Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture at this annual affair, which features seven athletic events, dancing, bagpipes, Gaelic fare, harp and fiddle workshops, traditional regalia, and more. A torchlight ceremony and sheep-herding demo kick things off on Thursday afternoon and the festivities continue throughout the weekend, culminating with the Parade of Tartans on Sunday. » Grandfather Mountain, MacRae Meadows, 4210 Mitchell Ave.; Thursday, 4:30-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-midnight, Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; $15-$30 day pass, $5 children, $55-$75 advance four-day pass, $30 children, prices vary for tent camping; (828) 733-1333; www.gmhg.org