Great Basin Scottish Highland Games
- Dates
- Expected June 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Virginia City Fairgrounds
- Price
- $10
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Great Basin Scottish Highland Games comes to Virginia City, NV, Expected June 2027. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Great Basin Scottish Highland Games bring Scottish heavy athletics to the historic Virginia City Fairgrounds each June, presented by the Northern Nevada Throwing Company. Over two days, athletes compete in the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put and weight events while the grounds fill with bagpipes, a piping and drumming contest, clan genealogy displays, Highland Coos, a beard competition and a Kilted 5K, making it a family-friendly celebration of Scottish heritage in the Truckee Meadows
What people love
Attendees describe the games as a small but genuinely fun and welcoming celebration of Scottish culture, a relaxed way to watch heavy athletics, meet the clans and enjoy the Virginia City setting
Last time around (2026)
The fifth annual Great Basin Scottish Highland Games took over Virginia City on June 13 and 14, 2026 for a weekend of Highland traditions, heavy throws, good food and bagpipes at the Virginia City Fairgrounds
The games
Heavy athletics
The games run the full slate of Scottish heavy athletics, including the Stone Throw, Hammer Throw, Weight for Distance, Weight Over Bar, Sheaf Toss and Caber Toss, presented by the Northern Nevada Throwing Company
Pipe bands & Highland dance
Bagpipes sound throughout the weekend, with a piping and drumming contest and traditional Scottish music and dance on the main stage
Clans & genealogy
Genealogy displays and clan information let visitors look up their clans and tartans and explore the history of Scottish families
Taking part
Alongside the competition the day features Highland Coos, a beard competition, a Kilted 5K fun run, a vendor area with Scottish merchandise, and food and drink, with beer sales supporting the following year's games
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
Nearest airport RNO.
How do I get to Great Basin Scottish Highland Games?
By car
Most people drive to Great Basin Scottish Highland Games. The nearest major airport is RNO, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. 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.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost $5 suggested donation. Parking is a suggested $5 donation, with proceeds benefiting the Reed High School Sea Cadets
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at RNO
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
Search car hire →Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the centre of Virginia City. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
Virginia City Fairgrounds
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Great Basin Scottish Highland Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Airport hotels 3
2015 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
Link coming soon1790 East Plumb Lane, Reno, NV 89502
Link coming soon1981 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
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.
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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