Discover Exciting Events in Dornoch:

Your Guide to Local Happenings

Welcome to your ultimate guide to events in Dornoch, where you can discover everything happening in this wonderful North Highland town. Dornoch is known for its vibrant community spirit and rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect destination for both residents and visitors looking for unique experiences. One of the highlights of the events in Dornoch calendar is the array of annual festivals and celebrations that bring the community together. Whether you’re interested in music, arts, food, or seasonal festivities, there’s always something exciting on the horizon in Dornoch.

Fri 31st October 2025, 11am - 12:30pm

Tartan Workshop with Dr Mairi MacPherson

Discover the fascinating principles behind tartans, and learn to design your own.

Head and shoulders image of female wearing red tartan jacket over blue top, standing in grass churchyard with white church in background
cocktails
Fri 31st October & Sat 1st November, 1pm, 4pm & 6pm

Glenmorangie Whisky Cocktail Classes

Discover the vibrant world of whisky cocktails in an exclusive masterclass hosted by Glenmorangie House at the Carnegie Whisky Cellars.

Fri 31st October 2:30pm

Scrumptious Seafood Cookery Demonstration

Join Chefs Theo and Simon for an afternoon of cookery using the finest local venison and seafood.

Chef expertly prepares a stunning appetizer with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs in a modern kitchen environment during a culinary demonstration
Highland friendship week, Dornoch, 1200x960
23rd October - 5th November

Autumn Highland Festival

Two weeks of fine food, whisky, heritage, music, celebration and more.

Discover the discounted green fees on both Royal Dornoch courses too!

Join us for

THE DORNOCH WHISKY FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 24TH - SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2025

Annual Highland Games

Always held on the first Friday of August, the Games are a must-see, featuring traditional Highland 'heavies', including tossing the caber. There's pipes, dancers, family races and more.

Annual County Show

The Sutherland Show is another key event, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and food. It’s a great day out and includes livestock displays, horse riding competitions, and a variety of stalls selling local produce and crafts.

Culture, Music and Arts

Events in Dornoch include a variety of exhibitions and performances. Dornoch Cathedral frequently hosts concerts and choral performances that take advantage of its stunning acoustics, whilst exhibitions showcase both local and national artists.

Food and Drink

Foodies will find plenty to enjoy with the wealth of food and drink events in Dornoch. The Dornoch Whisky Festival is particularly popular, attracting whisky lovers from all over the world for tastings and masterclasses.

Family-Friendly Activities

Dornoch is a family-friendly destination with a variety of events that cater to all ages such as the Bonfire Night celebration and summer Festival Week, providing fun activities for families to enjoy.

Charity & Community

The community of Dornoch has a strong sense of purpose and giving. From monthly Town Tidies to fun fundraisers, there's always something to get involved with.
Interior of Dornoch Cathedral with stained glass windows and golden uplights
Music, Literature & Speakers

Dornoch Gatherings

An exciting calendar of dynamic cultural events held in Dornoch's iconic Cathedral. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music, literature and speakers from the Highlands.

Seasonal Fireworks Celebrations Dornoch

Seasonal Celebrations in the Highlands

Dornoch is also home to enchanting seasonal celebrations in the Highlands, making it a magical place to visit year-round. In the spring, there's an Easter Egg Hunt, family fun day and farm visits to see the lambs. Summer is brimming with iconic events including the Highland Games and Agricultural Show. Autumn brings the lights of Guy Fawkes Night, the Cathedral illuminations and Dornoch's famous Whisky Festival. Winter sees Christmas lights transforms the town into a festive wonderland seasonal events and the renowned Hogmanay Street Party. These seasonal celebrations in the Highlands showcase Dornoch's community spirit and provide a perfect excuse to visit throughout the year.

Food and Drink Market
Open

Food and Drink Market

Monday 4th August 2025 to Saturday 29th November 2025
Last Saturday of the month from April to November

Autumn Highland Festival Fortnight

Thursday 23rd October 2025 to Wednesday 5th November 2025
Food, Whisky, Music, History and Celebrations
25% Off Royal Dornoch Tee Times During Autumn Festival Fortnight
Open

25% Off Royal Dornoch Tee Times During Autumn Festival Fortnight

Thursday 23rd October 2025 to Wednesday 5th November 2025
Golf For Less This Autumn
Autumn Festival Set Menu
Open

Autumn Festival Set Menu

Thursday 23rd October 2025 to Wednesday 5th November 2025
The Golden Gorse, Dornoch Station Hotel
25th Anniversary Retro Menu
Open

25th Anniversary Retro Menu

Tuesday 28th October 2025 to Wednesday 5th November 2025
The Castle Hotel
Northern Skies: Stargazing & Aurora Experience
Open

Northern Skies: Stargazing & Aurora Experience

Sunday 2nd November 2025 to Tuesday 4th November 2025
6pm-10pm, Dornoch Station Hotel
Bonfire Night
Open

Bonfire Night

Wednesday 5th November 2025
Dornoch and Golspie 60ish School Reunion
Open

Dornoch and Golspie 60ish School Reunion

Saturday 8th November 2025
7pm-11:30pm, Royal Dornoch Golf Club
New Year Hogmanay Celebrations
Open

New Year Hogmanay Celebrations

Wednesday 31st December 2025 to Thursday 1st January 2026
Fibre Fest
Open

Fibre Fest

Saturday 14th March 2026 to Sunday 15th March 2026
Dornoch Pipe Band
Open

Dornoch Pipe Band

Saturday 23rd May 2026 to Saturday 5th September 2026
8pm - 9pm on Saturday evenings throughout the summer
Charity Tractor Run
Open

Charity Tractor Run

Saturday 11th July 2026
A unique and fun event, in aid of local charities
The Sutherland Show
Closed

The Sutherland Show

Saturday 25th July 2026
A fantastic day out for all the family!