The 162nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Imagine the air crackling with the thunderous toss of the caber, the haunting wail of bagpipes weaving through ancient pines, and crowds draped in tartan gathers as history comes alive on Vancouver Island… What secret traditions and heart‑pounding competitions await you at this year’s legendary gathering? Keep reading to uncover everything you need to plan an unforgettable May long‑weekend adventure.

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Event Overview

The 162nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, North America’s longest continually running Highland Games, returns to Topaz Park on May 17–18, 2025 for two full days of Scottish and Celtic culture and competition.
Held rain or shine, this family‑friendly festival features elite pipe band contests, Highland dancing, traditional heavy events such as the caber toss and hammer throw, plus a vibrant marketplace of Celtic crafts, clans, and cuisine.

Why You Can’t Miss It

• World‑class athletes: Witness current and past world champions in heavy events and the Canadian Invitational Drum Major Championship.
• Cultural immersion: Explore over 50 clan tents, heritage exhibits, and the History Tent to trace your Scottish or Celtic roots.
• Live music & dance: Enjoy massed pipe bands, Celtic ensembles, and Highland dance competitions on both days.

Festival Schedule

The full festival runs 8 am–7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, ensuring you have ample time to catch every highlight.

Time	Saturday, May 17	Sunday, May 18
8:00 am	Gates Open	Gates Open
9:00 am	Heavy Events Qualifiers	Heavy Events Finals
12:00 pm	Opening Ceremonies & Massed Bands	Massed Bands Performance
1:00 pm	Highland Dance Championships	Highland Dance Championships
2:30 pm	International Drum Major Final	Celtic Music Stage Concert
4:00 pm	Caber Toss & Hammer Throw Finals	Scottish Country Dancing
6:00 pm	Whisky School & Wine Tasting Break	Whisky School & Wine Tasting
7:00 pm	Festival Closes	Festival Closes

Time

Saturday, May 17

Sunday, May 18

8:00 am

Gates Open

9:00 am

Heavy Events Qualifiers

Heavy Events Finals

12:00 pm

Opening Ceremonies & Massed Bands

Massed Bands Performance

1:00 pm

Highland Dance Championships

2:30 pm

International Drum Major Final

Celtic Music Stage Concert

4:00 pm

Caber Toss & Hammer Throw Finals

Scottish Country Dancing

6:00 pm

Whisky School & Wine Tasting Break

Whisky School & Wine Tasting

7:00 pm

Festival Closes

Location & Access

Topaz Park, nestled on Victoria’s scenic Upper Harbour, offers free parking and easy transit connections from downtown Victoria.
By Car
• From downtown Victoria: Take Bay Street west, continue on Keating Cross Road to Waterfront Crescent, then follow signs to Topaz Park
• Parking: Ample free on‑site parking; arrive early for the best spots.
By Public Transit
• BC Transit routes 4 and 14 stop within a 10‑minute walk of the festival entrance.
• Buy day‑passes online in advance to save time.
Accessibility
Topaz Park features paved pathways, accessible washrooms, and designated viewing areas for patrons with mobility needs.

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Tickets & Pricing

Advance tickets are strongly recommended to secure your spot and save on gate pricing. Options include general admission, Whisky School, and Wine Tasting School.

Ticket Type	Advance Online (Jan 2025–May 16)	Gate Price (May 17–18)
Adult (19+)	$35 CAD	$40 CAD
Youth (12–18)	$20 CAD	$25 CAD
Child (Under 12)	FREE	FREE
Whisky School (19+)	$75 CAD	N/A
Wine Tasting School (19+)	$65 CAD	N/A
Weekend Family Pass (2 A + 2 C)	$90 CAD	$100 CAD

Ticket Type

Advance Online (Jan 2025–May 16)

Gate Price (May 17–18)

Adult (19+)

$35 CAD

$40 CAD

Youth (12–18)

$20 CAD

$25 CAD

Child (Under 12)

FREE

Whisky School (19+)

$75 CAD

N/A

Wine Tasting School (19+)

$65 CAD

N/A

Weekend Family Pass (2 A + 2 C)

$90 CAD

$100 CAD

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Accommodation & Dining

Victoria offers a wide range of stays within 5 km of Topaz Park:
• Hotels: Fairmont Empress, Hotel Zed, and many boutique options downtown.
• B&Bs: Quaint guesthouses in James Bay and Fernwood.
• Campgrounds: Island View Beach Provincial Park (15 min east).
For Celtic‑inspired fare, sample local pubs like The Keg or The Irish Times Pub, and food trucks serving haggis, neeps & tatties, and gourmet seafood along the festival grounds.

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Insider Tips

Dress in layers

Coastal mornings can be cool; sunshine often warms the afternoon.

Bring cash & card

Vendors accept both, but small purchases go faster with cash.

Stay hydrated & sun‑protected

UV rays reflect off the harbour; pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Download the festival app

Get real‑time schedule updates and maps (available April 2025)

Nearby Attractions

Craigdarroch Castle

Beacon Hill Park

Fisherman’s Wharf

Get Ready to Experience the Unexpected

Whether you’re chasing world‑record throws, tapping your foot to Celtic melodies, or uncovering your clan heritage, the 162nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival promises surprises at every turn. Mark your calendar for May 17–18, 2025, pack your kilt (or your camera!), and prepare for a weekend that will resonate long after the final pipe note fades.
For full details and ticket purchases, visit the official site: victoriahighlandgames.com

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