While the days might be getting shorter, there is still a packed programme of events across Scotland this October, including a range of spooky Halloween events for the whole family to enjoy.
Check out our list to see the range of events taking place this month that are being supported through EventScotland’s National and International Event Programmes, the Community Cycling Fund as well as a number of the events that forming part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
Visit the Scotland’s Year of Stories page on visitscotland.com to find out more about the Themed Year and all the events that are part of it.
Article published 11/10/2022
Tamfest
In-person event from 1 to 31 October in Ayr.
Ayrshire’s premier family Halloween event, Tamfest is a fantastic celebration of the spooky goings on in the area. Taking its name from the famous Robert Burns poem, Tam O’Shanter, each year a line from the epic poem is chosen as the subtheme to keep the festival fresh and offer new insight into the characters and explore the story of the Tam o’ Shanter. The 2022 edition will feature over fifty street entertainment activities, a specially themed escape room, poetry readings and more, with something for aficionados of “Scotland’s Bard” as much as toddlers looking to paint their faces green!
Visit the Tamfest website for more information on the event.
Aberdeen International Comedy Festival
In-person event from 6 to 16 October in Aberdeen.
After three long years comedy returns to Aberdeen with a bang this October with a line-up of gut-busting comedians set to grace the granite city for 11 days. With around 50 shows taking place at over 20 venues across the city centre, comedy fans will find something for everyone in this year's star-studded line-up.
Visit the Aberdeen International Comedy Festival website for more information on the event.
Northern Stories Festival
Hybrid event from 7 to 16 October in Caithness.
Northern Stories Festival 2022 is a celebration of the stories of the Far North of Scotland, paying respect to our ancient Nordic connections and our close ties to North America. An exciting programme of online and in-person events will include an international line-up of performers and storytellers from the Highlands, Scandinavia and Canada. With talks, workshops, films and exhibitions, there will be something for all the family to get involved in.
Visit the Lyth Arts Centre website for more information on the Northern Stories Festival.
Tiree Wave Classic
In-person event from 8 to 14 October in Tiree.
Just over 30 square miles in size, Tiree is Scotland’s most westerly island and the perfect stage for its famous windsurfing event – the Tiree Wave Classic. Spectators should expect some spectacular action from World Cup professionals of the sport and the chance to get immersed in surfing culture with nightlife functions following the excitement on the day’s waves. There is also the opportunity for juniors and amateurs to take part in the proceedings!
Visit the Tiree Wave Classic website for more information on the event.
Beatson’s Building Supplies 50th Mull Rally 2022
In-person event from 13 to 16 October on the Isle of Mull.
The Mull Rally is back, celebrating the 50th running of the rally on the island. Started back in 1969, this incredibly popular stage event runs over two-night legs and a daylight section. The UK’s only closed-road rally, this year 152 cars will race around the narrow, twisty and quick tarmac roads of the island challenge every crew that tackles them.
Visit the Mull Rally website for more information on the event.
Royal National Mòd
In-person event from 14 to 22 October in Perth.
Scotland’s annual celebration of the Gaelic language and culture returns to Perth for the first time in 18 years with a spectacular torchlight parade opening the proceedings. What follows is a packed week of the music, drama, spoken word and more for which the event is famous for, with an art exhibition and competition as a welcome addition to the uniquely Scottish programme.
Visit the Royal National Mòd website for more information on the event.
Scottish Open Speedway Championships
In-person event on 15 October in Armadale.
This October sees the Scottish Open Speedway Championships pay a fond farewell to Armadale Stadium in West Lothian – home to the Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway Team for the past 26 years. With a packed day of motorbike action across 22 heats and a spectacular fireworks display to close the proceedings, this should be a fitting send-off for the Monarchs as they head to pastures new.
Visit the Edinburgh Monarchs website for more information on the Scottish Open Speedway Championship.
Oban and Kerrera Big Bike Weekend
In-person event on 15 and 16 October in Oban.
Grease those chains, pump up those tyres and get ready for the Oban & Kerrera Big Bike Weekend! This weekend of community cycling activities has been brought together by Adventure Oban, Isle of Kerrera Development Trust, Atlantis Leisure, Oban Cycles and North Argyll Cycle Club, and follows on from 2021’s Ride Oban Weekender and Kerrera Kids Bike Event, bringing the two together for a bumper weekend. There’s lots on offer including mechanic sessions, kids bike events, social rides and e-bike trials to come and join.
Find out more about the Big Bike Weekend on the Adventure Oban website.
Map of Stories
In-person event from 15 October to 6 November in Edinburgh and regional venues.
Map of Stories is a series of multimedia performances, featuring storytellers and filmed footage, creating a showcase of unique ‘film ceilidhs’ that celebrate the ancient tradition of oral storytelling. The events will premiere during this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival (14 – 31 October) before going on tour to their region of focus – Dumfries and Galloway, the North East, Perth and Kinross, the Outer Hebrides, and Orkney.
Visit the Scottish International Storytelling Festival website for more information on Map of Stories.
Stirling Science Festival
In-person event from 19 to 22 October in Stirling.
Stirling Science Festival returns for a third year with a fun packed programme for all the family.
Taking place during the school autumn break, this year’s line-up includes a host of free interactive events from live science shows and code breaking challenges to Lego engineering workshops and even a life-sized basking shark named Betty! New experiences for 2022 include ‘Discover the Deep’ with special guests Dynamic Earth. Join the experts for hands-on science sessions diving deep into Scotland’s marine heritage.
Visit the Stirling Events website for more information on the Stirling Science Festival.
World Clydesdale Show 2022
In-person event from 20 until 23 October in Aberdeen.
A fabulous for day spectacular of the world’s best Clydesdale Horse comes to the P&J Live this October. Historically, the World Clydesdale Show has been held in North America, however in 2022 the show will be brought to Scotland, home of the Clydesdale Horse, for the first time. The show will exhibit the best of breeds and attendees will also be treated to seeing a variety of classes from in-hand to driving and ridden. As part of the World Show Country Fair, there will be plentiful equestrian retail therapy, food and lifestyle offerings.
Visit the World Clydesdale Show website for more information on the event.
Figures Of Speech: Place
In-person event on 21 October in Edinburgh.
Created by Edinburgh City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Figures of Speech is a series of events bringing together writers and artists to take us on a road trip through Scottish literature. On 21 October there will be an exploration of the wonderful and wide-ranging topic of ‘Place’ within Scottish Literature, hosted by Amanda Thomson and Roseanne Watt. Storyteller and comedian Marjolein Robertson also presents a new commission inspired by a sense of place.
Visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre website for more information on Figures of Speech: Place.
Galoshans
In-person event from 21 to 30 October in Inverclyde.
The spooky goings-on will continue in Inverclyde as the annual Galoshans Festival presents its diverse 10-day programme of performances, exhibitions, workshops and street parties. Community is at the heart of this family friendly event and traditional folklore and myth are central to the festivities. For 2022, there is also a strong ecological focus, acknowledging the town’s unique position at the mouth of the Clyde and the surrounding coasts and waters.
Visit the Galoshans website for more information on the event.
Paisley Halloween Festival
In-person event from 27 until 29 October in Paisley.
Paisley Halloween Festival, one of the biggest and best, free Halloween events in the UK, is back for three nights of electrifying live performances and spine-chilling installations all inspired by eminent heroes, myths and legends. Between 6pm and 9pm each night, the streets around Paisley Abbey will come alive with creeping spiders, other-worldly beings, a fire-breathing dragon and flying caped crusaders; all engaged in an exhilarating battle of good versus evil. So grab your cape and gather your superpowers for a thrilling Halloween experience like no other in Paisley’s historic town centre.
Visit the Paisley website for more information on Paisley Halloween Festival.