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, Skerryvore, Syr, Prydein, Ramblxr, The Rebel Collective, Elias Alexander, Adam Hendley, Cynthia MacLeod, Summer McCall and Charlie Zahm.
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.
THE CALEDONIAN CLASH
NEW! The Caledonian Clash, A Heavy Athletics Team Competition
We are thrilled to introduce an innovative new format for the heavy athletics competition. The event, known as “The Caledonian Clash,” will feature five teams, each comprising of seven athletes, who will compete 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 will be 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 21.
TRY IT CLASSES
Want to try your hand at playing the tenor drum or bagpipe? Can you compete in traditional athletic events like rugby, mas-wrestling, caber toss or stone lifting? These and other Try It classes are offered free throughout the weekend. Try It classes will give you the opportunity to delve into Scottish culture.
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
Check out a seminar! Always fascinating, seminars have include: Scotland Calling: Clans, Heraldry, Lore, Legend and Law; Prince Henry Sinclair and the Exploration of America Before Columbus; themed Cooking Demonstrations from Scotland’s National Chef – Gary Maclean; Coinneach MacLeod- The Hebridean Baker; History of Historic Edinburgh; History and role of Celtic Christianity; and more.
Check the Festival Guide for scheduled seminars and locations.
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.
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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