What’s on in August?

Make the most of the events taking place across the South of Scotland this August. You can experience four days of classical music or jumping jacks with the nation’s favourite PE teacher. Watch the Common Ridings or join in with civic weeks, galas and summer fayres showcasing everything from falconry to hurdle jumping lambs or medieveal jousting. And there’s a brand new gravel cycling event to experience in the Galloway Forest Park – read on for more details and be sure to keep an eye on our Events page for new additions.

Absolute Classics

Where: Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries

This year’s annual Absolute Classics Festival, founded in 2014 by Artistic Director Alex McQuiston, offers a celebration of classical music from piano soloists to trios and quartets and Opera Bohemia performing Mozart’s classic The Marriage of Figaro. Set in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway at the Easterbrook Hall, internationally acclaimed artists will treat audiences to some of the most loved music of all time. Passes are available for the festival or you can pick and choose from events over four days in mid- August.

PE with Joe Wicks

Where: Thirlestane Castle

The nation’s favourite PE teacher who got us through lock down is touring the country raising spirits, energy levels and money for Children in Need. Come for a joyous workout with Joe Wicks, grab a selfie and a chat with the man himself and go away feeling envigorated. It’s Joe’s only stop in the South of Scotland, so be sure to go out and show him Scotland Starts Here!

Annual Ridings and Civic Weeks

Where: Various

The annual ridings season is drawing to a close but there are still a few gala weeks and civic weeks with plenty of festivities for the whole family across the region. Port Patrick celebrates its Lifeboat and crew in a week long of festivities at the start of the month. The Coldstream Common Riding attracts riders from many of the other Common Ridings as it commemorates the Battle of Flodden with a special ride out. Gatehouse Gala Week also has a ride out and together these are your last chances to see one of the annual ridings until next year. To find out more about these annual events click through to our Common Ridings page.

Theatre galore!

Where: Various

Outdoor theatre is one of the real pleasures of the summer months so grab the chance to see Cinderella at Floors Castle or the Pirates of Penzance at the Crichton in Dumfries. Or perhaps you would prefer a fully improvised murder mystery where the audience must help solve the case with the Murder on the Improvised Express or Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, both at Thirlestane Castle. And at the Swallow Theatre near Whithorn, direct from a full run at Assembly Front Room in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, is a new play, Earwig, about a deaf entomologist trying to make herself heard in the 1920s.

Roxburghe Rocks

Where: Floors Castle

The legendary live music of Abba, Queen and Elton John will be blasting from the specially constructed stage at Roxburghe Rocks at Floors Castle. This outdoor event encourages a festival atmosphere with food and drink tents to keep you going. Bring your blankets, family and friends and have a great day with classic tunes. There will be Bungee Trampolines, an All Age Bouncy Castle, Crazy Golf, Face Painting and much more to keep you entertained throughout the day.

ScottFest

Where: Abbotsford

This fun-filled Scottfest for all the family is back for 2022 and will draw to a close the year-long celebration of the 250^th birthday of the great Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. Crowd-pleasing favourite spectacles include jousting, falconry, live music, food and drink stalls and much more.

Summer fayres

Where: Drumlanrig Castle and Estate & Paxton House

The Galloway Country Fair returns this summer to Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate. The annual two-day event will take place in the picturesque surroundings of the Estate and celebrate all aspects of rural life. From a lamb-jumping hurdles competition to performing pigs; from falconry to racing dogs and pet shows, this is a weekend of entertainment not to be missed. Showcasing the best of country pursuits, local craftsmanship, artisan food and drink as well as superb entertainment, this is a fantastic way to celebrate your stay in the South of Scotland.

Paxton House will host a day-long summer fayre with a range of fun for the whole family. From bouncy castles, outdoor games and dog show to a Viking reenactment tent, wild tree climbing, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking on the River Tweed there really is plenty to do!

Raiders Gravel

Where: Gatehouse of Fleet, The Galloway Forest Park

At the end of the month is Raiders Gravel,  a uniquely Scottish gravel adventure in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park. Across three race stages riders explore the many corners of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere taking in the natural wonders, wildlife and serene outdoors. Based at Gatehouse of Fleet there will be a food village, grand marquee and Expo tent. Expect evening entertainment, local food and drink and the latest products from event partners.

Birthday Tea

Where: Paxton House

Celebrating 30 years of being open to the public, Paxton House is celebrating in style with an Afternoon Tea including live music in its beautiful picture gallery. Why not pair your tea with a guided tour of this Palladian house designed by the famous Adam brother architects. Exhibitions currently include Caribbean Connections telling the story of the transatlantic slave trade, life on a plantation in Grenada and how the owners of Paxton House influenced the lives of many and the fight for freedom by and for enslaved people.