THINGS TO DO
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Participate in many activities your family will enjoy. Find your clan among one of the 30+ clans in clan village where you can also find answers for your genealogical questions. Take in a seminar, Try It classes, delight in the sheep dog trials, watch athletic feats of strength & endurance, or sing along at a music venue. There is something for everyone and all day time activities are included in your ticket price except the whisky and beer tasting events.
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MUSICAL PERFORMERS
Each year, crowds gather at the NH Highland Games & Festival eager to enjoy Scottish and Gaelic music ranging from lively tunes and soulful ballads to tribal beats. Performers this year include: Albannach, Tartan Terrors, Rebel Collective, Jordan TW Trio, Pipe Dream, Rakish, Scottish Fish and Isabel Oliart.
Throughout the weekend pipe bands will march around festival grounds providing pop-up performances for your entertainment.
THE CLAN VILLAGE
Searching for your Scottish roots? Visit Clan Village to find your family’s clan and learn more about your Scottish heritage. With numerous clans in attendance, you are sure to make new friends as you discover Scottish history told by family members who are eager to share. See a list of clans who are a part of the 2024 Highland Games here. A list of 2025 clans will be available soon.
THE CALEDONIAN CLASH
The Caledonian Clash, A Heavy Athletics Team Competition
The Caledonian Clash is an innovative the heavy athletics competition, which features five teams, each comprising of seven athletes, competing in seven traditional heavy athletic events: the Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Heavy Weight for Distance, Light Weight for Distance, Weight Over Bar, Sheaf Toss, and fan favorite, the Caber Toss.
Each team is named after a region of Scotland and co-captained by a Professional Man & a Professional Woman.
• Team Hebridean: a collection of 40 Scottish islands and celebrates love of the sea.
• Team Trossachs: a heavily forested, mountainous region of Scotland.
• Team Clyde: representative of a large Scottish river and is connected to ship building.
• Team Reiver: the name for raiders in the borderlands between Scotland & England.
• Team Argylls: Argylls is a region, but it’s also the fabric pattern which was developed as a symbol of rebellion. The fiercest clan (Campbell) is from this region.
Pick your favorite team, wear their color and root for your team to WIN the Caledonian Cup! The Caledonian Clash will take place on Saturday, September 20.
TRY IT CLASSES
Try It classes give you the opportunity to delve into Scottish culture hands-on. Can you compete in traditional athletic events like mas-wrestling or stone lifting? Want to try your hand at playing the tenor drum or bagpipe? Interested in taking a Gaelic lesson? All of these and many other Try It classes are offered for free throughout the weekend!
BAIRNS & WEANS
Our Bairns & Weans youth program area has a wide range of activities for our younger guests. Activities include Scottish themed crafts, mini-golf, haggis hurling (cornhole), curling, and more. We welcome your laddies and lassies ages five to pre-teen to participate in the Passport Program. Children can collect passport stamps as they visit various Games venues. Passports are available in the Bairns & Weans area, at the Information Tent, and the Clans’ Committee Tent.
WORSHIP SERVICE
On Sunday morning, join NHSCOT in for a memorable ecumenical service in the White Mountains. The service will include a Blessing of the Bairns, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans and Flowers of the Forest.
Blessing of the Bairns – a personal blessing for your wee ones
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans – a blessing for your family tartan
Flowers of the Forest – a remembrance to honor those who have passed.
You may share names you would like included prior to the service, at the Information Tent or contact the NHSCOT office throughout the year.
Check the Festival Guide for the Worship Service schedule
FESTIVAL SEMINARS
Seminars are a fun way to learn something new about Scottish culture. Past seminars have ranged from culinary classes to genealogy, Scottish travel, history and lore.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, Johnny Gauld – The Caledonian Cowboy, Ronald Collins, a genealogist, and Laura Goodman, who will be sharing a variety of Scottish stories. These are just a few of the many seminars available at the 50th Annual NH Highland Games & Festival.
SHEEP DOG TRIALS
On Friday, sheep dogs and sheep take center stage on the athletic field. The dogs, guided by their handlers using personalized whistle commands, are judged on their performance and efficiency to guide a pack of sheep through obstacles in the fastest time. Winners are noted on the Campbell Cup trophy. This competition is invitation only. Don’t miss seeing these amazing animals as they fly through their paces!
SCOTTISH SHOPPING/VENDOR VILLAGE
Looking for New Hampshire Tartan, a kilt, Scottish goodies, piping supplies, a NHSCOT Heavy Athletic tee shirt? Vendor Village at the NH Highland Games & Festival has what you’re looking for! Visit our vendors to find just that must-have item for yourself or a gift for that special person.See a list of vendors who are at the 2024 Highland Games here. A list of 2025 vendors will be available soon.
SCOTTISH STANDING STONE
Have your picture taken in front of our Standing Stone! In 2012, the NH Highland Games & Festival was presented with its own standing stone, reminiscent of a megalithic monument created up to 6000 years ago. Instantly, the stone became a favorite spot for photographs. Don’t forget to share your photos to our social media pages.
The NH Highland Games & Festival is held the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of September each year at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH. Tickets go on sale in early spring for ticket information. For the most up to date information, sign up to receive our emails and newsletters.
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