Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games
- Dates
- Nov 13 to 15, 2026
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Salado Museum and College Park
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 15, 2026
Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games returns to Salado, TX, Nov 13 to 15, 2026. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games is billed as the oldest Scottish gathering in Texas and one of the few Texas events focused solely on Scottish culture, hosted each November by the Salado Museum and College Park. It centers on traditional Highland athletics such as caber, stone and sheaf tossing, with bagpipe and Highland dance competitions, a Calling of the Clans and a Kirkin' o' the Tartan
What people love
Visitors point to the caber, rock and sheaf tossing as a big draw, with vendors ringing the athletic field and local families whose school teams compete in the games year after year
Last time around (2025)
The 64th gathering ran November 7 to 9, 2025 on a wooded property in Salado, with bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, athletic competitions and live Celtic music including Scottish singer Ed Miller
The games
Heavy athletics
Traditional Scottish athletics are a big draw, with caber, stone and sheaf tossing on the athletic field
Pipe bands & Highland dance
The gathering features bagpipe band and Highland dance competitions, with performers such as the Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums and the Hill Country Highland Dancers, opening with a Saturday band and clan parade
Clans & genealogy
Clans gather for a Calling of the Clans and a clan parade, and Sunday begins with a Kirkin' o' the Tartan
Taking part
The weekend adds live Celtic music and Scottish fiddle, a dog costume contest and a bonniest-knees contest, vendors set up around the athletic field, and youth and school teams competing in 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 Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games?
By car
Most people drive to Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games. 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
Waco Regional is the closer of the two realistic regional airports, roughly 50 miles north of Salado. Austin-Bergstrom, roughly 55 to 60 miles south, is the larger alternative with more flight options; both need a rideshare, taxi, or rental car for the full distance since no airport sits close to Salado itself
Book / info →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.
Search car hire →Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Mid-range hotels 1
On Main Street in the village of Salado, within walking distance of the Salado Museum and College Park grounds
Check rates →Airbnb & private camping
Salado is a small Texas village with limited short term rental inventory, so booking early for a festival weekend is worthwhile
Search Airbnb →The festival itself does not offer camping, but private land camping options exist in the wider Bell County area for travelers who prefer it to a hotel
Search Hipcamp →Browse all hotels near Salado Museum and College 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.
Checked 2026-10-12 · source
Pricing
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