New Brunswick Highland Games Guide: Sporting Event In Fredericton!

“This is the most dangerous event for spectators,” announced a man sitting down in a lawn chair wielding a microphone.  Quickly, I nestled myself behind a tree shielding my body as my head stretched around the corner to press the shutter release on my mounted camera as a man of Herculean proportions launched an Ancient hammer into the air.

This was my best attempt to capture photos and video at the New Brunswick Highland Games, an event held annually on the historic Government House grounds of the capital city of Fredericton, Canada.

source: Nomadic Samuel and That Backpacker via Samuel and Audrey YouTube channel

Audrey and I were thrilled to cover this event which celebrates Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage.  There was drumming, piping, dancing, singing and athletics.  Men, nearly twice my size in weight, wearing kilts grabbed heavy objects grunting and groaning before hurling them impressive distances.  Overall, it was an event that was truly a spectacle.

The games were divided into five sections throughout the Government House grounds:  Athletics Field, Parade Square, Highland Dance Tent, Workshop Tents and Entertainment section.

History of the New Brunswick Highland Games

The New Brunswick Highland Games is a lively celebration of Scottish heritage held every year in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The festival brings together athletes, dancers, musicians, and spectators to enjoy traditional Scottish games, music, and culture. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most vibrant Highland Games festivals in Canada.

Early Beginnings

The New Brunswick Highland Games traces its roots back to the early 1980s. The event was inspired by the centuries-old Scottish Highland Games, which have been a significant part of Scottish history since the 11th century. These traditional games were originally a way for Scottish clans to demonstrate the strength, agility, and skill of their warriors. In Fredericton, a group of local Scots wanted to recreate these competitions, not just as a sport, but as a way to celebrate Scottish culture.

The first official New Brunswick Highland Games took place in 1981, and though it started small, it quickly gained popularity. The blend of athleticism, tradition, and community spirit caught on. By the 1990s, the event had become one of the major cultural festivals in the region, drawing athletes and participants from across North America.

Historical Milestones:

• The first Games in 1981 set the stage for future growth.
• By 1995, the Games attracted international attention, bringing competitors from Scotland, Canada, and the U.S..

The Importance of Highland Games

The Highland Games are much more than just athletic competitions. They are deeply rooted in Scottish culture and were historically used to test the strength of Scottish warriors and choose the fittest men to lead their clans. Events like the caber toss, where athletes flip a large wooden log, or the hammer throw, are examples of the feats of strength that are still celebrated today.

At the New Brunswick Highland Games, the tradition continues with events such as:

• The Caber Toss: Competitors must flip a 19-foot, 175-pound log, requiring balance, power, and skill.
• The Hammer Throw: Athletes swing a heavy hammer around their heads and release it as far as possible.
• The Stone Put: Similar to modern shot put, but using a heavy stone, this event tests both strength and technique.

Quick Facts:

• The caber toss is one of the most iconic events and requires both strength and precision.
• The stone put predates modern shot put events and remains a favorite among competitors.

A Modern-Day Celebration of Scottish Culture

Today, the New Brunswick Highland Games is a three-day festival held every year in July, located on the beautiful grounds of Government House in Fredericton. The festival is a blend of athletic competition, music, dance, and cultural activities. Thousands of visitors attend each year, making it one of the largest cultural celebrations in the province.

Aside from the sporting events, the Games feature:

• Pipe and Drum Competitions: The sounds of bagpipes fill the air as musicians compete for titles. It’s an emotional and powerful display of Scottish musical heritage.
• Highland Dancing: A mix of grace and athleticism, this form of traditional dance has its roots in Scottish history and is one of the festival’s highlights.
• Cultural Workshops: Visitors can immerse themselves in Scottish genealogy, learn the Gaelic language, and even try their hand at Scottish crafts.

There’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine as well. Food stalls offer haggis, shortbread, and Scotch pies, giving visitors a taste of Scotland. For many attendees, the cultural elements of the festival are just as important as the competitions.

Tip: Don’t miss the mass band performance at the end of each day, when all the pipe bands come together for a powerful and moving finale.

Why the New Brunswick Highland Games Matter

The New Brunswick Highland Games hold deep significance for the Scottish community in New Brunswick. The event is not only a chance to celebrate Scottish traditions but also a way to pass on these traditions to the next generation. For many, the Games are a connection to their ancestral roots, providing an opportunity to explore their heritage and feel a sense of pride in their Scottish background.

The festival also plays an important role in the broader cultural landscape of New Brunswick, showcasing the diverse influences that shape the province. Scottish culture has left a lasting mark on the region, and the Highland Games provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to connect with these traditions.

Why You Should Visit:

• The festival offers an immersive experience in Scottish culture, from the athletic events to the music and dance.
• It’s a family-friendly event with plenty to see and do for all ages.
• The opportunity to witness traditional Highland Games competitions up close is both exciting and educational.

Tip: Arrive early to catch the opening ceremonies and stay for the caber toss, which is one of the festival’s most thrilling events.

Highland Games in Fredericton, Canada

Athletics Field: Heavy Events

The athletics field featured heavy events – what many consider to be the most integral part of the whole Highland Games.  The following are the athletic events I witnessed:

Caber Toss:  This was my favorite event where men lifted a long tapered pine pole upright with the intention of running forward to toss it in such a manner that it turns end over with the upper section striking the ground first.  The goal is not to throw it the furthest or highest (unlike other events) but to have it situated as close to the 12 o’clock position as possible on an imaginary clock.

Scottish Hammer Throw:  In the event athletes wield a round metal ball (weighing 16 to 22 pounds) attached to a shaft, feet in fixed position, with the goal or whirling it around one’s head for maximum distance.

Weight over the bar:  With only one hand athletes toss a 56 pound handled weight over a horizontal bar.  As the competition goes on, and as athletes drop out, the bar is raised higher until only one man is left standing.

The athletics were my favorite event at the Highland Games; however, coming in at a close second was the piping and drumming competitions.  The bagpipes, a symbol of the games, were on fine display as were drums and other instruments.  Other musicians also entertained crowds with fiddling, folk and other kinds of live musical performances.

If the heavy events were a display of brute power and athleticism, the dancing competition were a fine example of graceful coordination.  It was a treat just to sit back and watch the women dance.  The dancers were ultimately judged on their appearance, hand and feet positioning and execution of the intricate steps.  One of the most fascinating variations was the sword dance.

As we wandered from one competition section to the next, the tents selling food caught my eye (or should I say my nose) on more than one occasion.  Around noon, I finally ventured over to indulge in Haggis on a bun washed down with Irn Bru.  It was the first time I had Haggis and Irn Bru since leaving Edinburgh nearly eight months ago and on a hot and humid day both tasted incredible.

Overall, it was a fun-centric three day event that I would recommend to anyone who is visiting Fredericton over the summer.

New Brunswick Highland Games: Complete Event Guide

Traditional Highland Games Competitions

Here are the key events you won’t want to miss:

• Caber Toss: One of the most iconic events, the caber toss involves flipping a massive wooden log end over end. It’s not just about strength but also balance and precision. The goal is for the caber to land straight, with the larger end hitting the ground first, and it’s one of the most anticipated events.
• Hammer Throw: In this event, competitors swing a heavy hammer around their head before releasing it for distance. It’s all about technique, and the sight of the hammer flying through the air is always a crowd favorite.
• Stone Put: A traditional version of the shot put, athletes throw a large stone as far as possible. This event tests pure upper-body strength and precision.
• Weight for Height: In this challenging event, competitors throw a heavy weight over a bar as high as possible. It requires a mix of strength and agility, and watching athletes push themselves to new heights is thrilling.

Tip: Get to the caber toss event early to secure a good view. It’s one of the festival’s most popular competitions, drawing large crowds!

Pipe and Drum Competitions

The pipe and drum competitions are a highlight of the festival, showcasing the skill and coordination of bands from across Canada and beyond.

• Solo Competitions: Individual pipers and drummers compete for top honors in various categories. It’s an intense display of musical skill, and the haunting sound of the pipes is unforgettable.
• Band Competitions: Pipe bands compete in group performances, playing intricate arrangements of traditional Scottish tunes. The synchronization between pipes and drums is impressive and adds a grand musical backdrop to the weekend’s events.

Tip: Don’t miss the mass band performance at the end of the day, where all the pipe bands come together in a spectacular display of sound and pageantry.

Highland Dancing

Another major attraction at the New Brunswick Highland Games is the Highland dancing competition.

• Sword Dance: One of the most iconic dances, performed with swords on the ground. Dancers must be careful not to touch the swords with their feet while executing a series of precise, rhythmic steps.
• Seann Triubhas: A lively, elegant dance representing the joy of casting off the old baggy trousers (triubhas) worn after the Jacobite Rebellion. The dance is fast-paced and features graceful legwork.

The Highland dancing competition is judged on technique, timing, and presentation, making it both a beautiful and technically demanding performance.

Cultural Activities and Workshops

Beyond the competitions, the festival offers a wide range of cultural activities and workshops that allow visitors to engage with Scottish history and heritage in a hands-on way.

• Scottish Genealogy Workshops: Explore your Scottish roots by tracing your family history. Experts are on hand to help guide you through the process of uncovering your Scottish ancestry.
• Gaelic Language Lessons: Learn some basic phrases in Scottish Gaelic, the language spoken by the Highlanders for centuries. These lessons offer a fun and educational way to connect with Scotland’s linguistic heritage.
• Celtic Craft Demonstrations: Watch artisans at work, creating traditional Scottish crafts such as weaving, tartan-making, and knitting. You can also purchase authentic Scottish goods at the vendor stalls, such as clan insignias, Celtic jewelry, and handmade kilts.

Tip: Don’t leave without exploring the workshops, where you can pick up Scottish souvenirs and learn more about the history and culture behind the Highland Games.

Family-Friendly Events and Food

The New Brunswick Highland Games is a family-friendly event. There are kid-friendly games, face painting, and interactive stations where children can learn about Scottish culture in a fun and engaging way.

• Traditional Scottish Foods: Sample delicious Scottish cuisine at the festival’s food stalls. From haggis to Scotch pies and shortbread, the flavors of Scotland are a must-try. The food is perfect for a quick break between events or to enjoy as you watch the competitions unfold.

The following is a photo essay of my favorite photos from the New Brunswick Highland Games:

Vital Information for Visitors to the New Brunswick Highland Games

Planning to attend the New Brunswick Highland Games?

Event Location and Dates

The New Brunswick Highland Games are held annually at Government House in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The games typically take place over a weekend in late July, so make sure to check the official website for the exact dates of the next event.

• Venue: Government House, 51 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB.
• Dates: Typically in the last weekend of July, with events running from Friday to Sunday.

Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the opening ceremonies. The mornings are also the best time to get good seating near the main competition fields.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the New Brunswick Highland Games can usually be purchased online in advance or at the gate. Prices are affordable, and children often receive discounted admission.

• Adult tickets: Prices range per day, depending on whether you purchase a day pass or a full weekend pass.
• Children and seniors: Reduced prices are typically available.
• Family packages: Often, you can find discounted rates for families or groups, so keep an eye out for special promotions.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking is available near the Government House grounds, but it fills up quickly, especially during the weekend rush. If you’re planning to drive, arrive early to secure a parking spot close to the venue.

• Parking Fee: While some spots may be free, others may require a small fee depending on the proximity to the venue.
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, and the festival offers accommodations for those with mobility challenges. There are designated areas for seating and restroom facilities equipped for accessibility.

What to Bring

To fully enjoy the New Brunswick Highland Games, here are a few things you might want to bring along:

• Sun protection: July can be quite warm, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Rain gear: The event takes place rain or shine, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or umbrella just in case.
• Cash: While many vendors accept credit or debit cards, some stalls, particularly for food or local crafts, may prefer cash payments.
• Camera: There are plenty of photo opportunities, from the athletic events to the pipe and drum performances, so don’t forget to capture the memories!

Food and Drink

Be sure to sample traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, Scotch pies, and shortbread. There are also beer tents featuring local craft brews and traditional Scottish ales.

• Food options: From quick snacks to hearty meals, there’s something for every taste at the festival.
• Picnic option: Many visitors also bring their own picnics and enjoy meals in the scenic surroundings of Government House.

Tip: Try some haggis for a truly authentic Scottish culinary experience!

Practical New Brunswick Highland Games Travel Guide: Bases, Routes & Logistics

The New Brunswick Highland Games are pure sensory overload: the thud of heavy weights hitting the turf, the wail of bagpipes, the smell of grass and food stalls drifting across the field. It’s a brilliant weekend out – if you’ve got your logistics sorted.

This practical section is all about that real-world side of the trip. Where to base yourself in Fredericton. How to get to Government House without stressing over parking. Rough daily costs. And how to fit the Games into a longer New Brunswick getaway if you’ve got extra days to play with.

Big hammers. Big kilts. Small hassles. That’s the goal.

Choosing Your Base in Fredericton

Most people coming for the New Brunswick Highland Games keep things simple: sleep in Fredericton, spend your days at Government House, and leave a bit of time for riverside walks, breweries, and downtown exploring.

You don’t need to change hotels. Pick one good base and hub out from there.

Best Bases at a Glance

If it’s your first time at the Games, downtown or the riverside area keeps everything easy. You can arrive, park the car, and spend most of the weekend walking, watching, and eating instead of commuting back and forth.

Uptown hotels and countryside B&Bs work best if you’re folding the Highland Games into a bigger New Brunswick road trip and don’t mind a short drive each day.

Getting To & Around Fredericton

Fredericton is small enough that once you arrive, life gets simple. Distances are short. Traffic is calm by big-city standards. And Government House is easy to find right on the river.

Arriving in Fredericton

You’ll most likely arrive one of these ways:

• By air
  • Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is the closest airport, with domestic and regional flights.
  • From the airport, you can reach town by taxi, rideshare, hotel shuttle (if offered), or pre-booked transfer.
  • Travel time to downtown is short, so you’re not facing a long airport slog at either end of your trip.
• By road
  • Fredericton sits just off the Trans-Canada Highway, which makes it easy to slot into an Atlantic Canada road trip.
  • Roads are straightforward, and signage into downtown and along the river is clear.
  • If you’re driving in for the day, build in a bit of extra time to find parking near Government House when events are busiest.
• By bus
  • Intercity buses connect Fredericton with other New Brunswick centres and some neighbouring provinces.
  • If you arrive by bus, downtown is the most convenient base – you can usually walk or take a short taxi ride to your accommodation.

From wherever you land, the pattern is the same: get to your base, drop your bags, and then orient everything else around Woodstock Road and Government House.

Getting Between Your Base and the Games

How you move around depends mostly on where you’re staying and how many people you’re traveling with.

• Walking
  • If you’re staying downtown or nearby along the river, walking to Government House is often the nicest option.
  • You avoid parking stress and can enjoy the river views on the way in and out.
• Driving
  • Handy if you’re based uptown or outside the city.
  • Parking near the grounds can fill quickly during peak times, so arriving earlier in the day makes life easier.
  • Try to keep everything you need for the day in the car: layers, rain gear, snacks, water.
• Taxi / rideshare
  • Great if you don’t want to think about parking at all, or if you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks at the beer tent.
  • Works especially well from downtown and uptown hotel zones.
• Cycling
  • Confident cyclists can take advantage of Fredericton’s riverfront paths and quieter streets.
  • Just remember to bring a lock – you’ll be focused on cabers, not keeping an eye on your bike.

What Does a New Brunswick Highland Games Trip Cost?

The New Brunswick Highland Games trip isn’t “rock-bottom cheap,” but it’s very manageable compared to bigger Canadian cities or overseas festivals. Your biggest variables will be accommodation, how many ticketed days you attend, and how often you eat on-site versus packing your own snacks.

Here’s a rough, per-person daily breakdown in Canadian dollars (excluding flights):

Typical ballpark prices you might encounter:

• Day pass for the Games: roughly the cost of a mid-range meal out.
• Weekend pass: better value if you’re going for two or three days.
• Pub meal in Fredericton: often in the $18–$30+ range before drinks.
• Pint of beer or cider: expect typical Canadian craft prices.
• Midrange hotel room in high season: usually more than a budget chain, but far less than big-city rates.
• Parking: may be free at your accommodation; near the Games it can range from free street spots to modest paid lots depending on where you end up.

Simple Ways to Save Without Missing the Fun

• Focus your spending on the ticketed days that matter most – if you’re short on time or cash, choose one big day with heavy events, pipes, and dancing.
• Stay slightly away from the riverfront if downtown hotel prices spike; you can still be only a short drive or taxi ride from the Games.
• Pack reusable water bottles and a few snacks, then treat yourself to one or two special festival foods instead of buying every meal on site.
• Combine the Games with a wider New Brunswick road trip so your fuel and rental costs are spread across more experiences, not just one weekend.

Once you’ve got your base, your route, and a rough budget, the rest of the weekend is easy.

Show up early, find a good spot by the field, and let the sound of the pipes and the thud of the caber toss take over.

New Brunswick Highland Games travel questions answered: dates, tips, costs and family fun in Fredericton

When do the New Brunswick Highland Games usually take place each year?

Typically, the Games run over a weekend in late July, right in the heart of summer in Fredericton. Dates can shift slightly year by year, but you’re usually looking at a Friday-to-Sunday lineup of events on the Government House grounds. Because it’s a once-a-year festival, I always tell people to double-check the current year’s schedule before locking in flights or hotels, especially if you’re planning a longer Atlantic Canada trip around it.

How many days should I spend in Fredericton to enjoy the Highland Games properly?

Honestly, two to three days is ideal. One full day at the Games lets you see heavy events, pipe and drum competitions, dancing and some workshops, but a second day means you can slow down, actually sit and listen to the music, and eat your way through the food stalls without rushing. If you add an extra night, you can fold in a bit of Fredericton itself: riverfront walks, breweries, and a calm evening downtown after the kilts and cabers.

Is the New Brunswick Highland Games a good event for kids and multi-generational trips?

Absolutely. The Games are built for families. Kids usually gravitate toward the moving parts: massive logs being tossed, drums booming across the field, people in bright tartans, and fun extras like face painting or kid-friendly games. Grandparents tend to enjoy the music, pageantry, and slower-paced cultural bits like genealogy tents and craft stalls. The grounds are open and grassy, so it’s easy to wander at your own pace, find shade when you need it, and regroup between events.

Do I need to be Scottish or wear a kilt to fit in at the Highland Games?

Nope. You’ll see plenty of people in kilts, clan colours and tartan scarves, but you’ll also see just as many folks in shorts, jeans and sun hats. The festival is about celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture, not gatekeeping it. If you’ve got a family tartan or heritage you want to honour, that’s amazing; if you’re just there because heavy hammer throws and bagpipes sound cool, you’re just as welcome. Comfortable clothing and footwear matter far more than how Scottish your outfit looks.

What’s the best area to stay in Fredericton for attending the Games?

For most first-time visitors, staying in or near downtown Fredericton works best. From there you have easy access to cafés, pubs, the riverfront trail, and a short drive or manageable walk/taxi ride to Government House. If you want to be really close, riverside spots near Woodstock Road make mornings extra easy. Uptown hotels and highway chains are great if you’re road-tripping and want quick access to the Trans-Canada, while countryside B&Bs work if you prefer quiet nights and don’t mind driving into town each day.new brunswick highland games

How do I get from downtown Fredericton to Government House if I don’t have a car?

Happily, the distance isn’t huge. If you’re staying central and don’t mind a bit of walking, you can follow the riverfront area and surrounding streets to reach Government House on Woodstock Road. If walking doesn’t appeal, taxis and local rideshares are the next easiest option, especially if you’re visiting with friends and can split the fare. Buses may cover parts of the route depending on current schedules, but for festival days I’d plan on a mix of walking and short car rides rather than relying on tight bus connections.

What are the absolute must-see events at the New Brunswick Highland Games?

If you only have a limited window, I’d prioritise the heavy events, at least one Highland dancing session, and a big pipe and drum moment. The caber toss is the headliner for a reason – seeing someone flip a giant log end over end never gets old. Weight-for-height and hammer throws are also serious crowd-pleasers. On the performance side, a pipe band competition or a massed band performance gives you that full-body, goosebump sound of dozens of pipes and drums playing together. Sprinkle in a cultural workshop or genealogy tent visit and you’ve got the full flavour of the festival.

How much does it cost to attend the New Brunswick Highland Games?

It depends. Compared with huge international festivals, this is generally a pretty affordable weekend. Expect to budget for a day or weekend ticket, food and drinks on site, and maybe a few souvenirs like tartan bits or Celtic crafts. Kids and seniors often get reduced admission, and some years there are family passes that bring down the cost per person. Your biggest variable will actually be accommodation – summer rates in Fredericton can climb a bit on busy weekends – so if you’re watching your budget, book your room early and decide how many days you want to be on the grounds versus exploring the rest of the city.

What should I wear and pack for a July weekend at the Games?

Layers. Always layers. July in Fredericton can be warm and sunny, but you’re still outdoors for hours at a time, and weather can swing from bright sun to a quick shower. I’d bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket or rain shell, and comfortable shoes you don’t mind wearing on grass all day. A small daypack is handy for snacks, water, and camera gear. If you’re sensitive to the sun, consider a light long-sleeve top, because the open fields don’t always give you as much shade as you’d like once the crowds fill in.

Can I bring my own food and drinks, or do I have to rely on festival stalls?

Usually, you’ve got options. Many people happily graze on-site – haggis, Scotch pies, shortbread and other bites are all part of the fun – but it’s common to see folks with their own water bottles and light snacks, especially families with kids. I’d plan on a hybrid approach: pack things like water, fruit, and snacks, and then treat yourself to at least one or two “proper” Scottish snacks or meals from the stalls. Just keep in mind that glass containers and alcohol rules may be restricted, especially if there are licensed beer tents in the grounds.

Is the New Brunswick Highland Games accessible for visitors with limited mobility?

Yes. The festival takes place on and around the Government House grounds, which have designated accessible areas and facilities. Paths are mostly flat grass and temporary walkways, so there can be some uneven patches, but there are wheelchair-accessible washrooms and viewing areas where you don’t have to fight for space on a hill. If accessibility is a big concern, I’d recommend arriving a bit earlier in the day, moving between sections slowly, and asking volunteers or staff on site to point you toward the most comfortable places to watch the events.

What happens if it rains during the Highland Games – does everything shut down?

Not usually. This is very much a “rain or shine” event. Light to moderate rain is pretty normal for summer in Eastern Canada, so competitions often continue with a few practical tweaks for safety. Spectators tend to throw on rain jackets, pull out umbrellas, and cluster under tents when the skies open up. The main impact is comfort: muddy fields, wet seating, and slightly damp kilts. If a forecast looks changeable, pack properly and treat the weather as part of the Highland Games experience rather than a reason to skip the day.

I don’t know anything about Scottish culture – will I still enjoy the Games?

Absolutely. You don’t need to know your clan history or speak a word of Gaelic to have a good time. Most of the fun is visual and atmospheric: athletes straining to flip a caber, dancers moving across the stage, bands marching in formation, and the general buzz of a summer festival. Workshops, genealogy tents and cultural displays are set up to be welcoming to curious newcomers, so you can learn at your own pace. Think of it as stepping into a living, noisy, colourful crash course in Scottish heritage, with a side of good food and live music.

How can I fit the New Brunswick Highland Games into a bigger New Brunswick or Atlantic Canada trip?

Easy. The Games make a brilliant anchor weekend in a longer itinerary. You could spend a couple of days in Fredericton for the festival, then drive to the Bay of Fundy, Saint John, Moncton or up toward Miramichi and the Acadian Peninsula. If you’re looping through Atlantic Canada more broadly, it’s not hard to link Fredericton with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or even the Gaspé region in Quebec. The key is to lock in your Games weekend first, then build a slow, scenic road trip on either side so the festival becomes a highlight, not your entire reason for flying in.

New Brunswick Highland Games Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved attending the New Brunswick Highland Games!

I think it’s the type of event that is great fun and the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family.

I’m hoping to have the opportunity to attend games all over the world.