New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalLincoln
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsScale and longevity define this event: now
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival in Lincoln

Each September, Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire hosts the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, organized by the nonprofit NHSCOT and billed as New England's largest Scottish heritage celebration. The 2026 edition marks its 51st year, running September 18-20 with three days of Highland heavy athletics, massed pipe bands, Celtic music on multiple stages, Highland dance competitions, sheepdog trials, a clan village, whisky tastings, and a vendor marketplace.

Each September, the mountain terrain of Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire becomes the setting for a Scottish heritage tradition that has run for more than 51 years.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Scale and longevity define this event: now past its 51st annual edition, it is billed as New England's largest Scottish heritage celebration and among the largest of its kind in North America, organized continuously by the nonprofit NHSCOT

02

The mystery stays covered

The breadth of programming across three days at Loon Mountain Resort sets it apart from smaller Highland gatherings, spanning traditional heavy athletics competitions, massed pipe band performances, Celtic music across multiple stages, Highland dance competitions, sheepdog trials, and a dedicated clan village where attendees can connect with their Scottish ancestry

03

The city starts moving

The addition of whisky tastings and a vendor marketplace selling kilts, jewelry, and Scottish goods rounds the event into both a cultural heritage gathering and a full festival experience set against the mountain scenery of Lincoln, New Hampshire

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The games continue the centuries-old Scottish Highland games tradition of heavy athletics

Water and renewal

Living ritual

pipe band music

The sacred route

Living ritual

and clan gathering

The local code

Living ritual

adapted to a New England setting and sustained for over 51 years by the nonprofit NHSCOT as a way of preserving Scottish heritage in the region

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, plan transport around the exact Lincoln venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing suits general attendance, though many attendees wear kilts, tartan, or other Scottish heritage dress; comfortable shoes are recommended for the mountain resort...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, stay near the part of Lincoln you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map40.80 N, 96.67 WOpen in Google Maps

Lincoln, NH

Nearest airportOMA — Eppley Airfield
TransportFor New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, plan transport around the exact Lincoln venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, stay near the part of Lincoln you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Lincoln via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Lincoln, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing suits general attendance, though many attendees wear kilts, tartan, or other Scottish heritage dress; comfortable shoes are recommended for the mountain resort grounds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival?

New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Lincoln, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Lincoln, NH

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLnhscot.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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