October wraps Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps in copper and gold, with a useful mix of local markets, live music, family events and indoor options for days when the weather develops opinions.
Our cottages in Tarbet make a practical base for northern Loch Lomond, Arrochar and Loch Long, with Balloch, Helensburgh, Callander and Stirling all useful day-trip options.
October 2026 events at a glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 October | Callander Jazz & Blues Festival | Callander |
| 3 October | Young Entrepreneurs Craft Fair | Helensburgh |
| 4 & 18 October | Sunday Markets | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 17 October | Top Dogs | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 18 October | Callander Toy Fair | Callander |
| 21–24 October | Stirling Science Festival | Stirling |
October highlights
Callander Jazz & Blues Festival
Live jazz and blues across Callander makes this a strong autumn day trip into the Trossachs. Check the programme and individual venue arrangements before travelling.
Young Entrepreneurs Craft Fair
The Burgh Yard hosts a market created around young makers aged 8–18, with handmade products ranging from baking and artwork to jewellery, crochet and 3D printing. It is an easy smaller-scale stop to combine with a Helensburgh day out.
Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Markets
Browse local produce, food, crafts and gifts beside the loch. The markets fit neatly around a shoreline walk, lunch or a family attraction in Balloch.
Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores
Dog shows, demonstrations, advice and pet-related stalls make this a natural day out for visitors travelling with four-legged co-pilots.
Callander Toy Fair
A compact indoor option for collectors and families, useful when October weather is playing percussion on the windows.
Stirling Science Festival
Stirling Science Festival returns with the 2026 theme “Play • Move • Discover: The Science of Sport, Play and Wellbeing”. Expect hands-on activities and events exploring movement, human performance, wellbeing and science across Stirling venues. The Stirling Smith Museum programme includes an all-ages science trail and mindful movement activity.
October school-holiday ideas
Stirling Science Festival gives families a strong booked or indoor option later in the month. Around Loch Lomond, keep a lower-level walk, Balloch visit or relaxed food stop in reserve because daylight is shortening and hill conditions can change quickly.
Turn the day out into a Loch Lomond break.
Use our Tarbet cottages as a self-catering base for Loch Lomond, Arrochar and The Cobbler. Each cottage sleeps up to six and the live calendars are available through the direct-booking page.
October works best with a flexible itinerary
Colour and quieter roads
Use shorter scenic stops around Tarbet, Luss, Balloch and the Trossachs.
Read the autumn guideBring the dog
Match Top Dogs with a pet-friendly cottage and local woodland walks.
See dog-friendly staysKeep a Plan B
Use Balloch, Stirling or a long lunch when the hills disappear behind cloud.
Browse ideasChoose a cottage near Loch Lomond and Arrochar
Browse Loch Lomond cottages, compare our Arrochar holiday cottages, or go straight to live direct availability. Guests travelling with dogs can also use our dog-friendly cottage guide.