Could Do List – Shetland in October 2026

October is a good month to visit Shetland, particularly if you’re keen to see the Mirrie Dancers in the night sky or like spotting some of the unusual migrating birds that land on the islands. Visitors will also find the Shetland sites of interest a bit quieter in October; however there are still plenty of events to keep you busy!

October starts with the continuation of Shetland Wool Week, this popular festival has become an internationally acclaimed event, in the same way that Shetland knitting and knitwear is respected worldwide. There are workshops and fun events about weaving, spinning, dyeing, Fair Isle and lace knitting. Shetland Wool Week runs from Sunday 27th September to Saturday 3rd October 2026 – make sure you visit the Wool Week Website for your free hat knitting pattern!

At Mareel on Saturday the 3rd of October 8.00PM – 9.40pm you can see Christopher Macarthur-Boyd’s comedy show ‘Howling at the Moon’. One of the hottest tickets at the Fringe in 2025, this show is CMB’s new show of nocturnal stand-up about neurodivergence, sexuality and lunacy. Host of the Here Comes The Guillotine podcast alongside Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe. Star of the comedy specials Oh No and Scary Times. Host of the BBC New Comedy Award and star of Scotland Stands Up, with appearances on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. Christopher has previously opened for comedians such as Kevin Bridges, Shane Gillis, Kerry Godliman, Jason Manford and David Cross. You can book tickets here.

The Shetland Museum and archives Exhibition: ‘A Time To Keep’ J.D. Rattar – 150 Years of Photography in Shetland runs until the 11th of October and is well worth seeing. John David “Jack” Rattar, born in Fethaland, Northmavine, captured the life of Shetland through his photography. From landscapes and harbours to wildlife, crofting, and traditional crafts, his images offer a vivid record of the islands in the early 20th century. Rattar’s work not only documented daily life but became a cornerstone of Shetland’s visual heritage. This exhibition marks 150 years since his birth and celebrates his life as well as his enduring contribution to Shetland culture.

The annual Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival runs from Thursday 8th until Tuesday 13th October 2026 bringing together the best of traditional music from Shetland, Scotland and beyond for a weekend of concerts, suppers and dances. The festival culminates with a grand dance where around 12 bands provide the music for around 1000 dancers at Lerwick’s Clickimin Leisure Complex.

You can see more information about the festival on the website here.

Scottish singer, songwriter, and accordionist Calum MacPhail is making waves with his vibrant fusion of traditional Scottish folk and Irish music. An exciting new presence on the Celtic live music scene, Calum first made his mark at just 16 when he founded the award-winning folk band Hò-rò, touring internationally and captivating audiences with his high-energy performances. Now, he brings his latest show to the stage alongside his talented band, fresh from the release of his acclaimed album ‘Highlands to Heartlands’, featuring the fan-favourite single ‘Bonnie Wee Jeannie.’

You can see him live at Mareel on Friday the 16th of October from 8-10pm. Book tickets here.

There will be an incredible line up of stalls featuring Fine Art including student works, cakes, natural medicine, woodworking, clothing, bric-a-brac, wax melts, candles, and much more at Da Muckle Market on Saturday 31st October 2026 at 11:00am in the Brae Community Hall.

If you’re looking for a great walk to go on in October, we’d highly recommend going to the Huxter Clack Mills in Sandness. Take the A971 and you’ll see a signpost for Huxter. Follow this road and you’ll find a parking spot and a short walk to the thatched roofed mills. These are located on the north western tip of the west mainland. The three identical mills sit astride a stream that flows from a small loch to the sea. They are very small, only 5m by 3m with a 1/2 metre high entrance. The mills date back to Norse times, though one was still in use in the 20th century. The mills use horizontal wheels powered by the flow of water, to turn a quernstone, and the noise produced gives them the name clack-mills. The lower mill still has it’s wooden mechanism intact.

Apart from being a fascinating place to visit, the Huxter Clack Mills are also located in a beautiful part of Shetland, with stunning views of Papa Stour!

We hope you enjoy yourself during October in the Shetland 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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