Tartan Parade:
Annual Victoria Tartan Parade will start on Saturday May 9th, 2026, from Centennial Square at 11 am to promote the 163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival happening the following weekend. The parade will travel down Government Street to the Belleville Street intersection and on to the Legislature lawns where there will be performances and demonstrations of Highland Games events. The parade will consist of pipe bands, highland dancers and members of local Scottish organizations and associated groups.

Tilted Kilt Pub Crawl:
The ninth annual Pub Crawl on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 is sponsored by Lighthouse Brewing, providing a pint at four pubs along the crawl. Each year this event has become a hugely successful night of fun leading up to the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Three teams, each in distinctive shirts, totaling approximately 200 participants, will travel between Belleville’s Pub, Darcy’s Pub and two Strathcona pubs ( Studio 919 and Clubhouse) in downtown Victoria. Each team has its own piper and highland dancers. Tickets are only available from VHGA Board members.

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival:
Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17, 2026 (8:00 AM–7:00 PM) at Topaz Park.
In the festival program: Highland Dance Competition, Celtic Music Tent, Solo Piping and Drumming, Amateur Heavy Events, Opening Ceremonies and Massed Bands, Professional Heavy Events, Regimental Drum Majors, Pipe Band Competition and Invitational Drum Majors, Fortissimo Victoria Military Bands Performance, Massed Bands.
Clan and Society Tents, the Heritage and History Tent, merchandise vendors, and food vendors will be open throughout the Games.
Two adult beverage areas will operate from 11:00 AM until closing each day and are open to everyone 19+.
The Whisky Tasting School and Wine Tasting School will also be open each day. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event.