Antigonish Highland Games Celtic Festival Guide 2025
WORLD'S OLDEST CONTINUOUS HIGHLAND GAMES:
• Established: 1863 (162+ years continuous)
• Date: Second Saturday in July annually
• 2025 Date: July 12, 2025
• Location: Columbus Field, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
• Annual Attendance: 20,000+ visitors
• Recognition: Oldest continuous Highland Games in North America
Traditional Highland Events
HEAVY EVENTS COMPETITION:
• Caber Toss: 18-foot wooden pole throwing
• Hammer Throw: 16-22 pound hammers for distance
• Weight for Distance: 28-56 pound weights
• Weight for Height: Overhead throwing competition
• Sheaf Toss: 16-20 pound burlap sack over bar
• Stone Put: Scottish version of shot put
Celtic Music and Dance
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES:
• Highland Dancing: Competitive traditional dances
• Pipe Bands: Massed bands from across North America
• Solo Piping: Individual bagpipe competitions
• Drumming: Snare and tenor drum contests
• Celtic Singers: Traditional Gaelic and English songs
• Step Dancing: Cape Breton style performances
Track and Field Events
ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS:
• Sprint Races: 100m, 200m, 400m events
• Middle Distance: 800m and 1500m races
• Long Distance: 5K and 10K road races
• Field Events: High jump, long jump, shot put
• Relay Races: Team competitions
• Masters Division: Age-group competitions
Clan Activities and Heritage
SCOTTISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION:
• Clan Tents: 30+ Scottish clans represented
• Genealogy Services: Family history research
• Tartan Display: Traditional Scottish patterns
• Highland Dress: Traditional kilts and accessories
• Scottish Foods: Haggis, shortbread, oatcakes
• Highland Cattle: Traditional Scottish livestock display
Children's Activities
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
• Kids' Highland Events: Miniature versions of adult competitions
• Junior Highland Dancing: Youth competitive dancing
• Children's Races: Age-group running events
• Face Painting: Scottish themes and clan colors
• Celtic Crafts: Traditional art and craft activities
• Storytelling: Scottish legends and folklore
Food and Vendors
HIGHLAND FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE:
• Scottish Cuisine: Traditional foods and specialties
• Craft Vendors: Celtic jewelry, tartans, woodwork
• Highland Wares: Kilts, bagpipes, clan merchandise
• Local Artisans: Nova Scotia crafts and products
• Food Trucks: International and local cuisine
• Refreshment Tents: Beverages and snacks
Event Schedule and Timing
2025 DAILY SCHEDULE:
• 8:00 AM: Gates open, warm-up events
• 9:00 AM: Heavy events qualification
• 10:00 AM: Track and field events begin
• 11:00 AM: Highland dancing competitions
• 12:00 PM: Massed pipe bands ceremony
• 1:00 PM: Heavy events finals
• 2:00 PM: Featured entertainment
• 4:00 PM: Awards ceremonies
• 5:00 PM: Closing ceremonies
Accommodation and Lodging
PLACES TO STAY:
• Antigonish Hotels: Multiple downtown options
• Bed & Breakfasts: Local hospitality experiences
• Campgrounds: RV and tent camping nearby
• University Housing: St. Francis Xavier summer rates
• Home Stays: Private accommodation arrangements
• Early Booking: Reserve well in advance for Games weekend
Getting to Antigonish
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
• By Car: Trans-Canada Highway 104 to Exit 32
• Distance Halifax: 200km (2.5 hours drive)
• Distance Sydney: 170km (2 hours drive)
• Parking: Limited near venue, shuttle service available
• Public Transit: Limited options, driving recommended
• Airport: Nearest major airport Halifax (YHZ)
What to Bring
FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS:
• Weather Gear: Layers for changing conditions
• Comfortable Shoes: Lots of walking on grass fields
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Camera: Photography opportunities throughout day
• Cash: For vendors, food, and parking
• Folding Chairs: Seating not provided for all areas
Volunteer Opportunities
GET INVOLVED:
• Event Setup: Help prepare venue day before
• Competition Officials: Assist with event judging
• Hospitality: Welcome visitors and provide information
• Cleanup Crew: Post-event site restoration
• Year-round Planning: Join organizing committees
• Benefits: Free admission, t-shirt, volunteer appreciation
Highland Games History in Antigonish
CULTURAL HERITAGE:
• Scottish Immigration: Large settlement in 1800s
• Community Tradition: Maintained through generations
• Cultural Preservation: Keeping Scottish traditions alive
• Economic Impact: Significant tourism boost for region
• International Recognition: Athletes compete worldwide
• Educational Value: Teaching Scottish heritage to youth
Beyond the Games
EXPLORE ANTIGONISH COUNTY:
• St. Francis Xavier University: Historic campus tours
• Antigonish Landing: Waterfront park and trails
• Keppoch Mountain: Skiing and outdoor recreation
• Museums: Local history and cultural exhibits
• Golf Courses: Several championship courses nearby
• Beaches: Warm waters of Northumberland Strait