A Complete Guide to the New Hampshire Highland Games 2026

The New Hampshire Highland Games 2026 takes place September 18–20 at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The three-day festival features caber toss competitions, Highland athletics, pipe bands, Highland dancing, and clan gatherings, attracting more than 35,000 visitors each year. This guide covers tickets, schedules, featured events, and tips for planning your visit.

The 51st Annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival will take place from September 18–20, 2026, at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Set in the scenic White Mountains, the festival is one of the largest Scottish cultural events in North America, drawing more than 35,000 visitors each year.

Over three days, attendees can experience traditional Highland athletics, caber toss competitions, pipe band performances, Highland dancing, clan gatherings, Scottish food, and cultural demonstrations.

Festival admission includes access to the main event grounds, Caledonian Clash heavy athletics, pipe band performances, music tents, vendor areas, and clan villages.

Tip: Saturday is typically the busiest day of the festival and single-day tickets may sell out earlier than other admission options.

Some premium experiences require a separate ticket in addition to general admission.

Most tasting events are limited to guests aged 21 and older.

Friday marks the festival's official opening and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the weekend crowds. Visitors can explore the Clan Village, attend cultural workshops and demonstrations, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the grounds. The day also features the popular Friday Stone Lifting event, where athletes test their strength using traditional Scottish lifting stones. Whisky tastings and other evening programs provide additional opportunities to experience Scottish culture beyond the main festival grounds.

Saturday is the centerpiece of the New Hampshire Highland Games and the best day to experience the festival at its fullest. Visitors can watch elite athletes compete in traditional Highland events, including the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, and weight-for-distance. Throughout the day, pipe bands and Highland dancers perform across multiple venues, while clan tents, food vendors, and cultural exhibits remain active across the festival grounds.

If you're only attending for one day, Saturday is typically the best choice because it features many of the festival's most popular athletic competitions, cultural performances, and clan activities.

Because Saturday attracts the largest crowds, purchasing tickets in advance and arriving early is highly recommended, especially if watching the heavy athletics events is a priority.

Sunday offers a slightly more relaxed pace while still featuring many of the festival's most popular attractions. The Royal (Multi) Mile Hill Run takes place in the morning, followed by athletic finals, live music performances, and ongoing cultural demonstrations. Visitors can also enjoy sheepdog trials, meet Highland cows, explore the Clan Village, and discover Scottish traditions throughout the festival grounds.

For families and first-time attendees, Sunday is often one of the most comfortable days to visit due to lighter crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere.

More than just a Scottish festival, the New Hampshire Highland Games brings together athletic competitions, music, dance, clan traditions, and cultural experiences that attract thousands of visitors each year. Whether you're attending for the first time or returning for another festival weekend, these are some of the most popular events you won't want to miss.

The caber toss is the signature event of the Highland Games and one of the biggest crowd favorites. Athletes attempt to lift and flip a large wooden pole, known as a caber, so that it lands in a straight 12 o'clock position. Unlike many strength competitions, the goal is not distance but precision and control. For many visitors, watching the caber toss is the highlight of the festival and an iconic symbol of Scottish Highland traditions.

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that caber toss competitions are judged by accuracy rather than distance. A successful throw requires the caber to rotate end-over-end and land in a straight 12 o'clock position, making technique just as important as strength. Because of its long history and dramatic visual appeal, the caber toss has become the event most closely associated with Highland Games around the world.

September weather in New Hampshire can be unpredictable. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional rain showers are all possible during the festival weekend.

A comfortable outfit may include:

• A lightweight tartan shirt or polo

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots

• A light jacket or hoodie for cooler temperatures

• Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny afternoons

Wearing layers keeps you comfortable throughout the day as weather conditions change.

You don't need to wear a traditional kilt to enjoy the Highland Games. Many visitors choose tartan-inspired clothing such as plaid shirts, tartan hoodies, family crest apparel, or Scottish-themed accessories.

For those with Scottish ancestry, wearing your clan tartan can be a meaningful way to celebrate your heritage and connect with other festival attendees.