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!
Autumn Adventures Loading.....
This October, we are thrilled to host the very first Loch and Land Festival showcasing the awesome activities that can be enjoyed year round on our doorstep! Inverness and Loch Ness are a central Highland hub and launchpad to many adventures and our destination has a green open sign all year round.
Between 25th October and 3rd November there is an action packed programme of events and activities available for you to enjoy with the jaw dropping Autumn scenery as your back drop!
Discover why the Loch and Land Festival is a great time to plan visit!
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
What's on Monthly
Below you will find events happening in Inverness and Loch Ness listed by month order.
To skip to the month you wish to look at you can simply click the month you need below and it will take you straight there!
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!
Writing and Photography Retreat - Ness Walk - Inverness
Friday 24th January to Monday 27th January 2025
Unlock your creativity on this incredible three day exclusive package exploring what it takes to bring together the written word and images to create compelling personal stories from a luxury 5 star hotel setting on the majestic banks of the River Ness.
February 2025
Meet the expert at Loch Ness Centre - Saturday 8th February 2025- 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 Festival 2025
22nd February - 8th March 2025
Starting on the 22nd February 2025 The Food and Drink Festival fortnight Kicks off with the 2025 Shortbread Showdown Shortlisting event and ends with the Grand final on the 8th March. More information coming soon, watch this space.
Food and Drink Fortnight - During 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. More information coming soon! Watch this space.
Valentines - 14th February - Want ideas for a romantic get away in the Scottish Highlands? Look no further!
March 2025
Inverness Half Marathon - Sunday 9th March 2025
Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025 - Saturday 8th March 2025 - More info soon!
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 2025 dates to be confirmed.
April 2025
Etape Loch Ness - Sunday 27th April 2025 - Entries already open for this incredibly popular 66 mile cycle around the iconic Loch Ness on traffic free roads and tackling 900m of ascent.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - April 2025 to be confirmed - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.
May 2025
Ultra X ultra marathons - Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May 2025 - Loch Ness - Entries open for 2024 for the 50 & 100km races around the mighty Loch Ness.
Inverness Car Show - Dores - Awaiting 2025 dates - 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 - Awaiting 2025 dates - 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.
Inverness Walking and Wheeling Festival - Awaiting 2025 dates - Showcasing Inverness as the perfect city for walking, cycling and active travel.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - Awaiting 2025 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.
Loch Ness Quest - Awaiting 2025 dates
June 2024
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.
Father's Day Afternoon Tea at The Lovat - Booking Essential! Sunday 16th June 1-2pm £40pp
StrathPetal - Strathpeffer Open Gardens 15th & 16th June - 11am -4pm - Over 20 gardens opening in the picturesque and historic village.
Candlelight Concert at Drumossie Hotel - New Jersey Boys Tribute - Thursday 20th June 2024 - 7pm
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.
Minnesota Centre Chorale Choir - Inverness Cathedral - Tuesday 25th June 6.30pm - Free entry
Highland Pride - Awaiting 2025 dates to be confirmed
Joseph and the amazing technicolour dream coat - 26th - 29th June - Eden court theatre - One of the most enduring shows of all time!
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.
July 2024
In the night garden LIVE - Eden Court - 3rd & 4th July - In the Night Garden Live is coming to Eden Court in 2024!
Cawdor Castle Outdoor Theatre - Friday 5th July - Three Inch Fools’ brand-new production of the The Secret Diary of Henry VIII.
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 - 3rd July to 24th August - 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.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea - 9th & 10th July - Eden Court - The Olivier Award nominated The Tiger Who Came to Tea is celebrating 15 years on stage and over 55 years as Britain’s best-loved picture book!
Inverness Highland Games - Saturday 13th July 2024 - Bught Park, Inverness - Come and be part of a traditional Scottish Highland Games.
Cawdor Castle Outdoor Theatre - Thursday 18th July - Quantum Theatre will bring the family-friendly The Tales of Jemima Puddle-Duck.
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.
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.
The Amazing Bubble Man - Eden Court - 28th July - Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.
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.
August 2024
Blackisle Show - 7th August 2025 - The largest agricultural show in the north draws entries from all over Scotland.
Moy Fair - 8th & 9th August 2025 - 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 - Awaiting Dates for 2025 - Fort George are once again hosting a celebration of the centuries event, their largest re-enactment event.
Under Canvas - Awaiting dates for 2025 - 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.
Deepscan Loch Ness Cruise with researcher Alan Mckenna - Awaiting dates for 2025 - 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.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit - 10th August 2024 - A fantastic community craft market for local and Highland makers and producers on Drumnadrochit Green.
Gin Fest - awaiting dates for 2025 - Inverness Ice Centre - the best independent Gin distillers, with your chance to meet the folk behind some of Scotland’s best Gins and to sample the flavours.
Glen Urquhart Highland Games - awaiting dates for 2025 - Drumnadrochit - Experience a traditional Highland games
Cawdor Castle Outdoor Theatre - awaiting dates for 2025 - HandleBards; cycling Shakespearean actors who carry their full set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes whilst they tour plays across the UK.
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 - awaiting dates for 2025 1200m swim across the iconic tidal narrows of the old ferry route between South & North Kessock.
Loch Ness 24 - awaiting dates for 2025- Dores, Loch Ness - Take part in the second year of this 24 hour running race on the shores of Loch Ness.
Northern Meeting Park Piping Competition - awaiting dates for 2025 - Eden Court Theatre - The Northern Meeting Piping Competition is one of the most prestigious piping competitions in the world.
September 2024
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 - Meatloaf Tribute Drumossie Hotel- 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.
October 2024
The Loch and Land Festival - 25th October - 3rd November - A packed programme of outdoor activities and events for everyone to enjoy! From kayaking, cycling tours, axe throwing and gorge walking to Highland coo tours, archery and sunrise skinny dipping... yes you read right! Autumn adventures galore, book ahead so you don't miss out!
Friday 25th October - An evening with magician Kevin Quantum at the Kingsmills Hotel - After your arrival drink, enjoy dinner and up close magic show with Britain's Got Talent finalist Kevin Quantum! Autumn getaway to Inverness just got even more magical!
Touring West End stage show Blood Brothers comes to Eden Court
Tuesday 8th - Saturday 12th October
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS, a show that brings audiences cheering to a standing ovation.
Book Now to add this fabulous show to your visit or why not make the show a reason to come!
Friday 18th October 6.30pm
Enjoy a 4 Course Station Road menu and a fun, social and informative evening at our Supper Club, which we have organised together with Gusbourne Wines, to celebrate the flavours of the Highlands paired with their finest English Sparkling & Still Wines.
Whisky & Chocolate Tasting At The Whitebridge Hotel - Saturday 19th October
A night of Whisky & Chocolate Tasting in the comfort of the Victorian dining room. Join host Paul from Ghillie Mór Tours & Tastings for an evening of decadence and indulgence where we will explore that unique classic pairing, whisky and chocolate. You’ll hear about the origins of whisky and how three simple ingredients have led to the incredible array of styles, that, when paired with chocolate from Chocolatier Joanna from Jojo’s in the northwest highlands, will introduce you to new taste experiences.
Fancy Dress Party - Whitebridge Hotel - Saturday 12th October - Team Whitebridge are getting ready to host this family friendly party and it is set to be a fantastic night for all the family – old and young. There will be traditional party games to keep you on your toes, cocktails for the adults and mocktails for the small people. This is your chance to become the superhero, wicked witch, movie star, Disney character………..the choice is yours!
Halloween Activities in Inverness and Loch Ness
Halloween Spooky Shoot at Bowhunter Archery - Saturday 26th October from 10am! This Annual event is open to all visitors aged 6yrs+ Each 45min mixed group session is held on our haunted target range, you can either bring your own pumpkin for shooting or you can use one of ours, along with some fun spooky paper targets.
Halloween Walking Tours - Walking Tours Inverness - Thursday 31st October - 2nd November 6:30 & 8:30pm! Back for the fourth year after three sell outs, come and explore the dark history of Inverness! Walk in the footsteps of murderers, executioners, and malicious fairies on this after-dark Halloween tour of Inverness. This 1.5-hour special event will bring our dark past into light as you discover the truth behind Inverness’ history.
Felt your own pumpkin at Dundreggan Visitor Centre - Wednesday 30th October - 2 sessions from 10am - Try your hand at needle felting at Dundreggan, make a colourful and seasonal pumpkin decoration from wool.
Book in advance or drop-in, £6 per pumpkin. Suitable for ages 6+ as good coordination is required to use the needles. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Potion Makers Trail - Urquhart Castle and Fort George - 12th October - 3rd November - Can you free our ancient places from a magic spell? Find the plants scattered around the sites to assemble the clues, then chant a rhyme to lift the curse. A fun trail across a large number of our sites, included in the cost of admission and for children of all ages.
Great Big Living History Week
Saturday 12 October 2024 to Sunday 20 October 2024
Historic Scotland Living History characters are back! Especially for the October Holidays Urquhart Castle and Fort George will be hosting characters throughout history, get the opportunity to meet a knight at Urquhart Castle.
Their characters will be on hand to tell you all about the site, the time period they are portraying as well as posing for some photos!
Arts and crafts festival at Wildwoodz - 18th,19th & 20th October - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm
Blazzin in Beauly - 21st - 25th October 2024 - The Blazzin fiddle experience in Beauly
Candlelight Concert Drumossie Hotel - An ABBA dream - Friday 18th October - 7:30pm
November 2024
Murder Mystery at Whitebridge Hotel - Friday 29th November 7pm - The Walking Theatre Company are back for more dinner theatre; come on board as we set sail for a night of slapstick comedy, bucket loads of fun, pirate cocktails and a dinner fit for a hungry crew!
The Lovat Supper Club - Friday 22nd November 6.30pm - 4 Course Station Road menu paired with Gusbourne Wine flight.
Arts and crafts festival at Eden Court - 15th,16th & 17th November - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm -
Candlelight Concert at Drumossie Hotel - 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 - 5th November - 7pm - Bught Park
Arts and crafts festival at Eden Court - 29th,30th November & 1st December - Exclusively Highland arts, crafts, food and drink market - 9.30 to 3pm
December 2024
Jack And The Beanstalk - Eden Court Pantomine for 2024! - 4th December to 5th January 2025
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
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!
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.