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Upcoming festivals in Fergus →Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2026
81 years of Highland heritage, heavy events, and Scottish celebration
Dates
Aug 7–9
Cost
Ticketed
Where
Fergus, ON
Camping
On-site
Eight decades of Scottish tradition come alive at Canada’s premiere Highland Games. Witness world-class heavy events competitions, celebrate your clan heritage, enjoy authentic entertainment, and immerse yourself in a three-day celebration of Scottish culture that draws visitors from across North America.
🏋️ Heavy events
🥁 Pipe bands
👯 Highland dancing
🥃 Whisky tasting
💡 Arrive Friday evening for a relaxed start, or dive into the full Saturday/Sunday experience. Free shuttle service from downtown Fergus makes getting there easy.
Why Go
The Fergus Scottish Festival isn’t a tourist attraction — it’s an authentic, deeply rooted celebration that has been drawing Scots, Scottish heritage enthusiasts, and families for over 80 years. If you have Scottish ancestry, this is where your heritage comes to life. If you simply love spectacle, skill, and cultural immersion, you’ll find it here.
The festival’s centerpiece is the CSAF Canadian Men’s Open Heavy Events Championship — Olympic-level athletic competition with hammer throws, stone tosses, and caber events. Alongside that are over 50 clan displays, pipe band competitions, Highland dancing, a heritage village, whisky tastings, and entertainment from sunrise to sunset.
What makes Fergus special is the scope and authenticity. This isn’t a one-stage, one-activity festival. It’s a three-day immersion into every facet of Scottish culture, with the flexibility to focus on what interests you most.
Schedule
Friday, August 7
5:00 PM | Gates open. Introductory entertainment and clan displays begin.
Evening | Live music and entertainment. Food vendors open. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit clans, and settle into the festival atmosphere. On-site camping facilities available.
Evening | Live music and entertainment. Food vendors open. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit clans, and settle into the festival atmosphere. On-site camping facilities available.
Saturday, August 8
8:00 AM | Gates open. Full day of programming.
Morning/Afternoon | Heavy events competitions (hammer throws, caber tosses, stone events). Pipe band competitions. Highland dancing. Clan displays and heritage village open. McKiddie activities for children.
Daytime | Whisky tastings, food vendors, retail booths. Live entertainment between events.
Evening | Continuing performances and entertainment.
Morning/Afternoon | Heavy events competitions (hammer throws, caber tosses, stone events). Pipe band competitions. Highland dancing. Clan displays and heritage village open. McKiddie activities for children.
Daytime | Whisky tastings, food vendors, retail booths. Live entertainment between events.
Evening | Continuing performances and entertainment.
Sunday, August 9
8:00 AM | Gates open for the final day.
Throughout the Day | Conclusion of heavy events competitions and finals. Highland dancing championships. Pipe band performances. Clan celebrations. Heritage activities continue.
Afternoon/Evening | Closing ceremonies and announcements. Final performances and entertainment.
Throughout the Day | Conclusion of heavy events competitions and finals. Highland dancing championships. Pipe band performances. Clan celebrations. Heritage activities continue.
Afternoon/Evening | Closing ceremonies and announcements. Final performances and entertainment.
Festival Highlights
🏋️ CSAF Canadian Men’s Open Heavy Events Championship
World-class athletes compete in traditional Scottish heavy athletic events including hammer throws, caber tosses, and stone tosses. This is elite-level competition attracting the best competitors from Canada and beyond.
🏰 50+ Clan Displays
Scottish families and clan societies set up booths celebrating their heritage, histories, and traditions. A perfect opportunity to explore your own family history or learn about Scottish clans.
🥁 Pipe Band Competitions
Dozens of pipe bands compete and perform, from youth bands to championship-level ensembles. The sound of bagpipes fills the festival throughout the weekend.
👯 Highland Dancing
Professional and competitive Highland dancers perform and compete in traditional Scottish dances. Demonstrations are continuous throughout the festival.
🥃 Heritage Village & Cultural Activities
Step back in time with demonstrations of traditional crafts, weaving, storytelling, and Scottish cultural activities. Educational and entertaining for all ages.
🥃 Whisky Tastings & Food
Sample Scottish whiskies and authentic Scottish cuisine including haggis, steak pies, and traditional dishes. Food vendors and artisans showcase Scottish flavors throughout the festival.
Essentials
🎟 Admission & Tickets
Single-day and weekend passes available. Purchase online at fergusscottishfestival.com or at the gate. Cash, debit, and credit accepted.
🚐 Transportation & Parking
Free shuttle service from four downtown Fergus locations (Fri 4 PM–midnight, Sat 9 AM–midnight, Sun 10 AM–5 PM). On-site parking available for $10. Makes getting there easy without stress.
🏕️ Camping & Accommodation
On-site camping available. Bring your own tent or RV. Facilities provided by the festival. Nearby hotels and accommodations in Fergus for those preferring off-site lodging.
🐕 Pets
Pets are not permitted, except registered service dogs. The large crowds and noise levels make it stressful for most animals.
🌤️ Weather
Festival runs rain or shine. August weather is typically warm. Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear just in case.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
McKiddie activities throughout the festival keep children entertained. Performances, competitions, and cultural activities appeal to all ages. Great family weekend destination.
Getting There
📍 Location
Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus, Ontario, approximately 50 minutes north of Toronto.
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🚗 Driving
From Toronto: About 50 minutes north via Hwy 401 and Hwy 7 toward Fergus.
From Hamilton: About 1 hour north via Hwy 401 and regional roads.
Parking: On-site parking available for $10. Nearby street parking also available in Fergus.
From Hamilton: About 1 hour north via Hwy 401 and regional roads.
Parking: On-site parking available for $10. Nearby street parking also available in Fergus.
🚌 Free Shuttle Service
Friday: Shuttle from downtown Fergus 4 PM–midnight (depart every 15–20 min)
Saturday: Shuttle from downtown Fergus 9 AM–midnight (depart every 15–20 min)
Sunday: Shuttle from downtown Fergus 10 AM–5 PM (depart every 15–20 min)
Four pickup locations in downtown Fergus. No charge for shuttle service. Most convenient option to avoid parking stress.
Saturday: Shuttle from downtown Fergus 9 AM–midnight (depart every 15–20 min)
Sunday: Shuttle from downtown Fergus 10 AM–5 PM (depart every 15–20 min)
Four pickup locations in downtown Fergus. No charge for shuttle service. Most convenient option to avoid parking stress.
🚂 Transit
GO Transit connects Toronto to Fergus area. Check schedules and transfer options. Driving or shuttle service is typically more convenient for festival access.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan your weekend: With so much to see and do, pick a few highlights beforehand. Heavy events competitions have schedules — check the website to catch your favorites.
Wear layers: August weather can vary. Start with layers you can shed or add throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Use the shuttle: Free shuttle from downtown Fergus eliminates parking hassle. Pick up downtown, relax, and enjoy the evening after the festival closes.
Bring cash: While cards are accepted, some vendors and smaller booths prefer cash. ATMs are available on-site.
Make it a weekend: If you have Scottish heritage, make Friday evening arrival part of your trip. Camp on-site or stay in nearby Fergus for a complete experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official Fergus Scottish Festival website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsCentre Wellington Community Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus, ON, N1M 2W5
