What’s On in Ballater in 2026
Ballater Events Calendar 2026: This is your month-by-month guide to the latest confirmed events in Ballater and Royal Deeside for 2026 — including Highland Games, farmers’ markets, running races and festivals.
Last updated: January 2026. Always double-check organiser websites closer to the date, as times and programmes can change.
FEBRUARY
Snow Running (Glenshee)
Saturday 28th February 2026
Time: Evening start (exact wave times TBC).
Location: Glenshee Ski Centre (near Braemar / Ballater).
Who is it for: Trail runners looking for a winter challenge (short & long course options).
Description: A unique sunset-to-night trail run on compacted piste snow — headtorches, winter views and a brilliant Highland atmosphere.
Further Information: Snow Running (official)
MARCH
A quieter month in Ballater
Throughout March 2026
What to expect: March is typically calmer in Ballater, making it ideal for peaceful walks, cosy pub lunches and uncrowded sightseeing.
Local tip: Look out for pop-up charity events, ceilidhs and community nights on local noticeboards and Facebook groups.
Need ideas? Explore 21 things to do in Ballater for seasonal inspiration.
APRIL
Run Balmoral
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th April 2026
Time: Races run from late morning into the afternoon (see organiser schedule).
Location: Balmoral Estate, near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB.
Who is it for: All abilities — kids’ races plus 5K/10K on Saturday; 6-mile and 15-mile trail races on Sunday.
Description: One of Scotland’s most scenic running events, set on the Balmoral Estate with a friendly crowd, great medals and a family-focused event village.
Further Information: Run Balmoral (official) | Balmoral Castle (official)
Ballater Farmers’ Market (season starts)
Saturday 25th April 2026 (then every 4th Saturday, April–November)
Time: Usually 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Location: Ballater Church Green (village centre).
Who is it for: Locals and visitors who love fresh produce, artisan food and handmade crafts.
Description: A friendly open-air market showcasing local producers — ideal for stocking up on homebakes, preserves, gifts and picnic treats during your stay in Royal Deeside.
Further Information: Visit Cairngorms – Ballater Farmers’ Market
MAY
Ballater Golf Week
Saturday 9th – Friday 15th May 2026
Time: Daily competitions (often daytime) plus evening socials (programme varies).
Location: Ballater Golf Club, Victoria Road, Ballater AB35 5QX.
Who is it for: Golf enthusiasts — visitors welcome.
Description: A week of friendly competitions and classic Deeside hospitality, with plenty of reason to stay a few nights and enjoy Ballater between rounds.
Further Information: Ballater Golf Club (official)
Ballater Walking Festival
Saturday 16th – Friday 22nd May 2026
Time: Walk start times vary by route/day; evening socials may run on selected nights.
Location: Ballater & the Cairngorms National Park (walks typically depart from Ballater).
Who is it for: All abilities — from gentle guided walks to challenging hill days.
Description: One of the best ways to explore Royal Deeside: guided routes, local knowledge, and a great social atmosphere across the week.
Further Information: Ballater Walking Festival (official)
JUNE
Ballater Duck Festival & Gala
Sunday 7th June 2026
Time: Festival from late morning; Giant Duck Race typically at 3:00pm (confirm on the organiser page).
Location: Ballater Church Green & River Dee.
Who is it for: Everyone — especially families (stalls, food, kids’ activities and community fun).
Description: Ballater’s most delightfully quirky day out: twelve giant inflatable ducks “race” down the Dee, plus a proper village festival atmosphere on the Green.
Further Information: Ballater Community Trust (official)
JULY
Summer in Ballater
Throughout July 2026
Events: July is often lighter on big one-off festivals in Ballater itself — perfect if you want long summer days for walking, cycling, golf and relaxed Deeside exploring.
What to do instead: riverside walks, Glen Muick days, Lochnagar views, castle visits, and slow mornings in the cafés.
Need ideas? Discover our handpicked list of 21 things to do in Ballater.
AUGUST
Aboyne Highland Games
Saturday 1st August 2026
Time: Competitions usually begin late morning (often around 10:30am).
Location: Aboyne Green, AB34 5EJ (around 10 miles from Ballater).
Who is it for: Anyone wanting a classic, traditional Highland Games day out near Ballater.
Description: Heavy events, piping, dancing, races, stalls and a great summer Games atmosphere in the heart of Royal Deeside.
Further Information: Aboyne Highland Games (official)
Ballater Victoria Week
Saturday 8th – Sunday 16th August 2026
Time: Daily programme varies (morning–evening).
Location: Across Ballater (including Victoria & Albert Halls and the village greens).
Who is it for: Families, visitors and locals — there’s usually something happening every day.
Description: Ballater’s biggest community festival week, with a full programme of fundraising fun, family-friendly events and classic village celebrations.
Further Information: Ballater Victoria Week (official)
Ballater Highland Games
Thursday 13th August 2026
Time: Gates typically open around 10:00am (confirm on the organiser page).
Location: Monaltrie Park, Ballater, AB35 5NN.
Who is it for: Everyone — a must-see Royal Deeside tradition.
Description: A classic Highland gathering with heavyweight events, track races, piping, Highland dancing, trade stands and a brilliant community atmosphere.
Further Information: Ballater Highland Games (official)
Lonach Highland Gathering & Games
Saturday 22nd August 2026
Time: From late morning (the famous March is earlier).
Location: Bellabeg Park, Strathdon, AB36 8UL (around 25 miles from Ballater).
Who is it for: Visitors keen to experience one of Scotland’s most atmospheric Highland gatherings.
Description: Expect the dramatic March of the Lonach Highlanders, plus a full Games programme in a spectacular glen setting.
Further Information: Lonach (official)
SEPTEMBER
Braemar Gathering
Saturday 5th September 2026
Time: Daytime programme (typically morning through afternoon).
Location: Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar.
Who is it for: Highland Games fans, first-timers and anyone wanting a bucket-list Royal Deeside day out.
Description: The most famous one-day Highland Games in Scotland — big atmosphere, world-class competition and huge demand for tickets.
Further Information: Braemar Gathering (official)
Thrive Ballater Bike Festival
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September 2026
Time: Weekend schedule varies (talks/film, expo, demos, rides; exact times released nearer the date).
Location: Ballater & local trails (Royal Deeside).
Who is it for: Mountain bikers, gravel riders, families and bike-curious visitors (inclusive vibe).
Description: A big weekend of demo bikes, guided rides, festival vibes and family activities — with Royal Deeside scenery as the backdrop.
Further Information: Thrive Ballater (official)
OCTOBER
Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K (expected)
Expected: Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th October 2026 (date TBC)
Time: Morning starts (varies by race).
Location: Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore (Glenmore Forest Park).
Who is it for: Runners of all levels — scenic forest routes on trails.
Description: A popular autumn race weekend in the Cairngorms (always confirm once organisers publish the official 2026 listing).
Further Information: Badaguish (official)
The Illuminator Night Trail Race
Saturday 24th October 2026
Time: Evening starts after dark (waves vary).
Location: Glen Tanar Estate, near Aboyne (Royal Deeside).
Who is it for: Runners and walkers up for a headtorch night adventure (8K / 15K / 15-mile).
Description: Scotland’s original mass-participation night trail run — glowing markers through ancient pinewoods, fire pits and a buzzing finish village atmosphere.
Further Information: Illuminator Run (official)
Little & Big Ballaween (date TBC)
Late October 2026 (exact date TBC)
Time: Typically an early session for toddlers/under-5s, then a later disco for primary-age kids.
Location: Ballater halls (Victoria & Albert Halls).
Who is it for: Families visiting Ballater around Halloween.
Description: Costumes, music, games and a safe, fun Halloween celebration for local kids (visitors welcome where tickets allow).
Further Information: Visit Ballater – Events
NOVEMBER
Vintage, Antique & Collectables Fair (date TBC)
Likely late November 2026
Time: Typically daytime (often around 10:00am–3:00pm).
Location: Victoria & Albert Halls, Ballater.
Who is it for: Treasure-hunters, collectors and gift shoppers.
Description: If the indoor market returns, expect antiques, vintage finds and collectables — great for Christmas browsing and unique souvenirs.
Further Information: Visit Ballater – Events
Ballater Winter Festival (expected)
Expected: Saturday 28th November 2026 (date TBC)
Time: Daytime into evening (lights switch-on usually late afternoon/early evening).
Location: Across Ballater (Church Green + Victoria & Albert Halls).
Who is it for: Families, festive-season fans and Christmas market lovers.
Description: Ballater’s big festive kick-off typically includes a Christmas market, music, kids’ activities and the village lights switch-on (full programme released nearer the time).
Further Information: Ballater Winter Festival (official)
DECEMBER
Traditional music nights (dates TBC)
Throughout December 2026
Time: Evenings (varies).
Location: Often hosted at local pubs/hotels (e.g. Balmoral Arms).
Who is it for: Anyone who enjoys live folk music in a cosy Highland setting.
Description: Keep an eye out for trad sessions, festive singalongs and pub events — a brilliant way to experience Ballater in winter.
Further Information: Visit Ballater – Events
Festive markets & community events
Throughout December 2026
Time: Various (announced locally).
Location: Victoria & Albert Halls, churches, schools and venues around Ballater.
Who is it for: Families, festive shoppers and anyone chasing Christmas atmosphere.
Description: Expect craft markets, school concerts, carol services, charity coffee mornings and pop-up community events in the lead-up to Christmas.
Further Information: Visit Ballater – Events
Ballater Farmers’ Market (Ongoing)
Fourth Saturday of the Month: April – November 2026
Time: Usually 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Location: Ballater Church Green (central village).
Who is it for: Foodies, families and anyone looking for local produce and gifts.
Description: A friendly open-air market showcasing producers and makers from around Deeside — a perfect Saturday morning plan during your Ballater stay.
Further Information: Visit Cairngorms – Ballater Farmers’ Market
Important Notes
- Always confirm details: dates and times can change — especially for outdoor events.
- Plan ahead for peak weekends: August (Highland Games + Victoria Week) and early September (Braemar) can book up quickly for accommodation, dining and parking.
- Pack for all seasons: layers, a rain jacket (even in summer), and warm gear for night events like Snow Running and the Illuminator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tickets in advance?
Some events are free to attend (farmers’ markets, village festivals), while others require tickets or registration (Highland Games tickets, race entries, bike festival activities). When in doubt, use the organiser links above.
Is Ballater family-friendly?
Yes — Ballater is brilliant for families. The Duck Festival, Winter Festival and Victoria Week are especially popular, and October often brings kid-focused Halloween events.
Where can I find last-minute updates?
Check the organiser links above, plus Visit Ballater – Events for rolling updates and smaller community happenings.
