What's On

From challenging endurance races to wonderful wildlife festivals, the Outdoor Capital of the UK is jam packed with events and things to see and do to suit all.

Why not browse our events listings to see What's On

Use the search function on the right hand side of this page to see What's On when you visit, or find your special interest first and plan your trip!

The one thing that seems to strike visitors to Fort William and Lochaber is the number of events held in the area throughout the year. From the first of January with the Aonach Mor Uphill Race through to the dazzling Showstoppers pantomime at the end of the year, there is always something to suit all ages and interests.

Spectacular Ben Nevis inevitably attracts a variety of races and challenges.  One of Fort William's oldest outdoor activity events is The Ben Nevis Race, which attracts around 500 runners each year.

The Tour de Ben Nevis is the ultimate mountain bike challenge for endurance athletes. The 72km route circumnavigates Ben Nevis, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.  For those who prefer to watch and support the competitors, then this is a great way of discovering the region's wonderful landscape.

The Outdoor Capital has also been host to one of the world's most prestigious mountain bike races for the past nine years.  Attracting the world's best downhill riders, mountain bike enthusiasts, and the industry's leading sponsors, the multi-award-winning UCI Mountain Bike World Cup has become a Must in the Outdoor Capital calendar.  With other events around Europe and North America, the championship arrives in Fort William in June and attracts around 18,000 fans.

Perhaps even more hair-raising than the mountain biking is the motocross trials that visit the Outdoor Capital each year.  Racing around the Nevis Range, the fearless riders of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship visit at the end of July to contest the Scottish round of the series.  Earlier in the year, the infamous Scottish Six Day Trials visit the region for the national version of the event that begun all the way back in 1909. 

If riding downhill on two wheels isn't really your thing, then the various Highland Games or landscape, wildlife and nature events in the region may have something to interest you.

Celebration's of Scottish culture and heritage is a great way to see true Scottish emblems in action, with the backdrop of stunning scenery. From the sound of bagpipes and men in kilts to traditional events including throwing the hammer and tossing the caber, this event has it all.

Traditional events can be found throughout Lochaber all year round. 

To refine your search for events of your choice use the search function on the right hand side.