With the Mull Music Festival that kicks off a series of popular events on Mull now behind us (you can catch the next one from the 26^th – 28^th April 2024!), what better time to look ahead to the Isle of Mull events to come this summer.

From sporting fixtures to Highland traditions, there’s plenty for all the family to see and do, so check out these Isle of Mull events to add to your holiday plans.

Ready, set, race

On the 4^th June, Mull will be abuzz with the whirring of wheels as cyclists take to the roads and take on the challenge of the sportive. Covering 87 miles, this is no mean feat and there’s sure to be a celebration on the finish line.

The following month, on the 22^nd July, there’s another challenge to sink your feet into – the Mull Half Marathon!

Game on

One of the year’s most popular of all Isle of Mull events are undoubtedly the Tobermory Highland Games. Taking place on the 20^th July, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, with pipes played, cabers tossed and plenty to whet your tastebuds too.

Show time

Of course, no Highland calendar would be complete without the annual summer show, and on the Isle of Mull, we have two of them! Held on consecutive weeks, first comes the Bunessan Show on the Ross of Mull, followed by the Salen Show on the island’s east coast in early August (4^th and 10^th respectively).

From stock judging to show jumping and fun dog shows to prize winning potatoes, these events have all the hallmarks of a country show. Topped off with local food and drink to delight the taste buds and traditional Highland tunes to set the tone. A great day out for all the family and a tribute to Mull’s crofting ties.

Find out more about Isle of Mull events throughout the year in our events guide here.

Not yet booked a cottage? Find your last minute escape by searching by date here, or bag one of our last minute offers here.

The unparalleled wildlife and landscapes are well-known reasons to visit Mull, but there’s more to the island than nature alone.

Home to around 3,000 people, Mull has a brilliant community spirit with lots of cultural events and traditions going on. Here are just a few of them.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay, or New Year for those south of the border, is the only excuse islanders need to get together, enjoy good food and have a good old knees-up.

Of course, with such a spirited party comes the dreaded walk home. Why not make it easy and book to stay at a cottage within staggering distance of an island inn?

The picturesque Tilliepestle is located a stone’s throw from the oldest inn on the island, The Bellachroy in Dervaig. Or, you could try Bayview House in Bunessan to start the new year with stunning sea views after a night of merriment at the the local. In Tobermory, revellers are spoiled for choice with the Mishnish, MacGochans and others hosting parties into the wee hours.

Burns Night

On the 25^th of January every year, Scots far and wide get together to celebrate Burns Night. A celebration of poet Robert Burns, haggis is top of the menu (check out Ballygown Restaurant who make their own) and, if traditions are upheld, its arrival at dinnertime will be accompanied by a live performance of the bagpipes. It’s also the perfect occasion to sample some of the island’s local whisky, made at the Tobermory Distillery.

Mull Music Festival

From the 25^th to the 29^th April 2019, the island will be singing with musical talent as Mull Music Festival gets into full swing.

Venues in Tobermory host the majority of the performances. Bands and musicians take over pubs, restaurants and hotels, transforming them into atmospheric live music venues.

You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with visitors and locals, enjoying the best of Scottish folk and ceilidh music.

Highland Games

Visit Mull on Thursday 18th July 2019 to experience the island’s annual Highland Games. It’s a day that unites community spirit and competition, with visitors and locals turning out in droves. With piping, Scottish dancing and lots of sporting events, including the iconic caber toss, this is a truly Scottish day out and great fun for all the family. You’ll find 10 more family friendly island activities here.

Usually held at Erray Park, stay at The Croft or Bookend Cottage and all the excitement will be just a short walk away.

Salen & Bunessan Agricultural Shows

Both the villages of Salen on Mull’s east coast and Bunessan in the south west host a traditional agricultural show. The shows usually take place in August and are another excellent family day out. Livestock classes will bring you up close to the island’s famous Highland cows, while the dog and horse shows create quite a spectacle. There are lots of stalls to explore and plenty of delicious opportunities to try local food and drink.

Mull Rally

A long-standing favourite of all Mull’s island traditions is the Mull Rally, which sees the island buzzing with rally cars taking part in timed trials. The Mull Rally takes place in mid-October every year. The island has a bustling feel and there’s plenty to do when you visit Mull, whether spectating the races or making the most of the ceilidhs over the weekend.

West Over Sea Tobermory Book Festival

A tradition in its infancy, the Tobermory Book Festival launched in 2018. Spear-headed by a literary team of three, the festival offered visitors author meet-and-greets, book launches and readings, as well as live music. It’s an event we hope to see return and grow year-on-year.

Tobermory Christmas Lights

The turning on of the Christmas lights in Tobermory may be one of the year’s lesser-known traditions for visitors, but what it lacks in tourist publicity it makes up for with charm. The event usually takes place in November.

Come and watch Tobermory’s Main Street light up with festive illuminations and gather round the clock tower and Christmas tree. The shops, restaurants and pubs will be open late, with no shortage of treats to tempt you in. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy some late night shopping from local, island businesses. A great reason to visit Mull in winter.

Find a brilliant holiday cottage for your getaway. If you visit Mull in the winter months, don’t miss out on cottages offering excellent short breaks.