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Updates

📅 Festival News · 🎤 Artist Announcements · 🏆 Competition Results

Stay up to date with the latest Scotfest news, performer announcements, competition results, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Bristol, VA, September 14, 2024. View down State Street showing the crowd at the 2024 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Music Festival.
FEATURED January 9, 2026

Scotfest 2026: Bigger & Better Than Ever!

Tree thrower competing during the Highland Games of Kirkmichael in 2014.Caber Toss is one of the traditional Highland games, where men compete to throw a tree as far as possible.

Mark your calendars! Scotfest 2026 is shaping up to be our most spectacular celebration yet, with exciting new additions, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.

🏆 Expanded Highland Games Competition

This year, we're thrilled to introduce over 50 competition categories across Highland Athletics, Piping & Drumming, Highland Dance, and more. We've added new divisions for youth competitors and amateur athletes, making it easier than ever to participate in these time-honored traditions.

  • Caber Toss & Heavy Hammer competitions
  • Stones of Strength Challenge (new!)
  • Backhold Wrestling tournaments
  • Armored Combat demonstrations
  • Youth Highland Dance championships

🎵 World-Class Musical Lineup

Get ready for an incredible lineup of Celtic rock, traditional bagpipe performances, and contemporary Scottish musicians. From daytime performances to Scotfest After Dark, you'll experience the best of Scottish music across multiple stages.

🍴 Enhanced Food & Drink Experience

We've expanded our food and beverage offerings with 15+ new vendors featuring authentic Scottish cuisine, craft beers, and premium whisky tastings. Don't miss our exclusive Whisky Garden with rare single malts and guided tastings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Activities

Our expanded Kids Area features interactive clan heritage activities, traditional craft workshops, face painting, and storytelling sessions. Plus, our Military Row honors veterans and active service members with special exhibits and demonstrations.

đź“… Save the Date

Scotfest 2026 takes place May 16-17, 2026 at River Spirit Expo. Early bird tickets are now available with special discounts for families and groups!

🎟️ Special Announcements

Burns Night Celebration: Before the main festival, join us on January 24, 2026 for an elegant Burns Night celebration at River Spirit Casino Resort. This black-tie event features traditional Scottish cuisine, live entertainment by the Waxie Dargles, and ceremonial tributes to Scotland's beloved poet Robert Burns.

🎉 What Else is New?

  • VIP Experiences: Premium packages with exclusive access to competitions, backstage tours, and meet-and-greets
  • Marketplace Expansion: 100+ vendors featuring Scottish imports, Celtic jewelry, tartans, and artisan goods
  • Cultural Exhibits: Interactive displays on Scottish history, genealogy resources, and clan heritage
  • Evening Entertainment: Extended hours with Scotfest After Dark featuring Celtic rock bands and dancing

Ready to Experience Scotfest 2026?

Don't miss Oklahoma's premier celebration of Scottish culture! Tickets are selling fast—secure your spot today.

Stay tuned for more announcements including our full entertainment lineup, competition schedules, and special guest performers. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!

Tossing the Caber at the Cowal Gathering. A traditional Highland Games held each year in Dunoon in Scotland
NEW COMPETITION January 8, 2026

Ancient Tradition Comes to Scotfest: Introducing Backhold Wrestling

We're thrilled to announce a new competition coming to Scotfest 2026: Scottish Backhold Wrestling! This ancient grappling art has been practiced in Scotland for over 1,000 years...

Dunoon, United Kingdom - August 30, 2008: Sportsman 'tossing the caber' at the Cowal Gathering - a traditional Highland Games near Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland.
NEW COMPETITION January 8, 2026

Ancient Tradition Comes to Scotfest: Introducing Backhold Wrestling

We're excited to announce that Scotfest 2026 will feature a competition that hasn't been seen in Oklahoma before: Scottish Backhold Wrestling. This ancient grappling tradition is making its debut at our festival, and we couldn't be more thrilled to bring this piece of Scottish heritage to life!

🤼 What is Backhold Wrestling?

Scottish Backhold Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of wrestling in the world, with roots stretching back over a millennium. This traditional combat sport was practiced by Scottish warriors and clansmen, passed down through generations as a test of strength, technique, and honor.

Unlike modern wrestling styles, Backhold Wrestling has a unique starting position: competitors stand chest-to-chest, with their right arm over their opponent's left shoulder and their left arm under the opponent's right arm, gripping hands behind the back. This "backhold" grip must be maintained throughout the match—lose the grip, and you lose the round.

⚔️ Historical Significance

"Backhold wrestling was not just sport—it was preparation for battle. Scottish warriors used these techniques to train for close-quarters combat, developing the strength and agility needed to defend their clans."

đź“‹ How Does It Work?

The rules of Backhold Wrestling are deceptively simple, but mastering the sport takes years of practice:

  • The Grip: Wrestlers begin in the traditional backhold position with hands clasped behind each other's backs
  • The Objective: Force any part of your opponent's body (other than their feet) to touch the ground
  • The Rules: The backhold grip must be maintained at all times—breaking the grip results in a restart or penalty
  • Victory: Best of three falls wins the match
  • No Leg Holds: Unlike other wrestling styles, tripping or using leg holds is not permitted—it's all about upper body strength and technique

🏆 Competition at Scotfest 2026

Our inaugural Backhold Wrestling competition will feature multiple weight classes and skill levels, welcoming both experienced grapplers and newcomers to the sport:

  • Open Division: For experienced wrestlers and martial artists
  • Novice Division: Perfect for first-timers who want to try this ancient sport
  • Youth Division: Ages 12-17 with modified rules for safety
  • Demonstration Matches: Watch expert wrestlers showcase advanced techniques

đź“… Register to Compete!

Registration opens February 1st, 2026. Limited spots available in each division. No wrestling experience required for novice divisions—we'll provide basic training workshops before competition begins!

👨‍🏫 Learn from the Masters

We're bringing in championship wrestlers from Scotland to judge the competition and conduct workshops throughout the weekend. Whether you're a spectator or a competitor, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Watch live demonstrations of proper technique and form
  • Attend beginner workshops to learn the basics
  • Participate in Q&A sessions with master wrestlers
  • Learn about the history and cultural significance of the sport
  • Try it yourself in supervised practice sessions

🌟 Why We're Excited

Backhold Wrestling represents everything we love about Scottish heritage—it's a tradition that combines physical prowess with honor, respect, and centuries of history. Unlike the more commonly known Highland heavy athletics (caber toss, hammer throw), Backhold Wrestling offers a more intimate, technical competition that showcases skill and strategy.

This addition to Scotfest means we're not just celebrating Scottish culture—we're actively preserving and promoting traditions that risk being forgotten. By introducing Backhold Wrestling to a new audience in Oklahoma, we're helping keep this ancient art alive for future generations.

🎯 Beyond Scotfest

We're also exploring the possibility of establishing an Oklahoma Backhold Wrestling Club for those who fall in love with the sport at Scotfest. If there's enough interest, we'll organize regular training sessions and potentially send a team to compete at the Scottish Championships in Scotland!

Ready to Experience This Ancient Sport?

Join us at Scotfest 2026 to witness (or compete in!) this incredible display of Scottish tradition, strength, and skill.

đź”” Stay Updated on Competition Details

We'll be announcing competition schedules, registration details, and workshop times in the coming weeks. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and following us on social media so you don't miss any updates!

  • âś“ Registration opens: February 1, 2026
  • âś“ Beginner workshops: Both festival days
  • âś“ Competition finals: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Have questions about Backhold Wrestling or want to express interest in competing? Contact us at [email protected]. Whether you're a seasoned wrestler or complete beginner, we welcome all skill levels!

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RESULTS February 28, 2026

2025 Competition Winners Recap

Congratulations to all 2025 competition winners! See the full list of champions across Highland Athletics, Dance, Piping & Drumming...

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STORY February 20, 2026

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Scotfest

Ever wonder what it takes to organize Oklahoma's largest Scottish festival? Go behind the scenes with our team as we prepare...

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