If you’re looking for something a little different to do over Labor Day weekend, the Virginia Scottish Games are bringing two days of Scottish culture, competition and entertainment to Northern Virginia.
The 52nd Virginia Scottish Games are scheduled for September 5th and 6th, 2026, with the event returning to Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia.
From caber tossing and Highland dancing to live Celtic music, clan gatherings, Scottish food and whisky tastings, the annual event offers plenty to see and do throughout the weekend.
Tickets are already available, making this a particularly fun option for a Labor Day weekend day trip from the Washington, D.C., area.
What are the Virginia Scottish Games?
The Virginia Scottish Games are an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and culture that combines traditional competitions, music, food, shopping and family-friendly activities.
The 2026 event will feature piping and drumming, Highland dance, fiddling and heavy athletics, with competitions taking place throughout the weekend… There’s even a classic British car show!
One of the biggest draws is the heavy athletics, where visitors can watch competitors take on traditional Highland events.
Sunday’s schedule will also include the East Coast Championships for men’s amateur athletics on the Bryan McClain Memorial Athletic Field.
There will also be plenty to explore away from the competitions, including the Col. Robert Morrison Clan Field, where visitors can meet Scottish clans and societies and learn more about their heritage.
Food is another major part of the experience, with options including haggis, meat pies, bridies, fish and chips, shortbread and Scotch eggs, alongside other festival food.
Visitors can also browse vendors and crafters or sign up for whisky and gin tastings.
And if music is your reason for going, the festival has plenty of it. Performances and musical competitions will take place across the Alex Beaton Entertainment Tent, Fiddle Tent and Highland Dance stage, while Celtic band Seven Nations is also scheduled to perform.
When and where are the Virginia Scottish Games taking place?
The 52nd Virginia Scottish Games will take place on Saturday, September 5th, and Sunday, September 6th, 2026, over Labor Day weekend.
The festival site is Great Meadow, located at 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198, in Fauquier County.
That puts the games within easy reach of Northern Virginia and makes them a good option for a day trip from Washington, D.C., particularly for anyone looking to spend part of the holiday weekend outside the city.
The event’s website describes the weekend as a chance to experience Scottish competitions, food, music, clans, shopping and more, so visitors can easily spend several hours exploring the festival rather than simply watching one event.
How much does it cost to attend?
General admission is currently $25 per adult for a single day, plus ticketing fees.
A two-day adult pass costs $40, plus fees, making it the better value for anyone planning to attend both days.
Children ages 5 to 12 cost $5 for Saturday, while children under 5 are free, whereas Sunday is free for all children 12 and under.
The festival also offers optional tastings and patron packages for visitors who want to make more of the weekend.
Whisky tastings cost $40 plus fees and include samples of five different whiskies and a souvenir tasting glass, while gin tastings cost $35 plus fees and include five gin samples and a souvenir glass.
With the combination of Highland sports, live music, Scottish food, clan history, dancing, dogs, shopping and family activities, the Virginia Scottish Games offer plenty of reasons to make the trip to The Plains this Labor Day weekend.
