Scottish Highland Gathering & Games Coming To Alameda County Fairgrounds

PLEASANTON, CA — Grab your kilts, bagpipes, tartan, and tweed, because the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games is headed to the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

Since 1866, California's largest and oldest Scottish games have celebrated Scottish competition, culture, and entertainment. On the weekend of Aug. 30-31, visitors will enjoy everything from highland dancing to live falconry to the iconic haber toss competition to the Kilted Mile race.

The festivities will kick off with a concert the evening of Friday, Aug. 29 high will feature pipe bands, Celtic music, and a special guest military band.

Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy:

• Heavy athletic competitions like hammer throwing, stone putts, and the caber and sheaf toss
• Traditional highland dancing shows and competitions
• Piping and drumming competitions
• 5-A-Side Football (soccer) competition
• Archery competitions
• Birds of Prey exhibition featuring live eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons
• Celtic Animals exhibition featuring cows, belted Galloways, and the sheepdog trial competition
• Celtic Heritage exhibitions featuring Scottish country dancing, Irish dancing, fiddlers, and more
• Clans & Scottish societies where you can learn about genealogy and Scottish-American heritage in California
• An exhibition of classic British cars like Aston Martins, MGs, Morgans, and more
• Music from Scottish folk singers and Celtic rock and folk bands
• Opening & Closing Ceremonies with hundreds of pipers and drummers playing and marching in unison
• The Kilted Mile race, a free race open to anyone wearing a kilt
• Living History, a live experience simulating life in medieval Scotland
• The Sheepdog Trials, where border collies handle sheep in different situations
• Vendors selling everything from fish & chips, Scottish cuisine, and Celtic jewelry, tartanware, and more
• Whisky tastings

See here for schedules, and here to purchase tickets.