​

Scottish Fest is part of the United Scottish Society, a 501c(3) non-profit corporation.   It is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the Southern California area.  The festival occurs annually on Memorial Day Weekend at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (OCFEC) located in Costa Mesa, California. 

 

The location is perfect to host the many festival activities and events not to mention the superb weather.  The OCFEC is approximately 175,000 acres including the parking lots and the festival utilizes just about every inch of the property. 

 

The key to the success of the festival is the people, from the volunteers that work to produce the event, to the participants/competitors to the guests that enjoy the many competitions, music, dance, athletics, products for sale, youth activities, food and lively atmosphere. 

 

The festival was established in 1932 and was called a Highland Games in the tradition of Scottish heritage.  The Highland Games started out as a small gathering in 1932 but as the years grew so was the Games to the point that by 1938 the Games were set-up in the Santa Monica Municipal Stadium.   During 1941 to 1945 the Highland Games were not officially held due World War II.