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Kids 5 and under get in free to one of the Bay Area’s biggest Labor Day weekend traditions as the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games celebrates its 160th year at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Taking place September 5–6 from 8 am to 6 pm, the two-day festival brings the sights, sounds and traditions of Scotland to the East Bay with something for the whole family.
Headlining the 2026 Games are the Men’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships alongside the 50th Annual U.S. Invitational Heavy Athletics Championships. Watch athletes compete in traditional events including the iconic caber toss, while hundreds of pipers and drummers compete throughout the weekend.
Families can also explore 54 Scottish clans and societies, watch Highland dancing and sheepdog trials, see birds of prey and living history demonstrations, and enjoy Scottish and Celtic music.
And come hungry: vendors will be serving Scottish favorites including fish & chips, meat pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and bangers.
The weekend culminates each day with the Grandstand Show and massed bands, bringing pipers, drummers, dancers and special performers together for one of the Games’ signature spectacles.
The 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 5–6, 2026, from 8 am to 6 pm at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Children ages 5 and under receive free admission. Regular admission applies to adults and older children.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the activity organizer or venue as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
