- This event has passed.
The Scottish Highland Gathering & Games Return to Pleasanton
Sat. Aug 31, 2019 - Sun. Sep 1, 2019
$13 – $45
Channel your inner Scot at the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games on Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2019 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
PLEASANTON – Since 1866, the Caledonian Club has brought Scottish culture to the San Francisco Bay Area in the form of an annual gathering. Over the years, it has grown from the original family picnic setting to the multi-event celebration it is today.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 12pm on both days in front of the main grandstand. During the weekend, more than 20 different events and attractions will entertain and delight, such as the Grandstand Show featuring 30 U.S. and Canadian pipe bands including the U.S. Marine Band and Canadian Scottish Regiment together in concert, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Scottish country dancers, Highland dancers and more. The massed bands are a sight to see when over 800 pipers and drummers come together.
Watch the world’s top professional heavy event athletes compete in the “Putting of the Stone” and the Scottish hammer throw at the 45th U.S. Invitational Heavy Events Championship. If you’ve ever wanted to run the fairgrounds’ horse racing track in a kilt for the chance to win a cash prize, the Kilted Mile race is for you. Afterward, try Scottish cuisine like haggis or Irn-Bru, Scotland’s “other national drink,” at one of the numerous food vendors throughout the grounds. Piping and drumming competitions, the Fiddlers Rally, Celtic harpists, sheep dog trials and a living history area with interactive theater exhibitions are some of the many other attractions to experience.
Music lovers will enjoy rocking out at the seven stages of entertainment featuring outstanding local musicians and bands performing a diverse range of traditional and contemporary songs.
At the popular and informative Whisky Tasting event, attendees ages 21 and over can sample 80 to 100 various whiskies as well as fine cigars and Scottish beer. You’ll also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge with master classes. Brand ambassadors and experts will educate you about the distilling process and answer questions. A Whisky Tasting ticket is required to attend and grants you unlimited access to both days of the tasting. Master class tickets are limited and available for purchase only at the Games.
Gates open each day at 8am. Athletics begin at 8:30am and other activities start at 10am. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available at TheScottishGames.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the fairgrounds during the Games. Admission is free for active military with a valid ID and children ages 11 and under. Please note that Grandstand Seating, Trackside Terrace and Whisky Tasting tickets do not include the price of entry into the Games.
The Scottish Highland Gathering & Games Return to Pleasanton
Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2019
8am – 6:30pm
Admission: $13-45
For tickets and more information, visit TheScottishGames.com.
