New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
Each September, Loon Mountain fills with the skirl of pipes. The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, presented by NHSCOT, returns for its 51st year, September 18–20, 2026, at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln — billed as New England's largest celebration of Scottish heritage.
What the festival is
Across three days, the Games bring traditional Highland heavy athletics, massed pipe bands, Celtic music on multiple stages, Highland dance competitions, sheepdog trials, a clan village where you can trace your Scottish roots, whisky tastings, and a vendor marketplace of kilts, jewelry, Scottish goods, and food.
Hours and tickets
Tickets are sold through NHSCOT, and the festival runs Friday through Sunday. Check the official site for daily hours, the full schedule, and special ticketed events. Loon Mountain is a resort venue, so plan ahead for lodging if you're making a weekend of it — NHSCOT publishes a lodging guide.
Planning your visit
Loon Mountain Resort is at 60 Loon Mountain Road in Lincoln, in the heart of the White Mountains off I-93 — about 90 minutes north of Manchester. It's a scenic early-fall weekend; pair the Games with a drive on the Kancamagus Highway.
Q: When and where is the NH Highland Games 2026?
The 51st annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival runs September 18–20, 2026, at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH.
Q: What happens at the festival?
Highland heavy athletics, massed pipe bands, Celtic music, Highland dance, sheepdog trials, a clan village, whisky tastings, and a marketplace of Scottish vendors and food.
Q: Is it the biggest Scottish festival in New England?
Yes — presented by NHSCOT, it's billed as New England's largest celebration of Scottish heritage and one of the largest Scottish festivals in North America.
Related Reading
- New England Scottish & Highland Games 2026: A Complete Guide
- Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
- Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival 2026: Visitor's Guide
Last updated: June 2026
