Last verified: September 2026. The dates, venue, ticket prices, parking guidance, shuttle information, daily schedule, competitions, Honor Clan, participating clan organizations, vendors, and family activities were checked against the official Salado Museum and College Park event pages and current Eventeny ticket page.
The Scottish Gathering and Highland Games in Salado, Texas, bring three days of pipe music, Highland athletics, dance, clan heritage, Scottish food, workshops, ceremonies, and family activities to the banks of Salado Creek.
The 65th Gathering takes place from Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026. Friday begins with cultural programming and the torchlit Calling of the Clans. The main public gathering continues Saturday and Sunday around Barrow Brewing Company, Inn on the Creek, and the Salado Museum area.
Important: Celtic Studio is not the organizer of the Salado Scottish Gathering and does not sell official admission, dinner tickets, competition registrations, vendor spaces, or parking access. Confirm last-minute information and purchase admission through the official event page.
Salado Scottish Gathering Quick Facts
| Event | 65th Scottish Gathering and Highland Games |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 13–15, 2026 |
| Friday opening ceremony | Calling of the Clans at 6:00 p.m. |
| Saturday main program | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; piping check-in and solo competition begin earlier |
| Sunday main program | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Main event address | 108 Royal Street, Salado, TX 76571 |
| Adult weekend pass | $25 base price, plus online processing fees |
| Child weekend pass | $15 base price, plus online processing fees |
| Children age five and under | Free |
| 2026 Honor Clan | Donnachaidh |
| Main attractions | Clan Village, piping and drumming, Highland athletics, Highland dance, Celtic music, workshops, vendors, food, ceremonies, and children’s activities |
What Is the Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games?
The Salado Gathering is a long-running Texas celebration of Scottish heritage presented by Salado Museum and College Park. Its 2026 edition is promoted as the 65th Gathering, giving the weekend a different character from a newer general Celtic festival.
Competition is important, but it is only one part of the event. The program connects piping, drumming, Highland dance, traditional athletics, clan organizations, Gaelic language, country dancing, food, music, and ceremonial gatherings.
The event is also closely tied to its village setting. Activities are distributed around Salado Creek, the museum, Barrow Brewing, Inn on the Creek, and nearby venues rather than being confined to one large fairground.
Dates, Hours, and Daily Schedule
The wider program begins Thursday evening with a separately ticketed heritage dinner. The main Scottish Gathering runs Friday through Sunday.
| Day | Best for | Key events |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Heritage programming and opening ceremonies | Scottish lecture, vendors, Calling of the Clans, welcome social, and cèilidh |
| Saturday | The fullest competitive and clan program | Clan tents, athletics, piping, drumming, dance, parade, workshops, music, marketplace, and Tartan Dinner |
| Sunday | Family activities and ceremonial traditions | Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, children’s Games, dog events, performances, workshops, country dancing, and closing ceremony |
Use the official 2026 Gathering Schedule shortly before travelling because outdoor programs and performance times can change.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets are available online and may also be purchased at the gate. The organizer currently lists the following base admission prices:
| Ticket | Base price | Online total currently shown |
|---|---|---|
| Adult weekend pass | $25 | $26.90 |
| Child weekend pass | $15 | $16.27 |
| Adult Saturday pass | $20 | $21.58 |
| Child Saturday pass | $10 | $10.96 |
| Adult Sunday pass | $10 | $10.96 |
| Child Sunday pass | $5 | $5.64 |
Children age five and under enter free. The online totals include the processing fees displayed when this guide was verified. Admission covers the grounds, Clan Village, vendors, Highland athletics, Highland dance, and piping competition. Special dinners, the Friday social, and certain evening programs require separate tickets.
Purchase through the organizer’s official Eventeny ticket page.
Where Is the Gathering Held?
The main weekend grounds are along Salado Creek near Barrow Brewing Company and Inn on the Creek. The current ticket page lists the main check-in and event address as:
Scottish Gathering and Highland Games108 Royal Street
Salado, TX 76571
Some events take place at other nearby locations. The Friday lecture and welcome social use the Salado Museum complex, while the Tartan Dinner is held at The Venue, 220 Royal Street. Check the location attached to each ticket rather than assuming every activity begins at the same entrance.
Parking and Shuttle Information
The official parking guidance lists several public parking areas:
- behind the Stagecoach Inn registration office;
- Salado United Methodist Church;
- Tablerock Amphitheater;
- Salado Civic Center at 601 North Main Street.
Shuttles are scheduled to operate on Saturday and Sunday. Parking near the grounds fills quickly, so arriving early is especially important before Saturday’s noon parade and opening ceremony. Visitors should be prepared to walk or use a shuttle from an outer parking area.
Review the current official maps and way-finding page before departure. The map displayed there may still carry an earlier year label, so use it for orientation and confirm the current layout at the entrance.
Friday: Calling of the Clans and Cèilidh
Friday establishes the ceremonial and social character of the weekend.
At 2:00 p.m., Scottish singer and folklorist Ed Miller is scheduled to present a one-hour program in word and song about the Scottish tapestry at the Salado Museum. Selected vendors begin opening to the public at 4:00 p.m.
The Calling of the Clans begins at 6:00 p.m. beside Salado Creek. The organizer presents this torchlit ceremony as a modern remembrance of Scottish clans gathering around Robert the Bruce before Bannockburn. It should be understood as commemorative pageantry rather than a literal reconstruction of one documented medieval ceremony.
A ticketed welcome social follows at 6:30 p.m., and the Friday Night Cèilidh begins at 7:00 p.m. The cèilidh is designed as a family-friendly evening of Scottish music and country dancing.
Saturday: Parade, Competitions, and Clan Village
Saturday offers the most complete single-day experience. Clan tents, Highland athletics, pipe and drum competitions, live Scottish music, and the Celtic marketplace operate from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The official opening begins at noon. Bands and clan representatives parade from the area of South Main Street and Thomas Arnold Road at Pace Park into the Gathering grounds. Piping competitors begin earlier, with check-in from 7:30 a.m. and solo events from 8:00 a.m.
Saturday also includes Scottish country dancing demonstrations, Gaelic language and song workshops, the shortbread contest, and the Bonniest Knees contest. A separately ticketed Tartan Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.
Scottish Highland Athletics
The athletic program includes several events commonly associated with modern Highland Games:
- caber toss;
- weight for distance;
- weight for height;
- Scottish hammer throw;
- sheaf toss;
- stone put.
The caber toss is judged by control and alignment, not by maximum distance. Athletes attempt to turn the caber end over end so it lands as straight as possible in relation to the direction of the run.
The different events test strength, timing, balance, and technique. Visitors who want to understand what they are watching should note that the stone, hammer, weights, sheaf, and caber each use different equipment and scoring rules.
Piping and Drumming
All registered piping and drumming competitions are scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
Solo events begin at 8:00 a.m. Band and quartet events follow the noon parade and opening ceremony. Judges consider elements such as tuning, tone, timing, musical expression, execution, ensemble quality, and rhythmic control.
The great Highland bagpipe tradition includes both shorter competition forms and piobaireachd, often described as the instrument’s classical music. Individual drumming events are accompanied by pipers and are evaluated for tone, tempo, execution, rhythm, and variety.
Highland Dance and Scottish Country Dancing
Highland dance and Scottish country dancing are different traditions, and the Salado program includes both.
Highland dance is a demanding solo performance and competition tradition. The organizer’s interpretive material discusses dances such as the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, Hornpipe, and Lilt.
Scottish country dancing is a social group tradition performed in sets. Demonstrations appear across the weekend, while the Friday cèilidh gives visitors a more participatory introduction.
Clan Village and the 2026 Honor Clan
The organizer describes Salado’s Clan Village as the largest gathering of Scottish clan tents in Texas. Representatives share information about family names, clan history, genealogy resources, and society membership.
The 2026 Honor Clan is Donnachaidh. The official participating list also includes organizations representing Buchanan, Chattan, Douglas, Elliot, Farquharson, Graham, Gunn, Gordon, Henderson, Keith, Kerr, Kincaid, Lamont, Leslie, MacDuff, MacIntyre, Mackay, MacKintosh, MacLellan, MacPherson, McPhail, Murray, Ramsay, Ross, Sinclair, Sutherland, Watson, and others.
A matching surname can be a useful starting point, but it does not prove ancestry, society membership, or entitlement to a coat of arms. Bring spelling variants, family locations, dates, and names from several branches of your family when speaking with clan representatives.
Sunday: Kirkin’, Children’s Games, and Dog Events
Sunday begins at 9:00 a.m. with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, a devotional service in which family tartans are carried and blessings are requested for the families they represent.
The public program continues from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Scheduled activities include children’s Highland Games, Scottish dog agility, a Scottish dress dog parade and contest, Gaelic language, country dancing, pipe and drum performances, Highland dance, live Celtic music, clan tents, shopping, and food.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Food, Vendors, and the Celtic Marketplace
The Celtic marketplace brings together Scottish and Celtic goods, food, refreshments, and specialist vendors. The official 2026 list includes resident food trucks at Barrow Brewing, meat pies, sandwiches, pizza, coffee, funnel cakes, snow cones, and Scottish food and refreshments at The Venue.
Vendors may begin opening Friday afternoon, but the broadest shopping program is on Saturday and Sunday. Individual vendors and food trucks can change before the event, so review the official Clans, Vendors, and Events page when a particular booth matters to your visit.
What Should You Wear?
You do not need to wear a kilt or claim Scottish ancestry to attend. Comfortable footwear matters because the weekend involves walking between creekside grounds, parking areas, tents, vendors, and nearby venues.
For November weather in Central Texas, use layers that can be removed during warmer afternoon hours. Bring sun protection and check the forecast for rain before leaving.
Visitors who want to represent a family connection may wear a tartan, clan crest cap badge, kilt pin, plaid brooch, pendant, ring, or another meaningful heritage accessory. Choose items connected to documented family research rather than assuming every surname has one simple clan answer.
For more detailed planning, read What to Wear to Highland Games.
Scottish Clan Finder
Find Your Scottish Clan Before the Games
Search your Scottish clan or family name to find matching Celtic Studio clan crest products before visiting Clan Village at Loon Mountain.
Tip: try Mac and Mc spelling variations. Some surnames may connect with more than one Scottish tradition.
Loading Celtic Studio Scottish clan collections...
Accessibility and Comfortable Event Planning
The grounds extend across several outdoor and village locations, while parking may be some distance from the main program. Weekend shuttles can reduce the walk from designated parking areas, but visitors should not assume that every path, activity area, or shuttle arrangement will meet a specific mobility need.
If you require step-free access, mobility assistance, accessible parking, or another accommodation, contact Salado Museum and College Park before purchasing tickets. Arrive early enough to speak with volunteers and confirm the best route into the grounds.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Choose Saturday for the largest concentration of competitions, clans, vendors, and ceremonies.
- Choose Sunday for the Kirkin’, children’s activities, dog events, and a shorter festival day.
- Allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.
- Check the location printed for separately ticketed dinners and social events.
- Save the current schedule before leaving home.
- Carry several family surnames and spelling variants when visiting Clan Village.
- Bring layers, comfortable footwear, water, and weather protection.
Salado Scottish Gathering Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Salado Scottish Gathering in 2026?
The 65th Scottish Gathering and Highland Games runs from Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026. A separate heritage dinner is also scheduled for Thursday evening.
Where is the Salado Scottish Gathering held?
The main weekend grounds are along Salado Creek near Barrow Brewing Company and Inn on the Creek. The ticket page lists 108 Royal Street, Salado, Texas 76571 as the main event address.
How much are tickets?
The base prices are $25 for an adult weekend pass, $15 for a child weekend pass, $20 for adult Saturday admission, $10 for child Saturday admission, $10 for adult Sunday admission, and $5 for child Sunday admission. Online processing fees are additional.
Are young children free?
Yes. Children age five and under enter free.
Where can visitors park?
Official parking areas include locations near the Stagecoach Inn registration office, Salado United Methodist Church, Tablerock Amphitheater, and the Salado Civic Center at 601 North Main Street.
Are shuttles available?
Yes. The organizer states that shuttles will run on Saturday and Sunday. Parking near the grounds fills quickly, so visitors should arrive early.
What happens during the Calling of the Clans?
The Calling of the Clans is a Friday evening torchlit ceremony beside Salado Creek. It is presented as a modern commemoration of Scottish clans gathering around Robert the Bruce before Bannockburn.
Which day is best for first-time visitors?
Saturday provides the most complete program, including Clan Village, Highland athletics, piping and drumming, dance, music, workshops, vendors, the parade, and opening ceremony.
Who is the 2026 Honor Clan?
Donnachaidh is the official Honor Clan for the 2026 Gathering.
Do visitors need to wear a kilt?
No. Kilts and tartans are welcome but optional. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are more important.
Are the Tartan Dinner and Friday social included with general admission?
No. The Tartan Dinner, Friday welcome social, heritage dinner, and certain evening programs use separate tickets or reservations.
Does the event include activities for children?
Yes. Sunday includes children’s Highland Games, along with dog events, music, dance, clan tents, food, and shopping.
Plan Your Salado Scottish Gathering Visit
The Salado Scottish Gathering combines serious competition with clan participation, ceremonial traditions, workshops, music, food, and a distinctive creekside village setting.
Before travelling:
- purchase the correct day or weekend admission;
- reserve separately ticketed dinners or evening events early;
- review parking and shuttle locations;
- save the latest schedule;
- choose the day that matches your priorities;
- research family names before visiting Clan Village.
Planning other Scottish events? Explore the Celtic Studio Scottish Highland Games guide or continue with these visitor resources:
- Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival
- Scotland County Highland Games in Laurinburg
- Colorado Highland Games and Scottish Festival
- New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain
- Celtic Classic Highland Games in Bethlehem
Official and primary sources: Salado Museum and College Park event page, 2026 schedule, official ticketing, parking and maps, Highland athletics, Highland dance, piping and drumming, and clans, vendors, and events.