Revel in the rich traditions of Scotland on PennWest Edinboro's picturesque campus
during the 32nd annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival, September 11-12, 2026.
Highland Games and Scottish Festival
September 11-12, 2026
The spirit of Scotland will come alive in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, as PennWest Edinboro
hosts its 32nd annual Highland Games & Scottish Festival. This vibrant, multi-day
celebration of Scottish culture will feature world-class musicians, Celtic vendors,
traditional Scottish foods, athletic feats and family-friendly fun across campus.
Schedule of 2026 Events
Time
Event
Location
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Fiddle Workshop (Open to Public)
143 Pogue Student Center
6:00 p.m.
The Sky above Edinburgh*
Cooper Hall Planetarium
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Reginal Qualifier Fiddle Competition
Pogue Student Center Theater
8:00 p.m.
The Sky above Edinburgh*
Cooper Hall Planetarium
**The Planetarium is FREE but is limited to 60 guests per show. Huge thanks to Roger Sargent for donating his timeand talent.
Time
Event
Location
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Solo Pipe & Drum Competitions
Solo Tents - North McComb
9:00 a.m.
National Scottish Fiddle Championships - US Junior
Pogue Student Center Theater
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Highland Dance Competition
McComb Fieldhouse
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Try-a-Harp for First Timers (open to the public)
Pogue Student Center MPR Rooms
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Scottish Clan Gatherings
Tent
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Scottish Village Vendors
Tents / Lawns & Lots
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Music Performances**
Performance Tent
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Weaving
Art Tent
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Scottish & American Foods
Lawns & Lots
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
US National Scottish Harp ChampionshipTM
Pogue MPR Rooms
10:00 a.m.
Disc Golf ACE Tournament
Lowlands / Campus Course
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Heavy Athletic Competitions
Lawns
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Plein Air - Live Paint & Art Exhibitions
Art Tent / Lawns
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Instrument Petting Zoom, hosted by Erie Jr. Philharmonic
KidZone Tent
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Clydesdales
Lawns
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Archery
Lawns
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Beer Garden
McComb Lawns
12:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies & Massed Bands
McComb Lawns
12:30 p.m.
US National Scottish Harp ChampionshipTM reconvenes
Pogue MPR Rooms
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
National Scottish Fiddle Championships - US Open
Pogue Theater
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Harp Showcase & Awards
Pogue MPR Rooms
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Kids' Highland Games Competition
KidZone Tent
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Bagpipe Band Competition
Lawns North of Scott Road
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Tug O War
McComb Lawns
2:30 p.m.
Awards
Pogue MPR Rooms
3:00 p.m.
Harp Workshop for beginners and intermediate harpists.
Hampton Inn by Hilton - Discounted rate when you select your date(s) only at this link
The Story of the Edinboro Highland Games
A Brief History
The first Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival was held in April 1993, after
eight months of planning in Dr. Tim Thompson’s communication classes. On a day featuring
typical Scottish weather, a crowd of five hundred enjoyed two pipe bands, one vendor,
kids’ games, and student athletic competitions.
Crowds of five thousand or more now enjoy the annual games that feature an array of
competitions, world-class musicians, fine gift vendors, and the gathering of Scottish
clans. Musicians including master fiddlers Alasdair Fraser and Bonnie Rideout, the
piper Eric Rigler of Braveheart fame, singer Ed Miller, and groups such as Cherish
the Ladies, Seven Nations and the Chelsea House Orchestra have thrilled audiences
across twenty years. In 2003, the Downtown Edinboro Art and Music Festival was born
as part of the Edinboro Highland Games. While the Scottish Festival has since moved
to a September date, the Art & Music Festival continues to thrive as a wonderful tradition
each May. The Edinboro Games now hold sanctioned competitions in professional and
amateur heavy athletics, pipe band and solo piping and drumming, highland dance, Celtic
and Scottish harp, and the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championships. Along with
delicious Scottish and festival foods and family gatherings, the Edinboro Highland
Games have grown into one of the most unique and interesting cultural events in the
Erie-Chautauqua region.
