CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES

Western Canada's Premier Highland Games

COVID-19 ALERT

2020 Officially Cancelled - Due to continuing uncertainty concerning the safety of large events during COVID-19, our 2020 Games is officially cancelled. In 2021 we intend to host our best festival ever, as fitting the historic 30th anniversary of Canmore Highland Games. We look forward to raising a glass with you at that time. Until then, keep hope. "It’s gaein be awricht ance the pain has gane awa."
Translation: It’s a difficult time, but we will get through it and everything is going to be fine.
Please join us next year Sept 4-5, 2021 to help us celebrate our 30th Anniversary!

Slainte,
Sandy Bunch, President

CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES EVENTS

Sunday, September 6, 2020 – 8 am to 6 pm

Centennial Park

Canmore Highland Games

Weather doesn’t matter – all events go on, rain or shine! You’re coming to the mountains so bring your layers. It’s often cool in the mornings, warming up later. Whatever the weather, the entertainment will be there for you, along with lots of great food and a heated festival tent. The atmosphere will be buzzing with anticipation of the competitions and events.

Join us for a full slate of events comprising the Highland Games – pancake breakfast, highland dancing, piping and drumming, heavy sports, tug of war, sheep dogs, clan tents, Celtic vendors, Scotch tasting, traditional food and beverages, food trucks, beer garden, massed bands and more.

  • All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • Sorry no dogs due to Town of Canmore bylaw
  • Please park and walk from the free Town of Canmore parking areas – no parking at site (Keep in mind Parking Time Limits for different parking lots)
  • NEW – Bottled water now available again for sale on-site!
  • Please see our Event Parking page for how to access the site whether you are taking the free Roam bus, driving or biking (free on-site bike parking is included in your admission)
  • Bring your own lawn chairs for the field events
  • Times subject to change
  • All events go on rain, snow or shine
  • All ticket purchases are non-refundable

Site Information – Everything you need to know!

Buy now and save! Online ticket sales

Schedule of Events (this schedule will be updated as plans develop for 2020)

8:00 AM

  • Valbella’s Gourmet Foods Pancake Breakfast – Don Garen Festival Tent
  • Heavy Sports desk opens (SW corner of park)
  • Scottish & Celtic Market booths open

8:30 AM

  • Highland Dance Registration opens – SE corner of park
  • Individual Piping & Drumming Competition – Various stations around the site
  • Heavy Sports Contest begins – SW corner of park

9:00 AM

  • Highland Dance Competition morning events begin

10:00 AM

  • British Car and Motorcycle Show opens (SW area of site)
  • Beer Garden opens in Don Garen Festival Tent with entertainment – Cabot’s Crossing
  • Food trucks (field) and Games Food Booth (in festival tent) open

12:00 PM

  • Sheep dog demonstration by Ron Gale, Main Field

12:40 PM

  • Kids Tug of War, Main Field (2 boys teams, 2 girls teams)

1:00 PM

  • Official opening ceremonies – Canmore Highland Games (ATCO Stage, Main Field)

1:30 PM

  • Highland Dance Competition afternoon events begin
  • Adult Tug of War Heats on Main Field
  • Afternoon Beer Garden including featured act Banda Taverna

2:30 PM

  • Pipe Band Competition begins, Main Field
  • Whisky Tasting (tickets available at Games Retail Booth, Don Garen Festival Tent)

4:45 PM

  • Adult Tug of War final contest, main field

5:00 PM

  • The Amazing Highland raffle draw
  • Massed pipes & drums of the Canmore Highland Games
  • Official closing ceremonies and awards for Piping & Drumming

6:00 PM

  • See you at the Ceilidh (big kitchen party) with headliners Arcana Kings (formerly The Johnny McCuaig Band)!

(Times subject to change without notice.)