Walking With Dinosaurs Live

SSE Hydro, Glasgow

Saturday and Sunday

Seen by over nine million people in more than 250 cities around the world, the live spectacular is back. Starring Michaela Strachan, prepare to be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the Earth return. The dazzling multi-million-pound production features new, state-of-the-art technology, giving amazed audiences the chance to watch dinosaurs walk, hear them roar, and see their fight for survival and supremacy depicted in almost cinematic realism. A must-see live arena experience for audiences of all ages. Tickets cost between £39.75 and £51.10, plus fees. Book at ticketmaster.co.uk.

Nish Kumar

Heroes @ Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh

Until August 26

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and host of The Mash Report hits the capital as he trials new material at the Fringe for a national tour. On the bill will be jokes about politics and mankind’s capacity for self-destruction - as well as some jokes that simply do not work. An ideal opportunity to see and hear new work before it goes mainstream. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Taskmaster, QI and Have I Got News For You. Book tickets at tickets.edfringe.com.

TechFest

Various venues, Aberdeen

From Saturday

Aberdeen’s annual festival of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is back. Marking the festival’s 25th year, the activity weekend and Eureka Family Series will provide a diverse opportunity for the whole family to enjoy learning about STEM in a memorable, fun and engaging way. The highly-anticipated public programme returns with tours and talks by local scientists covering food and drink and local interest points. Watch shows, join in workshops which fire the imagination and allow young people the chance to try things out for themselves at the activity weekend at RGU on Saturday. Visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk to know more. Events lasts until September 22.

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham

Byre Theatre, St Andrews

Tomorrow and Saturday

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music, and have been described by Mike Russell as “probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear.” With their musical magic and quick-witted humour, get ready to have your emotional strings pulled one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter the next. Tickets are selling fast. Book at byretheatre.com.

Beer Makes Glasgow

Drygate Brewery, Glasgow

Tomorrow and Saturday

Beer Makes Glasgow was hosted for the first time in 2017 and, this year, returns bigger and better under the iconic Seven Peaks of 85 Drygate. Organisers have pulled out all the stops for the charitable beer fest, with some of the best breweries in Scotland in attendance, arcade machines from Super Bario, on-site barbershop and awesome DJs. The event is raising money to support Drumchapel Food Bank and all money generated from ticket sales will be donated directly to Scotland’s only independently operated food bank. Tickets are £6.50, with fee. Buy at drygate.com.

Glasgow Canal Festival

Scottish Canals, Glasgow

Saturday

The second annual Glasgow Canal Festival promises a lineup of exciting events on the city’s iconic Forth & Clyde Canal between Spiers Wharf and Applecross Basin. Whether strolling through the makers’ market, soaking up live music, trying your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, getting crafty in an arts workshop or sampling street food village, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Key highlights of this year’s festival include Dragon Boat Racing, where competitors sign up to battle-it-out to become the Festival Dragon Boat Champions, and a whole programme of live musicians from Celtic Music Radio. Free to attend.

Canteen Street Food Festival

Archerfield Walled Garden, Dirleton

Saturday and Sunday

Organiser Rogue Village creates a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with a line-up of street food traders at this leading event. There will be more than just finger-licking food on offer, with resident DJs Four Corners setting the soundtrack, mixologists, an open-air bar and a programme of entertainment including live music, street artists and children’s art areas. On the menu is Indian food, wood-fired pizzas, smoked meats, sweets and  prosecco. Entry is £1 for adults, while children go free. No booking required. Visit roguevillage.com/canteen-street-food-festival to know more.

Lonach Highland Gathering and Games

Bellabeg Park, Strathdon

Saturday

Head along to the park from 8am to watch the march of the Lonach Highlanders leave Bellabeg. Pipe bands, heavy and light events start at 11am. The Highland Games showcase traditional sports and events, including tug-o-war and Highland dancing. Colourful flags fly during the event with a tradition dating back to the early 19th century. The gathering commences in spectacular style with the marchers garbed in Highland dress from head-to-toe followed by performers from the Lonach Society School of Highland Dancing at noon. Trophies are also waiting to be won, with numerous prizes for dancing, piping, heavy and light events and field races. Head to lonach.org for entry prices. 

NessCon

Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness

Saturday

The furthest north comic convention in the UK celebrates celebrate pop culture from books, film and television, bringing some favourite actors and actresses to the capital of the Highlands and the shores of Loch Ness. Now in its sequel year, organisers have promised to to “bigger and better.” Now homed at the unique Ice Centre, the event can cater for more people and will have a family-friendly atmosphere like last year. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet celebrity guests and some fantastic exhibitors in the Market Village. There are also plenty of workshops, activities and entertainment lined up. A fun day out for the whole family. Tickets are selling fast. Visit skiddle.com to purchase.

Massed Piped Band Day

Floors Castle, Kelso

Sunday

A fantastic day out for the whole family featuring pipe bands from across the Scottish Borders with dancers, play areas, emergency services demonstrations and much more. Now a well-established tradition, the event was initiated by the present Duke’s father and remains one of the biggest days in the calendar for the castle. The ever-expanding programme brings together music, dance, displays and family activities, including food stalls, a brewery, artisan and local crafter stalls, face painting, bouncy castle and toddler soft play and an inflatable assault course and climbing wall. Event admission is £10 adult and £5 for children. Visit floorscastle.com.

DON'T MISS

Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train

Bo’ness Station

Saturday and Sunday

Relive the days of yesteryear and transport yourself back in time in an old-style carriage. Enjoy sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam, all washed down with a pot of coffee or tea aboard a beautifully-restored steam train. The experience has already been named as one of the country’s ‘Top Unusual and Instagrammable Afternoon Teas’ by the VisitBriatin team. Price is £22 per person which includes train travel. Visit bkrailway.co.uk for more information.