Taking place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, this event is actually like the Alameda County Fair, but everything Scottish... meaning attire, food, music, entertainment, animals (sheep dogs and birds of prey), and merchandise vendors selling various items, from swords to drinking horns, and of course kilts and accessories too (picked up a cute frog instrument from The Fiddle Guy, while testing out the sounds of several of his string instruments for sale). The athletic events are different (a lot of throwing heavy objects), but still amusing to watch. The pipe band competitions were awesome. Not just talented musicians on the bagpipes in these marching bands, but a variety of pipes and drums. There were also a couple different stages with live music performances, various bands playing unique instruments, even a celtic didgeridoo. It was a lot of fun. For food and drinks, we had some meat pies (lamb rosemary and beef mushroom), a funnel cake with strawberry and chocolate, and alcoholic beverages (michelada and margarita), picnicking in the grass while enjoying the music and entertainment. Some of the lines were quite long in the early afternoon, but at least food vendors were spread out, not all in one place. Later in the afternoon, we did some whiskey tasting, choosing from a nice variety, my fave being a Milam and Greene bourbon. They also sold cigars and chocolate in this building, and we took home the Whiskey and Barrel Nite shot glasses as souvenirs. Our day ended with more live music, all of the bands performing altogether in the Grandstand, it was quite impressive. I'm glad I was able to check out this event, and would definitely return in future years. read more

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Held for the last 20 years at the Pleasanton fairgrounds. Ticket price 45$ parking 15$ There are so many things to do at this fair. Taste great food, get hair braided, watch folk dancing, singing, sheep dog trials, caber tossing, shopping and Food Food Food read more

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So fun! So much to do for the whole Family. We had 3 generations and all were happy. Parking was simple and easy too. Long line to get in. The "games" where wonderful as were the sheepdog demo and the falconry. read more

I feel like no other rating is appropriate for the Highland games than 5 stars because they've been around for so long and so many people work hard to make it a great event each year. This year (2022) was our first time back in a few years and I know even though they had it last year, it still isn't quite back to the same level as pre-COVID times, which is quite sad. The crowds were less, as were the vendors, booths and activities. Regardless, my family and I enjoy going each year and getting some new foods from the shops, looking at the art created by super talented people, and listening to the bag pipes. We tried our first scotch egg this year (not huge fan lol) but I love the fish and chips! Also, this year they had a gondola over the fairgrounds and it was a lovely surprise, helped cut down some of the fatigue of walking and was really fun to watch from above. read more

It was a fun day but it seemed that there was less this year - no celebrity to take a picture with and the Haggis vendor last year wasn't the same and just less vendors and the weather was actually cooperating. The finale felt shortened and the bands didn't play together as much as before, the Marines weren't as loud as 2 years ago... Still, it was a fun family day at the games. read more

Lots of fun at the Caledonian club Highland games in Pleasanton every year. They have shopping, food, and plenty of events. Caber tossing, dancing, kilted mile and more. It's a great place for families and anyone looking for a day to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture read more

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Don't bother going. $40 to get in 1/2 the vendors. Really horrible showing this year. Its almost a Scam by fair and promotors for the event. Just trying to steal your money for nothing in return Shame on all of you people. The event used to be fantastic. Fun for whole family. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere read more

My first time here and I'm so glad I heard about this! Apparently this is an annual thing, so I guess I'll be coming back next year! There was whiskey tasting, a birds of prey exhibit, weapons, bagpipes, and sooo many kilts! These aren't even half the events either! This was my first time at the fairgrounds and it's very big. There are parking lots, cheapest I saw was $15, but I parked on the residential streets two streets behind the fairgrounds. Practically the same walking distance as the parking lots. There were a ton of food vendors too but the meat pies were probably the biggest hit in my opinion. Everyone I met up with was raving about them and anyone who hadn't had one was on the hunt by the end of the day. While I was in the whiskey tasting hall though someone passed by with a pretzel that filled the area with the most amazing buttery, garlic aroma I have ever smelt! Sadly they were closing up once I made it to their stand at the end of the day but wow was that smell amazing! read more

They have Haggis! I have got to get out to the Scottish games more often! I always have a blast. The area is well set up for all the events. The games have all the Scottish games you can think of, the caber toss, competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, exhibits of the culture and more! The entertainment is constant. I really like a band called the Wicked Tinkers and they always seem to be at the games. There are plenty more bands and other entertainment going on all over the place. They have some great shopping also, kilts, swords, pottery - lots. The food is just fun! You can get a burger or go in for something a bit more daring such as Haggis. And they have whiskey tasting. I have been hitting Scottish games for a few years now and this one did not disappoint. Most important I get to wear my kilt! read more

Scottish Highland Games - Kilt and Haggis - Festivals Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Tomorrow would have been my first year; Sunday is not an option. Have my MacGregor tartan, and sporran. Got set up to purchase my ticket. Got to confirm purchase then notified that "this item is no longer available." Then it says SOLD OUT. I was so close and sad at the system glitch. i reached out to the host and explained the online mix-up and if there's extra tickets. "I have one left! Are you a member of Clan Rose? Clan Rose members only!" I am not. And it sucks she wouldn't budge with the "members only" policy. Not a great start to this amazing event! read more

Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, Pleasanton CA http:www.thescottishgames.com/ Labor Day Weekend, Alameda County Fairgrounds you can walk into Scotland for a fraction of the price to fly. A spectacular Scottish event that began in 1866 by The Caledonian Club of San Francisco. You may have heard of it but you need to experience the unbelievable spectacular event for the whole family. There are caber toasters, 500 Bagpipes, Highland dancers all in kilts. Scottish & Celtic music with US Marine Band. Parades of Clans, Pipe bands, highland animals. Sheep herding which is a pleasure watching the dogs work. Go to the above website for more information. read more

Have you ever been to the movies where you see a preview of an upcoming film and you say to yourself "self, we have got to check that out!" Only to be disappointed because all of the good stuff was in the preview? That's the same feeling I got when it came to the Scottish Highland games. The commercials promised a festival of Scottish culture and games, and although there was that, it was very watered down. First off the place was very spread out with absolutely no sense of direction. there was no directory or timetable of events posted anywhere. Now i'm sure if i plunked down $15 DOLLARS FOR A PROGRAM! i could have had all the info i wanted, but after $8 dollars to park ( not bad actually ) $21 to get in and $12 dollars for a beer i was left with the attitude of being Nickle and dime'd to death! So once you are inside the gates the, confusion begins. There is very little sense of this being a gathering of tribes and more of a feeling that this is little more than a carnival with people wearing kilts. The food is what you would expect at any weekend theme park. Corn dogs, lemonade and garlic fries were plentiful, but where was the traditional fare i was hoping to find? After looking around for what seemed way too long i finally stumbled on a stand that sold Shepherds pie. $7 dollars later and i'm presented with something the size of the palm of my hand fresh from the microwave. nuclear to the touch with a frozen center. I could go on about the disorganization, and complete lack of any true cultural influences, but suffice to say i will not be back. After 149 year you think they would get it right! read more

We were bothered to see a competing athlete(Number 324) enter the racetrack in front of the grandstands holding an umbrella over his head! We liked the contests of strength. Our favorite part was the "Living History' where people were dressed in outfits of the Scottish past, and each individual at their booth was very informative. It was like an outdoor history class! I became quite informed listening to the weapons talks. We enjoyed seeing an actual Scottish wedding. Seeing the black clydesdales was very impressive. read more

The Scottish Highland games are an absolute blast. I've been attending for years and it doesn't disappoint. Great music, lots of food choices, great people-watching, talented dancing, interesting booths of Scottish/Irish/English goods. A lot of sports competition- don't miss caber tossing. It is good for families and adults who want to hangout with adults (whiskey tasting). Some years it can get hot and it gets tough waiting in line at certain food vendors. On occasion there are patrons who have had too much to drink, but there are enough security and police to keep it all in check. There is a section of family clans and all are helpful to assist with ancestry. read more

Still loving this the second time! Wore a kilt this year, and I'm glad i did. 115 degrees!! That's not the fault of the festival, but i imagine it kept some away. Hopefully 2018 isn't as brutal. There were misting areas setup to combat the heat, and that was appreciated. Spent most of this year watching the games, as opposed to the bands as we did last year. My advice, go with 1 or 2 other liked-minded people. It's too hard to please everybody. Some will want to watch the games, others will want to watch the bands, others want to shop, etc. There is not enough time to do it all. read more

Having gone to Scottish Games my whole life I think I know a thing or two. I grew up going to the Estes Park games in Colorado and really that is a hard one to top. This one is actually pretty fun. I found I liked it better this year then I have in the past.. Really they need to think about better placement for some of the acts. I think the band Celtica and Tempest would have been fun to see in the theater were the bands play for the fair. It was impossible to to see the Pipe band competition also in the small area surrounded by bleachers. Why not put that amazing competition in the grand stands. I loved to food choices that were available. I suggest the little bakery that is in one of the halls. You can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with your shortbread or scone. read more

I love the Scottish games and we go every year. Being married to a Scotsman has all sorts of perks and attending these games I definitely one of them. Last year, the Mountain from Game of Thrones was the guest of honor and we even got a T-shirt signed by him. read more

Let's start with the pricing: $10 for parking. $24 entrance fee per person. To get over that I recommend having two $12 beers. Have a small portion of fish and chips for $12 to go with that. Also I think you had to pay extra to go into the stands. The strength based games are fun to watch for a while as was sheep dog competition. Walked around the historic part which was a bit disappointing. It does not really seem like what I imagine a clan gathering would be like. More some individual people dressed up in kilts. Anyway I liked it because it is something different to do but that's about it. Don't go here with high expectations. And make sure to have toe large beers right off:). read more

Such a great and relaxing event. Loads to see and do. So fun to hear bagpipes and see men in kilts, Clydesdales, sheep dogs, and the strength competitions. We were lucky this year: the weather was beautifully temperate. Pleasanton can be really hot a lot of the summer so I'd recommend bringing a hat, sunnies and sunscreen. And don't miss Albannach. So unique and full of fun energy. read more

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The good: Men in kilts Strong people of all genders Whiskey tasting Bagpipes and fun music Hilarious fake accents Hilarious interpretations of European history The bad: Horrible food... HORRIBLE! Hard to get a view of games What's with the fairy/dragon crap?! Is this renaissance fair?!! read more

Always a huge blast. I love that the fairgrounds now has a very decent and large craft beer selection. My recommendation is definitely to buy your tickets online prior to the event, from what I understood they stop selling them online about 2 days before the gates open. Otherwise the line to buy tickets is rather long and dusty. My next recommendation would be to go on Sunday. We did Saturday this year, and I felt it was about 3x the people I remember from the prior year. Bring sunscreen, bring your clan (that still doesn't feel right to say)! And bring your mirror tip stilettos......lot's of kilts. Just kidding, most will willing flash you if you ask. Also kidding, this is super family friendly!!!!!! read more

LoVe the Highland games. I go every year! If your Celtic then all the more reason to go! Great music, food, sports and Whiskey!

Wow! Great event. Family friendly and great to do with friends. Music, games, and shows are SO much fun. What a great way to connect with people in Silicon valley! read more

Scottish Highland Games - Festivals Near Me - Pleasanton, California

These games are overpriced and they run a scam at the front gate. I made the mistake of entering the drawing at the front gate for a prize. Now my cell phone is being bombarded every day with sales calls referencing the Scottish Games. I did like the music, though. read more

Always a blast! Tons of music (not just the bagpipes, either), dancing, living history, sports, heritage, good food, dancing, shops galore! There's plenty of indoors as well as shade for those who are adverse to the heat. read more

A rather belated review for my experience a few years ago (I have never been back since then for the below reasons): This used to be a great event! However, they started trying to make more money by only paying to fly in a small number of people for each bagpipe band, rather than the entire troupe. One of the things I liked about the Highland Games before the change was the "armies" of bagpipe bands that would march and play, it really was quite an experience, you could feel the bagpipe droning resonate -- and there would be "clashes" of these armies who would each try to outplay each other. Unfortunately, at my last visit, it was small groups of 5 or so players, it was really pathetic-sounding. Additionally, they raised the prices of the tickets. People attending were noticeably less happy, less festive, and a bit annoyed -- after all, many people have been going to this event every year for a long time, and now they are rewarded for their loyalty with exorbitantly hiked ticket prices, and much less "experience" to go with it. When they stopped flying in and lodging the 50+ members of multiple bagpipe troupes, and only sponsor a few individuals from each band now, where did all that saved money go? Additionally, when they did that, they also raised the prices of the tickets without adding other events. It just feels more and more like the group organizing the event is getting more concerned with making money for its own members, letting the event go to pieces, and milking the cash cow for all it's worth before people catch on. read more

Even in the heat I enjoyed the festival today. My hint is to get there when the gates open I shopped and busted the falconry booth until the church service. The preacher does a prison ministry. Graham MacTavish read the prayer. Wow, his speaking voice was so beautiful. After the service, I got in line for my photo with Graham MacTavish. There is a good variety of food. I choose the Scottish meat pie and ice cream. My favorite performer today was the fiddler Michael Mullen. He performed traditional Scottish and modern songs. Finally I left as I was a little too hot for me. I did take advantage of the misters those was very much appreciated read more

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Love bagpipes? There is nothing like the mass bands playing Amazing Grace at the end of a fun filled day of watching the heavy athletics (caber toss men and women), sheep herding competition, the shaggy highland cows, of course the clydesdales, snacking on way too much fair food (yes, the turkey leg), various violin, harp, dancing competitions; and my favorite, the drum major competion. There is always soo much to see and shop for. Next year the Marine Corp band will return (yay!), they were missed. The Caledonia Club does an awesome job. My thanks to everyone for their hard work. read more

whiskey garden, beer, meat pies, real weapons, ladies love the guys in kilts. great shopping. birds of prey is awesome. one of the few places you see white people get together with fist fighting. beautiful women. sports. stuff for the whole family. bad part its on labor day weekend which most of the time is hot as hell. if your coming from out of town. remember stay on the other side of the hill save your money. any hotel from fremont- san leandro is cheaper than it is san ramon. or the tri valley area. read more

The bottom line: There is actually a lot of traditional Scottish culture to be found here, but you need to have realistic expectations. If you want more details: If you are a fan of Scottish pipe bands and/or Highland Games, this is worth the price of admission. At $24 per adult (kids under 12 are free, which is nice) for the day, it's not cheap, but where else are you going to hear world-class pipe bands or watch Highland Games in the Bay Area? The pipe bands are amazing. I'm not someone who will ever listen to that kind of music online or on the radio, but a good pipe band live is quite an experience. The rest of it is hit-or-miss...a lot of the usual Celtic-themed stuff for sale you'd see at a Renaissance faire, and most of the food for sale is what you'll find at any county fair or theme park like corn dogs, etc. There are a couple of vendors selling general British food like shepherd's pies and fish and chips, but my Scottish husband can sadly no longer eat that stuff since he was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years ago, so I can't provide a real Scotsman's opinion on how good (or not) it is. There were haggis and Scotch pies for sale as well, so I'm not sure why another reviewer said there was no Scottish food. I mean, venison and fresh Atlantic salmon would be great, but I wouldn't expect that type of food at the County Fairgrounds anyway. I do think there could have been more Scottish beers on offer, as I only saw Belhaven (they must be an event sponsor). Anyway, keep your expectations realistic and you'll probably have a good time. Think of it like a festival version of Mel Gibson's Braveheart film: not entirely historically accurate, with some ridiculous costumes, but good entertainment. read more

The Games were great this year! The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards provided superb music, and seeing the Guards in fatigues was fun. The physical events are always entertaining, and the Irish dancers are a treat for an old Irishman. While watching the Marines perform, I wondered if it would be possible for military drill teams to perform and have a competition. read more

It isn't cheap, but it is reasonable. The sporting events are fun to watch and different then u usually see. Many of the music performers are here from Scotland so the tunes and accents are authentic. Scottish Gaillic is beautiful. The buildings are filled with Scottish themed vendors, some however, are the people who handmade the products. It is fun to chat and get some insite into how it was made. Then you have a story to relate about whatever it is you bought. There are a lot of kilts. Let me save you from asking what is worn under the kilt. It depends. If the answer is tradional, regimental or commando, it means, nothing. I won't spoil the usual joke, just in case you ask. read more

Just got back from 1/2 a day at the games. The gates open at 8 AM which is fantastic in this hot weather. The early crowd is exceedingly kid friendly. We attended the opening ceremony and found out that there were 93 clans represented. The most interesting things for little boys (and big boys too) was the living history area with the Vikings and roman soldiers and various other types of period militia. The boys were able to try on chain mail and helmets, which they loved. Yes, there is a wee bit of the "renaissance fair" element but the "actors" were friendly and informative as opposed to just there to be in costume and get rowdy. We had the fish and chips with mashed peas (like thick split pea soup) and everything was freshly fried and generously portioned. They also had bangers and we saw stands for meat pies that you could add mashed potatoes and peas to (our second choice) but the line was very long. Also for sale were bangers, scotch eggs and shortbread. The usual "fair" food was present too like corn dogs and kettle corn and a beers of the world tasting area. There was a herding dog competition going on but I could barely view it because the boys wanted to get back to the living history area to see the demonstration fighting. The birds of prey and british cars were worth seeing too. Bring cash because the food booths seem to be cash only - no cards. Kids under 11 enter for free! read more

NERD ALERT! Ok so we have been going to the highland games for ......16 years. Yikes! We have had an absolute blast for 16 years! This year my hubby finally bought a kilt. We are a Utilikilt family so he bought the semi-business style in gray. I have to say he looks delicious in it! I dressed up for the first time this year as well. So on to music: can you say Wicked Tinkers! The guys have always rocked so hard! I was sad to see that Warren retired but happy he's out living his fishing lifestyle full time now. We used to love seeing 7 Nations there as well but they haven't played in a while. The vendors have seemed to decrease a bit over the years but the fun people watching definitely has not! For 16 years we have seen the same good natured half giant sized man dress (and when I say dress I mean just a friggin' loin cloth) as a Viking and walk around inebriated while posing/groping with women. I absolutely adore it and it would not be the Scottish Games with out him! The historical section is a blast especially when the cannons and guns go off. If you are reading this review and I haven't quite made up your mind to go, keep in mind it is the best place to drink, dance, eat til you look like John Travolta in Hairspray and you'll be applauded the more you do ALL of these things. Oh yeah and the pipe bands are wonderful as well. The closing ceremonies almost always bring a tear to my eye at the end of the day, that is until Ceilidh starts and we party the night away. Go my friends, just trust me! And then thank me later! read more

We have been going to the games in Monterey and they always told us the big one was in Pleasanton. That is correct. Alameda County has a nice fairgrounds and they fill it up. We could not see it all in six hours. We did see: birds of prey, sheepdog trials, a few bands, Irish dancing, whiskey tasting, Living History (think Renaissance Fair people in full glory), some stuff for sale and 600 people in the massed pipe and drum band, with the U.S. Marine Corps band. So we did not actually see any of the games, tossing cabers, throwing big stones and the like. But we did have a wonderful time. If Scots are indeed thrifty they probably have brought their own food. Food and drink was pricy but of what we had the portions were generous and the quality was good. lots of music, fun and food and they have been doing this for 147 years! I hope to return next year. Great event! read more

Hello Denis, I saw your review on Yelp and had to respond. You must neither have purchased a program, visited the Games Website nor come to the Grandstand Show. In all of these venues we clearly stated that we tried very hard to bring the Marines to the Games, but the Federal Budget crisis and "Sequestration" meant the they were not permitted to attend, even although we pay all of the costs. The LA Scots Grade 1 Pipe Band even played the Marine Hymn at the Grandstand in tribute to the Marine Band. This was the same reason that you did not see the Blue Angels in San Francisco at Fleet week this year. Our local Congressman (and Honorary Chieftain of the Games on Saturday) Eric Swalwell has had an Act of Congress passed that should allow us to bring back the Marine Band in 2014. For the Opening Ceremonies and to play the National Anthems and Military branch songs we had the US Naval Sea Cadet Band of the West. These young men and women put on an outstanding performance. We do not bring over a Scottish Military Band every year and the LA Scots Grade 1 band are able to work with Marine Band San Diego each year to present a great combined band performance. I can not address the strong man walk other than to say that we have only so much time at the Grandstand, and the athletes need to compete in the recognized events for the US Invitational Heavy Events Championship, whereas the farmers walk is more of a fun event. I am sorry that you were disappointed in the Games this year, but I hope that this will help explain the reason for some of your concerns. read more