Antigonish Highland Games

09/11/2026

Well folks with the 161st Antigonish Highland Games behind us, we are already hard at work planning for the 162nd edition! It promises to be one of our biggest yet, with great music, exceptional competition, and a week loaded with old favourite and new surprises! We can't wait to see you all again next July, so clear your calendar, we have got a heck of a week to come!!!

09/11/2026

Today marks a solemn occasion that has become a flash bulb moment for so many. It is the 25th anniversary of the terrifying attacks of 9/11, and we send our condolences to all who were impacted by the horrific events of that day.

The World Peace tartan was designed by Victor Spence to honor the victims of these tragedies. Its gray columns represent the twin towers of the world trade center, while its white stripes honors its victims. Its thread count is 234, which when added totals 9, and its sett measures 6.5 inches, which totals 11 when added together.

It is difficult to find solace in such an inexplicable tragedy, however this somber tartan pays tribute to both the victims as well as the heroic first responders, whose fearless efforts undoubtedly saved thousands of lives.

09/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who purchased our latest publication, Preserving Highland Traditions in Northeastern Nova Scotia! For those of you who were unable to get a copy, you are in luck! There are more copies now available at the Antigonish five to a Dollar and the Antigonish Heritage Museum! Get them while they last, and thank you for your support!!!

09/04/2026

The AHS was saddened to learn about the passing of Margaret Dunn, who was a dear friend to so many in our community. This photo was taken with some of her former students in 2024, when she was named an honorary member of the AHS. It was a much deserved honor for an incredible woman, and we send our most sincere condolences to her husband Fraser Dunn and her family.

08/30/2026

Thank you to all who joined us for the volunteer party today! To those who couldn't make it, we appreciate your incredible hard work and hope you can join us next year :)

Special thanks to Jordi and Luke for the beautiful tunes all afternoon, and especially to Boston Pizza Antigonish for the delicious meal!

08/30/2026

Congratulations to the three new World Highland Dancing Champions for 2026! 2 champion are from Canada. A huge shout out to Marielle Lesperance on winning her 10th World Championship!

Juvenile World Champion - Sadie Love, Alberta

Junior World Champion - Connie Urquhart, Scone

Adult WorldChampion - Marielle Lespérance, Nova Scotia

Exceptional work! You've made Canada proud!!!

08/27/2026

Congrats to all the dancers at Cowal Highland Gathering - with a special shout out to FOUR (!) Nova Scotia dancers who are through to the World Adult Championships! 👏👏👏 incredible work everyone, congratulations to Antigonish’s own Brooke Hayne, Sarah Arsenault, Olivia Burke, and Marielle Lesperance, go show the world what Nova Scotia Dancers are made of!!!

08/25/2026

These fine folks are hard at work, and all free of charge! Thank you for all you do to sustain Highland culture!

Free piping and drumming lessons are back and we are excited to get started. We will be teaching our lessons in Antigonish, Sherbrooke and Guysborough.🎶🥁🎼🎵.

08/25/2026

Well folks the 161st Antigonish Highland Games are in the books, and we are already busy planning the 162nd edition. Before we do, we want to give one last thanks to all of the incredible sponsors that help make this event succeed each year.

The 161st was one of our best yet, and we truly couldn't do it each year without the support of so many amazing local sponsors, and of course the support of all levels of government.

We are fortunate to share this great place we call home with you all, and we cant thank you enough!!!