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.
- 30th August 2025
The 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
- 2025 dates TBC
Thunder in the Glens
The streets of Aviemore and the surrounding villages rumble with the sound of Harleys over this weekend as the Dunedin Chapter Harley Davidson club comes to town. Many bars and pubs put on live music from Thursday to Sunday giving Aviemore a real lively buzz!
- Aviemore
- 22-24th August 2025
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Spirit of Speyside organise some of the world’s premier whisky events and is delighted to welcome guests from across the globe to visit our world-renowned whisky distilleries and take in our stunning landscapes.
- Various locations in Speyside
- 30th April – 5th May 2025
Guy Fawkes Fireworks Display
The Cairngorm Hotel in the heart of Aviemore puts on a spectacular fireworks display on Guy Fawkes night.
- Cairngorm Hotel
- 5th November
Seasonal Events
Santa Train
Create enchanted memories for all the family with a festive steam ride on the Santa Train at Strathspey Railway – The home of Highland Steam. Steaming through the beautiful Cairngorm National Park, entertained by festive elves and a visit from the man himself Santa Claus!
- Strathspey Steam Railway
- 30th August 2025
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
New Year Fireworks
Join the Hogmanay celebrations at the annual fireworks display at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore.
- Cairngorm Hotel
- 31st December
Grantown-on-Spey Hogmanay Street Party
Join the locals in Grantown for the renowned Hogmanay Street Party, one of the largest Hogmanay gatherings in the Highlands! There will be live music, food and drinks, ceildih music and fireworks.
- The Square, Grantown-on-Spey
- 31st December from 11pm
Newtonmore Hogmanay Torchlight Procession and Firework Display
Newtonmore hosts an impressively spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, with a torch parade, bagpipes and fireworks. Nibble on shortbread washed down with a lovely warming dram of whisky while you celebrate with locals and visitors alike.
- Starts outside the Balavil Hotel
- 31st December from 11.30pm
Markets
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
Boat of Garten Christmas Market
A showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that the Cairngorms National Park has to offer. The treats available will include delightful nibbles, handcrafted jewellery, artwork, cards, and much more
- Friday 6th December 2025
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 last Saturday before Christmas in December)
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
Loch Morlich Running Festival
New year, new goals. Why not kickstart the year with the UK’s most scenic running route?
5km and 10km routes.
- Loch Morlich, Hayfield Glenmore
- Saturday 4th January 2025
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
- 22nd June 2025
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
Why book with us?
At Great North Lodges we approve lodges before we list them. Our team of real people work to deliver the best support and booking experience possible.
