May in Barend and surrounding areas.

Enjoy Easter time at Barend. There are lots of activities for all the family to enjoy locally.

Fancy a wood-fired pizza?

The highly popular Pizza Wagon visits Dalbeattie every Thursday and Colvend every Friday. So if you don't want to cook at home, check the Pizza Wagon's Facebook page here for up-to-date information and put your order in two days ahead.

Dalbeattie Woods

Find all the information you need about walks and activities in Dalbeattie Woods and nearby venues on Scotland's Forestry and Land website. Parking requires the Ringo app for its £1 fee. If you're a pole walker, there's a pole walk round the woods every Wednesday at 6pm. Call 07773 670552 for more information.

The Birchvale Theatre, Dalbeattie

The Birchvale is a small community theatre with a varied programme of drama, film and entertainment. So, if a night out at the theatre or cinema tickles your fancy, you can find more information here.

Dalbeattie Makers Market

Takes place between 10am and 2pm on the first Saturday of every month. More information here.

Colvend Produce & Makers market on the fourth Saturday of every month.

Colvend Produce and Makers Market

Held on the fourth Saturday of every month, this market is held between 10am and 2pm. Check it out on Facebook.

The Robert Burns Cinema Film Theatre Dumfries

This unique small cinema in Dumfries offers an eclectic choice of films and link-ups to Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House events, amongst others. See what's on here.

Music events at The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries

Tribute bands throughout the month at Dumfries' top hotel which has a varied programme of musical events this December and every month. An up-to-date timetable can be viewed here.

May 11th 7pm

Are you looking for a fun and entertaining night out? Look no further than the ABBA 2 NITE tribute act! You’ll be treated to a night of live music, again. And to top it off, you’ll enjoy a delicious four-course meal.

This is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for a night of good food, good music, and good company. Whether you’re a die-hard ABBA fan or just looking for a fun night out, this tribute act is sure to deliver.

Ticket only rate of £39.50 pp includes:

Live Entertainment. Four Course Dinner

Guest arrival at 7pm for 7.30pm dine at 7.30pm

To Book please call the hotel directly on 01387-254111 www.cairndalehotel.co.uk

English Street, Dumfries

May 25^th 7pm

Are you looking for a fun and entertaining night out? Look no further than the Neil Diamond tribute act! You’ll be treated to a night of live music, featuring all of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits like Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Love on the Rocks, and Hello again. And to top it off, you’ll enjoy a delicious four-course meal.

This is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for a night of good food, good music, and good company. Whether you’re a die-hard Neil Diamond fan or just looking for a fun night out, this tribute act is sure to deliver.

Ticket only rate of £39.50 pp includes:

Live Entertainment. Four Course Dinner

Guest arrival at 7pm for 7.30pm dine at 7.30pm

To Book please call the hotel directly on 01387-254111 www.cairndalehotel.co.uk

English Street, Dumfries

Escape Room at Bainloch Deer Park www.bainlochdeerpark.co.uk

The escape room is an ideal indoor activity to do as a couple, a groups of friends or family team (up to 6 players)

There is some more information on the website

To book in call 07900 278559 or 07768 900641

April 30th-May 11th 10am-4pm except Sundays

Scotia Crafters Spring Craft Market.

The Library Art Gallery, Castle Douglas.

May 1^st at 8pm

Bat walk at Threave, Castle Douglas. www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/threave-garden

May 1^st 10am

Learn all about wetland nature and wildlife with a little help from Bing and his friends.

Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails and more.

New experiences around every corner:
Activity trails – Follow Bing’s Nature Explorers trail to discover fun-filled challenges and amazing wildlife facts. Be sure to pick up a map at the start and collect your sticker once you’ve completed the trail.
Gifts and toys – Want to take the fun home with you? Visit our shop for a range of Bing gifts and toys.
Cost: All activities are included in admission ticket or free for WWT members.

WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfries. www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/caerlaverock-national-nature-reserve

May 4^th 9.30am

Mersehead is known for its farmland and wetland wildlife and in spring, can burst into song with birds attracting mates or claiming territories. Join us to see and hear the ‘peesie-wit’ calls of lapwings as they breed and the ascending call of skylarks in the fields. Our guide will identify plenty more birdsong and spring-signs, buzzing and blooming with life!

Please note, as the reserve location is prone to flooding, we ask that all individuals/groups attending provide a telephone number, so we can notify you in advance if the event is cancelled.

Families welcome (though not suitable for early years). Booking essential.

Southwick, Dumfries. www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/mersehead

May 5^th 11am-3pm

Kirkcudbright Spring plant fair.

A glorious display of garden plants from local nurseries. It is a great opportunity to get to know your local plants men and women while providing fresh ideas and plants for your own spring displays.

May 6^th 10am

Threave Garden Show. Castle Douglas. www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/threave-garden

May 12^th 10am-2pm

Kirkcudbright car boot

Our popular monthly car boot sales are the perfect place to make some money from your unneeded items or grab a bargain. No need to book – just come along.

May 25^th-27th

About the event Spring Fling Open Studios 2024

Spring Fling is an open studio event across Dumfries & Galloway every year during the late May Bank Holiday weekend.
We have 104 studios from Stranraer to Moffat and everywhere in between. It is FREE to attend and open to all ages and interests. The 2024 event is our 22nd event and in addition to the 104 amazing studios boasts a brand new mural as part of SFRM, bus tours, virtual studios and more!
Please be sure to RSVP to let us know you are coming, share with family and friends and use this space to post questions about attending this year's event.
Visit the event website - www.spring-fling.co.uk

May 26^th 11am

Kirkcudbright farmers market

One of the busiest and most popular markets in the region, Kirkcudbright Farmers Market has a wide range of fantastic foods, drinks, crafts and much more from local producers, many of them award-winning! There’s only one way to know how great our market and the produce you will find here is, and that’s to come along and find out for yourself! With around 35 stalls each month, with some serving hot food and drinks, you are sure to find plenty to enjoy!

Harbour Square/Soaperie Gardens, Kirkcudbright

Don't forget to book your stay at Galloway Lodges in Dumfries and Galloway to enjoy south-west Scotland.