The 2020 Festival of the Tartans preparations are in full swing! Check back soon for more information. 


Official Launch @ Glasgow Square Gazebo

Wednesday July 17, 2019 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

155 Riverside Parkway, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E1, Canada

The official opening of the Festival of the Tartans will take place at the Glasgow Square Gazebo. Listen to a solo bagpiper and be greeted by the Mayor of New Glasgow and other dignitaries. Enjoy a social hour, with refreshments provided. This event provides an extra day of Scottish heritage for everyone to enjoy! If it rains, the event will be relocated inside the Glasgow Square Theatre.



Glasgow Square Theatre

Crusin' by the East River

Wednesday July 17, 2019 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shine up your classic ride and come on out! The cars will be parked along the river at Glasgow Square with the historic charm of downtown New Glasgow and the beautiful East River as a backdrop to these unique vintage vehicles. Not only will you be able to stop by and see the cars, but if you stroll up the street the New Glasgow Farmers Market is hosting their Atlantic Arts & Appetites event! Grab some great food and experience local in the best way possible.


Kilted Golf Tournament @ Glen Lovat

Thursday July 18, 2019 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

151 Fraser Mountain Branch Rd, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5C4, Canada

Did you know? The kilt is the official dress of Scotland. Don one and attend the Kilted Golf Tournament! This longstanding tradition features teams teeing off in full highlands garb. Sign up as a team or individual for this fun day on the links! (Kilts and/or tartan not mandatory but encouraged). Spectators can also enjoy the sounds of the pipes on the greens.



Rotary Fiddle Concert at Rotary Park

Thursday July 18, 2019 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

On the Samson Trail near 45 Blair St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2C3, Canada

Bring a chair and come listen to some traditional Celtic fiddle music Rotary Park, a small park on the Samson trail with picturesque views of the East River and downtown New Glasgow. Come enjoy a relaxing evening, as the sounds of Scotland fill the air.



Glen Haven Manor Garden Party

Friday July 19, 2019 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Glen Haven Manor will host the Festival of the Tartans Garden Party for the 49th year in 2019 as Glen Haven marks its 50th anniversary celebrations on October 27. Members of the community are invited to join residents of Glen Haven Manor along with residents’ families and staff for a lovely outdoor celebration on the front lawn of Glen Haven which features a broad array of local entertainment from Highland dancers to vocalists to pipers and drummers. Come and enjoy a cup of tea, lemonade and delicious sandwiches and sweets with the community of Glen Haven Manor! It is a wonderful tradition for the residents and the wider community alike to enjoy each year.



Scott W Weeks Sports Complex

Highland Dancing Competitions

Saturday July 20, 2019 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex @ 234 Part St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8

Scottish Highland dancing is one of the oldest forms of folk dance. One of the highlights of our Festival, the Highland dancing competitions attracts teams from across the region. Enjoy watching these dancers as they compete in a variety of traditional dances, including Pas de Basques, Fling, Sword, Lilt, Hornpipe, and many more! Registration forms, competition rules and travel directions are available on the website.



Hammer throw

Heavyweight Games

Saturday July 20, 2019 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex, New Glasgow

Scottish Heavyweight Games have been the cornerstone event at Highland Games spanning centuries. Come watch our athletes participate in the stone putt, hammer throw, and caber toss. A tug-of-war will be taking place at 12:00, and the public is also invited to participate in the Boot Toss and Rolling Pin Toss at that time. These are events you definitely do not want to miss!



March of the Pipes

Saturday July 20, 2019 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex @ 234 Park St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8

Come on out and see this marvelous parade and cheer on the pipe bands that are in town! Feel free to join in the parade as our pipe bands march down Park Street to the field to kick off the Games! The swell of Celtic music through the town is something you won't want to miss!



Opening of the Highland Games

Saturday July 20, 2019 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex @ 234 Park St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8

Join us on the field for the official opening of our Highland Games. This event will feature dignitaries from the area supporting the Games, and kicking off the afternoon's events.



Freestyle Bagpipe Quartet Competition

Saturday July 20, 2019 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex @ 234 Park St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8

Did you know, in Gaelic, ‘bagpipe’ translates into P’iob mho’r, literally meaning ‘big pipe’? Come listen to bagpipers and musicians from around the region compete at our Freestyle Bagpipe Quartet Competition at this year’s Festival of the Tartans! This event will see bagpipe quartets competing for a $500 prize! Pipers and musicians of all ages and abilities are welcome to enter.



Mass Pipes and Drums

Saturday July 20, 2019 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Scott W Weeks Sports Complex @ 234 Part St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8

All our pipers join together at the end of the day for a Mass Pipes and Drums display. The bands will be playing all the familiar classic tunes. This is your last chance to catch some traditional Scottish music at the festival, so don't miss out! It always a rousing event!



Loch Broom Historic Log Church

Kirkin o' th' Tartan / Official Closing

Sunday July 21, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: Loch Broom Historic Log Church,1576 Loch Broom Loop, Pictou.

The Kirkin O’ the Tartan is a ceremony celebrated on special occasions during a church service. "Kirking", from the Scottish Gaelic word "kirk" which means church, in this usage means “blessing.” At this unique and traditional church service, you are welcome to bring along your tartans for blessing. All are welcome, and the wearing of tartan is encouraged. It is held every year on the final day of the Festival.