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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Live Music
The Pierhead Tavern

EVERY SATURDAY

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

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Animal Fun in Paint with Joan Lawson
Ranger Centre, Brodick Castle 03 Jun 2023

Joan studied at Glasgow School of Art and taught for many years before establishing her own art school, Robinwood, in Ayr. She is a successful practising Scottish artist. Using photographs of animals for reference, Joan will take you through some mixed media techniques and help you to produce some colourful and quirky animal paintings. Watercolours, oil pastels, inks, pastels and acrylics will make this a fun workshop!

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Arran Pride Grand Parade
Brodick 03 Jun 2023

12:30pm.

Join in the fun and parade with us along Brodick seafront led by the amazing drums of SheBoom and joined by pipes and drums from Arran. Wear your most colourful/outrageous outfit or simply wave a flag, its up to you. All welcome. Gather from midday in Market Road, Brodick 

Arran Pride Picnic in the Park
Brodick Hall 03 Jun 2023

1-4pm 

Bring a picnic and join us for a laid back afternoon in the park at the rear of Brodick Hall with fun filled entertainment and music hosted by the fabulous Reba Martell. The People's Library will take place in the library and a selection of information stalls and Pride merchandise will be available. This is a family friendly alcohol free event. 

Arran Pride Celebration Ceilidh
Brodick Hall 03 Jun 2023

7:30pm - 11pm Tickets £12 (under 16s £8)

Tickets available form Arran Fine Foods Factory Shop, Lamlash and James Chocolate Shop, Brodick - cash only

Arran Pride Douglas Dook & BBQ
The Douglas Hotel 04 Jun 2023

11:30am - 3pm

Take a refreshing dook in the sea and enjoy some quality food and drink on the lawn of the Douglas Hotel with Music from Anna Sweeney. Gather in the bar from 11.30am for a midday dook. 

Arran Folk Festival
Douglas hotel, The Ormidale, Brodick Hall, Brodick Bar 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.

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Corrie Film Club
Corrie & Sannox Village Hall 11 Jun 2023

Starts 7.30pm - The Quiet Girl (Ireland. 2022. Colm Bairead. Cert 12.) A warming film.

Traditional Crafts & Skills @ Arran Heritage Museum
Arran Heritage Museum 11 Jun 2023

Skills and crafts 12:30pm - 3:30pm 

Including spinning and weaving, crochet & knitting, butter making and tasting with pancakes and much more!!

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Arran Island Adventure Weekend
Isle of Arran 16 Jun 2023

Join us from June 16th-18th for a 3-day adventure on this beautiful island. Explore mountains, hills, and coasts with knowledgeable leaders Mark Reid, Richard Duckworth, and Malcolm Wilkinson. Choose from three walks each day and enjoy sociable evenings with fellow walkers in Brodick. Experience the unique island atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

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Ultra Trail Scotland
17 Jun 2023

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

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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.

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Fancy Dress Cricket Fun Day
Ormidale Park, Brodick 17 Jun 2023

Six-a-side fun cricket tournament, come along in fancy dress and enjoy some good food, drink and music. 

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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

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Arran Whisky Festival - Malt & Music
Lochranza Distillery 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.

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Motorcycle Show @ Arran Heritage Museum
Arran Heritage Museum, Brodick 25 Jun 2023

Event starts 9am, pipe band playing from 2pm, prizegiving 3pm. For pre-entry or more info contact Derek Shand 07833755684.

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Landscapes in Gouache with Kori Stewart
Arran High School, Lamlash 01 Jul 2023

1st - 2nd July - This will be a 2-day course open to any level of artist - from beginner to experienced - to explore the wonderful medium of gouache paint. 

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Saltwater Gallery Summer Show
Saltwater Gallery, Cladach 04 Jul 2023

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

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Dougarie Estate Charity Garden Opening
Dougarie Estate, Machrie 04 Jul 2023

Explore terraced garden in a castellated folly built in 1905. Admission is £5.00, children free, and cash only. Free parking available. All proceeds go to Pirnmill Village Association. Alternatively, book an appointment to view the garden between May 22nd and August 30th, 2023, for £5.00 per person.

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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!

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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/AYROC Orienteering Competition
Whiting Bay Land Initiative, Whiting Bay 08 Jul 2023

Fun orienteering competition for all levels at Whiting Bay Land Initiative.

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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.

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Lamlash Golf Club Ladies Open
Lamlash Golf Club 19 Jul 2023
Lamlash Golf Club Ladies Open - Tee off times 11.00 am-5.00 pm. Entry fee £10. Further information sheenamurchie10@aol.com
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Children's Day @ Arran Heritage Museum
Arran Heritage Museum 23 Jul 2023

Children's Day Special Events 12:30pm - 3:30pm 

 

Story Telling, Model Railway, Face Painting, Children's Tombola etc 

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Feis Week
Arran High School 25 Jul 2023

Tuesday 25th – Friday 28th July 2023
A week-long event open to young people from the age of eight which takes place during the last week of July.

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The Exciting World of Watercolour with Frances Douglas
Ranger Centre, Brodick Castle 29 Jul 2023

29th-30th July - Discover the exciting world of watercolour! Over the weekend you will be shown various watercolour techniques and how to apply the paint in a clear fresh way to create translucent and vibrant paintings. You will learn how these methods can be combined with tone, colour and composition to convey the beautiful shapes and textures of a landscape in watercolour. This course is designed to introduce beginners to watercolour or, if you are more experienced, to help you develop your own style.

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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

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Arran Farmers Show
Glenkiln Farm, Lamlash 02 Aug 2023

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

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Brodick Highland Games
Ormidale Park, Brodick 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!

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Tractor Show @ Arran Heritage Museum
Arran Heritage Museum 06 Aug 2023

Tractor Show - Classic, Modern and Working Tractors 

12:30pm - 3:30pm 

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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

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Corrie Film Club
Corrie and Sannox Village Hall 13 Aug 2023

Starts 7.30pm - Drawn to War (UK. 2022. Cert PG With Arran Open Studios)

One of Britain's greatest landscape artists, Eric Ravilious, is killed in a plane crash while on commission as Official War Artist in Iceland in 1942. His life is as compelling and enigmatic as his art, set against the dramatic wartime locations that inspire him. This film brings to life this unique and still grossly undervalued British artist caught in the crossfire of war 80 years ago, whose legacy largely sank without trace, until now... )

Festival of the Sea
Lamlash 13 Aug 2023

The aim is to celebrate everything that the sea means for an Island community: livelihood, leisure, ships, boats, swimming, sea-life, nourishment, and even transport. It blends thanksgiving, awareness of the damage we have done to the sea and its ecology, our dependence upon our Good Mother Earth, and the acts of penitence and intercession. The ancient Gaelic heritage of our lands and islands came alive in the recitation of the prayers of Blessing handed down to us both orally and in Carmichael’s Carmina Gadelica, calling us to renew our ecological awareness along with our sense of wonder.

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.

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Blackwaterfoot Beer Festival
Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot 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
The Art of Paper Cutting with Fen Wolters-Sinke
Ranger Centre, Brodick Castle 02 Sep 2023

2nd-3rd September - Day 1 Introduction to the history of papercutting and its influence on other art forms; how to use the materials and techniques to create a papercut. Day 2 Learn how to present your papercut design in a small artists' book.

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Arran Brass Band
Brodick Castle 03 Sep 2023

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

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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.

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Arran Farmers Market @ Bellevue Farm
Bellevue Farm, Blackwaterfoot 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
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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Straw Weaving & Plaiting with Julia Bovee
Ranger Centre, Brodick Castle 21 Oct 2023

You will learn how to select and prepare straws, how to tie them, and a selection of weaving & plaiting techniques. By the end of the day you should have several small pieces of decorative straw work to take home, helping to keep this endangered and beautiful craft alive. No previous experience required.

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Saltwater Gallery Winter Show
Saltwater Gallery, Cladach 14 Nov 2023

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

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Shop Arran
Island-wide 17 Nov 2023

17th-19th November

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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.

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Bas Relief in Clay for House or Garden with Tim Pomeroy
Ranger Centre, Brodick Castle 02 Dec 2023

2nd-3rd December - This 2-day workshop will be an introduction to low-relief (bas-relief) sculpture in ceramic, terracotta or stoneware. What is produced over the two days will be fired ready for mounting in the garden or on a wall. The workshop will cover the rudiments of achieving a sense of depth in a clay panel using strong lights and modelling tools. Anything you can portray in drawing or painting can be portrayed in bas-relief - think drawing with clay!

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Arran Farmers Market @ Bellevue Farm
Bellevue Farm, Blackwaterfoot 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