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Upcoming festivals in Almonte →North Lanark Highland Games 2026
41 years of Scottish heritage, dance, and athletic tradition on the Mississippi River
Date
Aug 22
Time
8:00 AM
Where
Almonte
Est. Crowd
3,000
Celebrate 41 years of Scottish culture on the picturesque banks of Ontario’s Mississippi River. Twenty pipe bands, over one hundred Highland dancers, champion heavyweight athletes, and the friendliest games on the Ontario circuit. Free admission for kids 11 and under.
🎭 20+ Pipe Bands
💃 100+ Dancers
🏋️ Heavy Events
🎪 Family-Friendly
✨ Why This Festival Matters
The North Lanark Highland Games have been a fixture of the Ottawa Valley for 41 years, a celebration of Scottish heritage held on one of Ontario’s most picturesque festival grounds. With the Mississippi River as a backdrop and mountains of open space, Almonte Fairgrounds feels like the natural home for Scottish dance, bagpipes, and heavy athletic competition.
What makes the Almonte games special is both the quality of the programming and the spirit of the event. You’ll find 20+ pipe bands competing, over 100 dancers ranging from beginner to elite levels, heavyweight athletes throwing logs and tossing cabers, and vendors selling everything from tartan to traditional Scottish food. The event draws about 3,000 visitors and has earned a reputation as the friendliest and prettiest games on the Ontario circuit.
If you’re drawn to Scottish culture, Highland dance, or just looking for a unique summer day out, Almonte is an easy drive from Ottawa or the Lanark region. Kids 11 and under get free admission, making it accessible for families. And whether you’re there to watch the heavy events, explore the clans, or simply enjoy a beer in the garden while the massed pipes play, there’s something for everyone here.
🎯 Festival Timeline
The games run all day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM. Here’s what to expect:
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Gates open. Grounds fill with vendors, vendors’ tents, and family areas. Mini-Highland Games activities begin for children.
1:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies and Parade featuring pipe bands, dancers, and officials. This is one of the highlight moments of the day.
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Main competitions run: Heavy events (caber toss, hammer throw, stone put), Highland dance competitions, and pipe band performances on multiple stages.
5:30 PM
Final Massed Bands perform — a beautiful moment with all pipe bands together on stage. Often considered the emotional climax of the day.
Evening
Ceilidh (Scottish party) in the beer garden. Traditional Scottish music and dancing continue as the sun sets.
🏆 Main Events & Competitions
The games feature traditional Scottish athletic and cultural competitions, drawing spectators who want to experience authentic Highland traditions.
Heavyweight Events
Champion and amateur athletes compete in caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, and other traditional Scottish heavy athletic events. These draw some of the best competitors from across North America.
Highland Dance
Over 100 dancers from beginner to elite levels perform Scottish Highland dances in competition. Categories range from youth to adult, providing something for every dancer’s experience level.
Pipe Bands
20+ pipe bands from across Ontario and beyond perform throughout the day. The Opening Ceremony Parade, individual performances, and the Final Massed Bands are highlights.
Mini-Highland Games
Kids get their own simplified version of heavyweight events and games throughout the day. Free admission for kids 11 and under means the whole family can enjoy the experience affordably.
Vendors & Clans
Scottish vendors sell traditional clothing, crafts, genealogical information, and Scottish food. Clan tents provide an opportunity to explore your family history.
Beer Garden & Ceilidh
A licensed beer garden operates all day, with traditional Scottish refreshments and food. The evening ceilidh (Scottish party) features live music and dancing into the night.
ℹ️ Festival Essentials
Date & Time
Saturday, August 22, 2026. Gates open 8:00 AM. Opening Ceremonies at 1:00 PM. Final Massed Bands at 5:30 PM.
Admission Cost
Early Bird $15 (available April 1, 2026). General Admission $20 (from August 1, 2026). Kids 11 & under FREE. Plus applicable fees and taxes.
Parking
Free near-site parking with FREE shuttle service. On-site parking $15 first-come, first-served (no in-and-out privileges).
Accessibility
Grounds are outdoor and primarily grass. Limited accessible parking available on-site. Portable restrooms on grounds.
Best For
Scottish culture enthusiasts · dancers · families · Highland games fans · day-trippers from Ottawa or Lanark County
Expected Crowd
Approximately 3,000 visitors. Grounds are spacious with plenty of open area — rarely feels overcrowded.
🚗 Getting There & Parking
Almonte is located about 45 minutes west of Ottawa in the Lanark region. The fairgrounds sit right on the Mississippi River, making for scenic driving through the Ottawa Valley.
Address: Almonte Fairgrounds, 195 Water Street, Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0
From Ottawa: Head west on Hwy 7 toward Perth. Follow signs to Almonte. The drive takes about 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
Parking Options: Free near-site parking with a convenient free shuttle service. On-site parking available for $15 first-come, first-served. RVs and trailers may park at the Almonte & District Community Center.
Pro Tip: Arriving early gives you better parking options and allows time to explore the grounds and vendors before the Opening Ceremony at 1:00 PM.
📍 Get Directions to Almonte Fairgrounds
💡 Tips for Your Visit
☀️ Bring sunscreen and a hat. August sun on open fairgrounds can be intense. The Mississippi River backdrop is beautiful, but there’s limited shade on the lawn.
🪑 Pack a lawn chair or blanket. The main lawn opens at 8:00 AM, and seating fills first-come, first-served. Having your own spot ensures comfort for the full day of performances and competitions.
🌧️ Be prepared for weather. The organizers suggest bringing a raincoat just in case. Summer weather in the Ottawa Valley can shift quickly.
🎪 Arrive early to explore vendors. Opening Ceremony is at 1:00 PM, but the grounds open at 8:00 AM. Early arrival lets you browse Scottish vendors, clans tents, and food concessions before the main events begin.
🍺 Enjoy the beer garden and evening ceilidh. If you stay for the evening, the beer garden transitions into a ceilidh (Scottish party) with live music and dancing. It’s a great way to end the day.
👨👩👧👦 Make it a family day. With free admission for kids 11 and under and dedicated mini-games, Almonte is one of the most family-friendly Highland Games on the Ontario circuit. Bring the whole family and make a day of it.
❓ Common Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official North Lanark Highland Games website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsAlmonte Fairgrounds, 195 Water Street, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0
