EVENT UPDATE: There are no upcoming events known for this event series - please check the organizer website for any updates.

The 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games returns to Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Labor Day Weekend, August 30-31, 2025. The event features the 2025 Women’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships, the 49th U.S. Scottish Heavy Athletics Championships, Highland dancing, piping and drumming, live music, Celtic animal exhibitions, living history, and a grandstand show with massed bands. California’s largest and longest-running Scottish Games, this festival celebrates Scottish culture and tradition and is suitable for all ages. Admission is ticketed, with free entry for children ages 5 & under and active military (ticket required).

Original Event Description:

159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games

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Labor Day Weekend (August 30-31), 2025 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

A Bay Area tradition since 1866, California’s largest and longest-running Scottish Games celebrates the very best of Scottish competition, culture and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. 

The 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games features the 2025 Women’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships, along with the 49th annual U.S. Scottish Heavy Athletics Championships for both men and women.

Other traditional events to look out for include Scottish Highland dancing, piping and drumming, and soccer competitions. Live entertainment will showcase Scottish folk musicians, Celtic rock bands, Scottish country dancing, living history demonstrations, birds of prey, and Celtic animal exhibitions. 

Each day, the Grandstand Show will host the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, featuring a special guest military band and two guest pipe bands — the Wasatch and District Pipe Band from Utah and the St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band from Texas. Both guest pipe bands will join in the spectacular closing ceremony Massed Bands performance, where hundreds of pipers and drummers unite in an unforgettable display to see and hear.

Experience the thrill of California’s largest and longest-running Scottish Games—a beloved Bay Area tradition since 1866! Witness world-class competitions, from the awe-inspiring feats of Scottish heavy athletes to the electrifying energy of Scottish dancing, piping, and musical performances. Share the excitement as elite competitors showcase their strength and technique in the legendary caber toss, hammer throw and other ancient events. Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich culture with traditional music, delicious food, and breathtaking performances that bring the spirit of the Scottish Highlands to life!

Admission:

1-Day Pass Prices
Adults: $35
Senior: $20
Youth (Ages 12-17): $20
Children (Ages 6-11): $5
Children Ages 5 & Under: FREE (Ticket still Required)
Military: FREE (Ticket still Required)

2-Day Pass Prices
Adult: $60
Senior: $30
Youth (Ages 12-17): $30
Children (Ages 6-11): $10
Children Ages 5 & Under: FREE (Ticket still Required)
Military: FREE (Ticket still Required)

** Young children (Ages 5 & Under) and Active Military are free admission but still require a ticket at the gate.

Parking: $15 – Credit, Debit, Apple Pay Only

Hours:
August 30-31: 8am-6pm

Menus:
Trackside Terrace

Location:
2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8 or 12
Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Upon arriving at the Scottish Games, enter at Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Avenue. Park and walk; follow the wayfinding signs.

Directions

To learn more, please visit: Scottish Highland Gathering & Games 

*Please note, some vendors may be CARD ONLY while others take cash, please come prepared. For the event admission policy, please visit their website via the link above.