Highland Games and Celtic Festivals 2026: Dates, Locations & What to Expect
Where to Experience Scottish & Celtic Heritage Around the World
For many families, Highland Games and Celtic festivals are more than just events—they’re gatherings that celebrate heritage, music, athletics, and community. Whether you’re tracing your family roots, enjoying pipe bands and heavy athletics, or simply spending a day surrounded by tartans and tradition, 2026 offers dozens of opportunities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
These festivals bring together clans, athletes, musicians, vendors, and families who share a love of Celtic culture. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the sound of the pipes echoing across a field or watch the caber toss in person, this could be the year to plan your visit.
And if you’re planning to attend, it’s always fun to go wearing your surname with pride—many families enjoy representing their clan at these gatherings. You can use the search bar above to look up your family name and see what’s available.
Major Highland Games in the United States (2026)
The United States hosts some of the largest Highland Games outside Scotland, and 2026 has a full calendar of events across the country.
Early in the year, Florida becomes a hub for Celtic events, including the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games in January, the Tallahassee Highland Games in February, and the Northeast Florida Scottish Games shortly afterward. March continues the season with festivals in St. Augustine, Dunedin, and Panama City Beach.
As summer arrives, some of the most famous gatherings take place. The Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival in June and the legendary Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina in July are among the best-known events, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Later in the year, large regional festivals include the Pleasanton Scottish Games in California, the New Hampshire Highland Games, the Celtic Classic in Pennsylvania, and the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia. Texas alone hosts multiple events, including festivals in Houston, McKinney, Fredericksburg, and Austin.
These events typically include athletics, Highland dancing, pipe bands, clan tents, food vendors, and heritage exhibits, making them ideal family outings as well as cultural experiences.
Highland Games and Festivals in Canada
Canada’s Scottish heritage runs deep, and its Highland Games are some of the most historic outside Scotland itself.
The Victoria Highland Games in British Columbia opens the season in May, followed by one of the oldest and most famous gatherings in the world—the Antigonish Highland Games in Nova Scotia in July.
August is especially active, with festivals in Montreal and Fergus, Ontario, and later in the summer the North Lanark Highland Games and the Canmore Highland Games bring communities together in beautiful outdoor settings.
These Canadian festivals are known for their strong pipe band competitions and vibrant clan participation.
Highland Games in Scotland and the United Kingdom
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Highland Games in Scotland itself, where many of the traditions began.
In 2026, the season includes gatherings such as the Gourock Highland Games, the Gordon Castle Highland Games, and the Atholl Gathering at Blair Castle. Summer continues with events like the Kenmore Highland Games and the Inverness Highland Games, one of the highlights of the Highland calendar.
Many of these games are held in historic settings—castle grounds, village parks, and Highland landscapes that have hosted competitions for generations.
Celtic Festivals and Highland Games in Australia
Celtic heritage thrives in Australia, and several major festivals take place in 2026.
The Melbourne Highland Games in March and the Brigadoon at Bundanoon gathering in April are among the best known. The Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes and the Hunter Valley Highland Games also attract strong attendance, combining traditional athletics with music, markets, and cultural displays.
These events are especially popular with families and visitors interested in history, genealogy, and traditional crafts.
Why Highland Games Still Matter
Highland Games are not just about sport—they are living cultural traditions. They preserve music, language, dance, and clan identity in a way that few other events can.
For many people, attending a Highland Games is the first time they see their surname represented on a clan tent or hear stories connected to their ancestors. These gatherings help keep history alive and pass traditions to the next generation.
If you’re curious about your own family name, you can use the search bar above to look up your surname and learn more about its history and heritage.
What to Wear to a Highland Games
One of the most enjoyable parts of attending a Highland Games is seeing families proudly wearing their clan names. T-shirts featuring surnames or clan designs are especially popular because they’re comfortable, easy to pack, and perfect for warm summer events.
Many visitors choose to wear clan t-shirts to help start conversations, meet others with the same surname, or simply show pride in their roots. They’re also ideal for Highland Games because they’re practical for walking, watching events, and spending long days outdoors.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning to attend a Highland Games in 2026, it’s a good idea to:
Check the official website of the event for exact dates and schedules
Book accommodation early, especially for large gatherings
Arrive early in the day to see opening ceremonies and athletics
Visit clan tents and genealogy booths to learn more about your heritage
Most festivals publish schedules and visitor information several months in advance.
Celebrating Heritage Every Day
Highland Games and Celtic festivals remind us that heritage isn’t just history—it’s something we carry with us every day.
We carry thousands of Scottish and Irish surnames across a wide range of products, helping families celebrate their heritage year-round. Use the search bar above to find your name and discover ways to represent your family with pride.
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