Updated for 2026: Discover the best Highland Games, agricultural shows, and festivals across the North Highlands this summer.
Summer in the North Highlands is all about coming together. Each year, towns and villages across Caithness and Sutherland open their arms to visitors, inviting them to share in the sights, sounds and traditions of rural Highland life in the north of Scotland.
From early summer right through to September, there’s always something happening close by. You might join in the fun at lively village gala, spend a day at a county agricultural show or soak up the atmosphere at a music festival or one of our legendary Highland Games.
Read on for our pick of the summers highlight events – one of the best ways to experience the culture, heritage and community spirit that make the North Highlands so special.
Traditional Highland Games in Caithness and Sutherland
(Cover photo) Halkirk heavy athlete Jamie Gunn competes in the 56lb weight for distance. Photo by James Gunn.
If you love tartan, bagpipes and the sight of kilted strongmen in action, a visit to one of the region’s many Highland Games is a must. With a festival atmostphere, these gatherings bring together feats of strength, music, dance with fantastic sense of community spirit. Expect iconic Highland traditions such as caber tossing, tug o’ war and hammer throwing, alongside piping competitions and colourful Highland dancing displays, all rooted in Scotland’s rich Highland cultural heritage.
The Highland Games make a brilliant family day out, welcoming visitors and competiors from across the world. Many also feature hill races, cycling events, high jumps, children’s races and fun novelty competitions, so whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or taking part yourself, there’s always plenty to enjoy.
Durness Highland Gathering
The Durness Highland Gathering is one of the most spectacular events held in this North West corner of Scotland. The freindly community event celebrates local tradition with a full programme of competitions, strong community spirit and a spectacular coastal setting, making it a memorable day out for visitors and locals alike.
Event Details
- Friday 24 July
- Shore Park, Durness, North-West Sutherland
Halkirk Highland Games
With over 100 events packed into a single afternoon, the Halkirk Highland Games could be Scotland’s very own mini Olympic Games.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of pipers and Highland dancers alongside track and field athletes, cyclists, clay pigeon shooters and enthusiastic young competitors, all vying for top prizes. See the legendary Heavies, kilted strongmen showcasing incredible strength as they toss mighty wooden cabers, throw Scottish hammers and weights, and put the shot.
A fantastic day out for all ages, the arena is surrounded by lively side‑stalls and charity stands, a fun fair for children, food and drink stalls and marquees, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the day.
Event Details
- Saturday 25 July 2026
- Halkirk Recreation Field, Halkirk, Caithness North
Mey Highland Games
Mey Highland Games is a much‑loved annual celebration of Highland tradition, near the Castle of Mey in John O’Groats. Established in August 1970 to mark the 70th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the Games began as a community tribute has flourished ever since. Her Majesty’s acceptance of the role of Chieftain established a lasting tradition of royal patronage, continued since 2002 by His Majesty King Charles III.
Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, the Games offer visitors a vibrant programme including the ever-popular tug o’ war, caber tossing, massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, track events, and novelty races – making it a highlight of the Caithness calendar.
Event Details
- Saturday 1 August 2026
- John O’Groats Show Ground, John O’Groats, East Caithness
Dornoch Highland Games
Held on the first Friday of August, Dornoch Highland Games is a much‑loved tradition dating back to 1835, offering all‑ages fun with traditional competitions, local craft stalls, food and drink, children’s sideshows, mini–Highland Games for young competitors and the ever‑popular Tip the Bucket finale.
Event Details
- Friday 7 August 2026
- The Meadows, Dornoch, East Sutherland
Helmsdale Highland Games
Set against a stunning North Sea backdrop, Helmsdale Highland Games is a vibrant coastal celebration combining traditional Highland competitions, piping, dancing and family‑friendly entertainment rooted in the village’s rich fishing heritage.
Event Details
- Saturday 15 August
- Coupar Park, Helmsdale, East Sutherland
Family‑Friendly Agricultural Shows Across the North Highlands
If you enjoy browsing local crafts, tasting great food and getting a glimpse of rural life in the Highlands, the region’s agricultural shows are well worth a visit. These much‑loved summer events celebrate farming, crofting and local produce, offering a relaxed and welcoming way to connect with the area and its communities.
Expect to see livestock parades and judging, bustling trade stands, food and drink stalls showcasing local flavours, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Each show has its own character and mix of activities, but all share a friendly atmosphere and a real sense of pride in Highland life. A fantastic family day out!
Latheron Show
The Latheron Show is a traditional agricultural gathering celebrating rural life in Caithness and Sutherland, showcasing livestock competitions, equestrian events, local crafts and produce, along with a welcoming programme of family‑friendly activities and entertainment. Last year the show celebrated its 100 year anniversary, with special guests such as the JCB Dancing Diggers!
Event Details
- Saturday 11 July 2026
- West Clyth Farm, Lybster, East Caithness
Caithness County Show
The Caithness Show is a long‑running and much‑loved agricultural event celebrating the region’s farming heritage, featuring livestock competitions, local produce, traditional skills and a full programme of family‑friendly entertainment.
Event Details
- Friday 17 & Saturday 18 July 2026
- Thurso East, Thurso, North Caithness
Sutherland Agricultural Show
A well‑established rural showcase, Sutherland Agricultural Show celebrates farming and countryside life in the North Highlands through livestock competitions, traditional skills, local produce and family‑friendly attractions.
Event Details
- Saturday 25 July 2026
- Golf Links, Dornoch, East Sutherland
Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair
Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair is a popular Caithness event celebrating countryside skills and rural traditions, with field sports, country pursuits, local food, crafts and a friendly, family‑focused atmosphere.
Event Details
- Saturday 15 August 2026
- Thrumster Estate, Thrumster, East Caithness
Lairg Crofters Show
The last crofters’ show held in mainland Britain, Lairg Crofters Show is a highlight of the Sutherland calendar, celebrating Highland crofting life with livestock displays, rural crafts, local produce and family fun at the heart of the community.
Event Details
- Saturday 22 August 2026
- Lairg Showfield, Lairg, Central Sutherland
Local Gala Events – Community Fun for the Whole Family
Galas are much‑loved summer events and offer a relaxed way for visitors to join in local celebrations. Organised by local volunteers, galas typically run over several days and are filled with colour, laughter, friendly competition and lots of fun!
Each gala has it unique mix of things to see and do, with games, fancy‑dress, duck races, dog shows, live music and plenty of food and refreshments, alongside traditions such as the crowning of the Gala King or Queen. With something for all ages, village galas are a wonderful way to meet local people, soak up the North Highland atmosphere and enjoy a family‑friendly day out.
Rogart Gala
Taking place over the first weekend of June, Rogart Gala is a lively village celebration offering traditional games, fancy dress, races and a welcoming programme of family‑friendly entertainment.
Event Details
- Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 June 2026
- Pittentrail, Rogart, Central Sutherland
Wick Gala Week
Wick Gala Week is a vibrant annual celebration in Caithness, bringing the town to life with colourful parades, races, community events and family‑friendly activities that celebrate local pride and togetherness.
Event Details
- Saturday 25 July – Saturday 1 August 2026
- Wick, East Caithness
Golspie Gala Week
Golspie Gala Week is a much‑loved village celebration on the east coast of Sutherland, beginning with the crowning of the Gala Queen and followed by a packed week of events including a fancy‑dress parade, the famous Golspie Gala Week Banger Derby and popular evening dances.
Event Details
- Saturday 1 August – Sunday 9 August 2026
- Golspie, East Sutherland
Bettyhill Gala
Bettyhill Gala is a friendly, community‑focused celebration that brings locals and visitors together for traditional games, music, activities for all and a weekend of family friendly fun. Each year, the gala also features a lively fancy‑dress theme — with this year’s event inspired by Fairytales, Fiction & Fantasy.
Event Details
- Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026
- Bettyhill, North West Sutherland
Live Music Events Across the North Highlands
Music is a huge part of Highland life. From traditional folk sessions and classical concerts to energetic rock and pop gigs, the North Highlands offers a lively and varied live music scene.
With fantastic festivals and events organised by local venues, community groups and passionate promoters, you’re never far from a great day or night of music during your visit. Whether you love traditional sounds or enjoy discovering local talent, there’s always something worth listening out for.
Dornoch Beer & Music Festival
Returning after a successful inaugural event, the Dornoch Beer & Music Festival is a two-day celebration of live music, local drinks, and great food. Friday focuses on country and folk, while Saturday features an exciting line-up of live bands and artists across rock, pop, folk, and indie. With local and global favourites such as headline acts The Tumbling Paddies, Harleymoon Kemp, Tide Lines, and The Hoosiers, the festival offers something for everyone who loves great live music.
Event Details
- Friday 17 – Saturday 18 July 2026
- The Meadows, Dornoch, East Sutherland
Lyth Arts Centre Summer Sessions Festival
Summer Sessions returns to Wick in 2026 as Lyth Arts Centre’s flagship festival, bringing a vibrant week of music, creativity, and community to the Rosebank Playing Fields. The programme features exciting new elements, including secret off‑site gigs in unusual venues and the debut of festival theatre performances on gig nights. Alongside family‑friendly workshops, the festival builds to three nights of live music, with limited‑capacity secret gigs offering unforgettable experiences. Full details coming soon!
Event Details
- Tuesday 4th – Sunday 9th August 2026
- Rosebank Playing Fields, Wick, Caithnes
Tunes by the Dunes
An electrifying way to finish the summer, Tunes by the Dunes is mainland Britain’s most northerly music festival, set against the stunning sands of Dunnet Bay. Taking place over two days, the festival showcases some of the best artists from the Scottish music scene, including Tide Lines, Trail West and Whisky, with camping just a short walk away.
Event Details
- Friday 4 – Saturday 5 September 2026
- Ham Park, Dunnet, Caithness
Sutherland Sessions
Sutherland Sessions is a community‑run initiative delivering a year‑round programme of concerts and events celebrating traditional and contemporary folk music. Hosted in local venues such as Dornoch Cathedral and Rogart Mart, these events offer an intimate way to experience the North Highlands music scene.
Events held throughout the year across Sutherland.
Dornoch Gatherings
Set in the heart of the historic town of Dornoch, Dornoch Gatherings at the Cathedral is a vibrant cultural events programme offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich musical heritage of the Highlands.
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the region, Dornoch Cathedral is an atmospheric setting for the programme, which brings together a carefully curated mix of live music, literature, guest speakers and arts events, all designed to celebrate the spirit, creativity and culture of the Highlands.
Live music is at the heart of the Gatherings, with an impressive line-up of events in 2026 featuring acclaimed artists including Amira Willighagen, Sian, and Charlie McKerron and Friends.
Events held across the year.
Your Guide to Summer Events in the North Highlands in 2026
The Venture North Events Calendar is your go‑to place to discover what’s on across the region. From festivals and exhibitions to outdoor activities and community celebrations, keep checking back for the latest dates, event details and fresh inspiration as summer approaches.
Got a question? Here’s all you need to know before you go!
Most North Highlands summer events run from late May through to early September, with Highland Games, agricultural shows and village galas taking place almost every weekend during peak summer months. View our What’s On page for a full list of summer events happening around the North Highlands.
Yes, the vast majority of Highland Games, agricultural shows and local galas are very family‑friendly, offering children’s activities, games, races, food stalls and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Some larger events may charge a small entry fee, while many village galas are free or operate on a donation basis. It’s always best to check the individual event website or Facebook page in advance for ticket prices and entry details. You’ll find links to these in the Venture North events calendar pages.
Many North Highlands summer events welcome visitor participation, particularly in fun runs, novelty races, tug o’ war competitions and children’s activities — no prior experience is required.
Outdoor clothing suitable for changeable Highland weather is recommended, along with comfortable footwear. Many visitors choose to dress casually, though you’ll also see plenty of tartan and traditional attire at Highland Games. Don’t forget some midge spray too!
Accessibility varies by event and location, especially in rural areas. Larger shows and games often provide accessible facilities, but it’s advisable to check directly with organisers if you have specific access requirements.
While some events are accessible by public transport, many rural shows and galas are easiest to reach by car. Planning ahead and checking transport options will help make your visit smoother, as well as parking details. Check out our Transport Page for more details to plan getting around the North Highlands.
This can vary from event to event, so it’s always best to check directly with organisers. While some events don’t aren’t suitable for animals except service dogs, other’s even welcome participation from your four-legged friends with friendly dog-shows and competitions. View our dog-friendly accommodation options to find plan your ultimate trip with your four-legged friends.
Plan your North Highland Adventure!
Planning a trip to Caithness and Sutherland? Your adventure starts here! Whether you’re booking now or just dreaming, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your trip to the far north.
