Seven things to do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this August
August is a brilliant month to visit the North-east, the Highland Games season reaches its peak, the countryside is bathed in heather, and the events calendar doesn't let up. Here's your guide to making the most of one of the finest months of the year.
1. Experience Aboyne Highland Games
Regarded as the Traditional Highland Games, Aboyne has been gathering clansmen and women from across the globe to the village green in the heart of Royal Deeside since 1867. The 2026 games take place on Saturday 1 August and feature the full range of Highland disciplines - dancing, piping, fiddle, hill race, tug o'war, and heavy events - all set in one of the most scenic parts of Aberdeenshire.
2. Spend a day at the Turriff Show
Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural show comes to Turriff on 2 - 3 August, firmly established as one of Aberdeenshire’s flagship annual events. Known locally as ‘The Turra Show’, it’s a major celebration for agriculture and the North-east’s food and farming industry. Across the weekend, highlights include cattle, sheep and livestock competitions, one of Scotland’s biggest vintage and classic vehicle displays, showjumping, pony carriage driving, pipe bands, Highland dancing, cookery demonstrations, craft fairs and more.
3. Walk among the Heather on the Cairngorms
August is when the Cairngorms National Park turns purple, with heather flowering across the moorland in one of Scotland's most dramatic natural spectacles. The park borders Aberdeenshire to the west, and there are countless routes of all abilities to explore - from a gentle walk from Ballater or Braemar to a more ambitious summit attempt such as Cairn O’ Mount. The colours are at their peak in mid-August and make for extraordinary photography.
4. Explore Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Free to enter and right in the heart of Aberdeen city, the Maritime Museum traces the city's deep and ongoing relationship with the sea - from the clipper ship era and the herring industry through to the story of North Sea oil and gas. Spanning four floors of a beautifully converted historic building including the 16th century Provost Ross's House, it's one of Aberdeen's finest cultural attractions and a fascinating few hours well spent.
5. Rock out at Banff Castle Rocks
Returning for its third year, Banff Castle Rocks is set to be headlined by the Scottish rock band Big Country, On 22 August, set over views of the beautiful Moray Firth, the stage will be the biggest and best yet, with a brilliant line up of rock music and tributes to jam out to.
6. Aberdeen Sausage and Cider Festival
A proper summer festival at Hazlehead Park on Saturday 8 August, from 12pm to 10pm. Expect over 30 different ciders from independent and national producers, gourmet sausages, live music from top tribute acts, a children's tent, and a DJ set to round off the evening.
7. Visit a local farmers’ market
August is peak season for North-east produce and the region's farmers’ markets are the perfect place to enjoy it. The West End Farmers’ Market in Aberdeen runs on the first Sunday of each month, while Inverurie's Town Square market on the second Saturday brings together fresh fruit and veg, homemade preserves and locally reared meats. Whatever your plans this August, there's a market to fit around them
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