Revel in the rich traditions of Scotland on PennWest Edinboro's picturesque campus during the 32^nd 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.

Contact Us

Email: highlandgames@eupfoundation.org

 

Plan Your Stay

Check out the following sites as you make travel arrangements.

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.

Be a Sponsor

Want to be a sponsor for the Highland Games? Email us at highlandgames@eupfoundation.org