Celebrating 46 Years of Scottish Culture in Green Country
2026 Special: 46 Years ā¢ 46th State ā¢ 250 Years USA
An authentic celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage, bringing together community, competition, and culture since 1980.
Scotfest | Oklahoma is an authentic celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture. Primarily modeled after the 180 year old Lonach Gathering, Scotland and the over 192 year old Braemar Gathering, Scotland.
The 100% volunteer team at Scotfest, Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity organization, with a mission to produce a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture.
Scotfest are very proud supporters of the Northeastern State University Foundation, providing need and merit based scholarships to students who do well in academics, leadership, community services and other areas. Additionally, Scotfest are extremely proud to support our Veterans associations, including Folds of Honor, Soldier's Wish, the Royal British Legion and the Scottish American Military Society.
Founded in 1980, Scotfest has been celebrating Scottish culture in Green Country for 46 years. The festival is always held on the third weekend in May.
SCOTFEST will be a nationally recognized, financially sustainable premier Celtic music festival and highland games. Embracing, celebrating, sharing and educating culture through artistic expression, community engagement, collaboration and leadership that intentionally integrates education and performance.
SCOTFEST believes the Celtic arts revitalize people and communities, and is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and its continued growth and development.
Uniting and enriching our communities through Celtic arts, education and entertainment.
The story of Scottish settlers who helped build the Sooner State and their lasting cultural impact
46
Years of Celebration
Oklahoma's Scottish heritage runs deeper than many realize. Beginning in the late 1800s, Scottish immigrants played a vital role in shaping the territory that would become the 46th state. These hardy pioneers brought with them not just their farming expertise and business acumen, but also their rich cultural traditions, values, and deep sense of community.
Many Scots-Irish settlers arrived during the Land Runs of the 1890s, staking claims and establishing communities across what was then Indian Territory. They brought Presbyterian churches, established schools, and introduced agricultural techniques that would help transform Oklahoma's landscape. Today, their legacy lives on through celebrations like Scotfest, which has been honoring Scottish culture in Green Country since 1980.
Scottish and Scots-Irish pioneers arrive during Oklahoma's historic Land Runs, establishing farms and ranches across the territory.
Scottish settlers establish Presbyterian churches, schools, and businesses. Oil boom brings Scottish engineers and investors.
Formation of Scottish societies and Highland games events begin celebrating heritage and maintaining cultural traditions.
Scotfest Oklahoma founded in 1980, becoming the premier celebration of Scottish culture in Green Country for over four decadesā46 years and counting!
The intertwined history of Scottish settlers and Native American nations in Oklahoma Territory
The relationship between Scottish settlers and Native American nations in Oklahoma represents a fascinating chapter in American history. When Scottish and Scots-Irish immigrants arrived in Indian Territory during the late 1800s, they entered lands that were home to the Five Civilized TribesāCherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminoleāwho had been forcibly relocated here via the Trail of Tears.
Despite the challenges of this era, meaningful connections formed between these communities. Scottish traders, missionaries, and settlers often developed respectful relationships with Native American neighbors, engaging in commerce, sharing agricultural knowledge, and sometimes intermarrying, creating families that bridged both cultures.
Interestingly, both Scottish Highlanders and Native Americans had experienced their own histories of displacement and cultural suppression. Scottish Highlanders faced clan clearances and cultural persecution following the Jacobite rebellions, while Native American tribes endured forced removal and attempts to erase their traditions. This shared experience of resilience may have fostered mutual understanding and respect.
The Cherokee Nation had particularly strong ties with Scottish immigrants. Many Cherokee families had Scottish surnames due to intermarriage dating back to the Carolinas and Georgia before removal. Scottish traders like James Adair documented Cherokee culture with respect and fascination, and Scottish-Cherokee families became influential leaders in both communities.
Today, many Oklahomans proudly claim both Cherokee and Scottish heritage, and the Cherokee Nation remains an important part of Oklahoma's cultural landscape, just as Scotfest celebrates Scottish traditions.
Scottish and Native American cultures share remarkable similarities: deep clan systems with tartans/symbols identifying family lineages, warrior traditions emphasizing honor and bravery, rich storytelling and oral history traditions, spiritual connections to ancestral lands, and communal gatherings featuring music, dance, and athletic competitions.
These shared values created natural bridges for understanding and mutual respect between the communities.
Presenting Sponsor & Partner
Scotfest is honored to partner with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, one of the largest and most influential Native American tribes in Oklahoma. This partnership represents more than sponsorshipāit's a celebration of the historical connections between Scottish settlers and the Muscogee people who have called this land home for nearly two centuries.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, forcibly relocated to Indian Territory in the 1830s, established a sophisticated government and thriving communities that welcomed settlers of many backgrounds, including Scottish immigrants. Creek trading posts became important gathering places where Scottish merchants and Muscogee traders exchanged goods, knowledge, and cultural understanding.
Scottish traders established lasting relationships with Muscogee merchants, creating economic networks that benefited both communities and helped shape Oklahoma's early economy.
Many Scottish-Muscogee families formed through marriage, blending traditions and creating unique cultural identities that persist in Oklahoma families today.
During difficult times, including the early territorial period and natural disasters, Scottish and Muscogee communities often provided mutual aid and support.
Presbyterian missionaries (often Scottish) worked with the Muscogee Nation on educational initiatives, while respecting and sometimes learning from Muscogee educational traditions.
Today, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a vital economic and cultural force in Oklahoma, with businesses, healthcare facilities, educational programs, and cultural preservation initiatives that benefit all Oklahomans. As Scotfest's presenting sponsor and marketing partner, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation helps us celebrate cultural heritage while looking toward a future of continued collaboration and mutual respect.
This partnership embodies the spirit of Oklahomaāa place where diverse cultures not only coexist but actively celebrate and support one another. Just as Scottish and Muscogee communities built relationships in the territorial days, Scotfest and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation work together to preserve heritage, educate future generations, and create inclusive celebrations that honor all of Oklahoma's rich cultural tapestry.
Thank You, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
We are deeply grateful for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's support, partnership, and friendship. Together, we celebrate not just our individual heritages, but the beautiful diversity that makes Oklahoma unique.
Visit Scotfest to celebrate Scottish heritage while learning about the rich history and ongoing contributions of Oklahoma's Native American nations, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Scottish farmers introduced innovative agricultural practices and livestock breeding techniques, particularly in cattle ranching. Their expertise helped establish Oklahoma as a major agricultural state.
Scottish entrepreneurs and engineers played crucial roles in Oklahoma's oil industry boom, banking sector, and infrastructure development, bringing business acumen and technical expertise.
Presbyterian churches and schools established by Scottish settlers became cornerstones of community life, emphasizing education, discipline, and moral values that shaped Oklahoma's character.
Today, Oklahoma is home to thousands of residents with Scottish and Scots-Irish ancestry. The spirit of those early pioneersātheir work ethic, community values, and cultural prideālives on through organizations like Scotfest and numerous clan societies across the state.
Scotfest Oklahoma serves as a living bridge between past and present, honoring the contributions of Scottish settlers while celebrating contemporary Scottish culture. Through Highland games, traditional music, dance competitions, and cultural education, we ensure that Oklahoma's Scottish heritage remains vibrant for future generations.
Visit our Genealogy & Clan Pavilion to explore your family history and connect with your Scottish heritage
Scotfest Oklahoma is honored to be recognized as a City of Broken Arrow Signature Event. We are deeply grateful for the City's continued support in helping us bring this celebration of Scottish culture and heritage to our community year after year.
City Partnership
Community Support
Cultural Celebration
Thank you, City of Broken Arrow, for your dedication to fostering arts, culture, and community events that make our city an exceptional place to live and visit.