Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games

East Tennessee’s premier celebration of Scottish culture returns to a larger venue May 21 and 22, 2022 featuring the beloved clans, games and athletes from years past.

The two-day festival will now take place at the Townsend Visitor’s Center located at 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend, Tennessee. The event again will feature clans, vendors and local and national performers. Purchased by the Blount Partnership for the purpose of festivals and events, the property at the Visitor’s Center provides a scenic destination for the festival with views of the nearby mountains and is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. The 30-plus acres at this property also features adjacent parking for added convenience.

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games Board Vice President Keith Austin considers the new location to be an opportunity.

“The property at the Townsend Visitor’s Center provides ample space as the festival continues to grow in the future and has great infrastructure for events such as ours,” said Austin. “We also think attendees will enjoy the Townsend area, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, with its natural beauty that will provide the perfect backdrop for the festival.”

Austin also emphasizes their appreciation for Maryville College over the years.

“We would like to thank Maryville College for graciously hosting the festival in the past,” said Austin. “It’s been exciting to see the growth and awareness for this event spread, and Maryville College has been played an integral role.”

Festival attendees will enjoy entertainment including vibrant cultural and educational presentations. Scotch tasting seminars feature a bit of history and humor and the Border Collie demonstrations are guaranteed to amaze onlookers with their herding abilities and intense gaze.

Competitions include the hammer throw or caber toss, a medley of bands including bagpipes and drummers and clan challenges like the kilted mile run or the battle axe competition, just to name a few.

“We are thrilled to have the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games return to Blount County for another year,” said Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell. “It’s always a much-anticipated event for both residents and visitors alike. It’s a great way for people to celebrate Scottish culture while enjoying what our vibrant area has to offer.”

Tickets will be available online in February 2022 and entertainment lineups will be finalized closer to the festival dates.

For more information, visit www.smokymountaingames.org for updates or follow the event on Facebook.