The 64th Salado Scottish Gathering returns November 7-9 with three days of Highland games, clan tents, and the best beards in Central Texas
Ever wanted to watch someone throw a telephone pole? See who has the bonniest knees in Texas? Learn if your ancestors fought at Bannockburn? Watch sheepdogs work their magic?
The Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games has all of that and more—and it’s been bringing a taste of Scotland to Central Texas for 64 years.
What Makes This Festival Special
This isn’t just another Renaissance faire with kilts. The Salado Scottish Gathering is the oldest continuous Scottish festival in Texas, running since 1959. For more than six decades, it’s brought together Scottish clans, Highland athletes, bagpipe bands, and anyone who loves Celtic culture for one massive weekend celebration.
This year marks the 64th annual gathering, and organizers are pulling out all the stops—including a brand new location and Scottish sheepdog herding demonstrations.
When and Where
Dates: November 7-9, 2025 (Friday through Sunday)
New Location for 2025:
Barrow Brewing Company (108 Royal St.) and Inn on the Creek
Salado, Texas
The festival has moved to these beautiful creekside grounds for the first time ever, giving the event even more room to spread out and celebrate.
Hours:
- Friday: Evening events (Calling of the Clans at 6:00 PM)
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
How Much Does It Cost?
Weekend Pass: $25 (adults) / $15 (children)
Children 5 and under: FREE
Special Events:
- Friday Welcome Social & Buffet Supper: $20
- Saturday Tartan Dinner: Separate ticketed event (advanced reservations required)
You can buy tickets online in advance or at the gate. Smart money says buy in advance—this event draws crowds from all over Texas.
Friday Night: The Calling of the Clans
The weekend kicks off with one of the most atmospheric events you’ll ever experience.
At 6:00 PM Friday, gather at the Salado Creekside just north of the Museum building for the Calling of the Clans. This solemn torchlit ceremony recreates the coming together of ancient Scottish clans to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Torches. Bagpipes. The gathering of the clans. It’s powerful, moving, and absolutely worth arriving Friday evening to see.
After the ceremony, stick around for the Welcome Social and Buffet Supper ($20) at the venue on Royal Street, where you can meet clan representatives, mingle with other festival-goers, and get a preview of the weekend ahead.
There’s also a lecture by Colin MacLeod on the Scottish fiddle’s journey from Scotland to the USA at 1:00 PM Friday at the museum—a fascinating deep dive for music lovers.
Saturday: The Main Event
Saturday is when things really get going. The official opening ceremonies begin at noon with a spectacular Band and Clan Parade marching from South Main and Thomas Arnold (Pace Park) into the festival grounds, followed by presentations and piping on the field.
What you’ll see all day:
The Clan Village – The largest gathering of Scottish clan tents in Texas. Whether you’re a MacDonald, a Campbell, a Stewart, or just curious about your heritage, clan representatives are there to share history, genealogy, and stories. Don’t have Scottish ancestry? No worries—clans will happily adopt you for the weekend.
Scottish Heavy Athletics – Watch athletes compete in traditional Highland games:
- Caber toss (yes, throwing a telephone pole)
- Hammer throw
- Weight toss
- Stone put
- Sheaf toss (pitchforking a burlap bag over a bar)
- New for 2025: Keg toss
These aren’t your typical track and field events. Highland athletes are a special breed, and watching them hurl heavy objects with precision and power is mesmerizing.
Highland Dancing – Competitive Highland dancers perform traditional dances including the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Seann Triubhas. The athleticism, precision, and grace are incredible.
Bagpipe and Drum Competitions – Pipe bands from across Texas and beyond compete. The sound of massed bagpipes is something you feel in your chest as much as hear with your ears.
Celtic Entertainment Stage – Scottish singers and musicians perform throughout the day.
The Contests:
- Bonniest Knees Competition (kilt-wearers only!)
- Scottish Shortbread Baking Contest
- Bonniest Beard Contest
Celtic Marketplace – Shop for tartans, Celtic jewelry, imported goods, kilts, Scottish food, and everything in between.
Food and Drink – Scottish and Celtic-inspired food, plus beverages to keep you fueled for a full day.
Don’t miss the Tartan Dinner Saturday evening (7:00 PM) at The View on the Creek, catered by Let Us Do the Cooking. This requires advanced reservations and separate tickets, but it’s a highlight of the weekend.
Sunday: Family Day
Sunday brings a more relaxed vibe with family-friendly events:
9:00 AM: Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan – A traditional devotional service where family groups carry banners of their family tartans and ask blessings on their families. It’s a beautiful tradition that connects faith and heritage.
Scottish Dog Parade and Contest – Bring your pup dressed in Scottish attire! (Or just bring your pup—they don’t have to be Scottish.)
Scottish Country Dance – Learn traditional Scottish dances or just watch the experts show you how it’s done.
Children’s Highland Games – Scaled-down versions of the heavy athletics so kids can try their hand at tossing, throwing, and competing.
Scottish Sheepdog Herding – NEW FOR 2025! Watch skilled sheepdogs work with their handlers in demonstrations of this ancient Scottish tradition.
Plus all the clan tents, piping, music, and shopping continue through Sunday afternoon.
Why This Festival Has Lasted 64 Years
There’s something magical about the Salado Scottish Gathering. Maybe it’s the setting—beautiful Central Texas Hill Country along Salado Creek. Maybe it’s the authenticity—this isn’t tourist kitsch, but genuine celebration of Scottish culture and heritage maintained by people who take it seriously.
Or maybe it’s the community. Where else can you:
- Trace your family tree back to medieval Scotland
- Watch someone throw a 20-pound stone for distance
- Hear a hundred bagpipes playing at once
- Learn the ancient art of sheepdog herding
- Compete in a beard contest
- Eat Scottish meat pies and shortbread
- See Highland dancers who’ve trained for years
- Connect with people who share your clan name from across the country
The festival honors fallen service members by featuring bands from public service organizations, adding another layer of meaning to the celebration.
Practical Tips
Bring:
- Lawn chairs or blankets for watching competitions
- Sunscreen and hats (November in Texas can still be warm)
- Cash for vendors (though many accept cards)
- Your sense of humor (the Bonniest Knees contest requires it)
- The whole family (this is dog-friendly and kid-friendly)
Plan for:
- Parking near the festival grounds (arrive early on Saturday)
- All-day entertainment (you could easily spend 8 hours here and not see everything)
- Walking and standing (wear comfortable shoes)
Don’t Miss:
- Friday night’s Calling of the Clans (worth the drive alone)
- Saturday’s opening parade at noon
- The caber toss competition
- Visiting multiple clan tents (even if you’re not Scottish—yet!)
Supporting a Good Cause
The Scottish Gathering is a fundraising event for Salado Museum and College Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting and preserving Salado history. Your ticket purchase helps support educational programs, exhibits, and the preservation of local heritage.
Getting There
Salado sits between Austin and Waco, right off I-35 at Exit 283. It’s about an hour from Austin, 45 minutes from Waco, and 90 minutes from San Antonio.
The charming historic village of Salado is worth exploring beyond the festival—antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the beautiful Salado Creek make it a perfect weekend getaway.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re Scottish by birth, marriage, adoption, or just by enthusiasm, the Salado Scottish Gathering welcomes you to three days of bagpipes, beards, bonniest knees, and the kind of community celebration that’s been bringing people together for more than six decades.
Throw on a kilt (or don’t), practice your “Och aye,” and get ready for one of the most unique festivals in Texas.
Alba gu bràth! (Scotland forever!)
64th Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games
When: November 7-9, 2025
Where: Barrow Brewing Company & Inn on the Creek, 108 Royal St., Salado, TX
Tickets: $25 (weekend adults) / $15 (weekend children) / FREE (5 and under)
Buy tickets: saladomuseum.org/scottish-gathering-and-highland-games
Info: Salado Museum and College Park
Schedule Highlights:
- Friday 6:00 PM: Calling of the Clans
- Saturday 12:00 PM: Opening Ceremonies & Parade
- Sunday 9:00 AM: Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan
We do our best to get every detail right, but sometimes things slip through. Event times change, prices update, details shift faster than we can keep up. Quick reminder: Always double-check the important stuff before you head out! Visit saladomuseum.org for the most current schedule and ticket information. Thanks for helping us get it right – when you keep us honest, everybody wins!
