October 2026 Calendar - Events for SW Scotland

8 September 2026

Activities in & around Dalbeattie, Colvend, Dumfries

October time in Barend and surrounding areas.

Enjoy 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   www.cairndalehotel.co.uk


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


Sat 3 October @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Flea Market (Saturday & Sundays)

Dumfries Market, Whitesands, Dumfries

Flea Market open every weekend


Sat 3 October @ 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Kirkcudbright Autumn Festival

Kirkcudbright Town, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway

Join us for a magical one-day celebration as the Kirkcudbright Autumn Festival returns. This year, we're packing all the colour and creativity into one unforgettable day, featuring light displays.


Sat 3 October @ 7:00 pm

Scotty D – Soul & Motown

Cairndale Hotel & Spa, English Street, Dumfries.

Scotty D’s journey began at just 12 years old, playing guitar and vocals in his family gospel group, “The Imperial Gospel Singers.” From there, he went on to join multiple.


Sun 4 October @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Dumfries Farmer's Market (1st Sunday Monthly)

Dumfries Railway Station, Station Road, Dumfries

A collection of artisan food and drink producers in one place on the first Sunday of every month.

 

Tue 6 October @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Waking The Witch

Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road, Dumfries.

The dark days of the witch trials left a powerful mark on the town of Dumfries… At the height of the persecutions, at least 78 people were accused of witchcraft.

 

Fri 9 October @ 7:30 pm

The Tumbling Paddies

Easterbrook Hall, Bankend Road, Dumfries

One of Ireland's most popular music acts. The Tumbling Paddies are now coming to England! Song writing and original material is a major part of their success.


Fri 9 October @ 7:30 pm

THE BONNY GLENKENS: A Celebration of the poetry and music of the Glenkens

Catstrand, High St, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

An evening of music, song and recitations in celebration of the poetry of the late Tommy Edgar MBE and the rich history of music in the Glenkens led by Brian.


Sat 10 October @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Haunted Highways Tour

Dock Park, Dockhead, Dumfries.

Screaming hags, eyeless phantoms and a menagerie of unearthly creatures... Join our intrepid team for a bus trip with a difference! Led by award-winning storytellers and real-life paranormal researchers.


Sat 10 October @ 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Swing Kings

Cairndale Hotel & Spa, English Street, Dumfries.

The Swing Kings are a group of three brothers who have been rocking the stage for more than three decades. The Swing Kings, a harmony group that will transport you.


Sat 10 October @ 7:30 pm

Alasdair Roberts

Catstrand High St, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

Prolific Glasgow-based singer, songwriter, interpreter of traditional songs and guitarist Alasdair Roberts gives a rare solo performance at CatStrand. Acclaimed by Folk Radio UK as ‘one of our most talented’

 

Sat 10 October @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

The Four Decades Show

The Buccleuch Centre Buccleuch Place, Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway

Calling all 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s fans…….we’ve finally answered your call! The 4 Decades show is here. Jam packed with your favourite hits and guaranteed to get you on.


Sat 10 – 25 October @10am

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ

Halloween Trail & Pumpkin patch at Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill


Sat 10 October to 31 October

Pumpkin picking & play

Ernespie farm, Castle Douglas

www.ernespiefarm.co.uk

 

Fri 16 October @ 7:30 pm

Rebecca Hill & Charlie Stewart (Harp and Fiddle Duo)

Old School Thornhill Station Road, Thornhill

“An outstanding achievement of musicality, ingenuity and passion” Duncan Chisolm “Gorgeous melodies and rich harmony, stunningly played with huge heart, sense of space and a huge helping of understated playfulness”...


Fri 16 October @ 7:30 pm

6 by SIX A COLLECTION OF NEW POETRY by HEXAMETER

Catstrand, High St, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

Hexameter are a spoken word collective of six poets all closely connected with Dumfries & Galloway and key figures in Southwest Scotland’s flourishing literary scene.


Fri 16 October to 23 October

Late night pumpkin sessions

Ernespie farm, Castle Douglas

www.ernespiefarm.co.uk


Sat 17 October @ 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

Ghostly Tales at Gilnockie Tower

Gilnockie Tower, Hollows Bridge, Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway

Ghostly Tales at Gilnockie Tower with the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets Step into the eerie world of Gilnockie Tower. £7.00

 

Sat 17 October @ 2:30 pm

Manami Suzuki, piano / Absolute Classics

Catstrand, High St, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway

Programme: Beethoven, Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1 Schubert, Impromptus, D 899, Op. 90 IntervalSchubert, Allegretto in C minor, D 915 Beethoven, Sonata No. 32 in...


Sat 17 October @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Vampire: Blood of the Borderlands

The Bridgend Theatre, Market Square, Dumfries

Vampire... Presented by Mostly Ghostly In the heart of the Borderlands, stories of the restless dead have long been part of local tradition. There are accounts of newly filled graves...


Sat 17 October @ 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Neil Diamond Tribute with Tom Scott

Cairndale Hotel & Spa, English Street, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway

Experience an unforgettable night of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits, performed live. Get ready to dance the night away with all the smash hits from Neil Diamond including Sweet Caroline, Love.


Sun 18 October @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Castle Douglas Producers Market (3rd Sunday Mar - Oct)

Market Hill, Market Street, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway.

Castle Douglas Producers Market. Plenty of choice of food stalls, artists and makers. NB the October Market will move into the Town Hall, the Christmas Market will take place on Market Hill.


Fri 23 October @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Witches of Galloway

The Mill Café, High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet

Step through the cauldron of time. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Witches of Galloway were tortured and executed, but what was the truth? Join professional mind reader & historian.


Sat 24 October @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 

Colvend Produce & Makers Market (4th Saturday Mar - Nov)

Colvend Public Hall, Colvend, Dumfries and Galloway

The Colvend Produce and Makers market is a small friendly market but still big enough to show off some of the best in local food and crafts.


Sat 24 October @ 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

CAMRA Real Ale Minibus Tour

The Pleuchie's Howff, Annan Road, DUMFRIES, Dumfries and Galloway

Come and join Dumfries and Stewartry sub-branch on our October Campaigning Tour £10 CAMRA members. £15 non-members. Starting in Dumfries at the Pleuchies Howff (leaving at 12.30pm)

 

Sat 24 October @ 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Scotty D - Soul & Motown night

Cairndale Hotel & Spa, English Street, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway

Back by popular demand. Scotty D performs back here at the hotel. Scotty D’s journey began at just 12 years old, playing guitar and vocals in his family gospel group.


Sun 25 October @ 10:00 am

SEASONAL BIRD WATCHING FOR ALL: Autumn

Dalry Town Hall, Whinnymuir, Dalry.

These seasonal guided walks will find and identify our wonderful local birds by sight and sound, providing useful birdwatching tips for beginners and information on the behaviour and ecology.


Sun 25 October @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Kirkcudbright Farmers & Producers Market (4th Sunday Mar - Dec)

Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright.

Kirkcudbright Farmers and Producers Market is held in Kirkcudbright town centre every 4th Sunday of the month from 11am - 3pm. Our wonderful Market has a wide range of fantastic.

 

Sat 31 October @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Borderlands Whisky Festival

Lockerbie Town Hall, High Street, Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway

The Borderlands Whisky Festival is returning in 2026. With over 100 whiskies from distilleries and independent bottlers from all over Scotland, England and beyond.


Sat 31 October @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Kirkcudbright Halloween Trail

Kirkcudbright Town, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway

Come, explore Kirkcudbright once it’s dark, and enjoy a range of great lights and images on buildings throughout the town. Various venues throughout Kirkcudbright.


Sat 31 October @ midday – 5pm

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ

Halloween Castle Tours at Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill


Sat 31 October @ 5pm-8pm

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ

Drumlanrig after dark – Halloween Trick or Treat Trail.



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


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