Revel in the rich traditions of Scotland on PennWest Edinboro's picturesque campus during the 31^st annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival, September 5 - 6 2025.

Highland Games and Scottish Festival

The spirit of Scotland will come alive in Edinboro, Pa., as PennWest Edinboro hosts its 31^st 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.

The festivities kick off Friday evening with a public fiddle workshop and regional qualifier competition in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center.

Saturday’s main events begin at 8:30 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m., showcasing the National Scottish Fiddle and Harp Championships, highland dance, clan gatherings, and the ever-popular heavy athletic competitions—including the caber toss and stone throw. Visitors can also enjoy a beer garden, artisan vendors, musical performances, kids games and crafts, archery, and a wide array of Scottish and American fare. Opening ceremonies and massed bands are set for noon. The celebration concludes with the ticketed Ceilidh dinner ($50) with live music from 5–9 p.m.

With free admission to most events and activities for all ages, the Highland Games honor Edinboro’s Scottish roots and offer an unforgettable cultural experience. All events are rain or shine. 

2025 Schedule of Events

All events are FREE except the Ceilidh Dinner at $50 and seating is by reservation only. The reservation form will be posted a month before the event.

Schedule is subject to change. Please monitor websites as details are finalized.

Registration

Contact US

Lisa Keating
Director, Highland Games
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? You can by filling out the listed form and emailing it to: highlandgames@eupfoundation.org

How to Be a Sponsor Form

Sponsors

Ladies and Lords of the Highlands

Honorary Fighting Scots

Friends of the Festival