From the Heavy Events Competition to the Nexan’s Heritage tent, the Tea Garden to the Sleeman Highland Pub and Upper Canada Piper’s Pub, there is an incredible number of places to go and things to experience all weekend at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Here is your opportunity to partake in fascinating lectures and book signings by David R. Ross, watch the daring swordsmen, discover your tartan and trace your Clan or take in the live music coming from the pubs. There’s more Scottish culture than you can toss a caber at – and it lasts all weekend long!
Your Weekend Pass provides access to the entire Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games on August 13, 14 and 14 including all competitions, concerts, live music and tents. Check the Highland Herald for the events schedule. The following is a schedule of the events and activities held all weekend long. Events, times and locations are subject to change.
Please click for a description of each event.
Children’s Interactive Area sponsored by Pizza Pizza (hyperlink)
CH TV Heritage Tent (hyperlink)
David R. Ross, Best-Selling Scottish Author in the Author Series presented by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Grand River Raceway (hyperlink)
Dry Stone Wall Construction (hyperlink)
Genealogy and Education Centre sponsored by TD Canada Trust (hyperlink)
Heavy Events Competition (hyperlink)
John Allan Cameron and Friends (hyperlink)
Nexan’s Tea Garden (hyperlink)
Rowe Electric Avenue of the Clans (hyperlink)
Sleeman Highland Pub (hyperlink)
Upper Canada Piper’s Pub (hyperlink)
Children's Interactive Area sponsored by Pizza Pizza
 The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is the perfect place to bring children because not only is the programming amazing, but the admission for children 12 years and under is free! Exciting activities for children of all ages can be found in the Children’s Interactive Area and among other venues.
The Children’s Interactive Area includes:
- The Balloonatic – create Haggis, swords, targs, helmets and much more all out of balloons.
- Tartan pottery painting
- Interactive story and movie time
- Irish dance lessons
- Create your own tartan and family tree
- Canadian flag tattoos and painted flag saltires
- Children’s Heavy Events Athletic Competition
For more information on these and other children’s events including the Children’s Heavy Events Athletic Competition, visit the Children’s Activities page.
CH TV Heritage Tent
CH TV Heritage Tent is a busy, interactive tent filled with activity and fun. Here is the perfect occasion for learning about traditional Scottish culture, crafts (including spinning, weaving, whiskey making), as well as local history. This location is complete with ongoing displays, interactive events and on stage presentations. Curious about the Royal Canadian Golf Museum, sheep shearing, bag pipes and Wellington County’s 150th Anniversary? Then the CH TV Heritage Tent is the place for you!
Further information can be found at our CH TV Heritage Tent page.
David R. Ross, Best-Selling Scottish Author in the Author Series Presented by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Grand River Raceway
 Featured author, David R. Ross, has written five fascinating books on Scottish history. On his motorcycle he has explored historical sites across Scotland, earning him the name the “Biker Historian.” Lectures and book signings by David R. Ross will be available throughout the Festival and learn more about the “Walk for Wallace.”
Visit our Author Series page sponsored by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Grand River Raceway where you will find David's book reviews, biography and more.
Dry Stone Wall Construction
Dry stone wall construction has been a fact of life in Canada since its first settlers. Last year a wall was constructed by the Dry Stone Wall Association of Canada. The dry stone wall construction provides a combination of artistic and practical purposes. This popular demonstration will be returning once again to the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Interested in the Dry Stone Wall Association of Canada? Visit their website for more information, including pictures.
Genealogy and Education Centre sponsored by TD Canada Trust
 The Genealogy and Education Centre sponsored by TD Canada Trust is full of information with which to explore your Scottish roots and soak up Scottish culture. In this venue you will find the Heavy Events Hall of Fame, swordsmen displays, artisan presentation, live Celtic music, Author David R. Ross and much more.
For a complete listing and schedule of the Genealogy and Education Centre activities, visit our Genealogy page.
Heavy Events Competitions
The Heavy Events Competition at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games attracts competitors and observers from around the globe. To see this event is to witness strength and poise as the athletes compete for Festival titles. This year we will host the Professional, Masters and Women’s Heavy Events.
Featured this year:
- Dr. Rev. Kevin Fast – Guinness Book of Records holder, Masters competitor
- Shannon Hartnett – Professional Women’s competitior, World’s Professional Women’s Heavy Event Champion
- Stephen Aitken – Professional, Scottish competitor
- Warren Trask – Local celebrity and professional competitor
- David Webster – Order of British Empire, Master of Ceremonies
John Allen Cameron and Friends
John Allan Cameron, Order of Canada recipient, is our returning Chieftain of the Games. Throughout the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, John Allan Cameron plays host to the Celtic musicians. Additionally, visit the John Allan Cameron & Friends venue for more music and a pictorial tribute to Canadian Celtic music.
Visit our John Allan Cameron & Friends page to find more about John and this year's Festival Programming.
Nexan's Tea Garden
Nexan’s Tea Garden is a relaxing oasis away from the activity. Join us for traditional tea, scones and Scottish shortbread accompanied by relaxing Celtic ballads. This tranquil, comfortable atmosphere will refresh and revitalize your spirit. You will appreciate the attention to detail, as well as the friendly volunteers and beautiful decorations.
Visit the Nexan’s Tea Garden page.
Rowe Electric Avenue of the Clans
Clans are the heart of the Festival, with many Clan members using the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games as their family reunion. It’s a great opportunity to trace your roots and to reconnect with long lost relatives and friends. The Avenue of the Clans is open Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s Featured Clans are Clan Keith and Clan Young.
Visit the Rowe Electric Avenue of the Clans page.
Sleeman Highland Pub
The Sleeman Highland Pub is open until midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here you will find fabulous LIVE Celtic music day and night, refreshing drinks and a great atmosphere.
The following is a schedule of some of the performers appearing at the Sleeman Highland Pub:
- Friday Night – The Glengarry Bhoys following the Tattoo from 10:30pm to midnight.
- Saturday – Music from various Celtic performers from opening to evening featuring Quadmyre in Dewar’s Celtic Jam.
- Friday – Music from various Celtic performers from opening to evening.
Visit the Festival Pubs page for more information.
Upper Canada Piper's Pub
Not just for pipers, this pub nestled in the trees is a perfect place to quaff a pint and to quench your thirst. While no official performances are scheduled, our pipers are well known for their wonderful impromptu concerts, particularly following the Pipe Band competitions after 6:30 on Saturday.
More info found at the Festival Pubs page.
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