Get ready to experience Celtic culture over the course of two full days instead of one as Canmore’s Highland Games celebrates its 33rd year on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2024 at Canmore’s Centennial Park. What better way to spend Labour Day weekend than in one of Canada’s most beautiful mountain towns? The Canmore Highland Games originated in 1991 armed with a mandate to foster and encourage its Celtic culture and tradition in all its forms – dance, music and sports – and to establish the Canmore Highland Games as an entertainment/cultural destination event. It is fitting that the Highland Games would be hosted in Canmore, as one of the first Highland Games known was organized by King Malcolm III Canmore (1058-1093).
Scottish and Celtic traditions
Canmore is Gaelic for “big head” or “chief”. The bagpipes, the kilts, the heavy sports and the piping, drumming and music have become emblematic of Scotland and the Highland Games blends those core Scottish and Celtic traditions with the picturesque landscape of Canmore. With an expanded slate of events from Saturday morning to Sunday night, participants and spectators alike will be provided with non-stop entertainment. All events are steeped in rich Gaelic traditions, and will provide a unique experience to visitors. With the additional day added, Canmore Highland Games president Sandy Bunch says, “This year’s Games features more events, extra activities and no shortage of family-friendly experiences for people to enjoy all weekend”. Tickets sell quickly for the main events, which include the Taste of the Highlands and the Canmore Highland Games on Saturday, the Scotch Tastings, the Canmore Highland Games Day 2, and the popular Canmore Ceilidh, all on Sunday.
What’s On
The Canmore Highland Games – Aug. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The weekend is packed full of exciting new events and favourite activities from the past such as the Heavy Highland Sports contest, Highland Dance competitions, Piping and Drumming competitions, Tug-of-War contests and the British Car & Motorcycle Show. Additional attractions include the Clan Village, Celtic Market and food vendors, beer garden, sheep dog demonstrations, Highland Cattle, and tug of war contests.
Taste of the Highlands – Aug. 31, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Held at the Spring Creek Festival Tent, the Taste of the Highlands features a Celtic lounge atmosphere where event goers can experience tastes of whisky, micro-brews and unique wines. Tastings run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Scooter’s Bar will be available 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Admission includes 10 taste tickets to start your night. (Adults Only)
Scotch Tastings at Scooter’s Bar – Sept. 1, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Next to the Spring Creek Festival Tent, Scooter’s Bar provides a unique tasting experience featuring a choice of premium and ultra-premium single malts (Adults Only). In addition to purchasing a ticket for a tasting, you must also have a Games entry ticket.
The Canmore Ceilidh – Sept. 1 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This evening event at the Spring Creek Festival Tent brings a full night of Celtic entertainment celebrating music, dance and song. On tap as the headline act, The Rollin Drones close out the night with a dynamic performance. This 6-piece bagpipe pop band from Glasgow, specializes in taking modern songs and infusing them with traditional flavour. Additional acts include Seanachie, Irish Step Dancers, Highland Dancers and a special guest appearance by the Slainte Social Club Pipe Band.
Scots and wannabe Scots at the Highland Games
Come to learn about new sports, listen to music and taste new foods with the stunning backdrop of the Rockies. Advance Tickets and Bundles are available live on the website’s Tickets page. Admission starts at $12 ($6.25 for children) and includes all daytime events taking place in Centennial Park, except for the afternoon Scotch Tasting on Sunday, which requires an additional ticket. Evening ticketed events include the Taste of the Highlands ($33.75) and the Canmore Ceilidh ($55.50).
The organizers have arranged free, secure off-site parking just off the #1 TransCanada Highway at Exit 89. Free shuttle buses will operate on both days to and from Centennial Park from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers for all areas are still required. Volunteers receive free admittance to the Canmore Highland Games, gift bag, T-Shirt and a free meal. Duties include event set-up and take down. Sign up online at: canmorehighlandgames.ca/volunteering “It’s thrilling to see Scots and wannabe Scots at the Highland Games celebrating the music, food and sports of the culture. I love when people hear the bagpipes for the first time and fall in love with Celtic music, and when they enjoy the traditional sports, and Highland dancing,” Bunch says.
For the full schedule and online tickets, visit the website at: www.canmorehighlandgames.ca.
Main photo: Massed Pipe Bands in the Rocky Mountains at the Canmore Highland Games. Photo: © CanmoreAlberta.com.