What's On

Eventful times

Arran has an amazing community and whilst we have some big international events, we also want to invite our visitors to join in with local events too.

The two biggest, and longest established, events on the island both take place in August – Arran Farmers’ Show takes place the first Wednesday in August, and Brodick Highland Games takes place ‘the first Saturday after the Show’ (there’s a wee quirk for you!). Former Arranachs often flock back home that week as it’s a great way to catch up with old friends from days gone by.

However, if big events aren't your thing, there’s also lots of smaller community events – village coffee mornings, sales of work, concerts, ceilidhs. These are a great way to find out more about each village, and be sure and take time to listen to the local craic. While you're here pick up a copy of the local paper 'The Arran Banner' and check out the 'What's On' pages.

Arran’s creativity comes to the fore with plentiful arts festivals and events. Various music festivals (Arran Music Festival, Music Arran, Arran Folk Festival etc) take place throughout the year, whilst the McLellan Arts Festival takes place in September. Arran Open Studios have an open weekend in August when you can visit artists at work. Performing arts also include dramatic performances which take place in villages on an ad hoc basis, as well as the Arran Drama Festival each February.

Arran’s amazing natural environment is also the perfect playground for sporting events such as trail runs, ultra marathons, Arran Sportive, Rugby 7s and Cricket 6s!

Scroll down to see some of Arran's 2023 events or view a downloadable list of all this year's events here.

Some upcoming events for your diary

There’s always loads to do on your visit to Arran. Every week there are lots of local daily activities that will welcome visitors, as well as larger special one-off events and festivals.

We'll continue to update this page with more events happening over the coming year but here are a few events happening in 2023. 

What's On

Sunday Afternoon Mellow Music
The Pierhead Tavern

EVERY SUNDAY

Sunday afternoon mellow music in the bar or on the roof terrace. See full listings on our website or facebook page.

Find out more
Trev's Pop Music Quiz
The Ormidale

EVERY TUESDAY

Test your knowledge and/or guesswork in our fun, informal Pop quiz and compete for "sensational" prizes.

Quizmaster Trevor will be donning the golden jacket and asking the questions.

Find out more
Rock & Pop Bingo
The Ormidale

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Join Trev for a fun game (or two) of Rock & Pop Bingo! Listen to some great tracks and score them off on your bingo card for a striaght line or a full house! Great fun for all!

Find out more
General Knowledge Quiz
The Ormidale

EVERY THURSDAY

Join Tommy every Thursday at 9pm for his famous general knowledge quiz. The oldest established - and best - general quiz on Arran!

Find out more
Open Mic Session
The Pierhead Tavern in Lamlash

EVERY FRIDAY

We can provide the stage, the audience and instruments plus accompaniment if required. Come along & play or send us a message before to arrange a set.

Find out more
Live Music
The Pierhead Tavern

EVERY SATURDAY

Live music 9pm until midnight  at The Pierhead Tavern @ThePHTArran www.thepht.co.uk for full listings.

Find out more
Shop Arran
Island-wide

November 2023 exact dates tbc

Find out more
Rat Race Ultra Tour of Arran
Isle of Arran 01 Apr 2023

1st-2nd April 2023 - a 2 day off-road running adventure from Rat Race on the Isle of Arran.

Find out more
Saltwater Gallery Spring Show
Saltwater Gallery Brodick 04 Apr 2023

Spring Show, featuring new work from our artists. (Until July 1st)

Find out more
Shiskine Daffodil Tea
Shiskine Hall, Torbeg, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HE 07 Apr 2023

Cream scone with endless tea, coffee and juice. Raffle and baking stall. Easter bonnet competition £1 entry fee with adult & children's prizes. All welcome! Adults £5, children £3

Easter Egg Trail - NTS Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8HY 07 Apr 2023

7th-10th April - Come and have some Easter fun at Brodick Castle! Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolate-y reward!

Find out more
Lochranza Daffodil Tea
Lochranza and Catacol Village Hall 08 Apr 2023

Come along for the afternoon, cream teas, egg hunt, fresh baking, raffle and tombolla.

There will also be a car boot sale for £10 per car. 

Easter Sunday Egg-stravaganza
Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Brodick, Arran, KA27 8HY 09 Apr 2023

A fun day for all the family including our Easter Trail, Easter Bonnet Parade, Wacky Races and more . . .

Find out more
Bird Box Bonanza @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 13 Apr 2023

Easter is a time when many of our garden birds will be thinking about nest building and laying their eggs. Come to our bird box bonanza and learn about our garden birds whilst building your very own bird box to help them in their efforts. This event is a drop-in session open to all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Each ticket buys you one Bird Box kit but you can buy as many kits per family group as you like. Pop along anytime during 13:30 - 16:00 (event will wrap up at 16:30) and the Rangers will be on hand to help you with assembling and decorating your very own bird box. You can then take these away and put them up in your own garden or green space.

Find out more
Adrenalism Theatre - The Good, The Bad and The Poultry
Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Brodick, Arran, KA27 8HY 30 Apr 2023

The Good, the Bad and the Poultry is an outdoor show starring a coop of cowboy chickens, created by Adrenalism.

All attendees to the event must have either a blue or green wrist band. Our usual castle/gardens entrance fees apply - National Trust for Scotland/National Trust member do not pay castle/gardens entrance fees.

Find out more
Arran AFC Rugby 7's
Ormidale Park, Brodick 06 May 2023

Arran AFC are delighted to inform you that our annuals 7's tournament will take place on May 6th this year! 

Find out more
Arran Mountain Festival
Isle of Arran 12 May 2023

12th - 15th May - Scotland's premier hillwalking and mountaineering festival. An opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover a fascinating island and have unforgettable days in the safe hands of experienced local leaders. With names to inspire, like Ceum na Caillich and Caisteal Abhail, Arran's mountains are amongst Scotland’s most amazing landscapes. 

Find out more
WIZARD SCHOOL WAND MAKING CLASS @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 26 May 2023

Welcome to Wizard School and have fun in our Wand Making Class. Come along and make your own willow wand to take home

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Wizard School Potion Making Class @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 26 May 2023

Welcome to Wizard School and have fun in our Potion Making Class. Come along and make your own magical potion to take home.

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Arran Visual Arts Art Exhibition
Corrie Hall 27 May 2023

From the 27th May - 31st May, the annual Arran Visual Arts Art Exhibition is taking place. This event attracts more than 600 visitors who vote for their favourite art work in the ‘People’s Choice’ and many sales are made. We are proud of the reputation our exhibitions have earned. This year’s exhibition will take place from Saturday 27th to Wednesday 31st May 2023 in Whiting Bay Hall. More about our exhibition - https://www.arranvisualarts.co.uk/exhibition/. 

Find out more
Isle of Arran Pipe Band @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 28 May 2023

Come along and hear the wonderful sounds of the pipes and drums from the Isle of Arran Pipe Band

Find out more
Arran Folk Festival
The Douglas & Ormidale hotels, Brodick Hall, Brodick Bar, Isle of Arran 09 Jun 2023

9th - 11th June - Arran's annual folk festival is back and set to be better than ever! The 27th festival will see free-to-attend afternoon sessions at The Douglas & Ormidale hotels, workshops, evening concerts in Brodick hall and late-night sessions in the Brodick Bar.

Find out more
Arran Farmers Market @ Bellevue Farm
Bellevue Farm, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, KA27 8EX 11 Jun 2023

The Farmer’s Market at Bellevue Farm is a chance for the Island’s local producers to come together, a place where people can see (and shop) all the fresh produce that Arran has to offer.

It’s part of our farm to fork proposition; by shopping locally you not only help the planet by minimising transport costs, but you can eat fresh food and know exactly where it has come from. You’ll also find stalls with locally produced home made goods and handcrafts.

Find out more
Ultra Trail Scotland
17 Jun 2023

17th - 18th June - a great challenge for 2023. Further details on the website

Find out more
CHRISTINE BOVILL
Arran High School 17 Jun 2023

7:30PM, Arran High School, £12 per ticket and free for under 18's.

Award winning chanteuse, Christine Bovill returns for her third visit to Arran. The Glasgow-born singer has built her reputation on her interpretation of classic 20th century songs.

Find out more
Isle of Arran Pipe Band @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 18 Jun 2023

Come along and hear the wonderful sounds of the pipes and drums from the Isle of Arran Pipe Band

Find out more
Arran Whisky Festival - Malt & Music
Lochranza Distillery, Lochranza, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HJ 23 Jun 2023

23rd - 25th June 2023 - A fun and fabulous event held over 3 days and 2 locations combining the best of music and malt Arran has to offer!

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HANSEL & GRETEL STORYTIME
Brodick Castle 25 Jun 2023

In the Bavarian Summer house (Brodick Castle) - join us and read the story of Hansel & Gretel together. 10am & 11am. 2pm & 3pm. £2 per class +Eventbrite fees.

Find out more
Saltwater Gallery Summer Show
Saltwater Gallery 04 Jul 2023

(until November 11th): Summer Show, featuring new work from our artists.

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CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN
Brodick Castle 07 Jul 2023

From 1pm - 3pm

Join us in celebrating National Chocolate Day Friday 7th July. Golden Ticket Treasure Hunt . . . find a Golden Ticket hidden in the gardens, take it to the Chocolate Fountain Stand and enjoy a chocolate-y treat half price!

Find out more
Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company
Brodick Hall 08 Jul 2023

7:30PM, Brodick Hall, £12 per ticket and free for under 18's.

The Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company is a Spanish flamenco company based primarily in Edinburgh, hosting guitarists professional singers dancers and musicians!

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Otter's Tail Holy Isle Kayak Challenge
Lamlash Pier - Holy Isle 15 Jul 2023

An 11km circumnavigation of Holy Isle, starting & finishing at Lamlash Pier, run by Arran Kayak Club. Open to SCA members and non-members, this is a fun day out with an optional race element.

Find out more
Isle of Arran Pipe Band @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 30 Jul 2023

Come along and hear the wonderful sounds of the pipes and drums from the Isle of Arran Pipe Band

Find out more
Arran Farmers Show
Glenkiln Farm, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, KA27 8NT 02 Aug 2023

A big event in the Arran calendar, the Arran Show always draws a crowd and has something for everyone to enjoy. 

Find out more
Brodick Highland Games
Ormidale Park, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8DL 05 Aug 2023

Another highlight in the Arran calendar, the Brodick Highland Games are always held the Saturday after the Arran Show and this is a great traditional day out for all the family where you'll find heavy events, highland dancing, athletics, children's fancy dress and stalls galore!

Find out more
Arran Open Studios
Island-wide 11 Aug 2023

11th - 14th August 2023  A weekend-long event where talented Arran artists, coming together as Arran Open Studios, stage a wide-ranging exhibition incorporating painters, sculptors and all manner of craftspeople, usually from their own studios across the island.

14th-17th July 2023 - preview exhibition in Brodick Hall

Find out more
Arran Brass Band
Brodick Castle 20 Aug 2023

Come along at 2pm and hear the fantastic Arran Brass Band!

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McLellan Arts Festival
Isle of Arran 25 Aug 2023

25th August - 3rd September 2023 - An annual arts festival on the Island of Arran, created in honour of Robert McLellan, an Arran resident. This year's programme is yet to be confirmed but will include a tribute to Robert McLellan’s work, traditional and classical music, poetry, theatre and film.

Find out more
Blackwaterfoot Beer Festival
Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, KA27 8ET 26 Aug 2023

This ever-popular annual beer festival takes place in the stunning seaside location of Blackwaterfoot - you don't want to miss this one!

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Isle of Arran Pipe Band @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 27 Aug 2023

Come along and hear the wonderful sounds of the pipes and drums from the Isle of Arran Pipe Band

Find out more
Arran Brass Band
Brodick Castle 03 Sep 2023

Come along at 2pm and hear the fantastic Arran Brass Band!

Find out more
SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE
Brodick Hall 09 Sep 2023

7:30PM, Brodick Hall, £12 per ticket and free for under 18's.

Scottish Ensemble (as part of McLellan Arts Festival).

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Arran Festival of Food & Drink
Island-wide 13 Sep 2023

13th - 24th September - An exciting island-wide programme of foodie events running over two weeks showcasing Arran's award-winning food and drink.

Find out more
Arran Farmers Market @ Bellevue Farm
Bellevue Farm, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, KA27 8EX 24 Sep 2023

The Farmer’s Market at Bellevue Farm is a chance for the Island’s local producers to come together, a place where people can see (and shop) all the fresh produce that Arran has to offer.

It’s part of our farm to fork proposition; by shopping locally you not only help the planet by minimising transport costs, but you can eat fresh food and know exactly where it has come from. You’ll also find stalls with locally produced home made goods and handcrafts.

Find out more
Isle of Arran Pipe Band @ Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle 24 Sep 2023

Come along and hear the wonderful sounds of the pipes and drums from the Isle of Arran Pipe Band

Find out more
Arran Vegan Festival
Whiting Bay Hall, Shore Road, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran. KA27 8PR 30 Sep 2023

Arran Vegan Festival celebrates the exponential growth of the vegan and plantbased lifestyles. The festival aims to showcase Arran’s vegan offerings, and to inform, educate and inspire the Arran community and visitors to the island about the benefits of the vegan lifestyle, for health, the environment, and of course for the animals.

Find out more
STROUD ZHANG DUO VIOLIN & PIANO
Arran High School 21 Oct 2023

7:30PM, Arran High School, £12 per ticket and free for under 18's.

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Saltwater Gallery Winter Show
Saltwater Gallery 14 Nov 2023

Themed Winter Show, inspired by the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

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THE TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO
Venue TBC 25 Nov 2023

7:30PM, Venue TBC , £12 per ticket and free for under 18's.

The trio are touring the world with their genre-defying brand of high-energy gypsy jazz and classical mash-ups to perform in Memory of Django on Arran. This programme with pieces by Django and his musicla partner Stephane Grappeli brings a smile to all faces and gets toes tapping.

Find out more
Arran Farmers Market @ Bellevue Farm
Bellevue Farm, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, KA27 8EX 03 Dec 2023

The Farmer’s Market at Bellevue Farm is a chance for the Island’s local producers to come together, a place where people can see (and shop) all the fresh produce that Arran has to offer.

It’s part of our farm to fork proposition; by shopping locally you not only help the planet by minimising transport costs, but you can eat fresh food and know exactly where it has come from. You’ll also find stalls with locally produced home made goods and handcrafts.

Find out more
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