Scottish festivals and Highland Games in Southern Ontario 2025
Glengarry Highland Games
Discover the tapestry of kilts and family tartans representing centuries of tradition and history. Feel the infectious energy of the “Ceilidh”, a traditional Scottish or Irish gathering that combines music, dance and storytelling.
Witness the physical strength of the Highland heavyweight competitions and the intricate and fancy footwork of graceful Highland dancers. And no Scottish festival is complete without the commanding presence of the iconic bagpipes.
Whether you’re Scottish by heritage or just Scottish at heart, these Highland Games in Ontario will transport you back to Scotland's “bonny” shores, vast lochs, and lush lands.
Southwestern Ontario
Embro Highland Games
Experience Scottish tradition at the Embro Zorra Community Centre. Enjoy live music, competitive heavy events and a tug of war, rousing Highland dancing, massed pipe bands, agility dogs and traditional Scottish fare.
When: July 1, 2025
Where: 355644 35th Line, Embro
Kingsville-Essex Highland Games
Participate in sheep herding, pipe music, highland dancing and shopping at the vendor tents. Cheer on the Mayors’ Haggis Hurl to see which mayor from Windsor Essex will be crowned the winner. Participants in the five-kilometre run or walk are encouraged to wear kilts and tartan patterns.
When: The games have been postponed until 2026
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Georgetown Highland Games
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Scottish Tradition and be a Scot for a day at one of the largest single-day Highland Games in North America at the Georgetown Fairgrounds.
Learn about Scottish tradition with stirring massed pipes and drums, Highland dancing and heavyweight competitions, historical artifacts and displays and a sheep herding demonstration.
Visit the retail and food concessions and let the kids loose in the Children’s Event Centre where they can get their faces painted, meet balloon artists and play in the bouncy castle.
When: June 14, 2025
Where: 1 Park Avenue, Halton Hills
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Get a taste of Scotland without the airfare at the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highlands Games, the largest highland games in Canada.
In 2025, celebrate the 80th year of this three-day festival, which spotlights Fergus's local Scottish heritage and attracts world-renowned talent and entertainment.
Events include pipe band competitions, Celtic music, vendors selling wares and fares, highland dancing, whisky tasting and a McKiddies Centre.
Get your tickets online and find out what’s in store this year.
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: 550 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus
Cambridge Scottish Festival
Celebrate Scottish culture and heritage in Churchill Park.
The event kicks off on Friday night with live music and dancing that will keep you on your feet well into the night.
Games Day on Saturday features more exciting events including Highland dance, athletic demonstrations and musical entertainment. Visit the beer tent for shade, live music, and refreshments.
Look for Scottish-themed entertainment for kids including the Children’s Glen. Tickets are available online.
When: July 18–19, 2025
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games
From kid-friendly games and activities to evening musical entertainment, Kincardine’s award-winning, three-day Scottish festival delivers fun for everyone. Immerse yourselves in all things Scottish with food, events, merch and more.
Dive into Scottish history and heritage along Clan Avenue. Watch impressive heavy athletic events such as weights, stone and hammer throws. And follow the Parade of Clans march through downtown Kincardine.
When: July 4–6, 2025
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games
The two-day celebration in June features pipe and drum band competitions, heavy events, highland dancing, and activities for children, including sword fighting classes.
When: June 20–21, 2025
Where: 62 McCaul Street, Port Hope
Southeastern Ontario
Glengarry Highland Games
Witness the largest gathering of pipe bands in North America. The first Glengarry Games were held in 1948 and have continued to welcome visitors each year for a spectacular display of sport, dance, music and pageantry.
Enjoy Scottish fiddle performances, harp workshops and the Pipe Band Championships.
Head to the vendor’s area to shop for fine woolens, jewellery, kilts and other tartan treasures.
The Wee Bairns Play Area is a designated section for kids to visit the animals at the petting farm and enjoy crafts and entertainment. The Junior Heavyweight events include a caber toss, hammer throw and sheaf toss. The little ones can also showcase their energy in the track events.
When: August 1–2, 2025
Where: 34 Fair Street, Maxville
Haliburton Highland to the Ottawa Valley
North Lanark Highland Games
Held at the North Lanark Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, the Mississippi River provides a beautiful backdrop for this one-day Scottish festival in Ottawa Valley.
Experience stirring live performances, pipe bands, dancers and strength competitions.
Mini Highland Games are held for families with kids, and children 11 years and under are offered free admission. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
When: August 23, 2025
Where: 195 Water Street, Almonte
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Last updated: February 13, 2025