Local Events

Finzean, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Scotland, is a vibrant hub of cultural activities and community gatherings. Whether you're visiting or a local, you'll find a variety of events this summer, from the quirky Ballater Duck Race to the popular Highland Games.

The Aboyne Farmer’s Market is held on the second Saturday of each month from April through October, with stalls on Aboyne Green from about 10 am to 2 pm featuring fresh local produce, artisan foods and craft goods.

The Banchory Farmer’s Market takes place on the third Saturday of every month at Bellfield Car Park in Banchory, typically running from 9 am to 1 pm, offering seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves and more.

In Ballater, the local farmers’ market is usually on the fourth Saturday of the month (April–November) on Church Green, with traders selling local food, crafts and seasonal treats from mid-morning into the early afternoon.

Spring

  • 3 May

    Rallye at the River

    Milton of Crathes

    Enjoy a wide range of children’s entertainment, craft and trade stalls, autojumble stands, and delicious food and drink options throughout the day. Vehicle enthusiasts can explore an impressive display of cars, motorcycles, trucks and vans, with awards presented across a range of categories.

  • 16-22 May

    Ballater Walking Festival

    www.ballaterwalkingfestival.com

    A week of guided walks for all abilities, in and around Ballater and the Cairngorms National Park. Run by locals, we welcome participants from all over the globe. Many of our visitors return for the Festival year after year. Ballater Walking Festival was ranked in the top 10 walking festivals by the Guardian (2024) newspaper and is now in its 29th year.

  • 7 June

    Ballater Duck Festival

    Ballater

    ballatercommunitytrust.co.uk

    A family fun day on the village green and River Dee in Ballater. Starting from 11am, the festival features over 50 stalls, children’s rides and activities, music and local entertainment. The highlight is the quirky giant duck race at 3pm, when twelve inflatable ducks race downstream under the bridge.

Summer

  • 21 June

    Aberdeen Highland Games

    Hazlehead Park

    Experience one of the most lively Highland Games in the North-east at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. A highlight of the summer calendar, the event features traditional competitions such as running, tug-of-war, heavyweight field events, solo piping, pipe band contests, Highland dancing and more, alongside a dedicated family entertainment arena. With trade and charity stalls, refreshments and activities for all ages, it’s a fun and festive celebration of Scottish culture and community spirit.

  • 9-12 July

    Stonehaven Folk Festival

    Stonehaven

    stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

    Some of the best traditional and contemporary folk music. Concerts, ceilidh, sessions, singarounds, workshops. The famous Aqua Ceilidh and world Paper’n’Comb Championships!

  • 18-31 July

    Aboyne & Deeside Festival

    aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk

    A vibrant summer arts and culture festival across Royal Deeside, the Aboyne & Deeside Festival brings together music, theatre, talks, film, workshops and more at venues throughout Aboyne and the surrounding area. Events include classical and contemporary performances, outdoor theatre on Aboyne Green, community concerts, and a variety of creative and cultural experiences for all ages. Celebrating local talent and attracting visitors from near and far, it’s a highlight of the Deeside summer.

  • 19-24 July

    Royal Deeside Golf Week

    royaldeesidegolfweek.co.uk

    Royal Deeside Golf Week is a popular annual 72-hole Stableford competition played across four beautiful courses in Royal Deeside. Welcoming golfers of all abilities, the week combines friendly competition with stunning Highland scenery, social events, and the warm hospitality the area is known for, making it a highlight of the summer golfing calendar.

  • 25 July

    Banchory Show

    King George V Show Park, Banchory

    banchoryshow.co.uk

    A traditional agricultural show at King George V Show Park, Banchory, the Banchory Show is one of Royal Deeside’s most popular summer events. Organised by the Deeside Agricultural Association, it’s a fun family day out featuring livestock classes for cattle, sheep and horses; trade stands; craft and produce tents; children’s attractions; Highland dancing; and rural competitions celebrating farming life in Aberdeenshire.

  • 1 August

    Aboyne Highland Games

    Aboyne Green

    www.aboynegames.com

    One of Scotland’s most historic and celebrated Highland Games, the Aboyne Highland Games take place on Aboyne Green in the heart of Royal Deeside each year on the first Saturday in August. First established in 1867, this traditional gathering attracts competitors and visitors from across Scotland and beyond to enjoy a full programme of Highland sport and culture. Events include heavy and light field competitions, tug-o’-war, solo piping and massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, hill races and more, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. Throughout the day there are trade and food stalls, a fun fair, clan village exhibits and family entertainment, making it a fantastic celebration of Scottish heritage for all ages.

  • 9-17 August

    Ballater Victoria Week

    Ballater

    Ballater Victoria Week is a much-loved annual community festival held in Ballater each August, organised by local volunteers. Taking place alongside the Highland Games, the week features a wide range of family-friendly events including a scarecrow trail, duck race, dog show, hobby horse trials, discos and sporting activities. A lively celebration of community spirit, it also raises significant funds for local cause

  • 13 August

    Ballater Highland Games

    Monaltrie Park

    www.ballaterhighlandgames.com

    The Ballater Highland Games are a long-established Royal Deeside tradition held annually on the second Thursday in August at Monaltrie Park, Ballater. Dating back to 1864, these spirited Games celebrate Scottish culture with a full programme of events including heavy athletics (like caber tossing and hammer throw), running races, hill races, solo piping and massed pipe bands, Highland dancing and tug-o-war. Alongside the competitions are trade and craft stalls, food and drink vendors, a fairground and family entertainment, creating a lively day out for all ages in the beautiful setting of Ballater on Royal Deeside.

Autumn

  • 22 August

    Lonach Highland Gathering and Games

    www.lonach.org

    Scotland’s friendliest games! The Lonach Highland Gathering & Games is one of Scotland’s most iconic traditional summer events and takes place annually in Strathdon on the 4th Saturday in August.

  • 5 September

    The Braemar Gathering

    The Princess Royal And Duke Of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar

    www.braemargathering.org

    Since 1848, The Gathering has been attended regularly by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family. The foot races at The Gathering are the world’s oldest, having been organised on a regular basis since 1832.

  • 24 October

    The Illuminator Night Trail Race

    Glen Tanar Estate

    illuminatorrun.co.uk

    The Illuminator Run is a thrilling night-time trail race held on the stunning Glen Tanar Estate and starts in Aboyne, Scotland. Participants run through forest trails and rugged terrain, guided by head torches and glow markers.