Could Do List – Orkney in October 2026

We like to think that October is a great month to be in Orkney. For those keen to see a quieter side of the islands it’s a great month to visit. Its a brilliant opportunity to see seals, who come ashore on secluded beaches to give birth to seal pups, and migrating birds, such as colourful Waxwings who often land as they make their way to the sun.

On Saturday 3rd October from 11-6pm enjoy a day of free events, fun and activities throughout Kirkwall. From music, tattoos, face painting, bracelet making and tote bag decorating with Orkney Youth Forum to Glow Girls dance, movement and confidence sessions and Pilates and Prosecco with Orkney Dance and Fitness. There is a full day of great activities planned for this years Kirkwall BID in partnership with Clan Cancer Support ‘Girls Day Out’, and there is something for all ages.

Join Scottish singer, songwriter, and accordionist, Calum MacPhail, who is making waves with his vibrant fusion of traditional Scottish folk and Irish music, for a special evening of music in the Orkney Theatre on the 15th of October from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets can be bought here.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with Irish country music legend Declan Nerney and his band as he returns to Orkney with his Highland Fling Tour on Thursday the 22nd October 2026 at the Orkney Theatre in Kirkwall. Expect a fantastic night of great songs, lively craic and top-class entertainment from one of Ireland’s best-loved country performers. Don’t miss what promises to be a great night of country and Irish music. Tickets available from Maurice on 01856 874095 or via this link.

Chin Music has two meanings: one is idle talk, the other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket to intimidate the batter. Both describe Rich Hall’s comedy. Idle but intimidating. Sharp, quick, splenetic and sublimely improvisational. If you’ve never seen him, you need to hustle down and grab a seat because he never disappoints. Ever. ‘Blissfully funny’ (Guardian). See Rich at the Orkney Theatre on 24 October 2026 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available to purchase online now.

Finally, if you’re looking for a great walk to undertake in October, why not visit the Knowes of Trotty in Harray? This is one of Orkney’s most important and peaceful archaeological sites – the largest bronze age burial site in Scotland! You’ll find it on the Howe Road, opposite the Grimestone Road, and a bit of a walk across the landscape past Winksetter farm. You follow a track through heather, and walk on boardwalks over the wettest bits.

Once there the setting is quite lovely – and you’ll find about 12 burial mounds. The name means the mounds behind the marshes where the trowies live – old Orcadians were quite superstitious about the archeological wonders they found! Digs recovered four paper thin gold discs!

Finally if you plan to travel to the islands in October and hope to spot the Northern Lights, it’s worth keeping an eye on local Facebook groups like the Orkney Aurora Group to help increase your chances of spotting them.

We hope you enjoy yourself during October in the Orkney islands!

By Victoria Dixon Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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