City: Tampa Bay, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (727) 733-3197 (Chamber of Com

Address: 1920 Pinehurst Rd.

Description: The two-day Dunedin Highland Games, held the first weekend in April, caps a Scottish Events Week that began with a Military Tattoo the weekend before (the last weekend in March). No, we’re not talking military insignia body art. This tattoo is a military drum performance or display of might. The Dunedin Military Tattoo at Dunedin High School’s Memorial Stadium (1651 Pinehurst Rd.) has become one mighty performance. Area pipe and drum bands—there are more of them than you might think—gather on the field along with Celtic dancers and representatives from more than 30 clans. Past guest performers have included the University of South Florida’s Herd of Thunder Show Band. The Highland Games draw crowds to watch kilted athletes toss the caber—a log about the size of a telephone pole—end over end, throw a 20-pound sack of hay with a pitchfork backwards over a high bar, or throw a 100-pound rock further than the current record of 15 feet, 2 inches. These games pre-date the ancient Greek Olympics and aren’t for lightweights. There’s more piping, drumming and dancing—including free workshops for visitors who want to learn—sheepdog demonstrations, food (try the Scottish ginger cake) and drink, and arts and crafts. Admission is $10 for adults; children ages 12 and under are free with a paying adult. No pets. Parking is in an adjacent field or at nearby Dunedin High School (a shuttle runs between the two spots).