland Athletics Competition Begins, Couch Garden
9 AM – Sheepdog Demonstration, Brown Fine Arts Building Front Lawn
9–10:15 AM – Men’s Basketball Open Practice
Morning – Lil’ Highlanders Tea Party (advance registration required; check official schedule for start time)
Morning – Rocket-Building Activities (check registration for session time)
10 AM–1 PM – ARKANSASRADIO.COM ROAD GANG BROADCASTING LIVE, Lyon College, Batesville
10 AM – Piping Exhibitions Begin, Various Campus Locations
10 AM–12 Noon – Tartan Weaving Demonstrations, Alphin Building, Room 104
10 AM – Rocket Launch Demonstrations, Practice Soccer Field
10 AM – Petting Zoo and Lil’ Highlanders Fun Zone Activities
10:30 AM – Living History Demonstrations, Nichols Meadows
11 AM – British Car Show, Brown Fine Arts Building Crescent
11 AM–7 PM – Entertainment Zone Open (separate admission required), Brown Fine Arts Building South Lawn
11 AM–1 PM – Women’s Basketball Open Practice
12 Noon – OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONIES – Massed Pipe Band and Scottish Clan Parade, Couch Garden
12:30 PM – Central High School Kilties
12:30 PM – Dog Show Registration, Behind Brown Fine Arts Building
1 PM – The Gravel Yard, Entertainment Zone
1–4 PM – Tartan Weaving Demonstrations, Alphin Building, Room 104
2 PM – Dog Show, Couch Garden
2 PM – Living History Demonstrations, Nichols Meadows
2 PM – Sheepdog Demonstration, Brown Fine Arts Building Front Lawn
3 PM – The Gravel Yard, Entertainment Zone
4 PM – LYON COLLEGE HOMECOMING FOOTBALL – Lyon College vs. Texas Lutheran University, Bad Boy Mowers Stadium
5 PM – The Gravel Yard, Entertainment Zone
6 PM – Feast, Ceilidh and Dancing (ticketed event), Edwards Commons, Patterson Hall
10 PM–1 AM – Lyon College Homecoming Dance (Lyon College ID required), Garner Student Recreation Center
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
8 AM – Festival Opens – Vendors and Scottish Clans; Living History Activities Begin
9 AM – Sheepdog Demonstrations, Brown Fine Arts Building Front Lawn
10:30 AM – Tea and Scones, Entertainment Zone
11 AM – Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Worship Service, Entertainment Zone
12 Noon – Club 50 Celebration, Honoring the Class of 1976 and Earlier, Maxfield Room, Edwards Commons
1 PM – Sheepdog Demonstration, Brown Chapel Front Lawn
1 PM – ScotsFest Fishing Derby, Bryan Lake
4 PM – 46th Arkansas Scottish Festival Closes
TICKETS AND ADMISSION
General Festival Admission: FREE. The festival continues rain or shine. Select special events require tickets.
- Feast, Ceilidh and Dancing: $75 per person; tables $550
- Entertainment Zone: adult admission listed at $55; children $10; zone access/view-only option $10
- Lil’ Highlanders Tea Party: $10
- Petting Zoo Day Pass: $5
- Rocket-Building Workshop: $10
- Hospitality Tent: $10
- Alumni Awards Celebration: $65 per ticket
Ticket availability and event-specific terms should be confirmed through Lyon College.
46TH ARKANSAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION: Lyon College, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, Arkansas 72501
DATES: Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, 2026
MAIN FESTIVAL DAY: Saturday, October 24
MAIN GATES OPEN: 8 AM Saturday
OPENING CEREMONIES: 12 Noon Saturday
GENERAL ADMISSION: FREE
ARKANSASRADIO.COM ROAD GANG LIVE: Saturday, 10 AM–1 PM
Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the crescent parking lot across from the Lyon College Welcome Center.
Some festival events take place at different locations across the campus. Visitors should consult the official schedule and current campus map for event locations, parking information and weather-related changes.
MORE INFORMATION
Official ScotsFest Website: arscottishfest.com
Complete Schedule: arscottishfest.com/register
Special Event Tickets: Lyon College ScotsFest Tickets
Clan Registration: ScotsFest Clan Registration
Vendor Registration: ScotsFest Vendor Registration
Sponsorship Opportunities: ScotsFest Sponsorships
Lyon College: lyon.edu
Festival Information Contact: Laney Johnson, Lyon College Events Manager, laney.johnson@lyon.edu
Sources: Lyon College; Official 2026 ScotsFest Schedule; Experience Independence / Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce; ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations Open Mic interview with Kenton Adler, hosted by Bob Connell.
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