Late summer brings Highland Games from Montana to Colorado, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, and New York. This roundup highlights Clan Macneil members who are hosting tents or competing on the field, along with familiar Clan stops whose 2026 attendance is still being worked out.
For the complete and changeable list of dates and locations, always consult the CMAA Games and Events calendar. Festival plans can change, so follow each event link for the latest information before traveling.
August
Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering
Hamilton, Montana | August 15–16 | Confirmed for 2026
Phil MacNeill, Paul MacNeill, and Barbara MacNeill have signed up to represent Clan Macneil at the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. This will be their first time hosting, and they have been gathering materials and family gear for their Clan space. They also plan to take photographs and share their experience with The Galley.
The gathering takes place at the historic Daly Mansion. Organizers are highlighting Highland and Irish dance, pipe bands, athletics, children’s activities, whisky and mead tastings, a Sunday afternoon tea, and the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service. Check the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering website for current plans.
September
CMAA Membership Vice President Cathy Hamilton is in her rookie season as a Highland Games heavy athlete, and she already placed second at the North Alabama Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Cathy will compete at four September gatherings, with her daughter Katie joining her at the first two.
Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Games
Johnson City, Tennessee | September 5–6 | Cathy and Katie Hamilton competing
The festival runs September 4–6 at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, with the Highland athletics scheduled during the weekend. Check the Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival listing for current plans.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
Estes Park, Colorado | September 11–13 | Confirmed for 2026
Colorado Commissioner Keith Lif has confirmed that he will represent Clan Macneil at Estes Park again this year. Keith inherited the commissioner tradition from his late father, Harold Lif, and has made the display his own. In past years, visitors have known the Macneil space as the “weapons tent,” where swords and Viking axes open conversations about Clan history. The display has drawn visitors of all ages and, in 2024, helped welcome six new family members to the Association.
The festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with pipe bands, Highland dance, athletics, music, family activities, and the Estes Park International Tattoo. Organizers have canceled the downtown parade this year, but the festival-field events remain scheduled. Check the Longs Peak festival website for current plans.
Middle Tennessee Highland Games and Celtic Festival
Hendersonville, Tennessee | September 12–13 | Cathy and Katie Hamilton competing
The festival at Sanders Ferry Park combines heavy athletics with Celtic bands, piping, Highland dance, Clan gatherings, children’s activities, and Scotch tastings. Check the Middle Tennessee Highland Games website for current plans.
Columbus Scottish Festival
Columbus, Indiana | September 12–13 | Regular Clan stop; 2026 plans pending
Kenny and Pam McNeil have represented Clan Macneil at Columbus repeatedly, reconnecting with familiar visitors and welcoming new ones at the tent. They missed the 2025 festival because it conflicted with the CMAA Annual General Meeting, and wrote in the Spring/Summer 2026 Galley that they hoped to return this fall. That is not yet a firm attendance confirmation, so watch this page for an update.
The current festival schedule includes Highland athletics and dance, pipe bands, sheepdog demonstrations, junior Highland Games, whisky tastings, the Kirkin’ of the Tartan, and children’s activities at Nessie’s Playground. Check the Columbus Scottish Festival website for current plans.
Blue Ridge Championship
Lovingston, Virginia | September 19 | Cathy Hamilton competing
The invitational at Wood Ridge Farm Brewery brings together leading amateur men and women from Pennsylvania through Georgia. Cathy has confirmed that she will be among the athletes on the field. Learn more about the Blue Ridge Championship.
Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival and Highland Games
Lockport, New York | September 19–20 | Regular Clan stop; 2026 plans pending
New York Commissioner “Rochester Bob” McNeill has represented Clan Macneil at Niagara in recent years, including the 2024 gathering and the 2025 festival that hosted the CMAA Annual General Meeting. Previous Macneil displays have included an expanded two-tent sword collection, but current Clan plans for 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
Niagara Celtic celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Its published program includes Highland athletics, pipe bands, living history, Celtic College activities, children’s attractions, and a Saturday evening ceilidh. Check the Niagara Celtic website for current plans.
North Georgia Highland Games
Clayton, Georgia | September 26 | Cathy Hamilton competing
Cathy’s September schedule concludes at the North Georgia Highland Games at the Rabun County Civic Center. Check the North Georgia Highland Games website for current plans.
Interested in Representing Clan Macneil?
Highland Games happen across the country throughout the year, and Clan Macneil can be present at only a fraction of them without volunteers. You do not have to be a commissioner to help represent the Clan.
Would you like to host a Clan tent? Take a look at the Games and Events calendar and see whether a gathering near you might work. Then contact CMAA, and we will connect you with the right people and help you get started.
Already planning to compete, dance, pipe, perform, march, judge, vend, or volunteer at a Games? Let us know where you will be—tent or not. We would love to include you in a future roundup and cheer you on.
