Events
SAAA-sanctioned Highland Games competitions
Upcoming Events
Pleasanton Scottish Games
The Scottish Highland Gathering and Games are back for 2026! Celebrating it's 160th anniversary, the games this year will be September 5th and 6th at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California. Recognized as the largest and longest-running Scottish games in the United States, the Pleasanton Scottish Highland Gathering and Games is an invite only showcase. For event or invitation questions, please reach out to the athletic director.
2026 Seaside Highland Games
The 22nd Annual Seaside Highland Games The SAAA is proud to return to Ventura for their 22nd Annual Seaside Highland Games ! Join us on October 10–11, 2026 , at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, California . The weekend features world-class Highland Dance, Pipe & Drum bands, Sheepdog trials, and a vibrant array of Scottish clans, vendors, and traditional fare. 2026 will mark the 2nd year of the Lowry Cup Competition honoring John Lowry theFounder and Chief of the Seaside Highland Games and the Lowry family for continuing on what John and Nellie Lowry started so many years ago. The Lowry Cup brings a team competition to the highland games where the strongest usually stand alone. This competition brings together practice groups from near and far to see who is bringing up the next generation of highland games athletes and earns bragging rights to those who field the strongest team of athletes. Heavy Athletics Competition We will be contesting all 9 events: Braemar Stone Open Stone Heavy Weight for Distance Light Weight for Distance Heavy Hammer Light Hammer Weight Over Bar Sheaf Caber Schedule Competition begins promptly at 9:00 AM each day. A mandatory athlete meeting will be held on the field prior to the start. Saturday's Classes Men's : A, Novice, 40+, 50+ 60+ Women's : B, C Sunday's Classes Men's : B, C, Lightweight Women's: A, Lightweight, Masters Lowry Cup Teams of no more than 10 athletes will compete for the Lowry Cup. Points will be awarded to each team based on the finishing position of their respective athletes. Be aware that changes to the rules from last year’s competition will be implemented once they are finalized. Additional details and rules for the Lowry Cup will be released soon. We have tools available to our practice group owners / admins for establishing their Lowry Cup team. For more information please refer to the news post: Setting up your Lowry Cup team for the Ventura Seaside Highland Games . T-Shirts This year we're doing things a little different for the Lowry Cup. First — each athlete's last name will be on the back of your shirt this year. Second — practice groups have the option of having team shirts, provided by the SAAA. Your practice group must be registered on the SAAA Sites practice group directory . Practice group admins now have the ability to upload your practice groups logo / t-shirt image. When it comes time to order shirts that image will be used. Please provide the highest quality, largest size you have. When registering if you are an SAAA member associated with a practice group, it will be selected for you. If not, you will be given a list of practice groups to select from that are currently registered. If your practice group doesn't exist, coordinate someone to create the group on the SAAA site. You need to be an SAAA member in order to create a new group. If this isn't possible, please reach out to use via the contact page and we will work with you to get your group created. Registration Details Secure your spot on the field today. Registration fees include your games t-shirt (custom shirts available for an additional charge for the Lowry Cup), awards for top finishers, and sanctioned judging/equipment. SAAA Members : $45 Non-Members : $60 Note: All athletics are subject to the rules and regulations found at SAAA Rules and Regulations .