Kelso Highlander Festival & Scottish Games

Name: Kelso Highlander Festival & Scottish Games
Start: 2026-09-12
End: 2026-09-13
Location: Kelso, Washington

Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington. Highland festival and Scottish Games.

Details

Map. Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington. Larger map

Where: Tam O'Shanter Way, Kelso, WA 98626. Directions
When: Second full weekend of September every year. Last held September 12–13, 2026; next year’s date not yet stated.
Getting there: I-5 Exit 39; festival directional signs posted from freeway exit.
Fees: Free admission, parking and entertainment.
Hours: Flower show September 12, 2026, 10 AM–4 PM.
Access: Dance stage covered; rain or shine; bring a lawn chair; all dance performances free.
Phone: Highland Dance contact Gail Bacon: 971-219-2352
Website: kelsohighlanderfestival.com
Managed by: City-sponsored by City of Kelso; organized and run by community volunteers.
Established: 1982.

Clan societies march and gather on the Avenue of Clans.

1982The annual Kelso Highlander Festival began at Tam O'Shanter Park. kelsohighlanderfestival.com
2006Gail Bacon has organized the Scottish Dance Competition since 2006. thereflector.com
2026The festival's parade was canceled in 2026 due to costs. tdn.com

Lisa Alexander, City Council member describing Kelso's festival.
Lindsey Cope, Cowlitz Economic Development Council vice president interviewed about festival history.
Veryl Anderson, Festival co-chair and Kelso mayor interviewed about festival history.
Josh Vanierhoof, Everson athlete competing in festival weight-over-bar strength contest (2025).
Fiona Nelson, Intermediate-class festival dance competitor (2019).
Karina Burckham, Intermediate-class festival dance competitor (2019).
Ann McAdams, Clan MacGregor participant at the festival.
Candace, Longtime Clan MacGregor member participating in festival tent.
Darlene Dalgliesh, Longtime Scottish-festival attendee who never misses Kelso.
Diane Gragg, Clan MacGregor participant at the festival.
Fiona Dohman, Granny Fi's Shortbread owner bringing Scottish family recipes to festival (12 years).
Gail Bacon, Organizer of Scottish Dance Competition (since 2006).
George Gragg, Clan MacGregor participant at the festival.
Phyllis Hall, Kelso Garden Club member discussing its flower show at festival.
Russ McAdams, Clan MacGregor tent participant; helped found MacGregors' Own Scots Guard and charter member of Clan Gregor Society Pacific Northwest Chapter.