What’s on in April in the South of Scotland

As the blossom springs to life and greenery carpets our landscapes, April is a fantastic time to explore the South of Scotland. Whether you are planning a trip to the Scottish Borders or want to explore Dumfries and Galloway, the month is packed with family fun, a preview of one of the region’s major annual performing arts festivals, unique wellness experiences and the start of the trout fishing season.

From Easter egg hunts in historic grounds to world-class live music, the South of Scotland is the place to be. Read on for an overview of what’s on in the region.

Family Adventures and Easter Celebrations

Easter is of course a major highlight this month, offering fun activities for all ages across the region.

At Bowhill House and Grounds in Selkirk, families can immerse themselves in a “Wind in the Willows” themed trail from the 3rd to the 19th of April, combining literary magic with the beauty of the outdoors. In Melrose, Trimontium Museum hosts a unique Roman Rabbit Trail on the 4th, teaching young visitors about the history of rabbits in Britain while exploring the town’s ancient past.

For those looking for a high-energy holiday, Crawick Multiverse in Sanquhar hosts its popular Easter Monday Fun Day on the 6th. Head along for a day filled with games and dancing among the land art installations. Alternatively, make the most of the Crawick Multiverse Easter Trail, which runs from the end of March until the 12th of April.

Food, drink and fun is also a key part of the festivities at the Bonkers Bingo Easter Brunch Special in Dumfries, which promises party anthems and live music on the 4th. There is also a special Easter Sunday lunch available at The Crichton’s Easterbrook Bistro on the 5th, complete with children’s entertainment and local treats.

Wellness, Nature, and Outdoor Pursuits

April invites you to slow down and reconnect with the natural world through bespoke wellness events and outdoor festivals.

Cedar Hus are taking their mobile sauna on the road for several special events: On the 2nd of April, they offer a restorative Full Moon Sauna session under the “Pink Moon” at Bewliehill Farm in Melrose. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect and reset. Alternatively, join the Nature Immersion Walk and Sauna at Monteviot House on the 17th for a guided woodland stroll and forest bathing. Those wanting to spend a full day to unwinde and relax can sign up for the Day Retreat on the 29th of April. The programme offers sauna sessions, yoga, and a special Body Harmony class.

Nature lovers can also head to Kailzie Estate near Peebles on the 4th of April. There, the Tweed Trout Festival at Kailzie Fisheries celebrates the start of the trout season. Open to first-time casters and seasoned anglers alike, the day offers competitions, fishing demonstrations and children’s activities.

One of the month’s highlights is the 10th anniversary of the Galashiels Walking Festival from the 23rd to the 26th. Organised by the team at the Hike & Bike Hub, the festival offers a programme of guided walks and activities in the stunning Borders landscape. Choose from wild swims, social gatherings, evening walks and history tours.

Textiles, Art, and Heritage

The South of Scotland’s rich industrial and creative heritage takes centre stage this month with exhibitions and tours.

In Hawick, a major milestone is celebrated with the “Twill to Tweed” exhibition at Lovat Mill starting on the 11th, marking 200 years of the iconic brand. Also in Hawick, the Seven Sisters Handweavers present “Making Connections” from the 4th, showcasing the intricate work of a talented network of London-trained weavers. Quilting enthusiasts should not miss “Quilts 2026” in Selkirk on the 24th and 25th, where the Borders Modern Quilt Guild celebrates its first public exhibition.

For those interested in the darker side of history, talks and tours with award-winning Mostly Ghostly are unmissable. Their “Waking The Witch” event in Dumfries on the 13th explores the haunting history of the local witch trials, while the “Heroes of the Titanic” talk on the 15th pays tribute to the local men lost on the ill-fated liner. History is also brought to life at Gilnockie Tower during the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets Food Week on the 18th, and via the Border Abbeys Guided Tour with local guide Stewart Wilson on the 11th.

Theatre and Comedy

Storytelling takes many forms this April, from intense courtroom dramas to laugh-out-loud comedy.

The month kicks off with “Murder Trial Tonight 4: Death of a Landlord” at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries on the 3rd, where the audience becomes the jury in a gripping immersive experience.

Another major highlight in the calendar is the brand new touring offer from DunsPlayFest. The annual festival of new writing is bringing a taste of its programme to different corners of the region from the 8th of April. Then in May, the main festival will see over 100 productions staged in Duns; it’s a stacked programme filled with unmissable events.

Comedy fans are well-catered for with Stuart Mitchell and Friends in Melrose on the 16th, and the medical-drama spoof “General Medical Emergency Ward 10” in Whithorn on the 27th and 28th. For more thought-provoking theatre, Tim Marriott returns to The Swallow Theatre with “Appraisal,” a sharp look at a workplace review gone wrong, running between the 17th and 19th of April.

Live Music and Entertainment Across the Region

The entertainment schedule for April is incredibly diverse, catering to fans of everything from heavy metal to traditional fiddle music.

On the 4th, Dumfries sees the earth-shattering debut of Impulse Wrestling at Loreburn Hall. Those looking for high-octane metal music can catch Pyroclast and Borderline at The Vault Arts Centre in Newton Stewart.

Tribute acts are well-represented with “Dignity – The Deacon Blue Experience” in Langholm on the 10th and “Whole Lotta Shakin’” celebrating Shakin’ Stevens on the 11th. Fans of legendary voices can look forward to the return of Eddi Reader at Easterbrook Hall on the 16th and the effortless country-blues of Brooks Williams in Whithorn on the 30th.

For a night of high-energy dancing, the Honky Tonk Hoedown at Loreburn Hall in Dumfries on the 17th offers a line dancing masterclass. Then on the 18th, the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra brings the traditional sounds of Scotland to the town. Continuing on theme, “Legends of American Country” brings a multi-award-winning touring show to Langholm on the 19th. To round out the month, Kelso hosts an intimate evening with Cast and The La’s frontman John Power on the 25th.

Are you looking for some ideas for your spring visit? Try these for inspiration….

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