Piping on the Green is set for its biggest event ever as the Highland Games will be incorporated into this year’s event, making the 12th annual exhibition a can’t-miss festival, all free and on the grounds of South Jackson Performing Arts Center.

Gates open at 8 a.m., on Saturday, April 11, with opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. The festival runs through 6 p.m. and offers a full day of immersive cultural experiences, historic demonstrations, athletic competitions and world-class entertainment.

“This year’s free festival will add Scottish Highland Games and armored combat in addition to our two stages of Celtic music, dance, workshops, food, craft vendors, bagpipers, and a very special whisky tasting experience brought to you by our friends at ImpEx Beverages,” organizers said. “Bring a chair and stay for the day as you immerse yourself in Celtic culture! Bring the family and find your clan, pet a highland cow, watch as brave knights in armor test their mettle, see live wood and metal working demonstrations, and spectate as kilted competitors test their strength in the historic Highland Games!”

The beloved festival has deep roots in the community and was founded by the Highland Rim Scottish Society in partnership with Chris and Denise Smith, the original owners of The Celtic Cup Coffee House. Piping on the Green began as a celebration of Scottish heritage and music right on the front lawn of the Cup fondly known as “the green”. From those humble beginnings, it has grown into a regional tradition of music, culture, and camaraderie.

Over the years, legendary Celtic musicians and pipers have graced the festival’s stages, including world-renowned acts like The Tannahill Weavers, EJ Jones, and many more, helping to establish Piping on the Green as a premier destination for Celtic music lovers.

Those who attend will see centuries-old Scottish Highland Games competitions, full-contact armored knight cage fighters, axe throwing, Viking dodgeball with foam axes and shields, the fight pit with foam weapons, or the log wrestling challenge, Clan Row featuring dozens of Scottish clan associations, over 30 Celtic craft vendors, live weaving, woodworking, and metal smithing demonstrations, Celtic workshops including ornament making, Irish drum instruction, and Scottish dance.

The schedule has been released for two of the stages that will be in operation during the event. On the Thistle Stage, opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. At 9:45 a.m., Nashville Pipes and Drums are set to take the stage. Doon the Brae will perform from 10 to 11:45 a.m., with Nashville Pipes and Drums to take over until noon. The Secret Commonwealth will take the stage until 12:45 p.m. and will be followed shortly by Nashville Pipes and Drums before returning to perform until 2 p.m. Kris Colt will take over at 2 p.m. Jenny and the Weazels will go from 3-4 p.m. and do another set at 4:30 p.m. In between, Triquetra Dance Troop will perform.

On the Trad Stage will be the Parade of Tartans at 10:45 a.m., and at 11 a.m. will be the Kirking of the Tartans. The Bonnie Knees is at 11:45 a.m., and then Jacobites by Name takes over from noon to 12:45 p.m. Triquetra Dance Troop will go till 1:15 p.m. and Kris Colt will take over and go for 30 minutes before being spelled by Dublin Double Stops at 2 p.m. Jacobites by Name takes over until 3:15 p.m. until Kris Colt finishes the stage.

In the meantime, there will be a Bodhran workshop with Andy Kruspe in the workshop room beginning at 1 p.m. A Celtic Traditional Music Session will begin at 2 p.m. and run through the afternoon. Whisky tastings with Impex Beverages and Clan Dram will be held in the South Jackson Pub at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The Highland Games will be happening throughout the day on the campus of South Jackson.