Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering
- Dates
- 2027
- Status
- Postponed
- Venue
- Riverfront Park
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering in North Charleston, SC is not currently confirmed to be running. Froligo tracks its status, history and similar festivals still happening.
Postponed: what we know
After the 2025 Games, the organizing Society reported it could not overcome venue costs, decided not to return to Riverfront Park, and cancelled the 2026 edition while it fundraises to continue in 2027.
Similar festivals that are still going ahead are listed further down this page.
The experience
What's special
The Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering is a one-day celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage staged at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, South Carolina by the Scottish Society of Charleston. First held in 1971, the event describes itself as the second oldest of its kind in the Southeast, drawing crowds for Scottish heavy athletics such as the caber, sheaf and hammer, regional pipe bands, Highland dance, clan tents and tartan, and Lowcountry Scottish food. The Society has paused the Games and is fundraising toward a planned return in 2027
What people love
Visitors praise the hospitality and community spirit of the Charleston Games, with one performer describing the welcome from the people of Charleston as impeccably generous. Longtime attendees remember it as a fun day out, especially for first-timers curious about Highland athletics and pipes
Last time around (2025)
The most recent edition was the 54th Annual Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, before the Society paused the event to fundraise for a 2027 return
The games
Heavy athletics
The Games feature Scottish heavy athletics, with cabers, sheafs and hammers replacing everyday sport on the field
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Programming features regional pipe bands, including the Inveraray District Pipe Band, alongside Scottish country dancers and Highland dance
Clans & genealogy
Scottish clan and society tents gather at the Games, including groups such as Clan MacFarlane, where visitors can explore their Scottish roots
Taking part
The day mixes Scottish traditions with local touches, and the Charleston Hurling Club has demonstrated its sport at the Games
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
How do I get to Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering?
By car
Most people drive to Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
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Where
Venue
Riverfront Park
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Airport hotels 2
214 Arthur Drive, North Charleston, SC 29404
Link coming soon6100 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406
Link coming soonHotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Pricing
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