The 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games returns to Pleasanton, California, September 5-6, featuring world-class heavy athletics, a 50th anniversary competition, and special guest Adrian Paul.
The 160th annual Scottish Highland Gathering & Games is set to take place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, on September 5 and 6. Organized by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco, this event is recognized as California's largest and oldest Scottish games, celebrating a tradition that began in 1866. This year's milestone gathering will feature a range of competitions, cultural exhibitions, and special guests, drawing participants and spectators from across the country and beyond.
The weekend will include the 2026 Men's Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships and the 50th annual U.S. Invitational Heavy Athletic Championships. These competitions will showcase traditional Scottish events such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone putt, bringing together top athletes in the field. Adrian Paul, known for his role as Duncan MacLeod in "Highlander: The Series," will also be present, leading Sword Experience classes and participating in living-history demonstrations.
Event Schedule and Activities
The festivities begin on Friday, September 4, with a concert at the San Ramon Marriott. Over the weekend, attendees can experience a variety of activities, including heavy athletic competitions, highland dancing, piping and drumming contests, and a 5-A-Side Football (soccer) tournament. Additional attractions include archery, live birds of prey exhibitions, and displays of Celtic animals such as belted Galloways and sheepdogs, with sheepdog trials scheduled throughout the event.
Cultural exhibitions will highlight Scottish and Irish dancing, fiddling, and opportunities to learn about Scottish-American genealogy. Classic British cars, including Aston Martins and MGs, will be on display, and live music will feature Scottish folk singers and Celtic rock bands. The Kilted Mile race, open to anyone wearing a kilt, offers a unique participatory experience. Vendors will provide traditional Scottish cuisine, Celtic jewelry, tartanware, and whisky tastings.
Community Impact and Logistics
The Scottish Highland Gathering & Games is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Pleasanton, supporting local businesses and providing a significant boost to the area's hospitality sector. The event's long history and diverse programming make it a major annual highlight for both the Scottish-American community and the broader public. Opening and closing ceremonies will feature hundreds of pipers and drummers marching in unison, creating a memorable spectacle for attendees.
Admission information, event schedules, and ticket purchasing options are available through the Caledonian Club of San Francisco. The Alameda County Fairgrounds will serve as the central venue, with activities running throughout both days. Organizers encourage early ticket purchases due to anticipated high demand for this milestone year.
The Caledonian Club of San Francisco has organized the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games for over a century and a half, making it one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the United States. The event's combination of athletic competition, music, dance, and heritage education reflects the club's mission to preserve and promote Scottish culture in California and beyond. Each year, the games provide a platform for community engagement, cultural exchange, and the celebration of Scottish traditions.
