One of the nice things about Midland is the plethora of free outdoor music events in the summer. This weekend brings a particularly good one for families: the Midland Highland Festival and Games returns to Chippewassee Park this Saturday, bringing a variety of entertainment ranging from pipe bands to sheepdog demonstrations to Scottish heavy events. We attended with our then-9-month-old last year, and he had a fine time listening to the bands, watching the dogs, touching grass for the first time, and stealing daddy’s hat.

This year, the Highland athletics kick off at 9 a.m., and the White Pine Pipes and Drums and the Midland Highlanders will perform together at the Opening Ceremony at noon, after which each pipe band will perform two sets. Michigan trad Celtic band Equinox will be performing in the Spectator Tent throughout the day, and don’t forget to check out the Highland dancers performing on the parade grounds.

Food will be available, including Scottish bridies and sausage rolls, as well as some standard festival fare. We’ll be on the lookout for some IRN BRU!

(One note — remember to bring sunscreen. There are tents, but the summer sun at festivals can be brutal, especially for little ones.)