What’s On in the Outer Hebrides
There are many events taking place in the Outer Hebrides and many of these are held annually. They range from the annual rural livestock shows that are held at various locations throughout the islands to the Hebridean Celtic Music Festival that is held in Stornoway each summer to the Fisherman's mass in Barra.
The best place to find out what is going on locally, is to visit the Welcome Points and Visitor Information Hub and also local community shops.
Summer Festivals
Join the Hebridean Pride Festival in Stornoway in June which brings music and colour to the town.
The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival also takes place at the end of June.
These inlude the Hebridean Celtic Festival, in Stornoway, Lewis which takes place mid July. Followed by the Eilean Dorcha Festival in Benbecula a week or two later - if you plan carefully you could do both!
Agricultural Shows and Highland Shows
Each district from Butt of Lewis to Barra hold an annual show in their area. These usually take place in July. Some are agricultural shows and some are Highland shows with prize breeds, wonderful baking, stalls and lots more, it is a fabulous family day out.
Races
Sport plays a significant part in island life and this is reflected in the annual half marathon, 10k road races and hill races that are run every year on several of our islands.
There is also The Heb: Race on the Edge which is a combination of cycling, kayaking and running event taking place over 2 days in Uist.
Gaelic Events
While the Gaelic culture of the island is promoted through events such as the local Mod’s and Feis and Ceolas Summer School in early July in South Uist.
On Saturday afternoons there is a Gaelic Hebridean Experience at the An Taigh Ceilidh cultural centre in Stornoway.
Halloween (Oídche Shamhna) and Hogmanay (Oidche Challain) are widely celebrated in the Outer Hebrides, with local events in most islands.
Autumn/Winter Festivals
The Hebridean Fine Food and Drink Festival is usually Stornoway in late September and in Tarbert in December.
The Hebridean International Film Festival usually takes place in September/October.
Hebridean Whisky Festival also takes place in September with a number of island distilleries participating.
Dùthchas, Galson Estate Heritage Week in North Lewis happens each September.
Usually at the end of October/beginning of November, the Faclan Book Festival, a flagship cultural event is held in An Lanntair in Stornoway and draws audiences and top-level authors and performers from all across the UK.
Nature Walks
RSPB at Balranald Reserve, North Uist do regular guided walks around Uist and RSPB Loch na Muilne Reserve in Lewis also do the same.
North Harris Trust also organise some fabulous guided nature walks from April to September - every Wednesday at 10am from Bogha Glas car park.
Each week Buth Bharraigh Rangers have a guided wildlife walk in Barra and Vatersay. Times and days varying depending on weather, but pop into Buth Bharraigh in Castlebay to book.
Craft and Market Events
During the year a number of craft and produce fairs are held at various locations throughout the islands and here you can purchase everything from hand-knitted clothing to home grown fruit and vegetables.
Regular produce markets through the summer include a Wednesday market in Grimsay and each Saturday morning in Stornoway town centre square.
Open Art Studios
Many of our artists open their studios over the summer. In Uist there is Art on the Map in June, July and August and in Lewis there is OSH (Open Studios Hebrides) on in July and Aug with a Stornoway Art walk in July.
Community Event Venues
Taigh Chearsabhagh and An Lanntair Art Centres have lots of events throughout the year.
You will also find events at the various community hubs throughout the island including An Taigh Ceilidh, Stornoway, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, Ness, Calanais Visitor Centre, Grinneabhat, Bragar, Lewis, Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan, Lewis, Talla na Mara, Niseabost, Harris, Hebrides People Visitor Centre, Northton, Harris, Kildonan Museum, Kildonan, South Uist, Cnoc Soillleir, Daliburgh, South Uist and Buth Bharraigh in Castlebay, Barra.
Events in Barra in 2026
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying a little longer, there's plenty to discover across Barra and Vatersay, with a calendar of events that celebrates island life throughout the year.
Take a look at the Barra and Vatersay Events Calendar to see what's coming up. Pop into Bùth Bharraigh in Castlebay for local information, exhibitions, community events and visitor inspiration.
Key dates for the diary:
Weeky wildlife walks from Buth Bharraigh (days and times vary depending on the weather)
Barrathon - 27 June
Fishermans Mass - 5 July
Ceilidhs in Castlebay Hall - every Sunday evening in July
Northbay Ceilidhs - most Thursdays in July
Heaval race - 31 July
Barra Live - 31 July
Barra and Vatersay Produce Show - 5 September
Events in Uist in 2026
There is always something happening in Uist, from family activities and live music to exhibitions, workshops and cultural events.
For the latest events, visit Uist Beò, or check out what's on at local venues including Kildonan Museum in South Uist, various events at Cnoc Soilleir in Daliburgh including a weekly Wednesday Ceilidh Cidsin where local musicans perform a lunchtime session, Ceòlas, which hosts its renowned summer school alongside events throughout the year, and Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre in Lochmaddy, North Uist.
Families can also enjoy a range of outdoor adventures and seasonal activities with Otter Mountain, offering fun experiences for all ages.
Key dates for the diary:
Each Wednesday 1-2pm Cidsin Ceilidh at Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist
Art on the Map runs throughout the year in Uist and Barra and includes studios, galleries and also public art.
Sollas Week 2026, North Uist - 10 -18 July
North Uist Highland Games - 17 July
Berneray Week - 17 - 25 July
South Uist and Benbecula Agricultural Show - 18 July
South Uist Highland Games - 22 July
North Uist Agricultural Show - 23 July
Eilean Dorcha Festival, Benbecula takes place on 24 - 25 July
Beinn Lì Hill Race and Walk, North Uist - 1 August
Ben Kenneth Hill Race, South Uist - 2 August
Askernish Golf Open Weekend, South Uist - 28 - 30 August
Events in Harris in 2026
From sporting events to community celebrations, Harris offers a lively programme of events throughout the year, with something for visitors of all ages
For the latest events, exhibitions, markets, live music and community activities, check local listings across Harris, including venues such as Talla na Mara, Harris Distillery, Hebrides People Visitor Centre and community halls throughout the island.
Key dates for the diary:
Harris Marathon - 4 July
South Harris Agricultural Show - 28 July
Ancestry chat - Mondays at 11am, Hebrides People
Gaelic taster - Tuesdays at 11am, Hebrides People
Eagle walks - Wednesday 10:00 am with North Harris Trust at Bogha Glas Car Park
Ceilidh dance - Wednesdays 7:30pm at Bays Community Hall
Tweed Taster - Thursdays 11am at Hebrides People
Live music - Harris All Stars, Saturdays 8pm, Likisto Blackhouse
SOULSCAPES art exhibition, Talla na Mara - 1 - 30 September
Whether visiting for a weekend or exploring the island at a slower pace, there's always something happening in Harris.
Events in Lewis in 2026
There is always plenty happening across Lewis, from live music and traditional events to exhibitions, markets, guided walks and family friendly activities.
Browse the local events calendar to discover what's on during your visit, and keep an eye on venues such as An Taigh Ceilidh, An Lanntair and Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, Galson Estate, Calanais Visitor Centre, Grinneabhat, Bragar, Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan, Lewis, Ravenspoint, Lochs, Tiumpanhead Community Hub, Point and community halls such across the island, which host a varied programme of events throughout the year.
Whether you're looking for culture, heritage, outdoor activities or local celebrations, you'll find plenty of opportunities to experience island life in Lewis.
Check out What's On in Lewis.
Key dates for the diary:
Each Saturday Gaelic Hebridean Experience 3pm - 5pm at An Taigh Ceilidh, Stornoway
Point Show - 11 July
HebCelt Festival - 15 - 18 July
Lochs Show - 25 July
Carloway Cattle Show - 5 August
Ness Gala Day - 29 August
Duthchas: Galson Estate Heritage Week - September 2026 - dates to be confirmed
