Highland Games 2027: Dates, Events & Where to See Them

The Highland Games are one of Scotland's most vibrant traditions. From May to September, villages in the Highlands and towns across the country host competitions of strength, dance, and bagpipe playing, all in a festive, community atmosphere. Based in Edinburgh since 2012, we explain the competitions, the major events of 2027, and how to attend.

In short: Highland Games take place all over Scotland from May to September. The most famous, the Braemar Gathering, is on Saturday 4 September 2027 in the Cairngorms, often attended by the Royal Family; tickets go on sale on 1 February 2027. Expect caber tossing, hammer throwing, tug-of-war, Highland dancing and pipe bands.

What are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are a uniquely Scottish sporting and cultural event. According to tradition, they date back to the Middle Ages, when clan chiefs would choose their strongest and fastest men. They experienced a major revival in the 19th century, largely thanks to Queen Victoria, who was passionate about the Highlands.

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Today, these games blend competition and village festivities. Competitors wear kilts, bagpipe bands parade, and families picnic around the arena. To better understand these customs, also read our guide to Scottish traditions.

The Highland Games events

Caber toss

This is the most iconic event. The athlete lifts a long tree trunk, runs a few steps, then throws it so that it swings over its end. The goal is not the distance: the trunk must land as straight as possible in front of the thrower.

The throwing events

The "heavy events" also include the Scottish hammer throw, stone throwing, and shot put, both over distance and height over a bar. These events require as much technique as strength.

Tug-of-war

Two teams pull on a rope until the opposing team crosses the center line. This is often one of the noisiest moments of the day, as the crowd cheers on each team.

The dances and the bagpipes

Finally, the games host Highland dance competitions, such as sword dancing, and bagpipe competitions. The bagpipe bands, the "massed pipe bands," parade together in the arena: a truly moving moment.

The Braemar Gathering 2027, the most famous of the Highland Games

The Braemar Gathering is the most prestigious event of the season. It takes place in the small village of Braemar, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, about an hour and a half's drive from Aberdeen. Since Queen Victoria's visit in 1848, the monarch and members of the royal family have attended regularly.

According to the official website, Here is the practical information for 2027:

Information	Braemar Gathering 2027
Date	Saturday, September 4, 2027
Schedules	From approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parade of marching bands	At 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Tickets on sale	Monday, February 1, 2027
Place	Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar

Tickets sell out quickly, especially for grandstand seats. Book your accommodation well in advance as well: Braemar is a small village, and rooms are scarce on the weekend of the games.

When and where can we see the Highland Games in 2027?

The Highland Games season runs from May to September, peaking in July and August. Almost every weekend, a village hosts its games. Among the most famous are:

• The Braemar Gathering, on Saturday, September 4, 2027, in the Cairngorms.
• The Cowal Highland Gathering, in Dunoon, at the end of August: one of the largest, renowned for its bagpipe competitions.
• Village games, smaller and more authentic, which are often discovered by chance during a road trip.

The dates of each meeting are published in the spring by the organizers and by VisitScotland. Remember to check them before finalizing your route.

Our tips for attending the Highland Games

• Arrive early to get a good spot around the arena.
• Pack a rain jacket and sunscreen: in Scotland, the weather changes quickly.
• Bring a picnic or enjoy the local food stalls.
• Combine the games with a road trip in the Highlands: see our scenic routes in Scotland.
• To choose the best time, consult our guide when to go to Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Highland Games

When do the Highland Games take place?

From May to September, throughout Scotland, with a peak in July and August.

What is the date of the Braemar Gathering 2027?

Saturday, September 4, 2027, from approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale February 1, 2027.

Do you need to book tickets to attend the Highland Games?

For major events like Braemar, yes. Smaller village games, however, often require an entrance fee.

Which is the most famous event?

The caber toss: the trunk must tip over its end and land as straight as possible.

Cover photo: Raibeart MacAoidh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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