A Scottish celebration with caber tossing and bagpipes is coming to the Rockies

The Canmore Highland Games are coming to the Rockies this Labour Day Weekend, turning Canmore into a giant celebration of Scottish sports, music, dancing and tradition.

Over two and a half days, you can watch people throw things that are definitely heavier than they look, hear bagpipes echo through the mountains, watch highland dances show off some seriously impressive footwork and stick around for plenty of festivities once the competition wraps up.

Now, let’s take a closer look at everything going down during the games.

What to expect at the Highland Games

If you’ve been to a Highland Games before, think of it as a massive celebration of Scottish and Celtic Culture, where traditional music, sports and dancing come together for one very lively weekend. The Canmore Highland Games have been doing exactly that since 1991, and the 2026 edition will mark the event’s 35th anniversary.

The games also have some pretty cool history behind them. According to the Canmore Highland Games, one of the earliest known Highland Games was organized by King Malcolm III Canmore, an 11th-century Scottish King. The event was reportedly used to find the strongest and fastest men in his kingdom, who could then serve as messengers.

What happens at the Canmore Highland Games?

The modern-day Canmore Highland Games takes place over two and a half days, with each day bringing something entirely different. On Friday, things will kick off with the Taste of the Highlands, an adults-only evening celebration featuring whiskey, microbrews, wine and entertainment.

Then, Saturday and Sunday are when things really start to ramp up. This is when you’ll be able to catch the traditional Highland sports, including the famous caber toss, stone putting, hammer throws, weight throws and the sheaf toss.

The sports might steal the spotlight, but it isn’t the only competition worth watching. The tug-of-war competition is another crowd favourite, which will run on Sunday, with teams battling it out to see who can pull their opponents across the line.

You’ll also be able to watch highland dancers compete, listen to piping and drumming performances, or wander through the Celtic Market and Clan Village.

How much are Canmore Highland Games Tickets?

The Canmore Highland Games run from Friday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at Centennial Park. General admission is $30 for adults and $5 for children and includes access to the daytime events, including the Highland sports, dancing, piping, and drumming competitions.

If you’d like to attend the adults-only Taste of the Highlands experience in the evening, you’ll need to buy a separate ticket for $35 per person. The same goes for the Scotch tastings and evening concerts, including the Saturday night Canmore Ceilidh and Sunday night’s Canmore Hooley.

Since the games are outdoors in the mountains, come prepared for unpredictable September weather. The event will run rain or shine, so layers and comfortable shoes are also a good call. If you’re planning to watch the sporting events, bring a lawn chair so you can watch the action without standing around all day.

Although it may be tempting to bring your furry friends along, the Town of Canmore bylaws do not permit dogs at the event, except assistance dogs, so unfortunately your pup will have to skip this one.

Parking is limited in Canmore over Labour Day weekend, and since there will be no on-site parking available, it’s important to plan ahead. You can find paid parking in downtown Canmore, or make your way to the games by bike or on foot.

If your Labour Day weekend is looking a little empty, make your way down to Canmore for a full day of entertainment, catch some seriously impressive competitions, and enjoy a pretty spectacular backdrop.

When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park – 506 5th Ave. Canmore, Alta.
Cost: Adults: $30 per day, Children: $5 per day, Taste of Highlands Experience: $35 

Recent posts:
10 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this week (Aug. 17 to 21)
Calgary Pride Week is back with a new citywide format and here’s what to know