What’s On
Explore exciting events and experiences at Great North Lodges – your adventure begins here!
Annual Events
Carve Carrbridge
Carve Carrbridge, also known as the Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Competition attracts over 20 chainsaw carvers from around the world to compete and create something truly special in just 4 hours. Carvings are judged on artistic merit, technical difficulty, and originality.
- 5th September 2026
Golden Spurtle
The World Porridge Making Championship has been running since 1994 with it’s coveted ‘Golden Spurtle’ as the main prize. Competitors from around the world gather to show off their porridge making skills in the traditional and specialty categories. Tickets to the event include plenty of porridge samples!
- Carrbridge Village Hall
- 3rd October 2026
Seasonal Events
Aviemore Christmas Procession
Get into the festive spirit with the annual Aviemore Christmas Procession featuring Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band, fireworks, carols and the Cairngorms Reindeer Herd.
- Starts at the Firestation and continues along Grampian Road to the Cairngorm Hotel
- 24th December at 6pm
Aviemore New Year Fireworks
The Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore traditionally hosts a spectacular annual fireworks display on December 31st to celebrate Hogmanay. Set right in the heart of the village, this vibrant display draws locals and visitors alike, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
- Cairngorm Hotel
- 31st December
Grantown-on-Spey Hogmanay Street Party
This beloved local event has become one of the Highlands’ best Hogmanay celebrations, known for its lively, festive atmosphere. From 11pm, crowds fill the streets to dance to the ceilidh band, enjoy haggis, mulled wine, and Christmas treats, celebrating into the night with fireworks at the bells.
- The Square, Grantown-on-Spey
- 31st December from 11pm
NethyBridge Hogmanay Torchlight Procession
Celebrate the New Year with a magical evening in Nethy Bridge! Join in for hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and a warm community spirit. Be led by a young local piper where the village will be lit up with a sparkling torchlit procession. Torches available from 6pm for £5 each. All proceeds support Abernethy Primary School.
- Starts at Lynstock Crescent
- 31st December from 6pm
Markets
Blairgowrie Farmers and Producers Market
The Blairgowrie Farmers and Producers Market is run to promote local produce where use of fossil fuels in transportation and wasteful packaging are kept to a minimum.
We want to create a friendly and accessible environment where everyone is welcome. The market is also a great opportunity to showcase local produce and locally made food and drink, while promoting the relationships between all members of the community including the general public, shoppers, businesses and visitors.
- Blairgowrie Wellmeadow
- Last Saturday of every month (and the lsat Saturday before Christmas in December)
- Friday 6th December 2025
Cairngorm Farmers Market
A regular market selling fresh, locally produced foods and unique quality crafts from within the Cairngorms National Park and the surrounding area.
- The Square, Grantown on Spey
- Held on the first Sunday of the month
Logie Steading Christmas Market
Festive market showcasing local growers, producers and makers of food, crafts or artisan products in the delightful setting of Logie Steading.
- Logie Steading
- 7th & 8th December 2025
Highland Games
Braemar Gathering
For many this is the highlight of Scotland’s Highland Games events as it is attended by a senior member of the Royal Family. It is believed the origins of the ancient form of Highland Games may have originated in Braemar when King Malcolm III is said to have held a hill race up Creag Choinnich to find the fastest people to be his Royal messengers.
- The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar
- Held on the first Saturday in September
- Booking is essential
Abernethy Highland Games
Held on the Games Field in the centre of Nethy Bridge on the second Saturday of August, they are one of the oldest Games in the country. Known as the ”Friendly Games” the Abernethy Highland Games are famous for the Massed Bands march around the arena and for being the annual Clan Grant Gathering.
- Nethy Bridge Games Field
- Held on the 2nd Saturday in August
Newtonmore Highland Games
A traditional Highland Games event featuring heavy competitions such as toss the caber, bagpipe and highland dancing competitions and the Creag Dubh hill race.
- An t’Eilean, Newtonmore
- Held on the 1st Saturday in August
Grantown Show
This family-friendly agricultural event features cattle, sheep and horse judging as well as vintage vehicles, a craft tent, fun fair and trade stands.
- Heathfield Park, Grantown on Spey
- Second Thursday in August
Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games
The annual Games, a blend of spectacle and fun, take place in Blairgowrie in September in beautiful Perthshire.
- Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie
- Held on the Sunday after the first Saturday in September
Fitness Events
Speyside Triathlon
Based in the stunning Cairngorms National Park in the secluded village of Kincraig, this friendly and welcoming triathlon is for athletes of all levels.
- Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
- 28th June 2026
Aviemore Half Marathon
The Aviemore Half Marathon and 10k for all – two jaw-droppingly scenic courses set amongst the atmospheric backdrop of the Cairngorms. Both races start and finish at Badaguish, taking you on spectacular routes using off-road trails through the beautiful forest, loch and mountain scenery of Glenmore Forest Park.
Provisional dates:
- Half Marathon – 4th October 2025
- 10km – 5th October 2025
Parkrun Aviemore
Aviemore Parkrun is a scenic 5K run held every Saturday morning in the Cairngorms National Park. The route follows a picturesque out-and-back trail through woodland paths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s mostly flat with a gentle incline on the return, offering a peaceful and friendly atmosphere for runners of all levels.
Every Saturday at 9.30am
Speyside Way
Why book with us?
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