Kilts, bagpipes, feats of strength, Highland dancing and medieval battles will take over Armadale on Sunday 4 October, when Western Australia’s largest Highland Gathering returns for one of the State’s most unique days out.
The Armadale Highland Gathering and Perth Kilt Run will transform Minnawarra and Memorial Parks into a celebration of Scottish culture, competition and community, with around 20,000 people expected across the day.
And you don’t need a drop of Scottish blood to join in.
The day begins with Australia’s only kilted fun run, the Perth Kilt Run, where participants can run, walk or wheel their way around either the 2.5km Classic or take on the 5km Warrior, with kilts highly encouraged.
Four-legged competitors can even get involved, with dogs welcome on a dedicated 2.5km Classic option. The 2.5km course is also fully paved and wheelchair accessible.
Once the runners cross the finish line, the Highland Gathering takes over with award-winning pipe bands competing and marching, traditional Highland dancing, live medieval combat, Scottish dog breeds and agility demonstrations, clan heritage and Scottish societies, market stalls, food, entertainment and free family activities.
For those looking for something a little heavier, the traditional Heavy Events put strength, skill and some serious muscle centre stage, with competitors taking on Cumberland Wrestling, the Caber Toss, Overhead Heave and Stones of Strength. Visitors can also get in on the action and test themselves against the Armadale Atlas Stones.
City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield said the event had become an important part of Armadale’s identity over more than three decades.
“There really is nothing quite like the Armadale Highland Gathering, and the City is incredibly proud to have been its home for more than 30 years,” Mayor Butterfield said.
“It brings together Scottish traditions, competition, music and community and takes advantage of the amazing parkland in the Armadale City Centre.”
“Whether you have Scottish heritage, have been coming for years or have never experienced a Highland Gathering before, everyone is welcome to come along and be part of it.”
The Armadale Highland Gathering began in 1994 and has grown to become the largest Scottish themed event in Western Australia.
Behind the spectacle is a significant community effort, with members of the Armadale Highland Gathering Committee and volunteers contributing their time and expertise to coordinate the many different elements of the event each year.
Mayor Butterfield said the Perth Kilt Run had also developed a special legacy of its own since joining the event in 2013.
“The Perth Kilt Run is certainly one of the more unusual ways to start a Sunday morning, but there is a wonderful purpose behind the fun,” Mayor Butterfield said.
Part proceeds from 2026 registrations will support Breast Cancer Care WA, the Dogs’ Refuge Home and the WA Disabled Sport Association.
Online registrations are open for the 2.5km Classic and 5km Warrior, with children aged 12 and under able to register online free. Participants without their own tartan can also purchase an Armadale tartan kilt as part of their registration.
The Armadale Highland Gathering is free to attend.
The 2026 Armadale Highland Gathering and Perth Kilt Run will be held on Sunday 4 October at Minnawarra and Memorial Parks, Armadale.
Perth Kilt Run check-in opens from 7am, with the run beginning from 8.30am and the Highland Gathering continuing throughout the day.
For event information and Perth Kilt Run registrations, visit armadalehighlandgathering.com.au.
