For a lively and distinctly Scottish experience, Highland Games can be hosted on the estate. Guests divide into clans and take part in traditional challenges, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes and plenty of good-natured competition, creating an unforgettable day for groups of all ages.

Kincardine Castle can arrange a traditional Scottish ceilidh in the Castle, creating a memorable evening of music, dancing and Highland hospitality for you and your guests. Working with talented local musicians, the team can help bring the celebration to life, whether as part of a wedding, private gathering or special event.

Typical time of year: August – first Saturday of the month

Known as “The Traditional Highland Games”, Aboyne Highland Games has been part of the Royal Deeside calendar since 1867. Held on Aboyne Green, the event brings together Highland dancing, piping, fiddle competitions, heavy events, athletics, hill running and tug of war, attracting thousands of visitors to the village each year. The Games traditionally take place on the first Saturday in August.

Typical time of year: August – fourth Saturday of the month

Held at Bellabeg in Strathdon, the Lonach Highland Gathering is one of the area’s great traditional Highland occasions. The day features piping, Highland dancing, heavy and light athletic events, a hill race and the distinctive traditions of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, which dates back to 1823. The Gathering is always held on the fourth Saturday in August.

Typical time of year: August – second Thursday of the month

Taking place in Monaltrie Park in Ballater, the Ballater Highland Games have been held since 1864 and remain a highlight of the summer calendar on Royal Deeside. Visitors can enjoy Highland dancing, piping, athletics, heavy events, a hill race and impressive pipe-band displays, all set against the scenery surrounding this attractive Victorian village.

Typical time of year: August

Just a short journey from Kincardine Castle at Potarch are the legendary Dinnie Stones, one of the most famous tests of strength in the world. Scottish strongman Donald Dinnie famously carried the two stones across the width of Potarch Bridge in 1860, and strength athletes continue to travel from around the world to attempt to lift them.

The annual Donald Dinnie Day – The Gathering traditionally brings together Dinnie Stone lifters and strength enthusiasts at Potarch, with the 2026 gathering taking place in early August. Even outside the event, Potarch and the stones make an interesting local excursion for guests fascinated by Scottish sporting history.

Typical time of year: September – first Saturday of the month

One of Scotland’s most celebrated Highland events, The Braemar Gathering takes place in the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in the heart of the Cairngorms. The tradition of gatherings in Braemar stretches back centuries, while the event in its present form has been held since 1832 and has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Family.

Expect a spectacular day of Highland dancing, piping, athletics, heavy events and massed pipe bands, all surrounded by the mountain scenery of Upper Deeside. The Gathering takes place on the first Saturday in September each year.

The Aboyne & Deeside Festival presents a varied summer programme of music, theatre, literature, art and community events at venues throughout Royal Deeside. Performances range from classical and traditional music to touring theatre, author events and celebrations of the Doric language, with venues stretching from Aboyne and Tarland to Banchory and Braemar.

Its variety makes the festival particularly appealing to guests staying for several days, with something different to discover across the Deeside area throughout the summer programme.

Typical time of year: Throughout the year – most Tuesday evenings

For an informal taste of traditional Scottish music, the Aberdeen Arms in Tarland hosts free folk music sessions on most Tuesday evenings. Local musicians gather in the historic village inn to play traditional tunes, with fiddles, guitars and other instruments all welcome, creating the sort of spontaneous musical evening that is difficult to reproduce anywhere else. Sessions are normally held from around 9pm.

Run Balmoral gives runners the memorable opportunity to compete within the spectacular grounds of the Balmoral Estate. The weekend programme includes races for children and adults alongside 5K, 10K and longer trail challenges, with routes taking competitors through the estate’s forests, tracks and beautiful Highland scenery.

It has developed into a major family-friendly running weekend and is an excellent event both for guests looking to take part and those wishing to support friends and family in one of Scotland’s most distinctive race settings.

Typical time of year: April to October – monthly

Aboyne Farmers’ Market brings together local growers, producers, bakers, craftspeople and food businesses in the heart of the village. It is a lovely opportunity to discover Aberdeenshire produce, from breads and baked goods to meat, fish, sweet treats and locally made crafts. The 2026 programme runs monthly between April and October.