10 things to do across Scotland this weekend

Across Midlothian, from tomorrow

Two weeks of events bringing science, engineering and technology to the masses in Midlothian, including fun days, talks, bike rides, film screenings and outdoors activities. Much of the programme is free, and spans the gamut from wildlife, astronomy and robotics to more esoteric stuff such as brewing, game design, and DNA. This weekend includes an open day at the Roslin Institute, and Science in The Glen, an outdoor scientific showcase featuring activities, talks and demonstrations from the likes of the Scottish Aeronautical Rocket Association, and Fife Museum of Communications.

www.midlothiansciencefestival.com

2 Great Scottish Run

Glasgow City Centre, Sunday

Revisit the highs of Glasgow's sporting summer with the return of Scotland's biggest mass participation run. For spectators lining up to catch distance running great Haile Gebrselassie defend last year's half marathon title, the race starts in George Square at 11am, and swings south as far as Pollok Park before the finish in Glasgow Green. For last minute competitors, there are still limited places for the 10K, available for £25 from the pop-up shop in St Enoch Centre. There's also a 'Super Saturday' family warm-up event the day before.

www.greatscottishrun.com

3 The Enchanted Forest

Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, from Friday

The reappearance of Highland Perthshire's award-winning outdoor Son et lumière-inspired show is always a sure sign the nights are drawing in again. Named Best Cultural Event at the 2013 Scottish Event Awards, the attraction transforms ordinary autumn woodland into a magical and atmospheric choreographed display of light, sound and music. Open over the next three weeks, this year's production Elemental also features a troupe of tree top aerialists for the first time. Taking about 60-90 minutes to get around, tickets are £14 (children £7, under 3s free).

www.enchantedforest.org.uk

4 Oktoberfest

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, daily

For some reason, Bavarian beer, sausage and lederhosen prove amazingly popular around this time of year with dram-supping, haggis-scoffing, kilt-wearing Scots. Find out why with a visit to the huge Oktoberfest marquee in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, open Wednesdays to Sundays for the next two weeks (www.edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk), before moving on to Glasgow Green from the 16th. Also starting tomorrow is OktoberWEST, billed as Glasgow Green's original Oktoberfest celebration (www.west.co.uk). Meanwhile, Dundee's Discovery Quay bids willkommen to a fourth annual event, running tonight until Saturday.

www.dundeerotaryoktoberfest.co.uk

5 Glasgow European Open Judo

Emirates Arena, Glasgow

British judo's top female stars, including Commonwealth Games gold medallists Louise Renicks, Nekoda Davis and Megan Fletcher take on some of the world's best judoka in this day of competitive action at the Emirates. As well as matches across seven weight categories - part of the qualification process for the Rio Olympics - there will also be opportunities for younger fans to take part in training sessions with members of the British contingent, as well as a number of male medallists from Glasgow 2014. Tickets from £5.

glasgowopenjudo.com

6 CowalFest

Cowal Peninsula, from Friday

This 10-day outdoors festival presents a great opportunity to get out and explore the outstanding natural beauty of one of Scotland's most unspoiled corners. A surprisingly full programme includes more than 80 walks of varying difficulty led by experienced guides encompassing hills, history, heritage and wildlife. And, along with a series of supporting music and arts events, there are also activities such as sea-kayaking, mountain biking, and horse riding to try - as well as 5K and 10K running events at Benmore Botanic Garden a week on Saturday.

www.cowalfest.org

7 World Porridge Making Championship

Carrbridge, Saturday

Professional cooks and porridge-loving amateurs from around the globe gather for the 21st annual contest celebrating Scotland's other national dish. Using just the traditional ingredients of oatmeal, water and salt, last year's champion John Boa will be attempting to stir his way to a third Golden Spurtle trophy in four years. The event starts at 11am, and visitors can also stick around for a day of family activities and attractions including local food and craft stalls, the Wicked Wolf Porridge Races, a Cairngorm Brewery showcase, and a traditional Scottish ceilidh.

www.goldenspurtle.com

8 Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival

Across Scotland, until October 19

While the idea of a cultural festival set up to challenge preconceived ideas about mental health might not on the face of it sound like a barrel of laughs, there's a real something-for-everyone vibe about the eighth SMHAFF, which started yesterday. Among 300 inspirational and entertaining events taking place across Scotland over the next fortnight, there can be found a host of drama and documentary screenings, loads of live music, theatre and comedy, plus a range of exhibitions, talks and workshops.

www.mhfestival.com

9 Shetland Wool Week

Across Shetland, from Saturday

Seven days of events celebrating knitwear, rural farming and natural heritage, especially good for crafty types keen on learning the secrets of weaving, spinning, dyeing, and Fair Isle stitching. As well as an abundance of talks, tours, exhibitions, and masterclasses, there's the opportunity to meet makers, instructors and fellow enthusiasts at an opening reception at Lerwick's Mareel on Sunday and a daily drop-in Wool Week Hub hosted at Shetland Museum. Other venues include a restored traditional fishing boat in Scalloway, and the strikingly-located new education centre at Sumburgh Lighthouse.

www.shetlandwoolweek.com

10 Creative Mackintosh Festival

Glasgow, until October 31

A month of events, activities, talks and exhibitions celebrating Glasgow's most famous artist, designer and architect - many of which are free. This year's programme includes a series of walking tours starting at Glasgow School of Art, and a specially-commissioned Mackintosh-inspired promenade performance piece called Un-Looking. Elsewhere, The Hunterian hosts an exhibition on Mackintosh architecture, Queen's Cross Church has dinners, classical recitals, art displays, and workshops, while Kelvingrove Museum runs tours, art classes, plus a special arts drop-in for young people next Saturday and Sunday.

www.glasgowmackintosh.com