Events and Festivals

Hundreds of major events and festivals take place throughout the year in Argyll and Bute. Most events are community led initiatives, supported by Argyll and Bute Council and other agencies such as Argyll, Loch Lomond and the Forth Valley Tourist Board and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Argyll and Bute has an enormous range of special events taking place each year and has a fantastic cultural scene stretching from the smallest island communities to mainland villages and urban centres.

There is always lots going on across Argyll and Bute from drama festivals, agricultural shows and horticultural competitions to Hill races, sailing regattas and golf tournaments, there’s something for everyone. You can use our events calendar to find out whats going on near you.

Music is of huge importance, with many towns holding their own Gaelic Mods and a number playing host to the national Mod celebration. There are many popular festivals held locally each year and, including the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, The Seafood Festival in Tarbert, Islay and Bute Jazz festivals and the Tiree Wave Classic to name a few.

Cinemas

Film fanatics will find cinemas in Campbeltown, Rothesay and Dunoon. The Picture House in Campbeltown is community owned and is the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland still showing films. The Phoenix cinema in Oban is run by the community for the community. The Screen Machine, a mobile cinema, also regularly visits some of the more remote communities. The new Screen Machine Take 2 is air conditioned and seats 80. It has 35mm projection big screen with Dolby Surround Sound. It tours to Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Tighnabruaich, Islay and Mull. The Mull Theatre in the village of Tobermory has a programme of performances throughout the season, as do the Taynuilt based company, Ballet West. In addition, visiting companies bring opera, theatre, music of various types, ballet and other cultural art forms from time to time to various venues throughout Argyll and the islands.