The 2026 season of Scottish festivals and Highland Games is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From coast to coast, communities will gather to celebrate Scottish culture through music, dance, athletics, heritage, and warm camaraderie. There are so many opportunities to attend, participate, learn more about your Scottish Heritage and join in the fun and celebrations! There is bound to be at least one event near you.
Below is a comprehensive list of confirmed 2026 dates gathered from official event pages. Many organizers have already published their schedules, while others will release details in the coming months.
For the most up‑to‑date information, readers can also visit the Highland Games & Festivals – Events in Canada directory, which provides a province‑by‑province listing of annual events. Visit our Resources section to find a link to that website.
March
CelticFest Vancouver (BC) — March 2026 (exact dates pending)
May
Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival (Regina, SK) — May 16, 2026 (One‑day event held on the Saturday of the May Long Weekend)
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival (BC) — May 9–17, 2026
Tartan Parade: May 9
Tilted Kilt Pub Crawl: May 13
Highland Games Weekend: May 16–17
June
Gathering of the Scots (NB) — June 4–7, 2026
Georgetown Highland Games (ON) — June 13, 2026
Halifax Celtic Cultural Festival (NS) — June 17–21, 2026
ScotFestBC / BC Highland Games (Coquitlam, BC) — June 19–20, 2026
Northumberland Scottish Festival & Highland Games (Port Hope, ON) — June 19–20, 2026
Edmonton Scottish Society Highland Gathering (AB) — June 20–21, 2026
Manitoba Highland Gathering (St. Clements, MB) — June 20–21, 2026
Red Deer Highland Games (AB) — June 27, 2026
Kamloops Highland Games (BC) — June 27, 2026
Kingsville Highland Games (ON) — June 27, 2026
July
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (Halifax, NS) — July 1–5, 2026
Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games (ON) — July 3–5, 2026
Penticton Scottish Festival (BC) — July 3–4, 2026
Antigonish Highland Games (NS) — July 5–12, 2026
Orillia Scottish Festival (ON) — July 18, 2026
Uxbridge Scottish Festival (ON) — July 20, 2026
New Brunswick Highland Games (Fredericton, NB) — July 24–26, 2026
Ailsa Craig Highland Games & Scottish Festival (ON) — July 25, 2026
Glengarry Highland Games (Maxville, ON) — July 31 – August 1, 2026
August
Montreal Highland Games (QC) — August 2, 2026
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games (ON) — August 7–9, 2026
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival (ON) — August 7–11, 2026
Sedgewick Gathering of the Clans & Highland Festival (AB) — August 22, 2026
North Lanark Highland Games (Almonte, ON) — August 22, 2026
September
Canmore Highland Games (AB) — September 4–6, 2026
October
Celtic Colours International Festival (Cape Breton, NS) — October 9–17, 2026
Dates To Be Announced
Many annual events have not yet released their 2026 schedules. These festivals traditionally take place each year and will be added to this calendar as dates become available.
Alberta
Water Valley Celtic Folk Festival
Sherwood Park Highland Gathering
British Columbia
Campbell River Highland Gathering
Manitoba
Winnipeg Scottish Festival
Nova Scotia
Margaree Highland Games
Halifax Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Sydney Mines Highland Games
Ontario
Cambridge Scottish Festival
Ottawa – National Capital Highland Games
Embro Highland Games (Woodstock)
Oakville Fall Celtic Festival
Quebec
Festival Celtique de Québec
Saint‑Malachie – Festival Celtes et Cie
Stay Updated
As more organizers publish their 2026 schedules, this calendar will be updated. Readers can also explore the full directory of Canadian Highland Games and festivals through the Highland Games & Festivals website for the latest announcements and event details.