What’s on in Nairn and when?
What’s on in Nairn – a year round review of everything happening in this hidden gem of a place!
When planning a holiday, whether it’s a day trip, a staycation, or a grand tour, knowing the best time to visit is essential. Luckily in Nairn, there’s always something going on!
With Covid restrictions lessening and people’s drive to get out and discover the world reignited, Nairn has a lot to offer visitors all year round, and 2022 is shaping up to be a great year for events, large and small.
To start the ball rolling there is the Taste of Nairn on 6-8 May, a 3-day food and drink festival with events being held in businesses all over the town and an artisan market held in the Nairn Community and Arts Centre featuring stalls, demonstrations, and contests.
Spring/Summer 2022
The Bandstand Beer Festival – 1 – 6 June.
A fabulous local festival from the CAMRA Highlands and Islands Pub of the Year – with beer, food, music and more. Details here
The Jubilee Street Market on Saturday 28 May in collaboration with Inverness Farmers Market is a day long street market held on Nairn High Street with stalls and shops spilling out into the street to offer their wares, from 10am to 4pm.
The Nairn Sailing Club will also be hosting a Regatta from 10.30am to 3pm with a Parade of Sails at Noon. They will have stalls, a BBQ and music down at the harbour, making it a really lively day all over town!
The Jubilee Picnic on Sunday 5 June is being held in Viewfield right outside the Nairn museum and within walking distance of the High Street, Sports Club, Community and Arts Centre and the bus station. Set to be a lovely day for a picnic, join us for some outdoor R&R with stalls, food and drink and music.
The Summer market will be held on 16 July along Nairn High Street where once again the High Street will be a thoroughfare for stalls and shops opening their doors wide to welcome everyone. Reducing the traffic on the High Street from time to time really helps to create that relaxing atmosphere allowing everyone to get out and about and meet up with friends.
Nairn Farmers Show – 30 July @ Davidson Park
The Nairn Farmers show makes a welcome return this year at Davidson Park where there will be stalls, livestock and plenty of fun to be had. There is a huge flower and produce show with many classes of entry from knitted goods to oatcakes – fascinating!
Late Summer 2022
Nairn Highland Games – 20 August
The Highland Games are returning this year to Nairn Links. With Piping, dancing and athletic contests, there’s something for everyone. Of all of our events, the games has been the most sorely missed so expect this year’s to go with a bang!
Autumn 2022
Nairn Book and Arts Festival – 27 August to 4 September
Nairn Book and Arts Festival is the town’s nine- day celebration of the arts and the huge variety of creative talent we have here in Nairn and the Highlands. Featuring a packed programme of accessible outdoor performance, live music and creative events for all the family, author talks – tours, workshops and exhibitions, and at least one day when fancy dress will be obligatory!
Follow us on social media: Instagram @nairnfest Facebook @nairn.festival Twitter @nairn_festival Volunteer for, or sponsor the festival: email [email protected]
Wheels of Nairn – 24 September
The popular vehicle show returns this year on the Links with vehicles old and new.
Stalls, entertainment and refreshments all against the backdrop of the Moray Firth.
Winter 2022
Countdown to Christmas & Christmas Market– 26 November
Our Countdown to Christmas is back this year again with Santa, Street Market and lots of fun for everyone. Come along and watch the Christmas lights switch on and illuminate Nairn for the festive season.
Other Attractions
Of course, you don’t need an event as a reason to visit Nairn, there are attractions open locally for you to visit all year round.
- Cawdor Castle
- Nairn Beach
- Nairn Museum
- Fort George
- Brodie Castle
- The Dava Way
- Culbin Forest
- Nairn Golf Club
- The Secret Beach
- The Little Theatre
- Nairn Sports Club
- Nairn Community & Arts Centre
- Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
- Boath House Spa
- Logie Steading
- Cairngorms National Park
- Boath Doocot
- Rait Castle
- Bowhunter Archery
- Ardersier
Visit Scotland, which lists Nairn as number one in the top 11 best places to stay in the Highlands, lists sights and activities for the area along with suggestions for accommodation, eating out and events.
This year is Scotland’s year of stories, so there’s no better time to visit Nairn and learn about the area’s history and heritage.