160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games (Sept. 5-6)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Free admission for active-duty military and children 5 & under at the 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, returning to Pleasanton for Labor Day Weekend, September 5–6.

One of the Bay Area’s great Labor Day traditions, the two-day festival takes over the Alameda County Fairgrounds from 8 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday with Scottish sport, music, food, dancing and heritage.

Headlining the 2026 Games are the Men’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships alongside the 50th Annual U.S. Invitational Heavy Athletics Championships. Watch some of the world’s top Highland athletes compete in traditional events including the iconic caber toss.

Throughout the weekend, hundreds of pipers and drummers will compete, along with Highland dancing, sheepdog trials, birds of prey, living history demonstrations, Scottish and Celtic music, and 54 Scottish clans and societies.

Come hungry for Scottish favorites including fish & chips, meat pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and bangers.

Each day culminates with the Grandstand Show and massed bands, bringing pipers, drummers, dancers and special performers together for one of the weekend’s signature spectacles.

**Free admission:** Children ages 5 & under and active-duty military receive free admission. A valid ticket is still required. Active military must bring military ID.

Regular admission: Adults $44.80; seniors 65+ and youth ages 12–17 $28; children ages 6–11 $5.60. Parking is $15 and sold separately.

Admission tickets and parking are available online only, including on Games days.

September 5–6, 2026 | 8 am–6 pm
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.