ANTIGONISH – After offering free access to field events for last year’s 160th anniversary weekend, the Antigonish Highland Games will return to paid admission in 2026, as organizers prepare a “pretty loaded” schedule that combines traditional favourites with several new events.
“We wish we could do it [offer free admission] every year, but it is not feasible,” Daniel Cochrane, operations manager for the Antigonish Highland Society, said of returning to paid admission for the 161st Games, set for July 5–12.
Buoyed by increased sponsorship to help mark the milestone – and with the AHS focused on providing a thank-you to visitors and patrons for their support over the years – free admission was offered for the activities at Columbus Field on the second weekend in 2025.
Even with continued generosity from sponsors and donors, Cochrane explained, ever-increasing costs require having the revenue stream from ticket sales. What will never change, he noted, is the focus on providing “the best value we can” for visitors to the Games.
With the idea of “keeping things fresh,” he explained the focus on fitting new pieces of the puzzle “around the favourites that have always been here.”
“Everything is coming together nicely,” Cochrane said, noting that early ticket sales are already strong for the annual celebration, the longest-running Highland Games outside Scotland.
The new ingredients in 2026 include a members’ night at Candid Brewing on College St., set for Wednesday, July 8, for AHS members, while the Niles Fencing Academy from Halifax will be providing sword demonstrations during the Games.
“We are thrilled,” Cochrane said of the return of a bike race to the Games.
Formerly a pedal around Cape George, the so-called Fiddler’s Fondo at Keppoch Mountain will feature races ranging from four to 60 kilometres. Contact Mark Stewart at MarkStewart@thekeppoch.ca for more information, or visit https://www.thekeppoch.ca/events/the-fiddlers-fondo-keppochs-highland-grand-gravel-event
Cochrane said organizers of the tug-of-war competition, which includes men’s, women’s and 4-H classifications, are expecting a record number of teams for the “fan favourite,” while the Scottish heavy events, as usual, will attract “top-end talent.”
“We are expecting quite a big number,” he added of highland dancers, noting how the Games’ competition coming on the heels of the national championships in neighbouring Moncton will help draw athletes from further afield across Canada.
And, of course, great music will be peppered throughout the week, including during the Concert Under the Stars on Friday, July 10, at Columbus Field. It comes on the heels of the traditional official opening ceremony, which will include remembering the late Liz Chisholm, who will be honoured for her extensive contributions not only to the Games, but also the AHS.
“She was an incredible woman,” Cochrane said in reflecting on dedicating the 161st Games to the former town councillor and women’s rights champion.
When it comes to getting help to stage an action-packed week, he agreed that Games organizers are always looking for volunteers, noting that there is a place on the AHG website where people can register, while indicating the days and times they are available.
“We are really pleased with the community support, so far,” Cochrane said, adding there is “a lot of interest” from both volunteers and Games-goers.
He added, “We can’t wait to get going this year.”
For more information on the 161st Antigonish Highland Games, including the schedule of events and how to volunteer, visit antigonishhighlandgames.ca
