18 upcoming events in North Scotland
September 2026
Northern Meeting Piping Competition
Annual senior and junior bagpipe competition held at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, one of Scotland's oldest piping contests.
World Stone Skimming Championships
Annual championship on the slate quarries of Easdale Island near Oban, drawing skimmers from around the world.
Spirit of Speyside Distilled
Whisky and craft beer tasting event at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre, UHI Moray in Elgin, marking its 10th anniversary.
Argyll Food Festival
A celebration of regional food and drink featuring local producers, live cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities in Oban.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running
Marathon, half marathon and 5K races starting near Loch Ness and finishing in Inverness city centre.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon 2026
Rated by Runner's World as one of the top 100 races in the world, this point-to-point marathon traces the shores of Loch Ness before finishing in the Highland capital, Inverness.
Inverness Fringe Festival
First dedicated Fringe festival in Inverness city centre with theatre, comedy, live music, dance and spoken word.
October 2026
Highland Archaeology Festival Conference
Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Research Conference held at Highland Council Headquarters in Inverness.
November 2026
Oban Winter Festival
Month-long festive celebration across Oban with markets, an ice rink, comedy nights, workshops and light shows.
Oban Winter Festival 2026
A festive celebration with craft markets, illuminated Winter Woods, the Argyll Haggis Competition and community events across Oban.
Oban Reindeer Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On
Pipe band-led parade from Corran Halls to Station Square, Oban, followed by the official Christmas lights switch-on.
Perle Oban Winter Market
Handmade craft market at the Perle Oban Hotel with stalls selling glass, cards, knitwear and teas as part of Winter Festival.
Exclusively Highlands Christmas Fair
Craft, food and gift fair at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness showcasing Highland makers ahead of Christmas.
December 2026
Cawdor Castle Christmas Market
Festive market with local crafts and food stalls in the grounds of Cawdor Castle near Nairn.
Inverness Hogmanay
New Year's Eve street celebrations and fireworks over the River Ness in Inverness city centre.
Oban Hogmanay Fireworks
Free midnight fireworks display over Oban Bay organised by BID4Oban to welcome the New Year.
February 2027
Fort William Mountain Festival
Outdoor and mountain culture festival with films, talks and events held across Fort William.
July 2027
Inverness Highland Games
Traditional Highland games at Bught Park beside the River Ness with caber toss, piping, dancing and whisky tastings.