LINCOLN, NH – The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing, and Loon Mountain Resort is once again hosting an exciting lineup of fall events before the snow flies.

Fall will get off to a brisk start at Loon with the 37th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, Sept 21-23. Presented by the New Hampshire Gathering of the Scottish Clans, the games are one of the largest celebrations in the U.S. of Scottish food, music, dancing, athletics, and more. With more than 60 Scottish clans in attendance, the games will feature massed bands; sheepdog trials; Celtic world music concerts; the New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship; National Highland Dance Competition; solo piping and drumming and other music competitions. For more information and a schedule of concerts and events, visit www.nhscot.org. Tickets are available at www.loonmtn.com.

German food, beer and culture take center stage during Oktoberfest over Columbus Day weekend, October 6-7, with plenty of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and live entertainment with the Alpiner oom-pah band. The foliage will be brilliant at its peak, and this is the last weekend to take advantage of preseason savings on the popular New England season pass. The hotly-contested stein holding competition is a weekend highlight. For more information, visit www.loonmtn.com.

Next up, and the final event before ski season, is the second annual Loon Mountain Monster Mud Run and Halloween Monster Bash on October 27.

The Loon Mountain Monster Mud Run was hugely popular in its inaugural edition in 2011, and this year promises to be even more exciting. The run will subject participants to a 5k course filled with 16 different obstacles, including bottomless mud pits and punishing hills. Runners may compete in teams of 2 to 5 people, and competitors must be at least 18 years old. Heats will run every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to the top three men, top three women, duo, trio and quad teams. A prize will also be given to the runners with the best costumes. For more information and to sign up, visit the Monster Mud Run page in the events section at www.loonmtn.com.

After showering off the grime from the Monster Mud Run, the fun continues at the Halloween Monster Bash at the Paul Bunyan Room at 8 p.m. with food, drinks, and live entertainment by The Running Gags out of Portland, Maine. The concert is 21+ and there is no cover charge.

For a complete list of events, New England Pass information, and online Monster Mud Run registration, visit www.loonmtn.com.