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Spring 2026 • Inverness Events
Inverness International Blues Festival 2026: Make a Weekend of It in Inverness
Inverness is set to groove this spring when the inaugural Inverness International Blues Festival lands at Northern Meeting Park on Saturday 28 March 2026. With live music running from midday into the night under an all-weather Big Top, it’s the kind of day that’s far more fun as a full weekend away rather than a quick in-and-out gig.
If you’re weighing up where to stay so you’re close to the music and somewhere genuinely comfortable to unwind, Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa on the banks of the River Ness is a strong choice for festival-goers who want easy walking access and a calm base.
Why Stay by the River Ness
Northern Meeting Park sits close to the city centre, which is exactly what you want for a festival weekend. Base yourself near the River Ness and you can walk to the event, stroll back afterwards, and still be only minutes from restaurants, pubs and late-night snacks.
A riverside stay also adds that unmistakable Inverness feel: bridges, water reflections, and castle views that make the whole break feel more like a proper getaway rather than “just a gig.”
Spotlight on Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Riverside location
Set on Ness Walk and right on the riverbank, the hotel is an easy base for central Inverness. For festival-goers, that means fewer logistics: you can keep things simple and walk most places.
Spa, pool and leisure club
Recover properly between sets (or after a late finish) with the hotel’s Leisure Club & Spa: pool, spa pool, steam room, sauna and gym, plus treatments via the Pretty Woman Spa.
Rooms, breakfast and downtime
Comfortable rooms, a proper breakfast, and relaxed social spaces help the weekend feel effortless. If you want the most “Inverness” views, it’s worth requesting a river-facing room when you book.
Explore: Rooms & Suites • Leisure Club & Spa
Sample Blues Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Arrive & settle in
- Check in, drop your bags, and ease into the weekend with a drink while watching the river.
- Stretch your legs with a gentle riverside walk before dinner.
- Enjoy a relaxed meal in town and save the late night for festival day.
Saturday: Festival day
- Start with a proper breakfast, then walk into town at an easy pace.
- Settle in for a full day of blues under the Big Top.
- After the last set, stroll back along the river and finish the night your way.
Sunday: Recover & explore
- Use the pool, steam room and sauna to reset after a big day.
- Pick a final, low-stress Inverness wander before heading home.
Booking Tips & Alternatives
With the festival positioned as a standout spring event, central accommodation is likely to go quickly. If Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa fits the kind of weekend you want, it’s worth booking early and choosing a flexible rate if you prefer extra peace of mind.
If you’d like other options, there are guest houses and apartments around the city centre that keep you within easy walking distance of Northern Meeting Park.
More Inverness planning reads
Build out a longer trip with: Stay in Inverness as Your Highland Base, One Hotel, Endless Experiences, Evenings in Inverness, Romantic Highland Escape.
External sources: Inverness Blues Festival, Highland Council news, Ticket Tailor.
