What to Expect at the 2027 Seaside Highland Games in Ventura
The Seaside Highland Games is expected to return to Ventura, California, in October 2027, bringing a weekend of Scottish heritage, traditional music, athletic competitions, dancing and family-friendly entertainment to the scenic Ventura County coastline. Held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, this annual celebration offers residents and visitors throughout the 805 region an opportunity to experience Scottish and Celtic culture close to home.
Photo by Stewart Munro on Unsplash
The 2027 event dates have not yet been officially announced. Based on the festival's tradition of taking place on the second weekend of October, the anticipated dates are October 9–10, 2027. Visitors should check the official Seaside Highland Games website for confirmed dates, ticket information and event updates before making plans.
What to Expect at the Seaside Highland Games
The Seaside Highland Games brings together Scottish cultural organizations, performers, athletes, musicians, vendors and families for a lively festival atmosphere. The Ventura County Fairgrounds provides a coastal setting for a weekend dedicated to Scottish traditions, with activities designed to appeal to longtime enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
Guests can explore traditional Highland competitions, listen to bagpipes and Celtic music, watch Scottish dancing, learn about clan heritage and browse vendors offering Celtic-inspired merchandise and handcrafted goods. Food and drink options add to the festival experience, making it easy to spend several hours exploring the different attractions.
Highland Athletics, Bagpipes and Scottish Dancing
One of the highlights of the Seaside Highland Games is Highland athletics, featuring strength-based competitions inspired by Scotland's sporting traditions. Events can showcase impressive feats of strength, including traditional heavy throwing competitions that test competitors' power, technique and precision.
Music is another important part of the celebration. Bagpipers and drummers bring the distinctive sounds of Scotland to the festival, while Celtic performers provide live entertainment throughout the grounds. Scottish Highland dancing and other traditional dance performances offer visitors a closer look at the region's cultural heritage.
Competition offerings can include piping and drumming, drum majoring, fiddling, Highland dancing and heavy athletics. The final lineup and schedule for 2027 should be confirmed through the event's official website as the festival approaches.
Scottish Clans, Heritage and Cultural Exhibits
Visitors interested in Scottish ancestry and family history can explore clan and cultural society displays. Clan representatives provide opportunities to learn about Scottish family names, historic traditions, cultural organizations and connections to Scotland.
The festival also features attractions that celebrate Celtic arts and history. The Harp Glen highlights traditional and contemporary harp music, while historical exhibits and demonstrations offer additional ways to explore the past. These activities make the Games an appealing destination for anyone interested in Scottish heritage, whether through family ancestry or a general appreciation for world cultures.
Sheep Herding Demonstrations and Family Activities
The Seaside Highland Games offers more than music and athletic competition. Sheep herding demonstrations provide an opportunity to see skilled dogs and handlers work together, showcasing the teamwork and training involved in traditional herding practices.
Families with children can also look forward to the Children's Glen, an area featuring hands-on activities and games inspired by Scottish culture. Past offerings have included traditional games, crafts, opportunities to learn Scottish dance steps and activities introducing children to the sounds and traditions of Scotland. Families should review the 2027 event schedule for details about the activities planned for younger visitors.
Celtic Music, Shopping and Festival Food
Live entertainment is a major part of the Seaside Highland Games experience. Previous festivals have featured multiple performance stages with a mix of traditional Scottish music, Celtic folk and contemporary Celtic sounds. Visitors can enjoy performances while exploring the fairgrounds and discovering different aspects of Scottish culture.
Festival vendors offer a variety of merchandise, including Celtic jewelry, tartan clothing, Scottish-themed gifts and artisan crafts. Food and beverage vendors provide opportunities to take a break between performances, competitions and cultural activities.
Friday Night Scottish Evening
The Seaside Highland Games has also offered special Friday evening activities in conjunction with the main weekend festival. Past programs have included a whisky tasting, a dinner featuring Scottish entertainment, a fashion show and a silent auction.
These special events have been held separately from the daytime festival at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort. Details for any 2027 dinner, tasting or other evening programming have not yet been confirmed. Check the official website for announcements, pricing, reservations and age requirements.
Seaside Highland Games 2027: Estimated Dates, Location and Planning
Estimated dates: Saturday and Sunday, October 9–10, 2027. These dates are an estimate based on the festival's usual second-weekend-of-October schedule and are not yet officially confirmed.
Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001.
Hours: The festival has traditionally operated from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The 2027 operating hours have not yet been announced.
Tickets: Admission prices, ticket options and purchasing details for 2027 have not yet been announced. Consult the official website for the latest information before attending.
Because the event attracts visitors from throughout Southern California and beyond, planning ahead is recommended. Check the festival website for parking information, accessibility details, the event map, accommodations and the schedule of performances and competitions. Visitors traveling by train should also check current Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service information before their trip.
Explore Ventura During Your Visit
The Seaside Highland Games is also a great reason to plan a fall visit to Ventura, California. Located along the Pacific coast, Ventura offers beaches, a historic downtown, independent shops, restaurants and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the Ventura Pier and Promenade, stroll through downtown, enjoy coastal views or make time for a meal at a local restaurant.
The city's location in Ventura County makes it a convenient destination for visitors from throughout the 805 region of California, including Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Combining the Highland Games with other local attractions can turn a festival visit into a weekend getaway.
Celebrate Scottish Heritage in Ventura, California
With traditional athletics, bagpipes, dancing, Celtic music, clan displays and activities for all ages, the Seaside Highland Games offers a distinctive cultural experience on the Ventura coast. The festival brings together Scottish traditions and community celebration in a setting that makes it an appealing fall event for locals and visitors alike.
Planning to attend in 2027? Keep an eye on the official Seaside Highland Games website for the confirmed dates, ticket announcements and updated event schedule.
For more local events, destinations and things to do across Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, explore In 805 — Your Guide to California's 805 Region.
Published October 12, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)