Arts & Entertainment

Whenever your visit to Orkney falls in the calendar, you can rest assured there will always be something happening.

It has been said that Orkney may hold more festivals per head of population than anywhere else. From music festivals to science, nature and craft — there really is an event for everyone, and it doesn’t all happen on the Mainland. The isles are brimming with events, particularly in the summer, where you can check out Westray Connections or the Hoy Hoolie, for example.

The Orkney Folk Festival, St Magnus International Festival, Orkney Rock Festival and Orkney Blues Festival are definitely worth checking out, and the Orkney International Science Festival is the oldest festival of its kind anywhere outside Edinburgh.

Most of our events are family friendly, at least in part, but if you want an all-round family experience, a trip to Kirkwall’s Wellpark Garden Centre, café and soft play facility will make sure everyone is thoroughly entertained, or the Pickaquoy Centre, where there are many options for active fun. Make a visit to the Phoenix Cinema while you’re there!

Most of these events and venues have a website or social media page, where you can check ahead to keep up with the latest news.