The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and home to spectacular mountains, forests, rivers, and lochs. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural traditions, or family-friendly fun, there’s a host of events taking place throughout 2025. Below you’ll find a month-by-month guide to what’s on, along with details on how to get more information and contact event organizers. Be sure to check back regularly for any scheduling updates or changes.
Jump to the month you want to find out what’s on in the Cairngorms National Park
- March 2025
- April 2025
- May 2025
- June 2025
- July 2025
- August 2025
- September 2025
- October 2025
- November 2025
- December 2025
March 2025
UpBattle Splitboarding Weekend – 15–16 March 2025, 8:00–16:00
Location: Cairngorm Mountain Resort (Base Station), Aviemore.
A two-day splitboarding festival with demo gear, backcountry workshops, and a fun “Le Mans” style race – all in support of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
More Info: Details on the organizers’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Contact: Cairngorm Mountain team or the event’s Facebook page.
“Riverwoods” Documentary Screening – 27 March 2025, 19:30–21:00
Location: Osprey Room, Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey.
A free public screening of Riverwoods – An Untold Story, spotlighting the intertwined fate of Scotland’s wild salmon and forests.
More Info: Hosted by the Grantown community (see Grantown Online).
Contact: Grant Arms Hotel (Tel. 01479 873279).
“Wader Welcome” Conservation Event – 29 March 2025, 14:00–18:00
Location: Highland Wildlife Park (Learning Hive), Kincraig.
A free event celebrating the start of the wading bird breeding season. Includes wader-themed arts and crafts, expert talks, poetry, and live music.
More Info: Booking via Eventbrite (Highland Wildlife Park website).
Contact: [email protected].
“Mum and Me” Wildlife Park Tour – 30 March 2025, 11:00–13:00
Location: Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.
A special Mother’s Day tour focusing on animal moms and their young. Ticket includes full-day park entry.
More Info: Book via Eventbrite (see Wildlife Park’s website).
Contact: [email protected].
Ongoing Local Gatherings (March)
Weekly health walks, pub quizzes, and traditional music sessions take place across the region. Check local notice boards or Facebook pages (e.g., The Winking Owl in Aviemore, Old Bridge Inn, or Ben Mhor in Grantown).
April 2025
Easter Fun at Landmark Adventure Park – 31 March – 21 April 2025 (daily 10:00–16:30)
Location: Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge (PH23 3AJ).
Enjoy Easter-themed activities, including an egg hunt, kids’ crafts, and a chance to meet Peter Rabbit™.
More Info: landmarkpark.co.uk (standard entry tickets apply).
Contact: Tel. 01479 841613 or via park contact form.
Egg-stravaganza Easter Trail – 5–20 April 2025, 10:00–16:00 daily
Location: Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig (PH21 1NL).
Follow a self-guided Easter egg trail and earn a small prize. Trail sheets cost £2 and support RZSS conservation.
More Info: Included with park entry; see HWP website.
Contact: [email protected].
“Bunnies & Buns” Easter Breakfast – 19 April 2025, 09:00–10:30
Location: Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.
Family breakfast with Easter crafts and a special appearance by Peter Rabbit™. Ticket includes park admission.
More Info: Booking via Eventbrite (linked on HWP site).
Contact: [email protected].
Run Balmoral 2025 – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April 2025
Location: Balmoral Castle Estate, Ballater (AB35 5TB).
A weekend of running events including 5K, 10K, and junior races set against the iconic backdrop of Balmoral Castle.
More Info: runbalmoral.com.
Contact: Via the website or call Balmoral Estate.
Additional April Events
Check local calendars for Easter fairs, spring markets, and ceilidh nights in Kingussie, Grantown, and other communities.
May 2025
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – 30 April – 5 May 2025
Location: Various venues across Speyside.
One of the largest whisky festivals worldwide, with tours, tastings, masterclasses, and events at 80+ venues.
More Info: spiritofspeyside.com.
Contact: Festival website or local distillery visitor centers.
Nethy Bridge Spring Gathering – Sunday 4 May 2025, 12:30–16:30
Location: Playing Fields, Nethy Bridge (PH25 3DA).
Village fair featuring local clubs, food stalls, crafts, and live music.
More Info: See Nethy Bridge community website.
Contact: Nethy Bridge Community Centre (Tel. 01479 821400).
Grantown “Try Tri” – Sunday 18 May 2025
Location: Grantown-on-Spey (venue TBC).
Beginner-friendly mini triathlon with options for all ages and abilities.
More Info: try-tri.co.uk.
Contact: Via the Try Tri website or local leisure center.
Atholl Gathering & Highland Games – Sunday 25 May 2025
Location: Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.
Experience caber tossing, Highland dancing, piping, and the Atholl Highlanders’ Parade in a stunning castle setting.
More Info: atholl-estates.co.uk.
Contact: Blair Castle Visitor Services (Tel. 01796 481207).
Blair Castle Trail Weekender – Fri 30 May – Sun 1 June 2025
Location: Blair Castle & Estate, Blair Atholl.
A 3-day festival of trail running, with multiple race distances, camping, live music, and more.
More Info: blaircastletrailweekender.co.uk.
Contact: Event website or Blair Castle’s events team.
Cairngorms Ultra – Saturday 31 May 2025
Location: Mar Lodge Estate to Glenmore.
A 60 km ultramarathon through the Cairngorms wilderness.
More Info: highterrainevents.co.uk.
Contact: High Terrain Events.
June 2025
Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival – 13–23 June 2025
Location: Across the Moray region and foothills of the Cairngorms.
Includes guided walks, hikes, canoe trips, and workshops for all fitness levels.
More Info: moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk.
Contact: Moray Way Association or local tourist offices.
Kingussie Bikeathon – Sunday 15 June 2025
Location: Kingussie (scenic routes through Badenoch).
Family-friendly cycle event with refreshment stops, not a race.
More Info: Usually posted on the Cycle Friendly Kingussie Facebook page.
Contact: Organizers via Facebook or local info boards.
Fitness at 58° Speyside Triathlon – Sunday 22 June 2025
Location: Loch Insh, Kincraig.
A sprint triathlon around the stunning setting of Loch Insh (swim, bike, run).
More Info: fitnessat58.co.uk.
Contact: Loch Insh Centre (Tel. 01540 651272).
Lairig Ghru Hill Race (50th Anniversary) – Sunday 29 June 2025
Location: Braemar to Aviemore via the Lairig Ghru.
A legendary 43 km mountain run celebrating its 50th anniversary.
More Info: deesiderunners.com.
Contact: Deeside Runners.
Braemar Junior Highland Games – Saturday 7 June 2025
Location: The Games Park, Braemar (AB35 5YX).
Highland Games for younger participants, featuring piping, dancing, and athletic events.
More Info: rshga.org.
Contact: Braemar Highland Games office.
Ballater Duck Festival – Sunday 1 June 2025, 10:00–16:00
Location: Village Green, Ballater (AB35 5NE).
Duck races on the River Dee, plus a gala atmosphere with stalls, kids’ rides, and music.
More Info: visitballater.com.
Contact: Ballater VIC or [email protected].
July 2025
Tomintoul & Strath Avon Highland Games – Saturday 19 July 2025, from 11:00
Location: Public Games Park, Tomintoul (AB37 9EG).
Traditional Highland Games set in one of Scotland’s highest-altitude villages.
More Info: tomintoulhighlandgames.co.uk.
Contact: Tomintoul Games Committee.
Grinduro Scotland – 18–20 July 2025
Location: Based in Kingussie, with gravel/enduro bike routes nearby.
Part race, part festival, featuring timed stages, music, camping, and more.
More Info: grinduro.com.
Contact: Grinduro organizers.
Glen Tanar Trail Running Festival – 26–27 July 2025
Location: Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne.
A weekend of trail races, guided walks, possibly a BBQ or ceilidh in a scenic estate.
More Info: glentanartrailrunningfestival.co.uk.
Contact: Organizers via official site.
Tomintoul Motorcycle Gathering – Early July 2025 (Dates TBC)
Location: Tomintoul Village Green and surrounds.
Motorcycle rally with scenic ride-outs, live music, and a friendly biking community vibe.
More Info: Local community pages.
Contact: Gathering committee via Facebook or The Glen Avon Hotel.
Cairngorms Ceilidh Trail – July–August 2025 (multiple dates, venues)
A travelling music trail featuring young traditional musicians in pubs, village halls, and public squares.
More Info: feisspe.org (Fèis Spè).
Contact: Fèis Spè or local listings.
August 2025
Newtonmore Highland Games – Saturday 2 August 2025
Location: The Eilan, Newtonmore.
Traditional heavy events, dancing, piping, and the Clan Macpherson Rally.
More Info: newtonmorehighlandgames.com.
Contact: Newtonmore Games Secretary.
Clan Grant International Gathering – 3–10 August 2025
Location: Various sites in Strathspey (base at Duthil).
A week celebrating Clan Grant history, culminating at the Abernethy Highland Games.
More Info: clangrant.org.
Contact: Clan Grant Centre or the Society.
Abernethy Highland Games – Saturday 9 August 2025, from 10:00
Location: Games Field, Nethy Bridge (PH25 3DA).
One of Scotland’s oldest and most welcoming Highland Games.
More Info: nethybridge.com.
Contact: Abernethy Highland Games Committee.
Ballater Victoria Week – 9–17 August 2025
Location: Ballater, Royal Deeside.
Nine days of parades, duck races, scarecrow trails, crafts, live music, and more.
More Info: ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk.
Contact: [email protected].
Ballater Highland Games – Thursday 14 August 2025
Location: Monaltrie Park, Ballater (AB35 5NN).
Traditional Highland Games in Royal Deeside, sometimes attended by members of the Royal Family.
More Info: ballaterhighlandgames.com.
Contact: Games Committee or Ballater Visitor Centre.
The Grantown Show – Mid-August 2025 (TBC)
Location: Heathfield Park, Grantown-on-Spey.
Agricultural show featuring livestock, horses, crafts, and a carnival atmosphere.
More Info: grantownshow.com.
Contact: Show Secretary or local NFU branch.
Lonach Highland Gathering & Games – Saturday 23 August 2025
Location: Bellabeg Park, Strathdon.
Known for the march of the Lonach Highlanders, a unique and historic procession.
More Info: lonach.org.
Contact: Lonach Society.
Thunder in the Glens 2025 – Fri 22 – Mon 25 August 2025
Location: Macdonald Aviemore Resort, plus ride-outs across the region.
Europe’s biggest Harley-Davidson rally, with parades, live music, and a major party atmosphere.
More Info: dunedinhog.com.
Contact: Dunedin HOG or Aviemore Resort events team.
Cairngorm to Coast (C2C) – Saturday 23 August 2025
Location: From the Cairngorm Mountains to Moray Coast.
A 100 km hike-and-bike charity challenge raising funds for Outfit Moray.
More Info: outfitmoray.com.
Contact: Outfit Moray (Tel. 01343 549571).
Carve Carrbridge (Chainsaw Carving Championship) – Saturday 30 August 2025, 09:45–17:00
Location: Village Hall Field, Carrbridge.
Watch top chainsaw artists create wood sculptures in just a few hours.
More Info: carvecarrbridge.com.
Contact: Carrbridge Community Council or event organizers.
September 2025
Braemar Gathering (Royal Highland Gathering) – Saturday 6 September 2025
Location: The Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar.
Scotland’s most famous Highland Games, attended by the Royal Family.
More Info: braemargathering.org.
Contact: Braemar Gathering office.
The Glenmore 24 Trail Race – Starts Saturday 6 September 2025
Location: Glenmore Forest, near Aviemore.
A 24-hour (or 12-hour) endurance run around a 4-mile loop, known for its festive atmosphere at night.
More Info: Check BAM Racing or runyarocket.com.
Contact: Organizers via their sites.
Go Swim Loch Morlich – Saturday 13 September 2025
Location: Loch Morlich, Glenmore.
Open-water swim event in a stunning loch with sandy beaches, various distance options.
More Info: go-swim.uk.
Contact: GO Swim via their website.
Aviemore Triathlon – Sunday 14 September 2025
Location: Loch Morlich & Glenmore Forest, Aviemore.
Swim in Loch Morlich, cycle (road or MTB category), then run through forest trails.
More Info: durtyevents.com.
Contact: Durty Events or Badaguish Outdoor Centre.
World Porridge Championships (“Golden Spurtle”) – Saturday 4 October 2025
Location: Carrbridge, but see October listing below.
October 2025
Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K – Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October 2025
Location: Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Glenmore.
A popular running weekend in the autumn colors of the Cairngorms, with a 10K and half marathon.
More Info: aviemorehalfmarathon.org.
Contact: Badaguish Outdoor Centre.
Golden Spurtle – World Porridge Making Championship – Saturday 4 October 2025
Location: Village Hall, Carrbridge.
Competitors from around the world compete to make the best porridge and win the coveted Golden Spurtle.
More Info: goldenspurtle.com.
Contact: Organizing committee via the website.
The Illuminator Night Trail Race – Saturday 25 October 2025
Location: Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne.
Night trail running event with headtorches, forest paths, and mesmerizing light installations.
More Info: illuminatorrun.co.uk.
Contact: Firetrail Events.
Food & Fiddle Fortnight – mid-late October 2025 (dates TBC)
Location: Royal Deeside and surrounding Cairngorms communities.
A celebration of local cuisine and traditional music, with themed dinners, farmers’ markets, and fiddle sessions.
More Info: Check local event calendars, visitcairngorms.com, or VisitScotland.
Contact: Individual venues or local tourism offices.
Braemar Creative Arts Festival – late October 2025 (TBC)
Location: Braemar (various venues).
Workshops and performances celebrating art, music, photography, and Gaelic culture.
More Info: braemarcreativearts.co.uk.
Contact: Festival committee via their site.
November 2025
Dava Way 50K Ultra – Saturday 8 November 2025
Location: Grantown-on-Spey to Forres (along the Dava Way).
A 50 km trail ultramarathon following an old railway line, ideal for first-time ultra runners.
More Info: moraywayultras.com.
Contact: Moray Way Ultras or Forres Harriers.
Glen Clova Half Marathon – Late November 2025 (Date TBC)
Location: Glen Clova, Angus (edge of the Cairngorms).
A picturesque, sometimes chilly half marathon with undulating roads in a mountain glen.
More Info: forfarroadrunners.co.uk.
Contact: Forfar Road Runners.
Fireworks Night & Bonfire – Around 5 November 2025
Location: Aviemore (largest display) and other towns.
Bonfire Night celebrations with fireworks, typically around 5 November or the nearest weekend.
More Info: Check community posters in late October.
Contact: Aviemore Business Association or local councils.
Exclusively Highlands Christmas Fair – mid-November 2025 (dates TBC)
Location: Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.
A festive market with high-quality crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.
More Info: exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk.
Contact: Exclusively Highlands or Blair Castle Events.
Ballater Winter Festival – Friday 28 & Saturday 29 November 2025
Location: Ballater Village.
Festival to launch the Christmas season, with markets, music, Santa’s Grotto, and more.
More Info: visitballater.com or social media.
Contact: [email protected].
Cairngorm Ski Club Annual Sale – November 2025 (TBC)
Location: Aviemore Community Centre.
Buy or sell second-hand snowsports equipment before the new ski season.
More Info: cairngormskiclub.co.uk.
Contact: Cairngorm Ski Club.
December 2025
Christmas Eve Carols & Parades – 24 December 2025
Location: Various towns (Grantown, Aviemore, etc.).
Communities gather for candlelit carols, sometimes with a nativity tableau and brass bands.
More Info: Check local church notices or social media.
Contact: Local churches or community councils.
Santa and Reindeer in Ballater – 24 December 2025 (afternoon)
Location: Ballater village center.
Santa arrives with real Cairngorm reindeer, greeting children in the heart of Ballater.
More Info: visitballater.com.
Contact: Ballater Business Association or local Tourist Office.
Torchlight Parade, Grantown – 30 December 2025 (evening)
Location: Grantown-on-Spey.
A torchlight procession through town, ending with a bonfire or fireworks. Torches sold in aid of local charities.
More Info: visitgrantown.co.uk.
Contact: Grantown Rotary or Grantown Initiative.
Strathspey Santa Express (Heritage Railway) – Weekends in December
Location: Strathspey Steam Railway (departs Aviemore).
Festive steam train rides with Santa, mince pies, and holiday decor, perfect for families.
More Info: strathspeyrailway.co.uk.
Contact: Tel. 01479 810725.
Aviemore Christmas Pantomime – Late December 2025
Location: Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Family-friendly panto performances throughout the holiday season.
More Info: macdonaldhotels.co.uk (Aviemore Resort).
Contact: Resort Box Office.
Hogmanay Celebrations – 31 December 2025
Location: Throughout the Park (Aviemore, Braemar, Grantown, etc.).
Street parties, ceilidhs, and fireworks to ring in the New Year Scottish-style.
More Info: Local event listings or visitcairngorms.com.
Contact: Local tourism groups or community councils.
Note: Event times and dates may be subject to change. Always confirm with organizers or check official listings before attending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. How do I find updated event details if something changes?
Always check the official event website or contact the organizers directly. Local tourism offices and community social media pages are also excellent sources for last-minute updates. - 2. What if the weather is bad?
Outdoor events in the Cairngorms may be canceled or rescheduled due to extreme weather. Check forecasts and event announcements beforehand, and pack appropriately if you plan to attend. - 3. Is public transport readily available to these events?
Major towns like Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, and Kingussie have bus and rail links. However, more remote events may require a car or pre-arranged transport. Consider carpooling or local taxi services if necessary. - 4. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
It depends on the event. Popular festivals (e.g., Braemar Gathering, Spirit of Speyside) and limited-capacity activities (workshops, guided tours) often require advance booking. Check the event’s info page for ticket details. - 5. Are these events family-friendly?
Most Highland Games, local fairs, and wildlife park activities are suitable for all ages. Larger events like Thunder in the Glens or late-night ceilidhs may be more adult-oriented, but families often attend daytime portions. - 6. Can I bring my dog?
Many outdoor events welcome dogs on leads, but indoor venues and wildlife parks often have restrictions. Check individual event or venue rules. - 7. What is the best season to visit for events?
Events run year-round. Summer (June–August) is busiest with Highland Games, while spring and autumn also offer fantastic festivals. Winter has Christmas markets, Hogmanay, and snow sports events. - 8. Where can I stay during these events?
Accommodation ranges from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering lodges and campsites. Book early for major events. For local listings, check visitcairngorms.com or local tourism boards. - 9. Is there parking available at these venues?
Most sites offer free or paid parking, but it can fill up quickly on peak days. Car sharing or using public transport can help. Some events provide overflow parking or shuttle services. - 10. How can I learn more about the Cairngorms National Park itself?
Visit the official Cairngorms National Park Authority website for information on the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Local ranger services also offer guided walks and advice.
