What's on in and around Inverness and Loch Ness

On top of so many attractions, activities, and things to see and do in and around Inverness and Loch Ness, there are also a great number of events happening year-round to give you the perfect reason to visit! Below you will find a guide to what's on throughout the year, there is so much that you may need to visit more than once! 

Eden Court Theatre

In the heart of Inverness is Eden Court, the Highland's largest theatre, cinema and arts venue situated close to the banks of the River Ness. It has an incredible lineup of shows throughout the year including touring west end musicals, Scottish Ballet, Opera, comedians, musicians and much more.

To check out what's on during your visit  CLICK HERE

Regular events on during the summer

During the summer months, there are regular events happening in Inverness and the surrounding area that you might not want to miss.

Inverness Royal British Legion Pipeband performance - Every Tuesday night on Inverness High street at 7pm. Starting in June with the last performance on 29th August.

Inverness Farmers Market - Every 1st Saturday of the month from March to December. 10am - 3.30pm - Inverness High Street - Always a fantastic line up of local producers.

 

 

Local music

Whisky Gigs at The Malt Room - Every Thursday you can have a fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt.

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - From April to the end of September there is a community craft market for local and Highland makers on Drumnadrochit Green held twice a month.

 

Active Ness

March

Inverness Half Marathon - Sunday 10th March 2024 

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - Tina Turner - Friday 15th March 2024 - 7:30pm

Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024 - Sunday 17th March 2024 - 10am - 3pm - Eden Court One Touch Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar Musical - Eden Court - 5th - 9th March 2024 -  Touring west end musical comes to Inverness

Easter Eggsplorer Trails - 29th March - 1st April 2024 - Urquhart Castle and Fort George - Enjoy an Easter trail through some of our most iconic historic sites! 

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 30th March 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

Inverness half

April

CIRQUE - Eden Court - 1st - 2nd April - Where circus meets musical show.

Paddling Film Festival - Nairn Community & Arts Centre - 6th April 2024 - 5-9pm

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - Queen Tribute - Inverness Castle - Friday 12th April 2024 - 7pm

Anniversary of the Battle of Culloden - 16th April - 2024 events not announced yet but watch this space! The visitor centre hosts a Collection of events to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, with Lectures, presentations and livestream events.

Swan Lake - Scottish Ballet - Eden Court - 26th & 27th April 2024 - Lose yourself in the raw intensity of this sleek and unmissable ballet, finally returning to Scotland after its sell-out 2016 debut.

Deepscan Loch Ness Cruise with researcher Alan Mckenna - Saturday 27th April - 10 & 11am - Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit - This intimate cruise takes up to 12 guests on a journey through the past 40 years of scientific research into the mysteries of Loch Ness. 

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 27th April - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Etape Loch Ness - Sunday 28th April 2024 - Entries already open for this incredibly popular 66 mile cycle around the iconic Loch Ness on traffic free roads and tackling 900m of ascent.

During all of April - In the Land of the people exhibition - Fort George - This exhibition looks at how folklore is an intrinsic part of life in Scotland.

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 13th and 27th April 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

Etape Loch Ness

May

Ultra X ultra marathons - Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th  May 2024 - Loch Ness - Entries open for 2024 for the 50 & 100km races around the mighty Loch Ness.

Arts and crafts festival at Wildwoodz - 11th & 12th May - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm - Find the perfect present for giving or for yourself, delight in the traditional crafts, contemporary items and the best of the food from local makers and producers.

Beauly Buzz Festival - 17th & 18th May - Beauly Holiday Park - amazing local bands and lots of fun! Good things come in small packages.

Black Isle Belter - 25th & 26th May - Black Isle Showground - Peat and Diesel and The View are here to have a Highland Hoolie!

Inverness Car Show  - Dores - Sunday 9th May 2024 - Expect to see 1000 Performance, modified, street, classic, retro & race cars on display, along with a Live stunt show taking place 3 times across the day

Inverness Classic Vehicle Show - Saturday 18th May - Inverness City Centre - The annual Inverness Classic Vehicle Show takes over the city centre with loads for the family to do! At 3pm the Parade Finale takes place through Inverness High Street with the procession of vehicles led by the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band.

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 18th May - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Gin Fest - Saturday 25th May 2024 - Inverness Ice Centre - 2024 dates already announced for this fantastic event, the best independent Gin distillers, with your chance to meet the folk behind some of Scotland’s best Gins and to sample the flavours.

Inverness Walking and Wheeling Festival - 18th - 26th May 2024 - Showcasing Inverness as the perfect city for walking, cycling and active travel.

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - The Eagles Tribute - Thursday 2nd May - 7:30pm

During all of May - In the Land of the people exhibition - Fort George - This exhibition looks at how folklore is an intrinsic part of life in Scotland.

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 11th and 25th May 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

 

 

Ultra X

June

The Gathering - Saturday 1st June 2024 - Northern Meeting Park, Inverness - The gathering of Amazing trad bands in a day of Live music heaven!

Beauly Gin Fest - 8th June 2024 - Beauly Holiday Park - Local gins and local artists, it'll be gin-tastic!

Ardersier Gala Classic Car Show and Parade - Saturday 1st June 2024 -Ardersier -  A wide range of classics, retros and interesting vehicles with a host of entertainment for all ages on the day.

Loch Ness Classic and Vintage Car Tour - Saturday 8th June 2024 - Start and finish in Inverness, maximum 65 entries from classic and vintage car owners and also cars of a sporting nature.

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - New Jersey Boys Tribute - Thursday 20th June 2024 - 7pm

Loch Ness Cruise & Swim - Saturday 22nd June 2024 - Embark on this unique experience that combines the iconic waters of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the challenge of open water swimming.

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 22nd June - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Bluesy Beauly - 29th June 2024 - Beauly Holiday Park - A blues themed festival in beautiful Beauly!

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 8th and 22nd June 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

During all of June - In the Land of the people exhibition - Fort George - This exhibition looks at how folklore is an intrinsic part of life in Scotland.

The Gathering

July

Deepscan Loch Ness Cruise with researcher Alan Mckenna - Saturday 6th July - 10 & 11am - Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit - This intimate cruise takes up to 12 guests on a journey through the past 40 years of scientific research into the mysteries of Loch Ness.

Under Canvas - Awaiting 2024 dates to be confirmed - Eden Court - Daily family-friendly events, the line-up features Scottish traditional music, performance and DJ sets, a pop-up bar with local beers, gins and whisky and you can enjoy food from the outdoor shacks.

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - McFleetwood -Friday 12th July -7:30pm

Inverness Highland Games - Saturday 13th July 2024 - Bught Park, Inverness - Come and be part of a traditional Scottish Highland Games.

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 20th July - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Highland Pride - Awaiting 2024 dates to be confirmed, watch this space - Come and party in the park, after the Pride Parade starting from Crown Primary at 2:30pm.

Belladrum Festival - 25th - 27th July 2024- Tickets on sale Friday 18th August 2023 - The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a sell out music and arts festival, held on the Belladrum Estate in Kiltarlity near Inverness.

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 13th and 27th July 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

Under canvas

August

Blackisle Show - 1st August 2024 - The largest agricultural show in the north draws entries from all over Scotland.

Moy Fair - 2nd & 3rd August 2024 - Moy - Moy Fair offers a wide range of entertainment and activities for all of the family! The emphasis is on field sports activities with competitions in fly casting, gun dog handling and clay pigeon shooting.

Celebration of the Centuries - 10th & 11th August 2024 - Fort George are once again hosting a celebration of the centuries event, their largest re-enactment event.

Deepscan Loch Ness Cruise with researcher Alan Mckenna - Saturday 10th August - 10 & 11am - Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit - This intimate cruise takes up to 12 guests on a journey through the past 40 years of scientific research into the mysteries of Loch Ness.

Glen Urquhart Highland Games - Saturday 24th August 2024 - Drumnadrochit - Experience a traditional Highland games

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 31st August- A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Kessock Ferry Swim - Saturday 31st August 1200m swim across the iconic tidal narrows of the old ferry route between South & North Kessock.

 

Moy GameFair

Loch Ness 24 - 24th & 25th August 2024- Dores, Loch Ness - Take part in the second year of this 24 hour running race on the shores of Loch Ness.

Midsummer Night’s Dream at Cawdor Castle - Awaiting dates of performances in 2024!

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 10th August 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

Northern Meeting Park Piping Competition - 29th - 30th August 2024 - Eden Court Theatre - The Northern Meeting Piping Competition is one of the most prestigious piping competitions in the world.

Arts and crafts festival at Wildwoodz - 31st Aug - 1st September - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm - Find the perfect present for giving or for yourself, delight in the traditional crafts, contemporary items and the best of the food from local makers and producers.

Cawdor open air theatre

September

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Musical - Eden Court Theatre - 10th - 15th September - Starring Adam Garcia, The most fantasmagorical musical of all time flies into Inverness

Mutiny on the Beauly - 21st September 2024 - A pirate themed festival, lots of live local music and entertainment to be had!

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - Meatloaf Tribute - Friday 27th September - 7:30pm

Exclusively Highland Craft Fair at Wildwoodz - Awaiting dates for 2024!

Deepscan Loch Ness Cruise with researcher Alan Mckenna - Saturday 28th September - 10 & 11am - Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit - This intimate cruise takes up to 12 guests on a journey through the past 40 years of scientific research into the mysteries of Loch Ness.

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 28th September - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Loch Ness Marathon - Sunday 29th September 2024 - Loch Ness/Inverness - Come and run along side the world famous Loch in this award winning and incredibly scenic marathon.

Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 14th - 28th September 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.

Leakeys

October

Arts and crafts festival at Wildwoodz - 18th,19th & 20th October - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm - Find the perfect present for giving or for yourself, delight in the traditional crafts, contemporary items and the best of the food from local makers and producers.

Blazzin in Beauly - 21st - 25th October 2024 - The Blazzin fiddle experience in Beauly

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - An ABBA dream - Friday 18th October - 7:30pm

Exclusively Highland Craft Fair at Wildwoodz - Autumn dates coming for 2024!

Halloween Spooky Shoot at Bowhunter Archery -  Awaiting dates for 2024!

Halloween Walking Tours - Walking Tours Inverness - Awaiting dates for 2024!

 

Exclusively Highland

November

Arts and crafts festival at Eden Court - 15th,16th & 17th November  - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm - Find the perfect present for giving or for yourself, delight in the traditional crafts, contemporary items and the best of the food from local makers and producers.

Candlelight Concert at Inverness Cathedral - Elvis Tribute - Friday 22nd November 2024 - 7:30pm

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 23rd November - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Glen Urquhart Community Bonfire - awaiting date for 2024

Inverness Bonfire - Held annually - awaiting date for 2024

Christmas Lights Switch On - Awaiting dates for 2024

Arts and crafts festival at Eden Court - 29th,30th November & 1st December  - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm - Find the perfect present for giving or for yourself, delight in the traditional crafts, contemporary items and the best of the food from local makers and producers.

 

Fireworks

December

Eden Court Pantomine - Awaiting dates for 2024

Meet the expert at Loch Ness Centre - Saturday 7th December - Join expert Alan McKenna as he guides you through expeditions of the Loch, offering you the chance to delve into the unknown and forge connections. An opportunity to learn more about his research and views first-hand, immersing yourself in the mysteries of the legendary waters.

Whisky Gig at the Malt Room - Saturday 21st December - A fun evening of whisky tasting, Scottish music and plenty of craic with the team at The Malt Room and folk singer Davy Holt. Booking required.

Community Thank You Weekend at Culloden Battlefield - Awaiting dates for 2024

Cawdor Christmas Market - Awaiting dates for 2024

Christmas Quest at Bowhunter Archery - Awaiting dates for 2024

Highland Winter Festival - Awaiting dates for 2024

Pantoat Eden Court

Looking for a festive get-away?

Christmas and New year, known as Hogmanay in Scotland is a great time to visit Inverness and Loch Ness. Take a look at what's on offer with local hotel packages for stays during the festive season!

Celebrating Christmas in the Highlands

A Highland Hogmanay in Scotland

How to Celebrate Hogmanay in the Highlands

January 2025

You'd think January is a quiet month, but there is always something going on! 

The Strathpuffer - Awaiting dates for 2025 -  24 hour mountain bike endurance event that is ALWAYS a sell out!

25th January - Burns Night - Want to hold your own Burns Night celebration, find out how on our Burns Night Blog!

 

Strathpuffer event

February

Meet the expert at Loch Ness Centre - Saturday 8th February - Join expert Alan McKenna as he guides you through expeditions of the Loch, offering you the chance to delve into the unknown and forge connections. An opportunity to learn more about his research and views first-hand, immersing yourself in the mysteries of the legendary waters.

Food and Drink Fortnight - Awaiting dates for 2025 - Inverness and Loch Ness Food and Drink Fortnight. Restaurants, pubs, cafes and food businesses offering special deals and exclusive menus giving you something to look forward to in early 2024.

Valentines - 14th February - Want ideas for a romantic get away in the Scottish Highlands? Look no further! 

Restaurant Inverness

Discover so much more

For more inspiration of what to see and do during your visit to Inverness and Loch Ness, head over to our Discover More page where you will find blogs and articles on everything from local hidden gems to find, to the best activities and attractions not to miss.

 

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