September brings a lively finish to the main visitor season around Loch Lomond. This year there is an unusually strong run of events, from traditional pipe band music and shinty at Dalmally to food and baking at Balloch, major live music and crime writing in Stirling, plus a wild-food weekend near Drymen.
The strongest plan is usually one booked activity, one local outdoor day and one flexible day that can bend around the weather. For the big Stirling weekends, allow extra time for traffic and parking.
September 2026 events at a glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 September | Dalmally Agricultural Show — pipe band music & junior shinty | Dalmally, Argyll |
| 5–6 September | Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 6 September | Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market | Balloch |
| 11–13 September | BBC Radio 2 in the Park | City Park, Stirling |
| 18–20 September | Bloody Scotland | Stirling |
| 19–20 September | Scottish Wild Food Festival | Tir na nOg, near Drymen |
| 20 September | Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market | Balloch |
| 26–27 September | Loch Lomond BAKEFEST26 | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
Traditional Scotland and pipe-band music
Dalmally Agricultural Show
A strong choice for guests looking for a traditional Scottish day out. The annual Dalmally Agricultural Show is held on the old village shinty field and the organisers confirm entertainment including pipe band music and a junior shinty tournament, alongside Highland and commercial cattle, blackface sheep, dogs, baking, horticulture and local produce.
Dalmally is an easy scenic day trip north and west from Tarbet via Crianlarich and the A85. The organiser currently lists adult entry at £10, over-65s at £5, children aged 5–16 at £4, under-fives free and free parking, with ticket availability subject to change.
Food, baking and family days at Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
A weekend of lochside food, live entertainment and family-friendly experiences at Loch Lomond Shores. It is an easy event to combine with a day around Balloch and the southern end of the loch.
Loch Lomond BAKEFEST26
A new festival devoted to cakes, pastries, breads, brownies and artisan sweet treats, with a marketplace, live baking demonstrations and workshops. Parking charges apply at Loch Lomond Shores.
Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Markets
Local food, drink, crafts and gifts make the markets an easy addition to a lochside day. The Food & Drink Festival weekend may make Balloch busier than usual on 6 September.
Major September events within day-trip range
BBC Radio 2 in the Park, Stirling
Radio 2’s flagship live-music weekend comes to City Park beneath Stirling Castle. Friday is the DJ pre-party, Chaka Khan headlines Saturday and Simple Minds close Sunday, with The Script, Emeli Sandé, Texas, James Blunt, Deacon Blue and others across the weekend. Tens of thousands of music fans are expected, so this is one to plan rather than improvise.
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival
Scotland’s international crime-writing festival returns to Stirling with a packed 2026 programme. Authors and guests include Richard Osman, Lee Child, Tana French, Jane Harper, Andrea Mara, Gregg Hurwitz and many more, with events spread across central Stirling venues.
Scottish Wild Food Festival
A particularly good fit for a Loch Lomond break, this two-day celebration of foraging and wild food includes walks, talks, workshops, food and drink experiences, live music and a marketplace. Adult day tickets are £19 plus booking fee, children aged 5–13 are £6 plus booking fee and under-fives are free with a ticket. Parking is limited, costs £5 plus booking fee and must be pre-booked.
The organisers say the festival has sold out every year, so booking ahead is sensible. Some paid workshops and dining experiences are additional to the festival entry ticket.
Closer to Tarbet and Arrochar
September often gives visitors a useful balance of lingering daylight and quieter paths. Cruise timetables begin to change as autumn approaches, so check sailings before travelling. For hill days, use a mountain forecast and carry waterproofs, warm layers and enough daylight for the route.
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.
Make the most of early autumn
Arrochar routes
Choose The Cobbler on a settled day or use lower-level options when the tops are in cloud.
Browse walksTarbet base
Stay close to Loch Lomond while keeping Arrochar and Loch Long within easy reach.
Read the Tarbet guideGuest Guide
Keep food, attractions and wet-weather options in one practical page.
Open the guideChoose 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.