LEAF Global Arts Festival: 30 Years of Music, Art & Culture
Scottish cultural festival with games, music, dancing & kids’ activities.
Event details
The event is called the NH Highland Games & Festival, a celebration that has been a staple for 50 years, often simply referred to as the Highland Games by locals and repeat attendees.
This vibrant festival is designed for a diverse audience, appealing to families, music lovers, foodies, and athletes alike. Families will find plenty of activities, including special kids programming and Try-It classes in street curling and stone lifting. Music enthusiasts will be treated to live Scottish and Gaelic music, ranging from lively tunes and soulful ballads to tribal beats, with each year featuring a variety of performers. Foodies will savor traditional Scottish delights such as meat pies, bridies, haggis, and a variety of sweet treats available at several food venues. Athletes and sports fans can watch world-class competitions in Highland dance, pipe and drum, fiddle and harp, as well as the popular sheepdog trials and heavy athletic events.
The NH Highland Games & Festival is scheduled to take place from September 19-21, 2025. The event spans three days, with various activities and competitions happening throughout each day. Highlights include seminars on whisky and beer tasting, Scottish history, and demonstrations and workshops on harp, fiddle, and Scottish country dancing. The evenings come alive with concerts featuring a range of Scottish and Gaelic music.
The festival is held at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. This venue offers a picturesque setting at the beginning of the fall foliage season in New England, providing a backdrop of vibrant colors and natural beauty. To get there, attendees can fly into nearby airports such as Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or drive via major highways like I-93. Local transportation options are also available, making it accessible for both local and out-of-town visitors.
The NH Highland Games & Festival is a unique and captivating event that offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is electric, with the spirit of Scotland brought alive through various cultural activities. Attendees can explore the Clan Village to uncover their Scottish roots, shop for traditional items like kilts and tartans in the Vendor Village, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of the festival.
Signature experiences include watching world-class athletes compete in heavy athletic events, observing the precision and skill of sheepdog trials, and participating in interactive seminars and workshops. The festival also features massed bands, a crowd favorite that showcases the synchronized performance of multiple pipe bands. Live music performances are a cornerstone of the event, with multiple concerts happening each day.
The setting of Loon Mountain Resort adds to the allure, offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains and a festive atmosphere that is enhanced by the onset of fall foliage. Whether you are interested in history, music, food, or athletics, the NH Highland Games & Festival is an event that promises to be an unforgettable experience, rich in culture and hospitality.