Scottish festivals and Highland Games in Southern Ontario
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
Kingsville-Essex Highland Games
The Kingsville-Essex Highlands Games has moved to a new venue at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village.
Activities include sheep herding, pipe music, highland dancing and shopping at 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.
Get tickets at the gate or save by purchasing early bird tickets in advance online.
When: June 22, 2024
Where: 6155 Arner Town Line, Kingsville
Embro Highland Games
Celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Embro Highlands Games, one of Ontario’s oldest Scottish games, 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, 2024
Where: 355644 35th Line, Embro
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Georgetown Highland Games
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.
Adult tickets are $20, seniors and students $10, kids 12 and under are free and leashed dogs are welcome.
When: June 8, 2024
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.
This annual, three-day festival puts a spotlight on the local Scottish heritage of Fergus and attracts world-renowned talent and entertainment.
Events include pipe band competitions, Celtic music, vendors selling wares and fares, highland dancing, whisky tasting and even the opportunity to trace your roots at the genealogy tent.
The strength competition in 2022 was unforgettable with the flaming caber toss. Get your tickets online and find out what’s in store this year.
When: August 9–11, 2024
Where: 550 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus
Cambridge Scottish Festival
The Cambridge Scottish Festival in Churchill Park takes place every year on the third weekend of every year.
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, starting with the pipe band competition.
Look for Scottish-themed entertainment for kids including the Children’s Glen. Tickets are available online.
When: July 19–20, 2024
York, Durham and Headwaters
Uxbridge Scottish Festival
For one day this summer, Elgin Park in Uxbridge will transform with Scottish events, festivities and culture.
Highlights of the day include Scottish Dog Breed Exhibit, music performances, dance and music competition and various food and shopping vendors.
The Uxbridge Scottish Festival is a free, dog-friendly event (donations are always welcome) that takes places from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
When: July 27, 2024
Where: 180 Main Street, Unionville
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 5–7, 2024
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Cobourg Highland Games Society has been renamed Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games, which will now take place in Port Hope Agricultural Park.
The two-day celebration in June will kick off with the Tattoo on Friday followed by Saturday Highland Games and two Ceilidhs
Tickets are available online and sold in person at select store locations.
When: June 14–15, 2024
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.
In 2024 the games will be attempting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of musicians performing a pipe band drum.
Head to the vendor’s area to shop for fine woolens, jewellery, kilts and other tartan treasures. Haggis and mushy peas will be on the menu for those looking for authentic Scottish food. Pair that with scotch tasting!
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 2–3, 2024
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 24, 2024
Where: 195 Water Street, Almonte
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Last updated: March 14, 2024