October wraps Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps in copper, gold and the occasional horizontal rain shower. The month mixes markets, dog-friendly events, live music and colourful local walks.
Our cottages in Tarbet work as a warm base for northern Loch Lomond, Arrochar, Loch Long and day trips into the Trossachs.
October 2026 events at a glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 October | Callander Jazz & Blues Festival | Callander |
| 4 & 18 October | Sunday Markets | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 17 October | Top Dogs | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 18 October | Callander Toy Fair | Callander |
October highlights
Callander Jazz & Blues Festival
Live jazz and blues across Callander makes this a strong choice for an autumn day trip into the Trossachs. Check the programme and individual venue arrangements before travelling.
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.
October school-holiday ideas
Loch Lomond Shores usually runs a wider October programme alongside its markets and special events. Build in an indoor or low-level alternative 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.