Events

As Skye is famous for its beautiful outdoors, its no surprise that there are a wide range of active events on offer. Race Dunvegan takes place in March 2025 – choose a 10k or 5k route through the magnificent grounds of Dunvegan Castle and stunning woodlands of the Estate.  

This is followed by the Isle of Skye Half Marathon in June 2025, giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself while running a 13.1 mile loop through breathtaking scenery. 

Next up is the Staffin Triathlon & 10k Run in August 2025 – swim in dramatic Staffin Bay, bike and run close to some of Skye’s most famous landmarks!

For those who would rather spectate, the Isle of Skye Highland Games take place in August 2025, with traditional events such as piping and Highland dancing, with lots going on alongside in local bars. You can also visit the Lochcarron Highland Games nearby on the mainland, taking place in July 2025. 

For more traditional events, try the Skye Agriculture Show taking place in August 2025, which includes competitions, demonstrations, pipe bands, highland dancers and fun attractions for all the family. 

If you’re interested in live music, Skye Live takes place in May 2025 – a well established and picturesque music festival in Portree featuring the best in Scottish contemporary folk music.

July 2025 also sees the return of Drams In The Field in Glenelg – take the original turntable ferry over from Skye and enjoy local bands and artists, practise sessions and workshops, where you can learn fiddle, accordion, guitar, songwriting and dance.

You can find live music events all year round – SEALL have a year round programme of events including the Festival of Small Halls. You can also hear the Skye Pipe Band in action every week in the square in the summer.  Many pubs and village halls hold regular music sessions throughout the year, especially in the summer months.

Làs Port Righ offers a cinema showing new releases, or see ‘A Skye Story’ for an overview of the islands history. There are also regular events with national names in music, drama, comedy and literature taking place year round. Or if you prefer a unique cinematic experience, check out where the Screen Machine is visiting – this mobile cinema travels around the Highlands giving rural areas the opportunity to see a varied programme of films right on their doorstep.

A few dates to note in Scottish calendar include:

25th January, Burn’s Night, marks the birth of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, and many hotels and restaurants, as well as families at home, will be enjoying a haggis as part of their Burns Supper.

31st October is known as Halloween and celebrated in many countries! It’s origins are in the Celtic festival of Samhain and is a great excuse for some ghoulish fun!

5th November is Bonfire Night. is our uniquely British response to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605!  Traditional events include fireworks and the burning of the guy.  Any resemblance to the Wicker Man is purely co-incidental!

30th November, St Andrew’s Day celebrates the Patron Saint of Scotland and is a bank holiday for many in the country.

31st December is Hogmanay and it is by far our most popular evening of celebrations! A visit at this time of year will undoubtedly involve a fair few drams of whisky and traditional music. Go “first footing” and meet your neighbours whilst taking a gift of clootie dumpling and a lump of coal for their fire with you! A number of local halls will have bands playing either on the night, or in the run up to it, and stumbling into one can be a highlight of anyone’s holiday!