NH Scot New Hampshire Highland Games

NH Scot – The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

If you love the skirl of the bagpipes, the swish of a tartan kilt, the energy of Highland dancers, and the thrill of a well-flipped caber, then there’s one autumn weekend in New Hampshire you won’t want to miss. The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival — affectionately called NH Scot — is the state’s largest celebration of Scottish heritage, held each September in the beautiful White Mountains.

This spirited gathering combines centuries-old traditions with New England charm. For three days, the air at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln fills with music, laughter, and the occasional hearty “Slàinte!” as thousands of visitors come together to celebrate Scottish culture.

This is a suggested New England Event from New England Living Magazine.

From Clan Picnic to National Event

The story of NH Scot begins modestly in the 1970s with a simple clan picnic. Local families of Scottish descent gathered to share stories, swap recipes, and play a few traditional games. The spirit of that picnic caught on quickly. The first official Highland Games were held in 1976, and the event began to grow year by year, attracting more athletes, musicians, and spectators.

Over the decades, the Games expanded into one of the largest events of its kind in North America, drawing competitors and performers from around the globe. Today, the festival blends athletics, music, dance, food, and education, all with the goal of preserving Scottish heritage and sharing it with new generations.

The Perfect Time and Place

NH Scot takes place in mid-September, just as the mountain air turns crisp and the leaves begin their transformation into reds, golds, and oranges. The timing couldn’t be better for a scenic, festive weekend.

Loon Mountain Resort offers the ideal setting. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, the resort’s open fields, event spaces, and mountain views make a spectacular backdrop for marching bands, lively competitions, and bustling vendor villages. Everything is close enough to wander at your own pace, with plenty of spots to take a break, grab a bite, and soak in the atmosphere.

The Festival Experience

Arriving at the Games, the first thing you’ll hear is the unmistakable sound of the pipes. Dozens of pipers and drummers in full Highland dress fill the air with music that’s both stirring and a little haunting. The massed bands are a festival highlight, a parade of sound and color that rolls across the field and right into your bones.

Nearby, athletes in kilts are tackling feats of strength that are as entertaining as they are impressive. The caber toss — where a massive log is flipped end over end — always draws a big crowd. There’s also the stone put, the hammer throw, and the weight over the bar, each as dramatic as the last.

Dance competitions bring another layer of artistry. Highland dancing is athletic and precise, full of intricate steps and graceful movements that seem to defy gravity. The dancers, often dressed in colorful tartans, move with a strength and elegance that captivates even first-time viewers.

One of the most charming events is the sheepdog trials. Border collies work in seamless harmony with their handlers to guide sheep through gates and across the field, showcasing skill, patience, and a deep bond between dog and human.

Between events, there’s a whole world to explore in the vendor village. Stalls overflow with tartans, kilts, Celtic jewelry, fine crafts, and Scottish foods. Traditional favorites like Scotch eggs, meat pies, and fish and chips share space with local New England specialties. You’ll also find whisky tastings, genealogy booths, and demonstrations of Scottish cooking, music, and storytelling.

Making the Most of Your Visit to New Hampshire

The Highland Games are a feast for the senses, but they’re also a lot of ground to cover. Dress in layers to adapt to the shifting mountain weather, and wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking on grass, gravel, and sometimes mud.

Give yourself time to wander. While the headline events are worth seeking out, some of the best moments happen in quieter corners: a fiddler playing in the shade, a blacksmith demonstrating his craft, a child learning to toss a small caber for the first time.

Don’t be shy about chatting with competitors and performers when they’re not in the middle of their events. They’re often happy to share their knowledge, explain traditions, or pose for a photo.

Evenings and Special Gatherings

While the daytime festival is bustling, evenings often bring more intimate gatherings. There may be a ceilidh — a lively social event with music and dancing — or concerts featuring Scottish folk and contemporary bands. Whisky tastings offer a chance to sample and compare different styles in good company. These events often require separate tickets and tend to sell out, so planning ahead is wise.

Local restaurants and pubs in Lincoln and Woodstock often join in the spirit with live music, themed menus, and plenty of friendly conversation.

Where to Stay near Lincoln, NH

The White Mountains are known for their hospitality, and there’s no shortage of lodging near Loon Mountain. Choices range from slope-side convenience to classic country inns.

Loon Mountain Resort Lodging – Staying right at the base means you’re steps from the action. Options include condos, hotel rooms, and townhomes, all with resort amenities.

Indian Head Resort – A long-loved destination with comfortable rooms, dining, and recreational facilities, just a short drive from the festival.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa – Located a bit farther north in Whitefield, this grand historic hotel offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and spa treatments.

RiverWalk Resort at Loon – Spacious condominium-style accommodations with kitchens and living areas, perfect for families or groups.

Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery – A charming inn with its own craft brewery and restaurant. The lively atmosphere is ideal for guests who want to keep the fun going after festival hours.

Common Man Inn & Spa – Warm, welcoming, and close to the festival grounds, this inn offers comfortable rooms and on-site dining.

The Alpine Ridge Motel – A practical, budget-friendly option for those who want simple, clean lodging near the Games.

Local Bed & Breakfasts – Smaller inns and B&Bs in the Lincoln and Woodstock area offer a personal touch, often with hearty breakfasts and cozy rooms.

No matter where you choose, booking early is essential — rooms fill quickly for festival weekend.

Exploring Beyond the Games

If you’re making a long weekend of it, the area offers plenty to see and do.

Take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England’s most famous foliage routes. Visit the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park for a walk through towering granite walls and past waterfalls. Ride the gondola at Loon Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The Mount Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway offer thrilling ways to reach the Northeast’s highest summit. There are hikes for every skill level, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging mountain trails.

Lincoln and North Woodstock also have a lively food and beverage scene, with local breweries, cideries, and restaurants ready to welcome festival-goers.

A Weekend to Remember

The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival is more than a collection of competitions and concerts. It’s a living celebration of culture, a joyful gathering where strangers become friends, and a chance to step into a world where history, music, and community come together.

Whether you have Scottish ancestry or just a love for vibrant traditions, NH Scot will leave you with a head full of music, a camera full of color, and maybe even a newfound appreciation for tartan.

Pack your sweater, your curiosity, and maybe your dancing shoes. In the crisp air of a New Hampshire September, the sound of the pipes will guide you to a weekend you won’t soon forget.

Map of Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, New Hampshire