Wolfhound Puppies, Highland Cows and No Kilt: A Sunday at the Colorado Highland Games

I got out to the Colorado Highland Games around 10-something on Sunday, caught a little live music, walked past the swords, clothing and other goodies for sale, and then went straight to the dogs. Which is how most of my day went.

If you just want the dates: the 2027 games are Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26, back at the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia. Tickets, the schedule and everything else are in our Colorado Highland Games guide.

I spent way too long at the wolfhound tent

The Rocky Mountain Irish Wolfhound Association had a tent, and I hung out there way too long. They had 4-month-old puppies that were already massive and so well behaved. I think they were just very tired.

Their dad was there too. From what I was told he's a champion-level wolfhound. He weighs 160 pounds, and the woman I was talking to said he'd still add about 10 pounds of muscle. I learned a lot about the breed, and she even gave me treats I was allowed to feed the puppies if they sat. They sat.

Meeting Thistle

Next I stopped by the Westies to meet Thistle. Her owner subscribes to Castle Rock Crew and had commented on one of our Facebook posts, so I made sure to go say hi. Thistle was a little tuckered out from the heat and all the excitement, so she was hanging out under the table.

Dogs are a big part of the day. The Parade of British Dogs steps off at 10am, and this year it was led by a bagpiper in front of the "Dogs of the British Isles" banner, with people in costume walking everything from wolfhounds to bloodhounds.

Cars, cabers and the women's hammer

From there I made my way around the British cars, which are always really cool.

Then I watched some of the guys warming up for the men's heavy events, tossing all kinds of heavy stuff. The older guys were having some trouble with the caber, which, to be fair, is a tapered log somewhere around 16 to 20 feet long and up to 140 pounds. Not every toss worked, but they were trying hard and looked good doing it.

The one I hadn't seen last year was the women's hammer throw. Swinging that thing around from inside the cage and letting it fly across the field is pretty intense, and it was a really cool watch.

I also caught some of the rugby. It's a little slower-paced than what I played or usually watch, but the old guys were having a good time.

The music

I saw a little more of the McDeviants, who joked from the stage that they're Colorado Springs' number one Celtic rock band. The lead singer quickly followed up that they're also the only Celtic rock band in Colorado Springs. Who cares, they're still the best.

Out on the field, the pipe bands were tuning up, and I'm pretty sure they tune with their phones now. I watched two people walk around setting a phone on top of the pipes while the guys played.

And the blacksmith was out working at the forge, which is worth a stop on its own.

I saved the best for last: the Highland cows

I went and met the family from Rocking DO Ranch and hung out with their Highland cows. I bought a bag of feed, got slobbered on by a couple of them, and loved it so much I went back for a second bag and spent even more time with them.

It was good to meet John and Vicki too. Turns out they're right here in Douglas County: the ranch moved to Franktown in 2026, where they have 35 acres and manage more land around the county. They raise Highland and Wagyu cattle, sell beef tallow skincare, and they even board reindeer for Santa.

A few honest notes

• I didn't wear a kilt. I felt a little underdressed, but it's okay. Next year.
• I didn't eat this year either, even though I had the fish and chips last year and they were good. There were food trucks, and people looked like they were having a good time.
• It felt busier than last year. It was a toasty, dusty day and everybody was getting their sweat on, so bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

If you go next year

Colorado Highland Games 2027: Saturday September 25, 9am to 8pm, and Sunday September 26, 9am to 5pm.
Where: Denver Polo Club, 6359 Airport Road, Sedalia, CO 80135.
Tickets, schedule and parking: in our Colorado Highland Games guide, updated as the organizers post them.

The whole thing is run entirely by volunteers, and 2026 was the 62nd year. It's an easy, great day out, and it's right here in our own county. Looking for more? Our fall events in Douglas County guide has the rest of the season, and if you're making a day of it in Sedalia, A Sanctuary Center is a quiet stop close by.