Columbus Scottish Festival
- Dates
- Expected September 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Bartholomew County Fairgrounds
- Price
- $15 to $20
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Columbus Scottish Festival's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 12 to 13 September 2026 in Columbus, IN. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Columbus Scottish Festival is a two-day Scottish festival and Highland games held each September at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus, Indiana. It packs in an open amateur Highland Games competition, massed pipe bands, a Highland dancing competition, Scottish clan tents, a Kirkin' of the Tartan, sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish Highland cattle, a European car show, whisky tastings and Celtic bands such as Highland Reign, Keltricity and Kennedy's Kitchen
Last time around (2025)
The 2025 Columbus Scottish Festival ran September 13 to 14, 2025 at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, with the Highland Games, pipe bands, Highland dancing and Scottish bands Keltricity, Highland Reign and Kennedy's Kitchen on the entertainment pavilion stage
The games
Heavy athletics
The Highland Games run as an open, amateur competition on Saturday on the Clara Elizabeth Robertson Memorial Athletic Field, and there are Junior Highland Games for children ages 6 to 12; athletes register online in advance
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Massed pipe bands lead the Saturday opening ceremonies, with pipe and drum corps including Southern Indiana Pipes and Drums, Fort Wayne Scottish Pipes and Drums, Louisville Fire and Rescue Pipes and Drums and Kentucky United Pipes and Drums, alongside a Highland dancing competition and Scottish country dancing
Clans & genealogy
Scottish clan tents anchor the grounds, and a Kirkin' of the Tartan service is held on Sunday morning
Taking part
Beyond the games, the weekend adds whisky tastings, a European car show, sheepdog and duck-herding demonstrations, Scottish Highland cattle, a beer garden, a Celtic market, a rugby demonstration, and light-hearted contests such as the Haggis Toss and the Bonniest Knees competition
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
How do I get to Columbus Scottish Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Columbus Scottish Festival. 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
Bartholomew County Fairgrounds
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Columbus Scottish Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 3
110 Carr Hill Road, Columbus, IN 47201
Link coming soon2335 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201
Link coming soon101 Carrie Lane, Columbus, IN 47201
Link coming soonAirport hotels 3
8010 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46231
Link coming soon2750 Fortune Circle West, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Link coming soon2730 Fortune Circle West, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Link coming soonHotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
Official site scottishfestival.org checked including its maps and area information pages; no accessibility, ADA or disabled access information published. Ask the organiser via the site
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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