The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway,
CA-90802
(800) 437-2934
www.queenmaryscottish.com
Cuisine Type: Cal Coast
Annual Scottish Festival & Games Return to the Queen Mary Feb 18-19
Navigate through a sea of Scottish plaid and entertainment as the ship honors its heritage during one of Southern California’s largest celebrations of all things Scottish
With bagpipe bands, Scottish clans, Highland dancing, athletic games, sheepherding, evening concerts and much more, the Queen Mary will celebrate its heritage during the 19th annual Scottish Festival & Games on Feb. 18 and 19 in Long Beach. Scottish Fest BagpipeBand
The most famous ship built on the River Clyde, the iconic Queen Mary exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of Scotland.
The two-day Scottish extravaganza features sheepherding demonstrations, Highland athletics and dancing competitions, dart tournament, full pipe band, historical reenactments, firing demonstrations, as well as Scotch whisky tastings and plenty of authentic Scottish foods and ales.
A colorful grand parade on both Saturday and Sunday will include Scottish clans, massed pipes and drums, as well as special guest Grand Marshals.
During the outdoor festival, visitors can not only walk the decks of the Queen Mary, they can talk ancestral history with members of more than 40 Scottish clans and browse Scottish and Celtic merchandise. An interactive kids’ zone will provide wee lads and lassies the opportunity to get acquainted with Border Collies and other sheepherding breeds.
Ticket Prices:
One-Day Pass: Adult – $18 online / $22 at the event; Seniors/Military – $16 online / $20 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $12 online / $15 at the event
Two-Day Pass: Adult – $24 online / $28 at the event; Seniors/Military – $22 online / $26 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $16 online / $20 at the event
Admission includes a Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour and access to the ship’s historic exhibits. Parking is an additional charge. Regular festival hours are Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Outside of regular hours additional activities abound. On Friday, Feb. 17, festival goers 21 and up can join Scotch master Ray Pearson for a single-malt Scotch whisky tasting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Also on Friday, guests may enjoy a concert featuring the Scottish and Irish music and humor of Men of Worth. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $15 per person. On Saturday, Plaidpalooza featuring the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band will commence at 8 p.m. in the Queen’s Salon. This event is free to the public. On Sunday evening, stop by the ship’s famed Observation Bar for a cocktail and informal Ceilidh Piping Competition. Starting at 8 p.m., this is when pipers let down their hair after the formalities of the weekend!
Scottish Festival overnight packages are available for those who wish to stay aboard the Queen Mary for a night or the weekend. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For more information, visit www.queenmaryscottish.com or call (800) 437-2934.
