Mark your Calendars for the Glengarry Highland Games!

Traditional Scottish events and family fun await you at the Glengarry Highland Games this summer! If you’ve been before, it likely has become a tradition in your family, however, if this is your first time considering going, read on to find out why we think your family will love it.

Located less than an hour away from Ottawa in Maxville, the Glengarry Highland Games have been taking place since 1948 and is considered one of the largest highland games in the world. Thousands of people, many from the Ottawa area, will visit Maxville during the games weekend on August 3 and 4 to participate, watch and listen to the sites and sounds.

Whether you have a familial connection to Scotland, are looking for an event the kids will enjoy, or just love all things Scottish after you binge-watched Outlander, your entire family will find something to love during the two-day event.

Events for the Kids

Put on your sunscreen and your tartan colours and enjoy your day trip to Maxville for the games. The kids may not know what to expect, but we think it won’t take them long to get into the Scottish spirit after they see everything that the games have to offer.

There will be piping bands and highland dance performances. Food stands and kilt runs. The Glengarry Highland Games welcomes kids of many ages to participate in their junior events. On Saturday, August 4th, kids can try their skills at hammer throw, tug of war, shotput, caber toss and more if they are between the ages of 3 and 12. There are also multiple track and field races the kids (of any age) can enter into on Saturday. Highland attire is encouraged and parental supervision requested. Registration details for these special competitions can be found on the website.

The Wee Bairns children’s area will be popular thanks to all the kids’ entertainment and hands-on fun offered each day. Little ones will be all smiles after having their face painted, and they’ll want to rush to see the animals at the petting zoo. Then, they can listen to Scottish fiddling and piping or watch the dancing. We also love that there will be a Scottish puppet show! If they are bouncing with energy in between all of the entertainment, there are also bouncy castles for kids to hop into. All of this entertainment is available both days (Friday and Saturday).

Events for the entire family

In addition to the very kid-friendly area at the games, there is plenty for parents to also enjoy. Music, dancing, and performances are waiting for you well into the evening if you are able to stick around as the day continues. The Tattoo on Friday evening will feature Canadian talent. Grab a seat or stand and dance as the fiddlers, dancers, and bands perform throughout the evening. On Saturday night the celebrations continue with a Ceilidh!