Be Inspired: Events and Festivals
Events and Festivals in Perthshire
Step into Perth, Perthshire and Kinross-shire this year, and discover big events, a great choice of quality, independent shops and a whole area brimming with fun for all the family!
The Stone of Destiny
Perth Museum, Ongoing
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The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy and kingdom. A king-making stone, it was used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs at Scone, 3 miles upriver of Perth on the River Tay.
Its first documented use was in 1249 for the inauguration of the boy-king, Alexander III.
Taken as war loot by King Edward I of England fifty years after Alexander became king, the Stone was carried to Westminster Abbey in London; a symbol of Edward’s victory and his perceived right to rule.
Returning home to Perthshire for the first time in 700 years, this iconic artefact is still used to crown kings and queens of the United Kingdom today, including the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Visitors will be taken on a 10-minute immersive journey through the Stone's long and mysterious history before being provided with an up-close encounter with the impressive object itself.
Tickets are free and can be acquired from the Box Office. Tickets are timed at 10-minute intervals. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot.
A limited number of tickets are also available to book in-person at the Museum on the day of your visit, on a first come, first served basis.
Find out more and book >
Scottish Crannog Centre Spring Events
Loch Tay, various dates
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Visit the Scottish Crannog centre this spring and enjoy hands on crafts, explore ancient history and immerse yourself in an Iron Age Village on the shores of Loch Tay.
All of the events below will run from 10am with last entry at 3pm, and the Crannog's delicious café will be open serving hot and cold drinks and homemade food.
All are welcome, including the family pet!
Spring Equinox, 21st Mar - Welcome in the brighter days to come! Join us in the season of the Mad March Hare for Spring nonsense!
Find out more and book >
Winter Words Festival 2025
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 21st to 23rd Feb
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Curated by new Artistic Director Alan Cumming, this fantastic event offers two fully-packed days of author talks, theatre, literary lunches, morning yoga and foodie delights. Visit Pitlochry Festival Theatre's website for full details on each, and booking.
The programme of authors includes Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart, celebrated crime writer Val McDermid, Mayflies and Caledonian Road author Andrew O’Hagan and broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark, who will all be in conversation with Alan Cumming about their work.
Former Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, the current Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen; Scottish Indian writer Arun Sood; Scotland’s Geographer Royal Jo Sharp; author James Jauncey in conversation with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney; the Highland Hutter Peter MacQueen as well as Fierce Salvage: Contemporary Scottish Publishing, with the award-winning independent publishing house 404 Ink and author Titilayo Farukuoye chaired by Heather Parry.
For food lovers, there are literary lunches with cuisine write and restaurateur Carina Contini, MasterChef 2022 finalist and food writer Sarah Rankin and chef and Café Canna owner Gareth Cole. Food Tourism Ambassador Ghillie Bașan will talk about food, whisky and life accompanied by whisky tastings.
Join Finlay Wilson, the author of Kilted Yoga, for a morning yoga session, or to join the runner and author Chris Carse Wilson on a 5km run with readings from his book Fray.
For theatre lovers, there is A Room of One’s Own, dramatised by Firebrand Theatres from the writings of Virginia Woolf and performed by Ellie Zeegen. The rehearsed reading The Race to 1984 by Richard Baron celebrates author George Orwell’s battle to complete his masterpiece in a Scottish hospital.
Find out more and book >
Scone Palace Snowdrop day
Scone Palace, 22nd Feb
From 10am to 3pm, Scone Palace will be hosting a day to celebrate the snowdrop display that grows in the gardens and grounds of this historic site.
A waymarked 'Snowdrop Walk ' will guide you through the Friars Den, Victorian Pinetum and down the old drive lined with an avenue of lime trees.
Join the Palace gardens team as they plant up a wooded area of the grounds for a new snowdrop display.
Here you will learn to increase your own snowdrop display at home where lifting, splitting and transplanting will be demonstrated.
A small selection of specialised snowdrops will be for sale from our gift shop and our coffee shop will be open so you can warm up with a selection of tasty refreshments.
Admission to Gardens ticket required.
Find out more and book >
Waters Rising Exhibition
Perth Museum, running now to 16th Mar
Waters Rising explores narratives and artifacts related to flooding from Scotland and beyond, spanning biblical tales, Ancient Egypt, North America, and recent local incidents.
Waters Rising exhibition features an Egyptian sarcophagus with Nile flood damage, a rare illuminated bible from the thirteenth century, ceremonial brass bowls commemorating the Hindu flood myth of Vasudeva and Krishna, eighteenth and nineteenth-century etchings and mezzotints of Noah’s Great Flood, and much more.
It highlights contemporary works from renowned Indigenous Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau.
The exhibit also features Scottish artists Will Maclean and Alan Kilpatrick.
Visitors will be inspired to take action through stories and objects from the climate movement in Scotland today.
The exhibition addresses the escalating threat of the global climate crisis, highlighting the effects of flooding and extreme weather on communities, businesses, and infrastructure in Perth and Kinross.
It also features photographs, memories, and stories contributed by local residents.
Find out more and book >
Easter at The Castle
The Black Watch Castle and Museum, 19th April
From 10am to 2pm, £10 per child and one accompanying adult, £5 per additional adult.
Hop into spring with our fun-filled Easter Event at The Black Watch Castle and Museum!
Enjoy a day of exciting activities for all ages, including an easter trail outside in the gardens, an easter trail in the museum where the Black Watch Bunny is getting ready for Easter and needs help finding his troops, and kids can enjoy some easter themed cookie decorating.
Children can get creative with Easter-themed crafts, making paper plate rabbits and suncatcher eggs.
They can also enjoy classic games outside like bowling, tin can alley, and more.
It’s a perfect day out for families, combining adventure, creativity, and the rich history of The Black Watch.
More details to follow >
Perth Racecourse 2025 Season
Perth Racecourse, 23rd April to 21st October
There's nothing quite like a day at the races, and the award-winning team behind Perth Racecourse, prides themselves on hosting some of Scotland and the UK's most thrilling horseracing events.
Whether you're watching the action unfold as horses race past the finishing post or feeling the anticipation build among the crowd, you'll experience an electrifying atmosphere enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
There are 13 thrilling fixtures over the 2025 season, kicking off with the three day Perth Festival on 23rd to 25th April.
Renowned for highly competitive jump racing this fantastic day - or days! - out also includes live music entertainment.
Other events include:
- Ladies Day - 15th May
- Gold Cup Day - 8th June
- Family Raceday - 13th July
- Glorious Finale
Our advice is to be quick - these fantastic events sell out fast. Book your tickets now and enjoy top-class racing, a thrilling atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and the very best in Scottish hospitality.
Find out more and book >
Macbeth: An Exhibition.
Perth Museum, 25th Apr to 31 Aug
Famously known as The Scottish Play, the exhibition explores the historical origins of the King of Scotland and the continuing influence that William Shakespeare’s iconic play has had on art, theatre, music, and film.
Macbeth: An Exhibition, will take visitors on a journey through time, connecting the legendary figure to the very landscape of Perthshire.
From the haunting forests of Birnam Wood to the imposing Dunsinane Hill, the exhibition will unveil the deep-rooted connection between this dramatic tale and the region.
Visitors will be invited to uncover the enduring power of Shakespeare’s Macbeth against a backdrop of national identity, monarchy and James VI and I’s fear of witchcraft during his reign.
As well as the enduring influence that William Shakespeare's masterpiece has had on audiences and performers across centuries.
Find out more and book>
Etape Caledonia
Start and Finish in Pitlochry, 11th May
The Etape Caledonia 40-mile route offers an incredible cycling experience through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Starting and finishing in the town of Pitlochry, this closed-road event takes you on a memorable journey past serene lochs, rolling hills, and lush forests.
Key highlights of the route include cycling along the shores of Loch Tummel, with its calm waters and spectacular backdrop of Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains.
While the 40-mile route avoids some of the steeper climbs featured in the full distance, it still offers an enjoyable mix of inclines and rewarding descents, with an approximate elevation gain of 1,200 feet (366 meters).
Perfect for beginners or those seeking a less demanding challenge, this route allows riders to soak in the natural beauty of the Highlands while being part of the electric atmosphere of a major cycling event.
With the safety and thrill of closed roads, the Etape Caledonia 40-mile route is a truly unforgettable ride.
There are other routes of 55 miles or 85 miles available to participate in, find out all the information on link below.
Find out more and book>
Perth Festival of the Arts
22nd to 31st May 2025
Each May, Perth Festival of the Arts becomes the gem in Scotland’s cultural calendar. From 22-31 May 2025, the 10-day arts-packed Festival is set to bring world-class artists to cultural and historic venues across the city, while promoting the best up-and-coming local and Scottish talent.
Featuring big names like Sir Lenny Henry and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, 2025’s programme celebrates a wide range of arts including classical music and opera, jazz and rock music, children’s shows, the visual arts, literature, and comedy.
Tickets are now on sale for the Festival’s first three major shows, with the rest of the programme launching in March.
Find out more and book >
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, 24th May
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Join Perth Festival of the Arts for a glorious evening of classical music’s best-loved repertoire with one of the top orchestras in the Asia-Pacific region.
The orchestra will perform two of the most popular works from the operatic and ballet repertoire including Bizet’s scintillating Carmen Suite and music from perhaps the greatest of all ballets: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
Consistently chart-topping Classic FM’s Hall of Fame,
Vaughan Williams nostalgic masterpiece The Lark Ascending continues the popular programme.
One of the most versatile cellists of the present day Wen-Sinn Yang performs Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Rococo Variations before Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 brings the concert to an energetic close.
Find out more and book >
An Evening with Sir Lenny Henry Hosted by Fred MacAulay
Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, 30th May
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Renowned comedian, actor, writer and Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry has had a vibrant career for over 50 years covering every inch of entertainment.
Rising as a cult star on children’s television to becoming one of Britain’s best known performers, Lenny has transformed from a Shakespearean Othello to a harfoot in Amazon's Lord of the Rings, a druid in The Witcher, a grocer in his acclaimed Bush Theatre play and many more.
Offstage, Lenny has become a diversity champion, successful children's author, philanthropist and knight.
In this eclectic evening, Sir Lenny Henry will triumphantly return to stand up and then dive into the details with Fred MacAulay, closing with an audience Q&A.
Over a decade since Lenny's last stand up tour, don't miss this rare chance to see Sir Lenny Henry live!
Find out more and book >
Brass Hits Hollywood – Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack
Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, 31st May
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Join Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack and special guest singer Anna-Jane Casey for a spectacular Perth Festival concert of big band swing, featuring iconic songs from much-loved MGM Musicals and Hollywood's biggest movies.
This extraordinary, hand-picked Brass Orchestra, formed by virtuoso trumpeter Mike Lovatt, explodes with fresh new arrangements and exciting compositions by Colin Skinner.
Packed with orchestral colour, the group features highly acclaimed vocalists, swinging French horns, jazz rhythms section, an array of Latin percussion, timpani, harp, and tubas.
Find out more and book >
Perth Cocktail Week
Various Venues, Perth City Centre, 23rd of May to 1st June
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Due to popular demand, Perth’s celebration of all things cocktail will return for a second year.
Whether you like it shaken or stirred, long and tall or in a shot, Perth Cocktail Week has everything you need to swing into the better weather, longer nights and sweet sounds of summer.Taking part is easy!
Simply buy your Cocktail Week wristband and unlock discounted cocktails in bars and restaurants across the city.
Hundreds of exclusive and signature cocktails starting from £5.
Discounted drinks, food and more in over 30 bars, restaurants and shops across the city.
Unlimited use of your wristband throughout the 10 days.
Perth Creative Exchange Spring Market & Open Studios
Perth Creative Exchange - Wasps Studios, 24th to 25th May
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Come along between 10-4 and join Perth Creative Exchange for their Spring Market & Open Studios event to see a fantastic diversity of creative talent all under one roof.
You'll find paintings, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, woodcraft, illustration, feltwork, textiles, glassware and more!
Shop with your local professional creatives for all your Spring gift needs – it’s a great opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers at the market, visit working studios with demos, and see the tenants' exhibition.
Finish up with a delicious cuppa & cake from the pop-up cafe.
Entry is free.
More details to follow
Scone Palace Garden Fair
Scone Palace, 30th to 31st May
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Mark your calendars because the Scone Palace Garden Fair is back for its fourth year, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever!
Join us on the stunning lawns of historic Scone Palace to celebrate the very best of Scottish gardening.
Discover a fantastic selection of top nurseries, garden centres, makers, and societies, all showcasing their expertise and passion for plants.
Be inspired by expert talks and demonstrations, including appearances by the beloved Beechgrove Garden team, and marvel at the creativity of the Scottish Garden Design Competition, returning once again to wow visitors.
New for 2025: We want to inspire the next generation of gardeners, with a range of exciting activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for nature.
Plus, children under 16 enjoy free entry, making it a perfect family day out!
Find out more and book >
Potfest at Scone Palace
Scone Palace, 6th to 8th June
Celebrating it's 28th year in Scotland and Potfest's 13th year at Scone – the Crowning Place of Scottish kings.
Under large marquees across the Palace lawns, meet the 90 studio ceramics artists takingpart. Wander Scone’s grounds, gardens and pinetum.
Talk to the makers, discover what fuels their passion for clay and buy direct.
Make a full day of your visit and soak up all things clay at this Scottish celebration of ceramics.
Potfest ticket includes access to Scone Palace grounds and gardens.
Top up tickets for access into the Palace are available at the ticket kiosk.
Find out more and book >
Perth Classic Car Show
Tay Street, 7th June
This hugely popular, free event is loved by young and old alike as it captures the spirit of motoring through the ages.
From the classic cars proudly displayed by individual collectors, to car clubs from across Scotland, military enthusiasts’ vehicles, and Perth’s own vintage lorry replica from JA Duncan contractors.
With well over 60 vehicles on display we can guarantee plenty of expert knowledge on hand, and a few stories about the life of these amazing antiques.
Chat to owners and collectors, many of whom will be delighted to offer you a seat behind the wheel and a look under the bonnet, run your hands over the leather, and soak up the history of the very best in Scottish and British transport.
More info to follow soon.
Solas Festival
Errol park, 20 to 22 June
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Solas Festival - Scotland’s midsummer festival - has been running since 2009.
The all-age, weekend-long celebration of music and the arts is designed to entertain, inspire and challenge.
Our programme makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum.
The festival offers a broad, inclusive, creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment; everyone is welcome.
In recent years they have welcomed performers from Ghana, Palestine and Canada, Syrian refugees from Glasgow and music from Nashville.
Find out more and book>
Patter at the Palace
Scone Palace, 27th to 29th June
This summer, the stunning grounds of Scone Palace will transform into Scotland’s comedy hotspot as Patter at the Palace takes over from June 27th to 29th, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, this three-day comedy extravaganza promises non-stop laughter, mouth-watering street food, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Bringing together an unbeatable line-up of some of the biggest names in comedy!
Patter at the Palace will be headlined by the hilarious Milton Jones, quick-witted Russell Kane, Scottish farming funny man Jim Smith, beloved stand-up veteran Ed Byrne, and the razor- sharp, absurdist genius Dylan Moran.
Whether you're a fan of observational comedy, dry wit, or belly-laugh-inducing absurdity, this festival will have something for every sense of humour.
Find out more and book >
Heartland Festival
Pitlochry, 28th to 29th June
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Back for a second year, this family friendly festival in the heart of Scotland showcases the best Scottish talent on the music scene whilst raising money for local charities.
The Heartland Festival 2025 is shaping up to be another amazing weekend of live music!
With another strong lineup for 2025 that includes Skerryvore, Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx Band, The Eves, and Roisin McCarney.
The Main Stage lineup is now complete, with Discovery Stage artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
Camping options are available, with reserved allocation and discounted rates at two campsites in the local area, Grandtully Station Campsite and Aberfeldy Caravan Park.
Find out more and book>
City of Perth Salute
North Inch Park, 28th June
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This fantastic, free event brings the electric atmosphere of a Tattoo-style arena event to Perth city centre.
Offering families the chance to see military and civilian bands from across Scotland in a dazzling parade through the streets towards the North Inch, the City of Perth Salute is not to be missed.
Wander around and soak up the atmosphere of the Salute Fringe.
A fantastic collection of Scottish Military vehicles will also be on display, along with WWII reenactors, Militaria, along with both the Mela and Salute Markets.
Pack a picnic or whet your appetite with one of our street food vendors.
A perfect family day out!
Perth Mela Festival
North Inch Park, 29th June
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Perth loves a party and this glorious celebration of world music, dance and culture is the perfect way to welcome in the summer.
Everything kicks off with a colourful parade from Thimblerow to the North Inch where a day of song, dance and fun awaits you.
Live Music Stage – bringing Scottish and international talent to Perth
Dance displays – From local dance schools and visiting dance troups
Mela Market - Shop with local artisans and find out about community support services
Food and Drink - street food vendors offering up a taste of India, China, and much more.
Grab your friends and family, bring your deckchair or blanket, and dust off your dancing shoes.
This is an event not to be missed!
GWCT Scottish Game Fair
Scone Palace, 4th to 6th July
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Come and celebrate the very best of the outdoors with The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, as it returns to the stunning setting of Scone Palace.
Enjoy three braw days at The GWCT Scottish Game Fair – a true celebration of Scotland’s rich countryside heritage!
Highlights include gundog displays, terrier racing, equestrian skills, Highland ponies, and there is also plenty to keep the youngsters entertained, they can meet with miniature Shetland ponies, cuddle puppies and take cookery lessons.( those pesky kids get to have all the fun!)
Choose from one day entry, two or three day or why not make it a short break and camp? (more details on booking site)
This event includes everything from fishing to falconry, shooting to off road driving plus an array of delicious food and drink producers.
There really is something for everyone.
Find out more and book >
Perth Show
South Inch, 1st to 2nd Aug
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This fantastic two day agricultural event, showcases the best in class of livestock, horses and ponies, food and drink, and local arts and crafts, from Perthshire and beyond.
The Perth Show has been run by Perthshire Agricultural Society for 158 years, and has been held on the South Inch for almost every year for the last 113!
This fab location gives us locals and visitors a perfect opportunity to experience farming life right on our doorstep, and who can resist fantastic shopping and eating opportunities from the variety of stall holders!
Who doesn't love a chance to get up close and personal to beautiful Clydesdale horses,or bonnie Highland cows?
There is a variety of events on to keep the whole family entertained, show jumping, vintage tractors and machinery, a range of children's activities and don't forget, fantastic local food and drink producers.
Lots of stalls offering up brilliant gift ideas, from tartan and tweed accessories to upcycled jewellery and photographic prints there is sure to be the perfect gift for everyone.
Find out more >
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
Scone Palace, 21st to 24th Aug
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The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials event will be held in the historic and picturesque Parklands of Scone Palace and the adjacent Perth Racecourse, offering a stunning setting for what is certain to become, a world class event.
Expect to see the high standards you would expect at an equestrian show of this nature, with arena eventing, competitions, pony clubs and so much more.
As well as this, a fantastic shopping village, wide and varied food and drink offer, and activities galore make it an excellent day our for all of the family.
This new event replaces the Blair Castle International Horse Trials.
Find out more >
Horsecross 125 Live!
Mill Street, 6th to 7th Sept
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2025 is a milestone year for Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, with Perth Theatre turning 125 and Perth Concert Hall reaching 20. To celebrate these birthdays, we’re throwing a street party!
Taking place across three live stages, stretching from Perth Theatre Courtyard to Perth Concert Hall Plaza, the outdoor spectacular will programme classical, contemporary, musical theatre and trad stars alongside much-loved local groups and societies.
Cutting-edge projections and special effects will envelop audiences by animating the surrounding buildings and structures, and the show will culminate in a dazzling pyrotechnic display.
To ensure a proper street party experience, food stalls will also be on site and a bar service will be available from both venues.
For younger audiences, our Learning & Engagement team will provide a programme of free daytime activities and workshops, plus performances from our award-winning Gig On A Truck and new Perth Theatre Pop-ups.
FREE daytime shows and activities: 12:00 – 16:00
Evening performances: Doors 18:30
Find out more and book >
Enchanted Forest
Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, 2nd Oct to 2nd Nov
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The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular immersive art experience like no other.
Perfect for the whole family to enjoy and an outstanding evening out, it takes place in the beautiful Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire.
Delighting visitors for over two decades, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show has welcomed more than 800,000 visitors from all over the world to this stunning Scottish location.
Dazzling visuals are choregraphed to an original music score, the innovative design will keep you mesmorised, while you walk through the natural beauty of Faskally Wood.
Simply, a magical experience for all.
Find out more and book >
Perth Creative Exchange Winter Market & Open Studios
Perth Creative Exchange - Wasps Studios,6th to 7th Dec
Come along between 10-4 and join Perth Creative Exchange for their Winter Market & Open Studios event to see a fantastic diversity of creative talent all under one roof.
You'll find paintings, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, woodcraft, illustration, feltwork, textiles, glassware and more!
Shop with your local professional creatives for all your Christmas gift needs – it’s a great opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers at the market, visit working studios with demos, and see the tenants' exhibition.
Finish up with a delicious cuppa & cake from the pop-up cafe.
Entry is free.
More details to follow
Cultural Event Venues in Perthshire
The following venues offer a year round selection of events, shows, and days and nights out.
- Perth Theatre
- Perth Concert Hall
- Scone Palace
- The Black Watch Castle & Museum
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- Birnam Arts
Accommodation Ideas in Perthshire
If you're travelling from further afield, why not make a short break or holiday of it and book into one of our fantastic hotels, guest houses or glamping pods!
Check out more ideas for a fantastic Perthshire break here:
- Quirky Accommodation in Perthshire >
- Spa Breaks and Hot Tub Hideaways >
- City Centre Restaurants >
- Think Big Perthshire Activities >
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for full updates on all of the events and festivals listed below, and the new ones yet to come.