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Your Complete Guide to Inverness Events
Your guide to Inverness Events in 2026. Make this your year to Come, See & Explore Inverness! Book your escape to the Highlands and experience something New this year.
There are plenty of things to look forward to in 2026. Discover the NEW Inverness Castle Experience, amazing festivals, The Gathering, Belladrum Tartan Heart are just a few. Plus the adventurous Loch Ness Etape & Loch Ness Ultra! The classics that get better every year, Inverness Classic Car Festival, & Inverness Piping, the Inverness Highland Games & the Black Isle Show. Make sure you read our What’s On Guide complete the best information on What’s On in Inverness.
Book your escape at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, a family owned hotel complete with luxury Leisure Club & pool. The Palace is ideally located on the banks of the River Ness opposite Inverness Castle, the perfect base for your Highland getaway.
2026 Inverness Events
MARCH
Inverness Half Marathon – 8th March Start your running season with a selection of races for all ages. Choose from the Inverness 5K or Inverness Half Marathon. It is a fantastic course through the city center down the River Ness and back again. See the route map.
Queenz Drag Me to the Disco The Musical on stage at Eden Court Theatre, 11th & 12th March 2026, his fabulous production is on tour and in Inverness for only two days!
Highland Shortbread Showdown 14th March 2026 Eden Court Theatre, last year over 1500 joined this event so of course it is back for another year! A tasty competition with a fabulous panel of guest judges including former winners. Come along to Eden Court and enjoy the show.
Flora the Musical on stage at Eden Court, 20th & 231st March, this new musical about one of Scotland’s most famous daughters is making its world premiere in INverness.
International Blue Festival, Saturday 28th March 2026, make your way to the Northern Meeting Park just a short walk from the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. Performers include the Southern Avenue, Alvin Youngblood Hart, West Westons Bluesonics, Robbin Kapsalis & Oscar Wilson with the Giles Robson Band. Be sure to get your ticket soon.
APRIL
Urquhart Castle Easter Eggsplorer Trails, 3rd to 6th April 2026, an amazing day out for all ages, brimming with stories and history plus enjoy magnificent views of Loch Ness; it is unforgettable. If you are lucky enough to be there at Easter don’t miss the Easter Eggs-plorer Trails.
Fort George Easter Eggsplorer Trails, 3rd to 6th April 2026, an amazing day out for all ages, make sure you visit this imposing fort and enjoy the magnificent views from the battlements which may yield a glimpse of the Porposise and Dolphins who call this area home. If you are lucky enough to be there at Easter don’t miss the Easter Eggs-plorer Trails.
BRODIE CASTLE, Easter Egg Trails, a fab fun activity at BRODIE CASTLE from 3rd April to 6th April 2026. You can explore these gorgeous grounds and enjoy a memorable Easter Egg trail. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the details and tickets.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 9th & 11th April 2026, this fabulous wee gem of a local /Highland Artisan Craft and Produce market is back in 2026. Make sure you stop in a Drumnadrochit, perfect place for unique gift shopping.
Loch Ness Etape – 26th April A truly memorable experience either as a rider or as a spectator watching the scenery and 900m ascent challenge even the best amongst the field. This fabulous 66 mile cycling event around Loch Ness on a breath taking closed circuit isn’t for the faint hearted. Competition or spectator you will enjoy amazing scenery from start to finish in Inverness.
Cawdor Castle Reopens – Saturday 25th April 2026, This fabulous castle reopens for a new season. Cawdor Castle is much more than just a castle it is magnificent! There is too much to see and do, you will have to go back! Their live on the lawn theatre shows are returning this Summer on 4th & 8th July and 15th August 2026 and for those Winter visits keep an eye on their social media for the Cawdor Christmas Market dates, so much more than a just a Festive Market!
Inver 90’s 25th April 2026 at Inverness Ice Rink – a celebration of all things DJ & 90’s with SASH, Urban Cookie Collective, JX & more performing live at Inverness Ice Centre
MAY
Loch Ness Ultra X50 & X110 on 2nd & 3rd May 2026 – Ultra X 50 Scotland takes place in the Scottish Highlands, a mountainous region in northwest Scotland known for its stunning scenery and trails, with the Great Glen and Loch Ness at its centre. Following a geological fault line formed more than 400 million years ago, the Great Glen runs arrow-straight from Fort William to Moray Firth. Surrounded by some of the UK’s highest mountains and filled with four immense lochs, including the mythical Loch Ness, the glen is a unique wilderness rich in Highland heritage.
Exclusively Highlands Spring Festival 9th & 10th May 2026 Wildwoodz Inverness – come down to the ‘Woodz’ on 9th & 10th May for our Spring festival. The finest Food, Drink, Arts and Crafts from across Scotland comes to Wildwoodz, between Tore and Munlochy. A great opportunity to purchase something uniquely beautiful or wonderfully tasty and handmade in Scotland.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 9th & 23rd May 2026, this fabulous wee gem of a local /Highland Artisan Craft and Produce market is back in 2026. Make sure you stop in a Drumnadrochit, perfect place for unique gift shopping.
Inverness Classic Car Show -16th May 2026 – this amazing car show allows owners from all over the country to show off their fabulous vehicles. This free family friendly event celebrates vintage and classic vehicles from across the eras. The Inverness streets are lined with these fabulous vehicles, street entertainers and live music adds to the atmosphere. A great spectacle for everyone not just car enthusiasts. Plus make a weekend of it and see the performance cars the next day a short drive away at Dores!
Loch Ness Quest 28th to 30th May 2026 – join us in 2026 for 3 captivating days, uniting individuals and organisations in a collective exploration to solve the mystery of Loch Ness and its elusive monster. Through a series of engaging events, you’ll search, debate, and delve into the mysteries that shroud this legendary loch.
The Gathering – 30th May 2026 This much loved one day music festival is back again in 2025! Celebrating the best fo the Highlands and Scotland’s musical talent. So much music and fun! Fantastic artists include: Serryvore, Beluga Lagoon, Torridon, Valtos, and many more!
JUNE
Rotary Car Rally, Loch Ness Classic Car Tour DATES TBC 2026 the Inverness Ice Centre is the ideal place to enjoy these classic beauties. The cars will be starting and returning to the Ice Centre. One for the car enthusiasts.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 13th and 27th June 2026 – make sure you stop by this wee local artisan gem, held on the green in Drumnadrochit or Drum to the locals, uncover some skilled highland crafters!
Woodzstock Festival DATES TBC @ Wildwoodz Inverness, a one day friendly local festival, great vibe, good local beers and spirits and some home grown talent. Performance across two stages, this year TBC. Plus friends and families can learn circus skills, Lasertag or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Tickets are £54.95 and available now.
JULY
Under Canvas at Eden Court Theatre, 2026 Dates and performers coming soon! This fab covered outdoor music, entertainment celebration is currently in the planning stages for 2026. Look forward to more information on performers and dates coming soon. This event was such a success, we are excited for it’s return in 2025! A truly unique experience, we will post more as it is announced.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 11th and 25th July 2026 – make sure you stop by this wee local artisan gem, held on the green in Drumnadrochit or Drum to the locals, uncover some skilled highland crafters!
Scottish National Whisky Festival, 11th July 2026, at Eden Court. This fab celebration all things Whisky is back for another memorable year celebrating Scotland’s Whisky distillers your chance to meet some of the industry’s experts behind some of Scotland’s best Whisky, food, shop and bar, perfect place to enjoy the finer things.
Inverness Highland Games 2026 11th July at the Northern Meeting Park, Highland games have been a part of Scottish culture for centuries and are just as popular today as they’ve ever been. More details are coming soon!
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival– Belladrum Estate – 30th July to 1st August 2026 . This year the festival will be headlined by JAMES, the Human League, Example, Callum Beattie, Mika, Razorlight and so many more fab artists. A fantastic weekend tickets on sale NOW.
AUGUST
Black Isle Show 5th & 6th August 2026, is the largest farming event in the North of Scotland. Every year it is bigger and better, and boasts more livestock, more music and more family fun than ever before. Keep you eyes here for all the details of this years show as they are released!
BRODIE CASTLE’S Summer Festival TBC in 2026, hopeful that this and more events will run at the castle in 2025. Truly a fab fun day out for all the family! Explore in the Playful Garden for fun family activities including crafts, food truck, ice cream, and a scavenger hunt.
Moy Country Fair – 7th and 8th August 2026, This fair offers entertainment and activities for all the family. Mainly field sport activities including fly casting, gun dog handling, clay pigeon shooting, pipe bands, falconry displays and much more.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 8th and 29th August 2026 – make sure you stop by this wee local artisan gem, held on the green in Drumnadrochit or Drum to the locals, uncover some skilled highland crafters!
Cawdor Castle Shakespeare on the Lawn, Friday 14th August at 1830, MacBeth live on the front lawn at Cawdor Castle, pack a picnic, blanket or chair and layers for Scottish weather and enjoy a fabulous night of entertainment.
Nairn Highland Games, Nairn – 15th August a fun day out for all the family. A chance for you to get up close and personal with some livestock, vintage farm machinery, lots of competitions, and really fabulous local produce, honey, wine, baking. A super day out if you are in the area.
Glenurquhart Highland Games, Saturday 22nd August 2026 at Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, a fab day out for all the family. Glenurquhart Highland Games include the traditional events performed by the heavyweight athletes – throwing weights and hammers and tossing the caber. In addition, there is the Glen Challenge, Achmony Hill Race, track running for adults and children, solo piping and the very popular tug o’war.
SEPTEMBER
Northern Piping Competition 3rd & 4th September 2026 at Eden Court Theatre, it has emerged as the pre-eminent and most prestigious piping competition in the world. The Gold Medal for the classical piobaireachd music and the Gold Clasp for former winners, are the most sought after achievements for any piper. The honour attaching to such success attracts pipers from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Europe and throughout the British Isles. Entry to the competition is restricted to those of the highest calibre, only around 100 competitors are selected to take part in the various events. These include the classic Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel and Hornpipes and Jigs. A celebration of all things piping, enjoy the talent and the music.
Live in Concert, Manran, at Eden Court 5th September 2026, this multi award winning Scottish band is back in the capital of the highlands for one night only; so make sure you have your tickets!
The Black Isle Calling Festival, 11th & 12th September 2026, performers to be confirmed. Keep your eyes on their socials for all the information.
Blas Festival dates TBC for 2026, celebrating the Music, Song, Culture and Language of the Highland; Blas 2026 information is TBC, but expect a programme packed with live cèilidhs and concerts taking place across the Highlands. We will also deliver an online programme with live-streamed events, workshops, and Gaelic song sessions.
Market on the Green Drumnadrochit, 12th and 26th September 2026 – make sure you stop by this wee local artisan gem, held on the green in Drumnadrochit or Drum to the locals, uncover some skilled highland crafters!
Loch Ness Marathon – Sunday 27th September The world famous Loch Ness Marathon is so much more than a single event – it is a Festival of Running! People travel from across the world to take part in this event. The whole family can take part in the Festival of Running starting with the Wee Nessie for the kids, the 5km and 10km for shorter distances and of course the spectacular and scenic Loch Ness Marathon.
OCTOBER
Ness Bookfest, 2026 Dates TBC, fabulous community organised book festival celebrating creative Highland talent. These events are free, accessible and inclusive. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
The Golden Spurtle – Saturday 3rd October 2026, this world famous Porridge making championship is back in 2026. To learn more please see here Golden Spurtle.
Six The Musical, Eden Court, 6th to 10th October 2026 back in Inverness and still as popular, the fabulous Six the Musical is back to delight audiences.
Hue & Cry in Concert, yes come and see them live at Eden Court Theatre on 22nd October 2026
Exclusively Highlands Autumn Festival 31st October & 1st November – come down to the ‘Woodz’ this October for our Autumn festival. Wildwoodz will be looking its autumnal best and you will find over 55 art, craft, food & drink stands along with street food.
Halloween Walking Tours information to be confirmed for 2026
NOVEMBER
Inverness Bonfire Nights Festivities TBC
Exclusively Highlands Winter Festival 20th to 22nd November at Eden Court Theatre 2026– with an exquisite range of stunning Art, original Crafts and totally sumptuous Foods, this wonderful pre Christmas shopping events is close by Inverness City centre and a short walk from the Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa.
Exclusively Highlands Winter Festival 27th to 29th November at Eden Court Theatre 2026– back with part two of this amazing festive shopping experience. Enjoy an exquisite range of stunning Art, original Crafts and totally sumptuous Foods, this wonderful pre Christmas shopping events is close by Inverness City centre and a short walk from the Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa.
Inverness Christmas Light Switch On information 2026 TBC confirmed
Brodie Castle Illuminations in November and December TBC
DECEMBER
PANTO Cinderella, Eden Court Theatre, 2nd December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, remember this fabulous Panto is short a walk from the Palace Hotel & Spa. Don’t leave it to late to book you pre-pantomime theatre dinner.
Skating with Santa and Christmas Market at Inverness Ice Rink, 2026 Dates TBC
Cawdor Castle Christmas Markets – 2026 DATES TBC
Inverness Townhouse Christmas Markets 2026 Dates TBC
WASPS Christmas Market 2026 Date TBC
2026 INVERNESS SHOWS
2026 promises to be an outstanding year, with broadway musicals, dance performers, comedians and so many more visiting Inverness. A fabulous line up of talent available to see live at Eden Court Theatre in 2026. Remember Eden Court Theatre is only a few minutes walk from the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, so make us your destination hotel when you are in town for a show!
Check out our Inverness Events page for the full 2026 listings of all the Inverness and the surrounding area has to offer.
Look Ahead for 2027 Inverness Events
Booking Your Stay In Inverness
Looking for a hotel in Inverness? Here at the Inverness Palace Hotel, we offer stylish accommodation right on the River Ness. For a great deal on your stay, see the Seasonal Specials, for the every best offers, call us on 01463223243 or Palace or use the Enquiry Form!
