What’s On this August

From outdoor music and theatre performances to creative adventures for all ages, the South of Scotland is buzzing with activity this August. Perhaps you’re looking for a fun family trip, or want to get away from it all to immerse yourself in nature. However you w ant to mark the height of summer, here is your essential guide to the best things to do this August across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

Local Traditions & Common Ridings

August opens with more celebrations of the region’s heritage, the iconic equestrian tradition of the Common Ridings. The month kicks off with the historic Lauder Common Riding on August 1st, a proud festival dating back to the 1600s that honours the town’s ancient boundaries. Following closely is Coldstream Civic Week from 2nd to 9th August, where the Coldstream Riders Association leads spectacular rideouts to historic landmarks like Norham and Birgham.

For history lovers looking to step even further back in time, the Roman & Iron Age Festival at the Trimontium site in Newstead takes place on August 1st, while the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets at Gilnockie Tower on August 15th bring the turbulent era of the Border Reivers vividly back to life. Concluding a month full of history in a dramatic fashion, the Medieval Weekend at Melrose Abbey invites visitors to join Sir James Douglas and his followers as they prepare to set out on a crusade carrying the heart of King Robert the Bruce on the 15th and 16th.

Local Arts, Crafts & Exhibitions

The creative pulse of the South of Scotland remains exceptionally strong this season, with a diverse array of exhibitions and community gatherings.

August starts with the Eden Wool Gathering in Newton Stewart on 1st and 2nd August. Fans of fibre art, knitting and all things wool will flock to Galloway. Expect sheep shearing demonstrations alongside creative workshops – there are even opportunities to learn felting, see spinners in action, and connect to the heritage crafts the region is famous for. Will you join the fun?

If meeting local artists is what you’re looking to do, you also shouldn’t miss the final days of the celebrated Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail. Many of the creatives based in Scotland’s Artists Town throw open their doors until 3rd August for an up close look at their works.

Galleries across the region open brand-new exhibitions: Including Structures in a Different Light by Margaret Findlay and Nicola Ferri in Galashiels (opening August 1st), artist Rob Smith’s Borders Hillscapes in Coldstream, the Print & Page group exhibition in Hawick, and the identical twin reunion exhibition Land and Bloom by Nicola Coutts and Tracy Skelton in Selkirk.

A Month of Outdoor Thrills

For those eager to make the most of the late-summer weather, the region offers endless ways to connect with nature and test your limits.

Families and thrill-seekers can take advantage of the Summer Holidays at Go Ape near Peebles, alongside exclusive Adults-only evening sessions running throughout August. If you prefer two wheels, the Selkirk Gravel Classic on August 8th and the wider Durty Trail Weekender the next day invite cyclists and runners to conquer some of the most stunning and challenging terrain in the Tweed Valley and beyond. Plus, younger animal lovers can continue enjoying the Summer Pony Days at Eat Sleep Ride in Lamberton all month long.

Water enthusiasts will have a tough time making up their minds this month: There’s opportunities to dive right into coastal and inland adventures. There will be two Beach Yoga and Guided Wild Swims with the Brave Bayers at Coldingham Bay, as well as deep-water swims off the Berwickshire coast from St Abbs. Those who prefer river and loch swimming might want to join Tweed Valley Wilding for some of their Peebles Wild Swim Adventure sessions, or a breathtaking evening trek to the high-altitude Loch Skeen Wild Swim Adventure on the 7th.

Open-Air Theatre, Live Music & Festivals

August is a stellar month for entertainment, highlighted by enchanting outdoor theatre performances. Illyria brings two masterpieces to Dumfries: Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It on 4th August, and the swashbuckling adventure The Three Musketeers on the 21st. Meanwhile, the dynamic troupe The HandleBards bring a unique production of Macbeth to the stunning backdrop of Kailzie Estate in Peebles on 16th August. Pack a picnic and get there early to make the most of these beautiful settings!

For unique storytelling, catch the award-winning inspirational show Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life in Whithorn on August 1st and 2nd. Or perhaps you’d like to ponder historical what-ifs at the end of the month for When Vincent Met John. The performances are held at Scotland’s smallest theatre, the Swallow Theatre, so expect an intimate setting you won’t find anywhere else. Alternatively, explore local heritage through talks on the Dumfries witch trials on 11th August with Waking The Witch and the heroes of the Titanic on the 24th.

Music fans are spoiled for choice with The Rat Pack – Las Vegas Live in Langholm on 7th August. Just a week later, catch the vibrant Ultimate Tributes Festival in Dumfries on 15th August, and Demijohn’s annual music and food celebration at the Glenlair Feastival near Castle Douglas. Families can also enjoy a fun afternoon with The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure in Langholm on August 20th.

Community Celebrations & Summer Specials

As August draws to a close, towns across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway throw unforgettable community parties.

Kirkcudbright steals the spotlight with two massive event in their summer line-ups: The vibrant Kirkcudbright Grand Parade on August 22nd, packed with family entertainment, followed by the beloved Classic Car Rally on August 30th, which fills the historic town centre with vintage automotive masterpieces. Weekly traditions also continue, including the atmospheric Kirkcudbright Scottish Night in Harbour Square.

At the end of the month, runners and walkers will gather in Eyemouth. The lively Eyemouth Twilight 5K & Fun Runs on the 28th invites people of all ages to tackle the upgraded route. Even more excitingly, the event is sponsored by local award-winning ice cream producer Giacopazzi’s and entrants will be rewarded with tasty ice cream after the run. If it’s more of a relaxed atmosphere you’re looking for, join a slow Sunday stroll along the Berwickshire coast for The Salt & Soul Stroll on August 16th. Wild swims are optional but stunning views are guaranteed. And the region’s coastline is the perfect place to soak up the long summer days.

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