Scotland to Return to Wheaton for 40th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Scotland is headed back to the DuPage County Fairgrounds! Following the success of recent years in Wheaton, the Midwest’s largest Scottish event will return for its 40th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games on Friday, June 12 (9am–8pm) and Saturday, June 13 (9am–10pm). This beloved two‑day celebration will once again bring plenty of Scottish fun, fanfare, music, culture, tradition, skill, and athleticism to the western suburbs. This year’s festivities also include a rare, special appearance by the world-renowned Inveraray & District Pipe Band, as part of North America’s largest bagpiping and drumming championship. All proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Chicago Scots’ principal charity, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care in North Riverside. 
 
The vibrant essence of Scottish culture will be on full display throughout the weekend. New this year is Family-Friendly-Friday with all attractions inviting and encouraging kids of all ages to join in and participate. And on Saturday night, festival goers will gather around a big screen to watch Scotland’s national soccer team play their first match in the summer’s World Cup.  Treasured across generations, this family‑friendly outdoor festival annually attracts approximately 15,000 attendees and offers a massive lineup of iconic activities and attractions, including athletic events such as the caber toss, Highland dancing, the dogs of Scotland, an expanded kids’ area, Celtic music, genealogy, Scottish food and drink, whisky tastings, a classic British car show, and a bustling Scottish marketplace offering everything from kilts and candy to jewelry, toys, tartan goods, and of course, haggis.
 
Just before dusk on Saturday, June 13, when all the piping and drumming competitions that comprise North America’s largest bagpiping championship, are done, the entire festival will gather for the “massed bands,” which Gus Noble describes as “a moment where time feels suspended, bringing everyone together in a powerful shared connection that’s both emotional and unforgettable.” The massed bands will include a unique salute to Veterans of all branches of the armed forces as the Chicago Scots celebrate the USA’s 250th birthday. 
 
Food and Marketplace Vendor registration is currently open for 2026 applications. Those interested in learning more are invited to do so here.

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