Visiting the Highland Games in New Hampshire: What to Know Before You Go

Location: Lincoln, New Hampshire

Each year, thousands of kilted lads and lasses gather at Loon Mountain for the Highland Games in New Hampshire. My family is proud of our Scottish heritage, and this event has become a yearly tradition and reunion for us.

There is so much happening at the Highland Games in New Hampshire that it can feel overwhelming at first. After attending for several years, we have learned how to plan our days so we don’t miss the best events.

The festival spans three days, but you can choose to attend just one or two. We go all three days and still don’t fit everything in.

You will receive a schedule of events, or you can download it ahead of time. I highly recommend reviewing it in advance and planning your day carefully. The festival grounds are large, so be sure to factor in walking time. Events are organized by categories like athletics, music, pageantry, and seminars.

It is also worth noting that these are real competitions. The athletes, musicians, and dancers train all year for the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

The Best Events at the Highland Games in New Hampshire

1. Sheep Dog Trials

The sheep dog trials take place on Friday and are often missed by weekend visitors. They are fascinating to watch. Handlers guide their dogs using whistles as the dogs herd sheep through gates and into a pen. It is incredible to see the connection between the handler and the dog.

2. Listen to bagpipes at the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony at the Highland Games in New Hampshire takes place on Saturday around noon. Plan to arrive early, as this is one of the most popular and crowded events of the weekend. If you are only visiting for one day, this is the event you should prioritize.

The ceremony begins with the national anthems of the UK, Canada, and the United States, followed by the clan roll call and a vibrant opening parade.

One of the most memorable moments is when all of the pipe and drum bands march in and gather together. Once assembled, they play in unison, filling the mountain with powerful music. Hearing crowd favorites like Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace played by dozens of bagpipes at once is an unforgettable experience.

3. Visit the Clan Tents

If you have Scottish heritage, one of the most meaningful experiences at the Highland Games in New Hampshire is visiting your clan tent. Kilts are worn with pride, representing long-standing Scottish traditions and family identity.

Each tartan pattern is tied to a specific clan, family, or region, and there are more than 3,500 registered tartans. While not every clan is represented at the games, you can still learn a great deal about your ancestry and connect with others who share your roots.

4. Enjoy the music

Music is a huge part of the Highland Games in New Hampshire, with stages set up throughout the grounds and performances happening all day long. Albannach is always a crowd favorite and typically performs multiple times. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers also draw big audiences, blending traditional bagpipes with modern music.

This year, American Rogues stood out as my personal favorite, especially when they performed their powerful rendition of The Gael. They have even played alongside the U.S. Air Force Symphony and performed for troops around the world.

In addition to the high-energy performances, you will also find more traditional Scottish music, including fiddle and harp. One of my favorite memories was hearing a group of harpists play together in the lobby of the Mountain Club. My son rested across my lap and slowly drifted off to sleep. It was such a peaceful moment and a perfect way to wind down after a busy day at the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

5. Watch the athletic events

The athletic competitions are one of the biggest highlights of the Highland Games in New Hampshire, and the caber toss is the most iconic event. Watching athletes lift and toss what is essentially a telephone pole is incredible. The goal is not just distance, but precision. The caber must flip end over end and land in the 12:00 position for a perfect score.

There are many other events happening throughout the day on the athletic field. In the weight-over-bar, athletes throw a 56-pound weight over a bar that is raised higher each round. The sheath toss follows a similar concept, while the stone put challenges competitors to hurl a 20-pound stone as far as possible. Each event showcases an impressive combination of strength, technique, and skill.

One of our most unforgettable moments was when we handed baby Harry over to Hafþór Björnsson, best known for his role as The Mountain in Game of Thrones. We still joke about it to this day and even brought Hafþór a copy of the picture the following year.

6. Attend a traditional Highland Dance

Highland dancing dates back to the 11th century and was originally a highly athletic, celebratory dance performed by men after battle. It is funny to imagine warriors celebrating victory with such precise movements, but these dances were actually used by kings and clan chiefs to test strength, stamina, accuracy, and agility.

Today, Highland dancing is a competition open to all ages and genders. Dancers are judged on timing, technique, and overall performance. Be sure to watch for the Highland Fling, one of the oldest and most well-known traditional dances of Scotland, and a highlight of the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

7. Visit all of the vendors

Whenever you have time between events, head over to the vendor tents for some browsing and shopping. The Highland Games in New Hampshire feature a wide variety of Scottish home goods, food, jewelry, and traditional attire.

You can even have a custom kilt made, sample fresh shortbread, or stop by my favorite tent, Celtic Revival. I always seem to find something special there, and chatting with Joe is part of the experience.

You will find plenty of tartan and tweed, along with unique pieces that make great souvenirs from the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

8. Try traditional Scottish food

The Highland Games in New Hampshire serve up all the traditional Scottish dishes, including fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and of course, haggis.

If you are feeling adventurous, haggis is a savory pudding made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, spices, and stock, then traditionally cooked inside the animal’s stomach. It is definitely a cultural experience… even if it is not for everyone.

Andrew… not a fan.

9. Take a Whiskey Master Class

The whiskey master class at the Highland Games in New Hampshire requires a separate ticket, typically around $30. This guided tasting and presentation on single malt whiskies is very popular and often sells out, so be sure to book in advance. Guests must be 21 or older to participate.

10. Ride the gondola

Loon Mountain offers a scenic gondola skyride that takes you to the summit in just a few minutes. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views, especially during peak foliage season at the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

11. Explore the caves

If you take the gondola to the summit, be sure to explore the glacial caves. This is always my kids’ favorite activity at the Highland Games in New Hampshire. The caves are just big enough for kids to squeeze through, making it a fun and adventurous experience.

Where to stay for the Highland Games NH

The best place to stay for the Highland Games in New Hampshire is The Mountain Club on Loon. The convenience alone makes it worth it and can save you a significant amount of time. If you are traveling with young children, it is easy to head back to your room for naps or breaks throughout the day.

The resort also offers suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it simple to prepare meals and save money on dining. A large full breakfast buffet is included in your stay. If you don’t feel like cooking, there is a great Pub style restaurant.

By staying on the mountain, you can also avoid parking miles away and dealing with shuttle transportation. Guests receive a parking pass with their reservation, allowing you to drive right up to the resort.

The resort features both an indoor and outdoor pool, which is always a hit with kids. One of my favorite ways to start the day is relaxing in the hot tub while listening to the bagpipes as they practice in the distance.

There is also a spa on-site offering massages, facials, and nail services, making it easy to unwind during your stay at the Highland Games in New Hampshire.

If you can’t stay on the mountain, we have also had a wonderful stay at the new RiverWalk Resort at Loon.

What to pack for the NH Highland Games

The Highland Games in New Hampshire take place in September, which means you can experience all four seasons in a single weekend. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and it is not uncommon to get a quick rain shower.

The best way to prepare is by dressing in layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day. Comfortable shoes are essential, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

Be sure to bring water and snacks for the kids, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. A blanket or folding chair is helpful for seating during events, and hand sanitizer is always a good idea for a full day on the grounds.

Here are some highlights from the Highland Games in New Hampshire:

Are there kids activities at the Highland Games in New Hampshire?

Yes, the Highland Games in New Hampshire are very family-friendly and offer plenty of activities for kids. One of the highlights is the free “passport” available at the information booth. Kids can visit different clan tents to collect stamps, turning it into a fun scavenger hunt with a prize at the end.

There is also a children’s craft area where kids can make items like shields, a sporran, or a tartan sash. In past years, they have even had pint-sized versions of the caber toss, which is always a hit.

It is such a fun and interactive way to keep kids engaged, and my children look forward to the Highland Games in New Hampshire every year.

The Highland Games in New Hampshire are a wonderful way to explore your Scottish heritage or simply experience a new culture with your family. From the music and athletics to the food and traditions, it is an event that truly brings Scotland to life in New England.

The organizers behind the Highland Games in New Hampshire work incredibly hard to create this experience, and it will leave you inspired to start planning your own trip to Scotland.