Summer Highland Fun: From Perth to Glengarry
By Donald MacDonald
The 11th edition of Perth’s Kilt Run is back. It’s the largest Kilt Run in the world according to the Guiness Book of Records. Kilts are mandatory and many of the distance categories are already filled, including the Royal Mile, Wee Lads & Lassies, Kilted March to the Start, and Classic 5-mile.
Even as a spectator sport it is an impressive sight to see. Watch out for bagpipers and Hieland Coos! And patronize the great pubs when ‘yer done’! The first confirmed band for the 2025 Perth Kilt Run is "Tim Loten and Crooked Creek,” don’t miss it.
Details
Perth Kilt Run
Saturday June 21, 2025 (the longest day of the year) – Staggered starts from 5:00 pm – 6:00pm
Perth, ON
https://www.beautifulperth.com/kiltrun.html
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99409/the-2025-perth-world-record-kilt-run
The great tradition of the gathering of most of our Ottawa Valley’s pipe and drums bands continues in the annual Town of Carleton Place with its Community Band Tattoo. Eight of the top bands will be on site giving their best individual concerts and of course participating in the thrill of massed bands at the beginning and end of the afternoon.
There will be refreshments and BBQ food for purchase at a modest cost on the shady grounds of the Carleton Place Legion, and Highland dancers will also grace the park beside the branch. Bring your lawn chair and your enthusiasm for great music and dance!
This entertaining event is free, but a collection will take place during the afternoon performances. Please note that no pets are allowed on Legion property other than recognized certified service dogs. The event is being sponsored by TES (Tops Environmental Solutions) and the Town of Carleton Place.
Details
Carleton Place Tattoo
Captain A. Roy Brown Legion Branch 192 at 177 George Street Carleton Place ON
Sunday June 22, 2025 – 12 Noon to 6 pm
Carleton Place, ON
It’s known as the largest Highland Games in the world outside of Scotland. Since 1948, the townspeople of Glengarry, Ontario have welcomed millions of visitors for the full gamut of Scottish festivities. The two-day event attracts some 20,000 people each year.
There are numerous activities and entertainment over the weekend. The many competitions include the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve tug-of-war, heavyweights, Highland dancing, piobaireachd, piping and drumming, and rugby.
Enjoy a range of events from a harp workshop and fiddling sessions to the Tartan Ball. There’s something for everyone including events for children.
The Glengarry Highland Games include the most prestigious and competitive band and solo piping contests in North America, and the North American Pipe Band Championships Canadian Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal.
A large variety of Celtic and other popular music groups will also perform on both days.
Tickets for the Games per day are $30 (Grandstand extra) kids 12 and under are free.
Details
Glengarry Highland Games
August 1-2, 2025
Maxville Fairgrounds Maxville ON
The “Friendliest Games” on the Ontario circuit will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year, and will feature competitive performances from 20 Pipe and Drum bands, 100 dancers, and there will be athletic and “heavy” events. The relaxed and picturesque setting beside the Mississippi River will be a fun place to meet new and old friends, shop and have a bite, or watch the massed bands from the grandstand.
Get your tickets while early bird prices are still available. Kids 11 and younger are admitted for free and can have a lot of fun participating in the Mini Highland Games on site.
Details
North Lanark Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, Almonte ON
Saturday August 23, 2025 8 am – 6 pm