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Scotland Returns to San DiegoSan Diego Scottish Highland Games Celebrate 50th Anniversary in a New, More Accessible Location
The spirit of Scotland returns bigger than ever as the 50th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games take place Saturday and Sunday, June 20–21, 2026, at a brand-new venue: SDSU Mission Valley River Park.
Celebrating five decades of Scottish heritage, athleticism, music, and community, the milestone event introduces a new central San Diego location designed to make the festival more comfortable, accessible, and convenient for attendees of all ages.
The expansive river park setting offers more shade, abundant on-site parking with no shuttle required, and fully paved pathways throughout the grounds, making it easy to navigate for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. Located directly at the Stadium Trolley Station, the venue also provides safe, convenient access via light rail and rideshare services.
“This new location allows us to elevate the experience for both longtime fans and first-time visitors,” said event organizers. “It’s more accessible, more comfortable, and perfectly suited for celebrating our 50th year.”
Festivalgoers can expect all the beloved traditions that have defined the Games for generations, including:
Heavy Athletics, featuring iconic events like the Caber Toss
Highland Dance competitions, now held outdoors
Bagpipe & Drum bands performing throughout the day
Scottish clans & heritage societies
Sheepdog trials, a longtime crowd favorite
Celtic vendors, food, beverages, and kids’ activities
The Mission Valley location also places attendees close to numerous hotels and short-term rentals, ranging from family-friendly options to upscale accommodations, and sits conveniently between Highways 8, 15, and 805.
Event Schedule:
Gates open: 8:00 a.m.
Opening ceremony: 9:00 a.m.
Closing ceremony: 5:00 p.m.
Both days: Saturday & Sunday, June 20–21, 2026
Tickets:
Tickets will be available at the gate for $5–$20, with discounted early-bird tickets available online. Advance purchase is encouraged to reduce wait times at entry.
For full event details, schedules, and ticket information, visit SDHighlandGames.org
**** Important message to protect yourself against scams ****
ONLY buy tickets securely, through our site. Any individuals or third parties claiming to have tickets, vendor or participant registrations etc, are NOT authorized by San Diego Scottish Highland Games.
Ticket sales and registrations will start to open sometime in Late Feb, 2026.
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