Scotland is headed back to the DuPage County Fairgrounds! Following the success of recent years in Wheaton, the Chicago Scots are proud to announce that 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. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
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.
"Wheaton has become a wonderful home for our Festival. This event continues to unite generations of families and friends,” said Chicago Scots President Gus Noble OBE. “Whether you’re Scottish by birth, by heritage, or simply by inclination, our invitation is always the same: come be Scottish for at least one day. And this year, we’re especially excited to bring fans together for the Scotland World Cup watch party, another great way to celebrate our shared spirit and pride. This is guaranteed to be a Scottish party for the ages!”
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.
Ticket prices for the 40th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games are as follows:
Friday: Children 12 and under FREE; Adults $25
Saturday: Children 12 and under FREE; Adults $30
Two Day Pass - Children 12 and under FREE; Adults $45
VIP Two Day Pass: $225 admission includes complimentary food and beverage service (with a Scottish flare), whisky masterclass, premier parking, and more.
The festival will be held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. Parking will be free. For more information, event schedules, competition registration forms, volunteer opportunities or tickets, please visit chicagoscots.org or call (708) 447-5092.
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About Chicago Scots
Founded as the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1845, when Chicago was a small frontier town, population 12,000, the Chicago Scots is the first and longest running charitable organization in Illinois. In addition to preserving and strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship between Scotland and North America by hosting events that educate, entertain, and promote Scottish culture, the Chicago Scots support one of the finest senior living and memory care campuses in greater Chicagoland – Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care in North Riverside, IL. Authentically rooted in Scottish traditions, values and community, purposeful and proactive in approach, the Chicago Scots are consistently on the cutting-edge of care for the residents of Caledonia Senior Living, where there was not a single resident COVID fatality during the pandemic. For more information, visit www.chicagoscots.org.
Wheaton's 40th Annual Scotland Highland Games June 12 & 13
