October 24 and 25, 2026 * Rillito Raceway Park * 4502 N. First Ave * Tucson, AZ 85718.
The Origins Of The Scottish Highland Games
It is widely believed that King Malcolm III of Scotland, in the 11th century, summoned contestants to a foot race to the summit of Craig Choinnich (overlooking Braemar). King Malcolm created this foot race in order to find the fastest runner in the land to be his royal messenger. Some have seen in this event the origin of today’s modern Highland games.
Want To Know More About Local Heavy Athletics? Check Out The Tucson Celtic Hammerheads Website. Find information about the history of the games, athletes, practice, sponsors, and much more.
The Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games returns with International Highland Games Federation October 24–25, 2026!
Join us in Tucson for an action-packed, unforgettable weekend of strength, tradition, and fierce competition!
As part of the IHGF All American Highland Games Series*, this premier event will also host the prestigious IHGF National Hammer Throwing Championships!
Watch incredible athletes compete in:
• Men’s & Women’s Lightweight
• A Group
• Masters 40+, 50+, and 60+
All battling for a chance to advance to the IHGF National Highland Games Championships this November in Oklahoma City!
Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just soaking in the Celtic spirit, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars and get ready for an epic celebration of strength, heritage, and community!
*This will take place simultaneously during the 40th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games
Athletic Director: Jonathan Irvin
Special Guest Announcer: IHGF President, Francis Brebner
Schedule
Southwest Master’s Championship
Saturday, October 24th:
- Men’s Masters 40-49
- Men’s Masters 50-59
- Men’s Masters 60+
- Women’s Masters 40-49
- Women’s Masters 50-59
- Women’s Masters 60+
- Men’s Lightweight (under 200 lbs)
Sunday, October 25th:
- Men’s Open A
- Men’s Open B
- Men’s Open C
- Women’s Open A
- Women’s Open B
- Women’s Open C
- Women’s Lightweight (under 150 lbs)
Notes:
- Classes will be limited to 12 athletes in each group. If a class fills we will have a wait-list for openings. Please email tucsoncelt1@gmail.com to be waitlisted.
- Applications received on or before September 1st will be guaranteed a games shirt.
- If by October 1st fewer than three applications are received for a given class, the competition slot for that class will be eliminated and athletes will be combined with another class to throw with.
- Applications may be accepted after October 1st, field registration only, on a space available basis as determined by the Athletic Director.
- Only TCFA implements will be used for competition.
- Sheaf starting height will be a minimum of 10 feet.
Event Information:
Competition will consist of the following nine events: Open Stone, Braemar Stone, Heavy & Light Hammers, Heavy & Light Weight for Distance (WFD), Caber, Weight Over Bar (WOB), Sheaf
- Athletes must participate in all events to qualify for the awards
- Ties will be broken by number of 1st, 2nd, etc. in individual events. If still tied, Caber score will determine placement.
Rules:
Competition is conducted in accordance with NASGA Rules and straight & winged trigs will be used
- Athletes must be 18 years of age or older
- All athletes must wear a shirt and kilt during competition. Undergarments must be worn.
- Winged throwing area used for stones and WFD.
- Check-in and weight-in time for all athletes begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Heavy Events field tent and will close promptly at 8:30 a.m.
- Competition starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. Athlete meeting is at 8:45 a.m.
- Weigh-ins are the day of the competition ONLY between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Registration For The 40th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games
Please join us October 24 and 25, 2026, for the 40th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games at Rillito Raceway Park located at 4502 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718.
Early bird registration is $40* for Men’s and Women’s athletes ends June 1, 2026. Between June 2nd and August 1st, registration is $45* for Men’s and Women’s. August 1st until October 1st, registration is $50* for Men’s and Women’s. Field registration is at the discretion of the Athletic Director and is $55*. Registration includes entry for the athlete and one guest on the day of competition and lunch for the athlete. Registration is non-refundable.
*plus applicable processing fee