Radford Highlanders Festival returns to campus on October 12

Guests enjoy vendors, music and games at the 2017 Highlanders Festival.
Guests enjoy vendors, music and games at the 2017 Highlanders Festival.

For the 23rd Radford Highlanders Festival on Oct. 12, the skirl of bagpipes will emanate from a familiar place – the campus of Radford University. Join thousands of people to experience excitement, fun, games and food from the heart of Radford University’s campus, celebrating the regions’ Scots-Irish heritage.

Live music, long a cornerstone of the Highlanders Festival, will feature two main stage acts: headliner Scythian, a Washington, D.C., Celtic/folk-rock band, and CrossBow, a Midwest Celtic rock band. Scythian formed more than 12 years ago and has earned recognition from outlets, such as The Washington Post, while playing across the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. During its shows, CrossBow spreads excitement and camaraderie through the audience, creating a unique experience.

Rounding out the unforgettable experience of the Radford Highlanders Festival are the Heavyweight Games, sheepherding, Scottish clans, entertainers, children’s games and pipe and drum bands that draw visitors back each year.

Moffett Lawn, the Festival’s home on campus, will transform into an open-air forum representing the region’s rich Scots-Irish heritage, featuring artists, vendors, craftspeople and community organizations. Guests can treat themselves to something from one of the many vendors, with items such as clothing, accessories, jewelry and crafts.

One of the most popular aspects of the Radford Highlanders Festival is the food. Visitors can enjoy authentic Scottish fare, classic festival food or American classics, while taking in a true Scots-Irish music and activities in the heart of the New River Valley.

Participant in the Highlanders Games partakes in the caber toss at Highlanders Festival.
Participant in the Highlanders Games partakes in the caber toss at Highlanders Festival.

Veteran strongman and powerlifting competitor Chad Clark is in charge of the Tom Raisbeck Memorial Games for the fourth consecutive year. The Raisbeck Games features events and competitions associated with rural and military life, including weights for distance and height; the stones, similar to modern-day shotput; the sheaf toss; and the crowd-pleasing caber toss.

The Radford Highlanders Festival features fun for everyone, all while celebrating Radford’s – and the region’s – Scots-Irish heritage. So, make a stop in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on Oct. 12 to enjoy a spectacular assortment of traditional vendors, artists, music and culture.

The Radford Highlanders Festival is a partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford. To learn more, go to www.radford.edu/festival or search “Radford Highlanders Festival” on Facebook. Registration for the Braveheart 5K can be found on itsyourrace.com. Registration for vendors is ongoing.

Aug 8, 2019
Max Esterhuizen
540-831-7749
westerhuizen@radford.edu