Inverness festivals to look forward to this summer

What’s hot this summer? Festivals & Events 2025

Here at the Kingsmills, we’re looking forward to summer and all the great festivals that are planned. From music and sports to art and more. Whatever you’re into, there’s an event for you coming up soon! So, let’s take a look at some of the top summer festivals and events planned for 2025 …

The Gathering Festival

24 May 2025

This traditional folk music festival takes place at Northern Meeting Park, Inverness in May. Featuring artists such as Skerryvore and Trail West and serving up local craft food and drink. The Gathering Festival is a fun-filled event for the whole family, which celebrates Scottish music and culture.

National Whisky Festival

5th July 2025

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland is a touring festival which celebrates Scotland’s national drink. It arrives in Inverness this July, where it will be held at Eden Court Theatre. With hundreds of whiskies available to sample, plus a programme of food, drink and music events, this is a must for all whisky lovers!

Under Canvas

2 July – 23 August

Under Canvas is back! Over a remarkable two months, enjoy live music and events at Eden Court in Inverness on selected days. Events are yet to be announced but may include acoustic sessions, traditional and folk music, silent discos and street food and drink.

Inverness Highland Games

12 July 2025

The Inverness Highland Games, is a celebration of traditional Scottish sports events. It has been taking place at Northern Meeting Park since 1822. Expect activities such as piping competitions, Highland dancing, a mass Highland fling, strongest man and woman, haggis hurling, tossing the caber and stonemason’s stone.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

31 July – 2 August 2025

Held on the Belladrum Estate, the Tartan Heart Festival is a family-friendly art and music festival and always a favourite event in the Inverness summer calendar. Known for attracting a wide range of musical talent. Big acts this year include Texas, Supergrass and Paul Heaton.

Black Isle Show

7 August 2025

The Black Isle Show is an agricultural show, based at the Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord, around a 20-minute drive from Inverness. What’s more, it is the largest event of its kind in the north of Scotland. Attractions include livestock exhibits, horse jumping, sheep shearing competitions, dog agility demonstrations, vintage tractors, monster trucks, street performances and family entertainment.

Nairn Book and Arts Festival

30 August – 7 September 2025

Finally, as the end of summer draws near, we have the Nairn Book and Arts Festival. A celebration of literature, art, music, drama and film. Hosted in Nairn, a picturesque seaside town just 30 minutes drive from Inverness. Features events such as author talks and readings, live music, drama and dance, film and visual arts exhibitions and creative workshops.

Are you looking to escape to the Inverness and the Highlands? Then why not make the Kingsmills Hotel your next destination? A perfect base for visiting these great festivals and events. So, indulge in your little slice of luxury with our Summer Scorcher offer and look forward to a summer break with us!