Seaside Highland Games
In real life Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 11, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A two-day Scottish festival (22nd year) with pipe bands, drumming, Highland dance and heavy athletics. One ticket is good for either day.
The Seaside Highland Games is a two-day Scottish festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. In 2026 it runs October 10–11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and one ticket is good for either day. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizes it.
The core is competition: heavy athletics, bagpiping and drumming, drum majoring and Highland dance. Around that are herding dog and sheep demonstrations, three music stages, clan tents, children's activities and a World War II encampment. It suits families, anyone with Scottish roots, and the plain curious.
10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
🎟 Cost: Check the organizer's site for prices; children 5 and under free with an adult
🕒 When: Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Open in Google Maps
What to expect
- Heavy athletics (Scottish strength events)
- Pipe band, drumming and drum-major competitions
- Highland dance and Scottish country dancing
- Herding dog and sheep herding demonstrations
- Three stages of live music, Clan Row and vendors
- Children's activities and a WWII military encampment
Tips for going
- Your ticket is valid for either Saturday or Sunday.
- Catch the Saturday opening ceremonies and grand parade at noon.
- Bring sun protection. The fairgrounds are beside the beach and largely open.
- Separate events on Friday, October 9 (a whisky tasting and a gala dinner) need their own tickets.
Questions people ask
How much are tickets?
The organizer's homepage doesn't list general admission prices. Check seasidehighlandgames.org/tickets. Children 5 and under get in free with an adult.
Is one ticket good for both days?
A ticket is good for either day.
What are the hours?
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both October 10 and 11, 2026.
About Ventura
Ventura (officially San Buenaventura) grew up around the mission Father Junípero Serra founded in 1782. Today its downtown Main Street is known for thrift and antique shops, and a long wooden pier reaches out from the Promenade. The Channel Islands sit on the horizon.
Getting there: Amtrak's Ventura station is on Harbor Boulevard by the fairgrounds and the beach. Downtown Main Street is a few blocks inland, and the Ventura Harbor ferries to Channel Islands National Park leave from the harbor to the south.
More about Ventura and its 3D version →
Also in Ventura
In real lifeSources: www.seasidehighlandgames.org · www.venturacountylocal.com. Organizers change plans, so confirm before you go.
Get updates by email
New towns, new rides, new things to find — sent by the site owner, rarely, with a working unsubscribe link in every email. Nothing else is done with your address.