The sounds of bagpipes, the spectacle of Highland athletics and a full weekend of family activities will return to the Lyon College campus when ScotsFest 2026, the 46th Arkansas Scottish Festival and Lyon College Homecoming, takes place Oct. 23-25 in Batesville.
Presented by Lyon College and Experience Independence, the three-day celebration offers something for all ages while showcasing the college’s Scottish heritage through music, athletics, demonstrations and family-friendly activities. General admission is free, although some alumni and special events require tickets or registration.
“ScotsFest is one of our favorite traditions because it brings together our students, alumni, neighbors and visitors to celebrate the unique Scottish heritage that defines Lyon College,” said Jimmy Bell, director of the Scottish Heritage Program at Lyon College. “Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for another year, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Two new events will make their debut during this year’s festival.
The Lil’ Highlanders Tea Party on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. will welcome young princes and princesses for morning tea and story time with the prime minister of the Arkansas Scottish Festival, Dr. Melissa Taverner, Lyon College president. Children are encouraged to wear their royal attire for the event.
The inaugural ScotsFest Fishing Derby will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Bryan Lake on the Lyon College campus, giving families another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during the festival weekend.
The festival begins Friday, Oct. 23, with a soft opening featuring vendors, Scottish clan organizations and tartan-weaving demonstrations. This year, Lyon College art faculty member Cody Norton, who teaches weaving, will introduce a Lyon College dress tartan he designed to complement the official Lyon College tartan registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. The evening also includes the Annual Lyon College Alumni Awards Celebration and an Alumni and Friends Social in downtown Batesville.
Saturday’s festivities include Highland athletics, pipe and drum performances, Highland dancing, sheepdog demonstrations, McNaughton’s Raiders living history demonstrations, a British car show, Celtic music, a dog show hosted by the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, a petting zoo and the Lil’ Highlanders Fun Zone. Families can also enjoy rocket-building workshops and launch demonstrations, children’s activities, and interactive experiences throughout the day.
A Feast and Ceilidh on Saturday evening will feature a traditional Scottish dinner, live Celtic music, Highland dancing and an evening of fellowship celebrating Scotland’s rich cultural traditions.
The celebration also includes the homecoming football game as the Scots host Texas Lutheran University at Bad Boy Mowers Stadium.
On Sunday, the festival continues with tea and scones, the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service, Highland dancing, sheepdog demonstrations, a Club 50 Celebration for alumni celebrating 50 or more years since graduation, an alumni baseball game and the inaugural ScotsFest Fishing Derby before concluding at 4 p.m.
ScotsFest welcomes visitors from across Arkansas and beyond for a weekend celebrating Lyon College’s Scottish heritage, community and traditions.
General admission is free and includes access to pipe and drum performances and most festival activities. Tickets are required for select events, including the Feast and Ceilidh, the entertainment zone and other designated alumni or special events.
A complete schedule, registration information and ticket details are available at arscottishfest.com.
McNaughton’s Raiders: Members of McNaughton’s Raiders present a living history demonstration during ScotsFest at Lyon College. Experience Scottish history brought to life during ScotsFest 2026, Oct. 23–25, on the Lyon College campus in Batesville.
Bagpipes, drums, Scottish clans and more: Kenton Adler, center, and members of the Lyon College Pipe Band perform during the opening ceremony of ScotsFest at Lyon College. Hear the stirring sounds of the pipes and drums during ScotsFest 2026, Oct. 23–25.
Highland games: A competitor participates in the weight for distance event during the Highland games at ScotsFest at Lyon College. Watch athletes test their strength in traditional Scottish events during ScotsFest 2026, Oct. 23–25.
Tartan weaving: Lyon College art professor Cody Norton demonstrates traditional tartan weaving during ScotsFest at Lyon College. Discover Scottish arts, crafts and cultural traditions during ScotsFest 2026, Oct. 23–25, in Batesville.
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