Things to Do in Inverness

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and the natural base for exploring everything from Loch Ness to the North Coast 500. But it's also a proper events town in its own right. Eden Court is one of the largest combined theatre and cinema complexes in Scotland, the Ironworks (in its various incarnations) has hosted more touring bands than any other Highland venue, and the city's pub trad-music sessions are among the best you'll find anywhere in Scotland.

The pace in Inverness is unhurried but consistently interesting. Summer brings folk and Highland games weekends within easy reach of the city; autumn is prime season for whisky festivals and food events; winter fills the Victorian Market with light and warmth, and spring kicks off the Highland gathering calendar. If you're planning a road trip through the Highlands, plan at least a couple of nights in Inverness to catch what's on.

Use the live listings below for a full picture of everything happening this week, or read on for the essentials.

Things to do in Inverness

See a show at Eden Court

Eden Court's two theatres and multi-screen cinema mean there's almost always something on — touring drama, dance, comedy, arthouse film and family shows.

Traditional music sessions

Hootananny on Church Street is famous for nightly trad sessions and ceilidhs; MacGregor's Bar on Academy Street is another reliable spot for high-quality folk music.

Loch Ness and Culloden day trips

Loch Ness cruises leave from Dochgarroch and Fort Augustus; the Culloden battlefield and Clava Cairns are a short drive east.

Family days out

Inverness Castle viewpoint, the Botanic Gardens, Whin Park and the Ness Islands walk suit families with young children. Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Carrbridge) is a favourite day out from the city.

Eat and drink along Church Street

Church Street and the surrounding blocks are where you'll find most of the city's independent restaurants, whisky bars and folk pubs.

Inverness events by month

April

Inverness Music Festival

Weeks of competitive and non-competitive musical performances across the city.

May

Highland Ceilidh Trail (starts)

Young trad musicians tour the Highlands with regular Inverness dates through summer.

July

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

One of Scotland's most-loved boutique festivals, held just outside Inverness.

August

Inverness Highland Games

Traditional Highland gathering with heavy events, dance and pipe bands at Bught Park.

October

Loopallu / Blas Festival

Blas is a Highland-wide traditional music festival with strong Inverness programming.

December

Inverness Victorian Market Christmas

The historic Victorian Market hosts a Christmas market with local makers, food and music.

Inverness events FAQ

What's on in Inverness this weekend?

The live listings on this page show every event happening in Inverness this weekend, from folk sessions to touring theatre.

How close is Loch Ness to Inverness?

The north end of Loch Ness is about 20 minutes' drive from Inverness city centre. Cruises leave from Dochgarroch and Fort Augustus.

Where can I hear traditional Scottish music in Inverness?

Hootananny and MacGregor's Bar both host trad music sessions most nights of the week. Eden Court also programmes bigger folk gigs.

Upcoming events in Inverness

Jake Carter at An Seòmar

Andrew Ryan Honest Capacity Tour 2026

Jarad Rowan and his Band at An Seòmar

COMEDY NIGHT - KAREN DUNBAR

COMEDY NIGHT with KAREN DUNBAR

COMEDY NIGHT featuring KAREN DUNBAR

Shooglenifty at An Seòmar

Marking Time

COMEDY NIGHT - PHIL KAY

COMEDY NIGHT featuring PHIL KAY

COMEDY NIGHT with PHIL KAY

North Hop | Friday