177th Annual Highland Games - St. Andrew's Society of Detroit

St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit is excited to invite your clan to participate in the oldest continuous Highland Games in North America. Our 177th Annual Highland Games will be held again at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia, Michigan, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

 

Registration fee of $70.00 will provide you with:

• Two entry tickets
• One 10’ X 10’ tent in the Clan Community area
• One parking pass per 10’ x 10’ tent space

Optional: tables and chairs for rent at an extra minimal cost.

 

Please note that we will be allowing clans to bring their own tents. For a reduced price, you will still be on the pavement and butted up to the tent beside you. You will also be responsible for securing your own tent to the ground. (Subject to availability.)

 

CLANS THAT REGISTER BY JUNE 15TH WILL RECEIVE 2 TICKETS PER CLAN TO THE FRIDAY NIGHT CEILIDH

You will receive 2 entry tickets and 1 parking pass for every reserved Clan Tent Space. These will be given to you prior to the event.

 

Registration closes on Sunday, July 1, 2026, at 11 pm.

Highland Dance Competition at the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit 177th Annual Highland Games

 

<<Click "See More" >> to scroll through all dance registration details. Refresh your screen if you do not yet see "See More"

 

ScotDance USA Competition Registration # USMW-0201

 

All Dance Entries must be made by July 28, 2026. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

COMPETITION INFORMATION:

A.M. COMPETITION:

• Pre-Premier Dancer Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:00 a.m.
• Pre-Premier Competition begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Flora MacDonald's Fancy followed by the 16 Pas de Basques.
• Choreography Competition begins at the conclusion of the Pre-Premier Competition. Be ready at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Primary Dances:

• Sixteen Pas de Basques
• Pas de Basques & High Cuts
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)

Beginner Dances:

• Flora (4-step)
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)
• Seann Triubhas (3&1)

Novice Dances:

• Flora (4-step)
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)
• Seann Triubhas (3&1)

Individual Choreography Dance:

Open to Premier dancers only. See competition rules for details.

 

P.M. COMPETITION:
Intermediate and Premier Dancer Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m. Afternoon competition will begin at 1:30 p.m. with Irish Jig (3+1).

Intermediate Dances:

• Irish Jig (3&1)
• Scottish Lilt (4 steps) 
• Highland Fling (4 steps)
• Sean Triubhas (3&1) 

Premier Dances:

• Irish Jig (3&1)
• Scottish Lilt (4 steps) 
• Highland Fling (4 steps)
• Sean Triubhas (3&1)

Premier Sword Challenge

Open to all Premier dancers. Dancers will dance a 2&1 Sword Dance for a chance to win an actual Claymore Sword. Groups may be divided depending on entries. Sword Challenge will be done immediately following Premier Triubhas.

Dancer of the Day

Highland Fling (4-step)

 

As you may know, the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every dollar of profit from our Highland Games goes directly to the charities we support. One of our proudest achievements is the William Kincaid Scholarship for Scottish Arts—the only scholarship of its kind sponsored by a St. Andrew’s Society anywhere in the world! Many of us have had the pleasure of seeing our talented scholarship recipients perform at membership meetings, making this initiative even more special. In addition to our own scholarship, we proudly support local and national organizations such as Alma College and The National Trust of Scotland. As the Highland Games draw near each year, we invite our members to show their support by sponsoring a trophy or medal. With over 450 participant medals awarded annually, we recognize excellence in a variety of competitions, including piping and drumming, heavy athletics, tug-of-war, Highland dance, best clan showcase, and even the beloved shortbread competition. The cost of providing these trophies and medals has exceeded $6,000 per year in the past, making member contributions essential to continuing this tradition.

NOTE: All volunteers MUST read the "Volunteer Disclaimer Statement" (attached) before completing and confirming their sign-up. Please volunteer for one or more places. 1) help us set up before the Ceilidh and Games 2) hold the individual events 3) teardown afterward Also, we WILL be getting Highland Games T-shirts for all our Volunteers.  You can request your T-shirt size when you sign-up. Each person must sign up INDIVIDUALLY with a unique email address. That way we can confirm your time and where you are helping and communicate with you before your sign-ups. Our 177th St. Andrew's Society of Detroit Annual Highland Games would not be successful without all the hard-working volunteers who will make it happen! Thanks in advance for volunteering! The Highland Games Committee

NOTE: this Application is solely for the "Solo Piping and Drumming Competition" entries for individuals.  Please see the separate Application "Pipe Band Competition" for entries for complete bands.

 

Please click on "Show more" (below) to see more details about this application. If you do NOT see "Show more". below, please refresh your screen until you do.

 

AGENDA

 

8:30 AM

• Individual Piping and Drumming Competitions Begin

11:30 AM

• Opening Ceremonies on Main Field with Massed band

02:00 PM

• Pipe Band Competition Begins on Main Field

5:30 PM

• Closing Ceremonies including Massed Bands and Trophy Presentations
  Overview

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 24, 2026 AT 11:59PM

 

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit Highland Games will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Greenmead Historical Park.

 

SOLO COMPETITION INFORMATION:  

• No field entries for solo piping or drumming.  
• Check-in will commence at 8:00 a.m.
• Competitions start at 8:30 a.m. SHARP.

SOLO PIPING EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENT

• Event 0 - Senior Amateur / 2 Part Tune (age 30+)
• Event 1 - Practice Canter / 2 Part Tune
• Event 2 - Grade IV / 4 Part March
• Event 3 - Grade III / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 4 - Grade III / Piobaireachd
• Event 5 - Grade II / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 6 - Grade II / Strathspey/Reel
• Event 7 - Grade II / Piobaireachd
• Event 8 - Grade I / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 9 - Grade I / Strathspey/Reel
• Event 10 - Grade I / Piobaireachd
• Event 11 - Amateur / Hornpipe/Jig

SOLO DRUMMING EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENT

• Event 12 - Grade IV / March 4 Parts
• Event 13 - Grade III / March 4 Parts 2/4
• Event 14 - Grade II / M/S/R
• Event 15 - Grade I / M/S/R
• Event 16 - Tenor Drum
• Event 17 - Bass Drum
• Event 18 - Drum Major

SOLO COMPETITION PRIZES

• Bass Drum: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15
• Tenor Drum: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15
• Drum Major: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15

COMPETITION INFORMATION

• No entry fee for solo events.
• All solo competitors must also purchase their own paid general admission ticket to the park, UNLESS you are a member of a competing or non-competing band. In that case, you will get your ticket from your Band leader.
• You may enter only one grade.
• Medals and trophies awarded for all events except those noted.
• Field entry accepted for tenor, bass drum and drum major only.

PARKING INFORMATION

• Band Drop Off Zone
  • A drop-off zone has been established for band equipment. Please call 734-464-0468 for more information.
• On-Site Parking
  • On-site parking (scarce after 10:00 a.m.) is available for a fee.
• Shuttle Parking
  • FREE parking and shuttle service (approximately every 10 minutes) to and from the Highland Games will be available at the Schoolcraft College, on Haggery between 6 and 7 Mile Roads.
  • Service runs approximately every 5 minutes

HOST HOTEL

• Hyatt Place – Detroit Northwest – Livonia
• 19300 Haggerty Rd
• Livonia, MI 48152
• +1-734-373-7853
• Highland Games Reservation Link is: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/DETZL/G-HGP6
• For your reservation, please request a room under the “Highland Games Group Code – G-HGP6”

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event. No refunds will be issued.

 

Schedule subject to change. Please visit highlandgames.com prior to the event for the final schedule.

NOTE: this Application is solely for the "Pipe Band Competition Events" entries.  Please see the separate "Solo Piping and Drumming Competition Events" Application for individual entries.

 

<<Click on "Show more v" >> to scroll through all registration details. Refresh your screen if you do not yet see "Show more v".

 

AGENDA

 

8:30 AM

• Individual Solo Piping and Drumming Competitions Begin

11:30 AM

• Opening Ceremonies on Main Field with Massed band

02:00 PM

• Pipe Band Competition Begins on Main Field

5:30 PM

• Closing Ceremonies including Massed Bands and Trophy Presentations
  Overview

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 24, 2026 AT 11:59PM

 

The St. Andrew's Society of Detroit Highland Games will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Greenmead Historical Park.

 

PIPE BAND EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENTS

• Event 21 - Grade IV / Medley 3-5 minutes
• Event 22 - Grade V / Own Choice 3-5 minutes
• Event 23 - Open / 2 PT. Slow March - 4 PT. 6/8 March

PIPE BAND PRIZES

• Event 21: 1st - $450, 2nd - $350, 3rd - $250
• Event 22: 1st - $400, 2nd - 300, 3rd - $200, 4th - $175
• Event 23: 1st - $300, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $100

COMPETITION INFORMATION

• Medals and trophies awarded for all events except those noted.
• Band meeting will be in pipers tent at 11:00 a.m. Please have a band representative present.
• Tents with tables and chairs will be available to bands at cost.
• Band Entry Fee - $50.00 U.S. per event
• A band must consist of at least 5 Pipers, 2 snare drummers and 1 bass drum. These numbers must be present at both massed band parades and in any contest in which the band participates to be eligible for travel or prize monies.
• An accurate count of band members attending must be included with entries.

BAND TRAVEL ALLOWANCE

• Up to 100 miles - $250
• 101 - 300 miles - $400
• Over 300 miles - $500
• Travel allowance limited to first 20 bands to register.
• Bands must participate in both massed bands to receive travel allowance.
• All bands must be entered one week prior to the event to receive complimentary admission to the games by mail.
• Canadian entries should be posted one week earlier.

PARKING INFORMATION

• Band Drop Off Zone
  • A drop-off zone has been established for band equipment. Please call David Martin at 734-464-0468 or email him at davemartin@standrewspipeband.com for more information.
• On-Site Parking
  • On-site parking (scarce after 10:00 a.m.) is available for a fee.
• Shuttle Parking
  • FREE parking and shuttle service (approximately every 10 minutes) to and from the Highland Games will be available at the Schoolcraft College, on Haggery between 6 and 7 Mile Roads.
  • Service runs approximately every 5 minutes

HOST HOTEL

• Hyatt Place – Detroit Northwest – Livonia
• 19300 Haggerty Rd
• Livonia, MI 48152
• +1-734-373-7853
• Highland Games Reservation Link is: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/DETZL/G-HGP6
• For your reservation, please request a room under the “Highland Games Group Code – G-HGP6”

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event. No refunds will be issued.

 

Schedule subject to change. Please visit highlandgames.com prior to the event for the final schedule.

All Dance Entries must be made by July 24, 2025. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 

Please click on "Show more" (below) to see more details about this application. If you do NOT see "Show more". below, please refresh your screen until you do.

 

ScotDance USA Competition Registration # USMW-0201

 

COMPETITION INFORMATION:

 

A.M. COMPETITION:

• Pre-Premier Dancer Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:00 a.m.
• Pre-Premier Competition begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Flora MacDonald's Fancy followed by the 16 Pas de Basques.
• Choreography Competition begins at the conclusion of the Pre-Premier Competition. Be ready at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Primary Dances:

• Sixteen Pas de Basques
• Pas de Basques & High Cuts
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)

Beginner Dances:

• Flora (4-step)
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)
• Seann Triubhas (3&1)

Novice Dances

• Flora (4-step)
• Highland Fling (4-step)
• Sword Dance (2&1)
• Seann Triubhas (3&1)

Individual Choreography Dance:

• Open to Premier dancers only. See competition rules for details.

P.M. COMPETITION:

Intermediate and Premier Dancer Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m.

Afternoon competition will begin at 1:30 p.m. with Irish Jig (3+1).

Intermediate Dances:

• Irish Jig (3+1)
• Scottish Lilt (4 steps)
• Highland Fling (4 steps)
• Seann Triubhas (3+1)

Premier Dances:

• Irish Jig (3+1)
• Scottish Lilt (4 steps)
• Highland Fling (4 steps)
• Seann Triubhas (3+1)

Premier Sword Challenge

• Open to all Premier dancers. Dancers will dance a 2&1 Sword Dance for a chance to win an actual Claymore Sword. Groups may be divided depending on entries. Sword Challenge will be done immediately following Premier Triubhas.

Dancer of the Day

• Highland Fling (4-step)

COMPETITION RULES:

• This competition is governed by the rules and regulations of the S.O.B.H.D. The decisions of the judge(s) are final. No correspondence or discussion can be entered into between a judge and dancer/parent/guardian/teacher.
• All dancers must compete in their own category and age group (based on their age as of the day of the competition).
• Groups, order of the dancers and number of prizes are determined by the Competition Coordinators according to the number of entries received and the date of those entries.
• The first dancer to enter will be the last to dance in each category. All competitors must be in full Highland Dress to receive awards.
• Trophies will be awarded based on six places in each dance.
• Per S.O.B.H.D. rules, there are no trophies for Primary Dancers.
• Dancer of the Day will be a dance of the Highland Fling (4-step).

Individual Choreography Rules

 

Individuals must choreograph their own routines limited to 2 minutes. The routine must contain Highland movements and Scottish-type music and dress. Props are allowed. Competition is limited to the first 8 entries received. Entries are limited to Premier Dancers only. A $25 entry fee (U.S. funds). Dancers must upload their dance music by July 24, 2026.

 

Upload and label your dance music here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IevbknWRkFzK1LQavFLUaTIni2Gy0kjx

 

PREMIER AGE GROUPS

• Age groups will be divided based on entries received.

PRIZES:

• Prize Money for Premier Competition will be given to the three oldest premier age groups.
  
  
• Prize Money for Choreography Competition
  • First age group: 1st - $75, 2nd - $50
  • Second age group: 1st - $100, 2nd - $50
    
    
• Prize Money for the Dancer of the Day
  • Dancer of the Day: $100
  • Dancer of the Day Runner Up: $50

LODGING INFORMATION:

• Hyatt Place – Detroit Northwest – Livonia
• 19300 Haggerty Rd
• Livonia, MI 48152
• +1-734-373-7853
• https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/DETZL/G-HGP6

ADDITIONAL ENTRY TICKETS:

• ALL guests, excluding the registered dancer, must have an entry ticket to the Highland Games.
  Tickets can be purchased at https://highlandgames.com/

Additional Information:

PARKING

• On-site parking (scarce after 10 am) is available for $5. Entrance off Newburgh Road.
• FREE Shuttle Parking is available at
  • Schoolcraft College (between 6 and 7 Mile Roads on Haggerty Rd) and also at
  • Hyatt Place – Detroit Northwest – Livonia,19300 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152.
  • Service will be approximately every 5 minutes.

CHANGING ROOMS

• Changing rooms will be made available.

DANCER REGISTRATION CARDS

• Dancers must bring a valid 2025 SDUSA Registration Card

This is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be issued.

 

Five Dollars ($5) from each dancer registration fee will go to ScotDance USA.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 24, 2025 AT 11:59PM

 

Please click on "Show more" (below) to see more details about this application. If you do NOT see "Show more". below, please refresh your screen until you do.

 

DAY PLAN

 

8:30 AM

• Individual Piping and Drumming Competitions Begin

11:30 AM

• Opening Ceremonies on Main Field with Massed band

02:00 PM

• Pipe Band Competition Begins on Main Field

5:30 PM

• Closing Ceremonies including Massed Bands and Trophy Presentations
  Overview

SOLO COMPETITION INFORMATION:  

• No field entries for solo piping or drumming.  
• Check-in will commence at 8:00 a.m.
• Competitions start at 8:30 a.m. SHARP.

SOLO PIPING EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENT

• Event 0 - Senior Amateur / 2 Part Tune (age 30+)
• Event 1 - Practice Canter / 2 Part Tune
• Event 2 - Grade IV / 4 Part March
• Event 3 - Grade III / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 4 - Grade III / Piobaireachd
• Event 5 - Grade II / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 6 - Grade II / Strathspey/Reel
• Event 7 - Grade II / Piobaireachd
• Event 8 - Grade I / 2/4 March 4 Part
• Event 9 - Grade I / Strathspey/Reel
• Event 10 - Grade I / Piobaireachd
• Event 11 - Amateur / Hornpipe/Jig

SOLO DRUMMING EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENT

• Event 12 - Grade IV / March 4 Parts
• Event 13 - Grade III / March 4 Parts 2/4
• Event 14 - Grade II / M/S/R
• Event 15 - Grade I / M/S/R
• Event 16 - Tenor Drum
• Event 17 - Bass Drum
• Event 18 - Drum Major

SOLO COMPETITION PRIZES

• Bass Drum: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15
• Tenor Drum: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15
• Drum Major: 1st - $35, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15

PIPE BAND EVENTS / GRADE / REQUIREMENTS

• Event 21 - Grade IV / Medley 3-5 minutes
• Event 22 - Grade V / Own Choice 3-5 minutes
• Event 23 - Open / 2 PT. Slow March - 4 PT. 6/8 March

PIPE BAND PRIZES

• Event 21: 1st - $450, 2nd - $350, 3rd - $250
• Event 22: 1st - $400, 2nd - 300, 3rd - $200, 4th - $175
• Event 23: 1st - $300, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $100

COMPETITION INFORMATION

• No entry fee for solo events.
• All solo competitors must also purchase their own paid general admission ticket to the park, UNLESS you are a member of a competing or non-competing band. In that case, you will get your ticket from your Band leader.
• You may enter only one grade.
• Medals and trophies awarded for all events except those noted.
• Field entry accepted for tenor, bass drum, and drum major only.
• Band meeting will be in pipers tent at 11:00 a.m. Please have a band representative present.
• Tents with tables and chairs will be available to bands at cost.
• Band Entry Fee - $50.00 U.S. per event
• A band must consist of at least 5 Pipers, 2 snare drummers, and 1 bass drum. These numbers must be present at both massed band parades and in any contest in which the band participates to be eligible for travel or prize monies.
• An accurate count of band members attending must be included with entries.

BAND TRAVEL ALLOWANCE

• Up to 100 miles - $250
• 101 - 300 miles - $400
• Over 300 miles - $500
• Travel allowance limited to first 20 bands to register.
• Bands must participate in both massed bands to receive travel allowance.
• All bands must be entered one week prior to the event to receive complimentary admission to the games by mail.
• Canadian entries should be posted one week earlier.

PARKING INFORMATION

• Band Drop Off Zone
  • A drop-off zone has been established for band equipment. Please call David Martin at 734-464-0468 or email him at davemartin@standrewspipeband.com for more information.
• On-Site Parking
  • On-site parking (scarce after 10:00 a.m.) is available for a fee.
• Shuttle Parking
  • FREE parking and shuttle service (approximately every 10 minutes) to and from the Highland Games will be available at the Schoolcraft College, on Haggery between 6 and 7 Mile Roads.
  • Service runs approximately every 5 minutes

HOST HOTEL

• Hyatt Place – Detroit Northwest – Livonia
• 19300 Haggerty Rd
• Livonia, MI 48152
• +1-734-373-7853
• Highland Games Reservation Link is: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/DETZL/G-HGP6
• For your reservation, please request a room under the “Highland Games Group Code – G-HGP6”

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event. No refunds will be issued.

 

Schedule subject to change. Please visit highlandgames.com prior to the event for the final schedule.