ScotFestBC brings the sights and sounds of the Scottish Highlands to British Columbia's Lower Mainland each summer. The 129th edition takes place June 19-20, 2026, in Coquitlam's Town Centre Park, a sprawling outdoor venue easily reached by Skytrain—making it an accessible weekend escape for anyone craving live music, cultural competition, and authentic Scottish hospitality.

At its heart, ScotFestBC is a traditional highland games competition. Hundreds of pipers, drummers, highland dancers, and strength athletes travel to the festival each year to compete for top prizes in their categories. The competitions span pipes, drums, and pipe bands performing everything from contemporary pieces to pìobaireachd, the highest level of piping competition. Alongside the athletic events—the jaw-dropping feats of Scottish Heavy Events—the festival stages highland dance competitions that showcase the artistry and technical precision of this distinctive performance style.

But ScotFestBC is far more than competitions. The festival curates a full cultural experience with a "Big Tent" stage hosting live Celtic music all day long. The 2026 lineup headlines The Barra MacNeils, who are touring to mark their 40th Anniversary, performing Saturday afternoon and evening. Additional musical performances include The Whiskeydicks, Pat Chessell, Robyn Carrigan, Zephan Knichel, Gord Pollock, the Saltchuckers, and an SFU Celtic Studies presentation on Jacobites.

For those wanting to deepen their connection to Scottish culture, the festival offers a Whisky School, Scottish country dancing sessions, cultural educational workshops, and kids' activities spread throughout the grounds. Vendors and artisans sell Scottish merchandise and food, including traditional haggis and other Scottish fare. A showcase of British cars adds a nostalgic charm to the event.

ScotFestBC is organized by the United Scottish Cultural Society, an umbrella organization of BC's major Scottish cultural groups, working year-round with a volunteer committee of 35+ members. The organizing effort involves partnerships with the BC Pipers' Association, the BC Highland Dancing Association, the St. Andrew's & Caledonian Society, and the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Association—reflecting the deep roots and collaborative spirit of Scottish culture in the province.