Harpers Ferry Highland Games
- Dates
- Expected October 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Sam Michaels Park
- Price
- $15 to $20
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Harpers Ferry Highland Games's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 3 to 4 October 2026 in Harpers Ferry, WV. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Harpers Ferry Highland Games is a two-day Scottish and Celtic festival at Sam Michaels Park in Jefferson County, West Virginia, presented by the volunteer-run Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society. Elite athletes compete in caber toss, Scottish hammer throw, Braemar stone put, sheaf toss and weight for height under MASA sanction, while a Celtic Clan Village, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, live Celtic music, Highland cows, birds of prey and traditional Highland reenactors round out the weekend
Last time around (2025)
The 2025 Harpers Ferry Highland Games ran that October at Sam Michaels Park, immersing visitors in a traditional Scottish atmosphere with feats of strength including the caber toss and hammer throw, alongside pipes, dancing, food and artisans
The games
Heavy athletics
Traditional Scottish heavy athletics are contested by elite athletes and include the Open Braemar Stone Put, Caber Toss, Scottish Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss and Weight for Height, with athlete registration handled through MASA
Pipe bands & Highland dance
The weekend features bagpipe competitions and traditional Scottish dancing
Clans & genealogy
A Celtic Clan Village hosts clan tents, with clan societies such as Clan Donald USA and Clan MacFarlane taking part
Taking part
Alongside the athletics there is live Celtic music, Highland cows, birds of prey displays, traditional Highland reenactors, food trucks, artisan vendors, a beer garden and full bar, and a kid-friendly playground, activity area and scavenger hunt. No outside food, alcohol or coolers are permitted
See it before you go
A look at the Highland Games in general, not this specific event.
Getting there
Nearest airport IAD.
How do I get to Harpers Ferry Highland Games?
By car
Most people drive to Harpers Ferry Highland Games. The nearest major airport is IAD, 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 Free. The festival advertises free parking
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at IAD
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 Harpers Ferry. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
Sam Michaels Park
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Harpers Ferry Highland Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
25 Union St, Harpers Ferry, about a mile from Historic Harpers Ferry and the nearest hotel actually inside town
Check rates →Mid-range hotels 2
A short drive from Harpers Ferry in Charles Town, near the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters. Free weekend breakfast, indoor pool
≈ $83-95 / night approx, book direct with the hotel
Check rates →157 Pimlico Dr, Charles Town, a short drive from Harpers Ferry. Free hot breakfast, indoor pool
≈ $135-145 / night approx, book direct with the hotel
Check rates →Airport hotels 3
45020 Aviation Drive, VA 20166
Link coming soon2520 Wasser Terrace, Herndon, VA 20171
Link coming soon13869 Park Center Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Link coming soonAirbnb & private camping
Harpers Ferry's small historic core has limited hotel inventory, so short-term rentals are a real option here; October leaf-season weekends can push rates up in the wider Jefferson County area
Search Airbnb →Not indicated as a camping event, but Harpers Ferry sits at the meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers with a real Hipcamp presence nearby for anyone who would rather camp and drive in
Search Hipcamp →Browse all hotels near Sam Michaels Park →
Hotel 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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