The NH Highland Games at Loon Mountain
Every September, Lincoln, NH transforms into a corner of the Scottish Highlands. The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival — one of the largest Scottish festivals in the Northeast — takes over Loon Mountain Resort ((603) 745-8111) for a three-day celebration that draws tens of thousands of visitors. In 2026 it’s the 51st annual games, September 18–20, right in our backyard.
What to Expect
- Traditional heavy athletics — the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put
- Massed pipe bands and Celtic music across multiple stages
- Highland dance competitions and sheepdog trials
- A clan village to trace your Scottish roots
- Whisky tastings, a Scottish marketplace, and food and drink throughout
- Daytime festival hours run roughly 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with separately ticketed evening concerts and events around the Lincoln–Woodstock area
Tips for the Weekend
- Book lodging early — the games are one of the busiest weekends of the year in Lincoln, and rooms and condos go fast
- Buy festival tickets in advance and check the current schedule on the NHSCOT website
- Bring layers and a folding chair; September in the mountains can swing from warm to crisp
- Stay close so you can walk or shuttle rather than fight event parking
Where to Stay for the Games
Because the Highland Games fill up local lodging so quickly, booking your Lincoln base early — and directly with us — is the easiest way to lock in the weekend. Browse our rentals, from king rooms for a couple to large group condos and townhomes for the whole clan — all minutes from Loon and the festival grounds. Book direct and skip the online travel-site fees.