It’s the Bay Area’s biggest celebration of Scottish heritage.
At the 154th annual Scottish Highland Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, you can watch ancient “heavy athletics” contests such as the caber and stone tosses, listen to pipe bands and enjoy traditional dance and food.
The two-day event — Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1 — is put on by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco.
Each day’s festivities start at 8 a.m., when the gates open, and end at 6 p.m. with a march-off of all the bands in attendance.
Entertainment includes 30 pipe bands from the U.S. and Canada; Celtic rock, harping and fiddling; Scottish highland dancing and Irish step dancing. There also will be a birds of prey exhibit, sheep dog trials, living history re-enactments featuring Mary, Queen of Scots, and a British motor car cavalcade.
Those interested in learning more about their Scottish heritage will want to visit the always-popular Gathering of Clans area with 100 clan tents.
Details: All events at Alameda County Fairgrounds; admission is $13-$45, children 11 and under admitted free (find best deals online). Parking, $10; free shuttle runs from the Dublin-Pleasanton BART station; some events and attractions have separate fees; www.thescottishgames.com
