1. The Kite Runner
Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Saturday

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel, this powerful story has been adapted into a stunning new stage production, bringing a haunting tale of friendship which spans cultures and continents as it follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. In a divided Afghanistan on the verge of war, two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. On a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite-flying tournament. But neither Hassan nor Amir can foresee the terrible incident which will completely shatter their lives forever.

Tickets from £12 to £45 plus booking fee. Buy at atgtickets.com. The production moves to the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from October 9.

2. Deeside Local Food Festival
Cults Academy, Aberdeen, Sunday

This one-day festival aims to bring people together to celebrate local food and this year’s event will be focussed around the theme of “health.” Foodies can expect and extended produce market with over 40 market stalls, all offering a huge variety of artisan food sourced from around Aberdeen. Craig Wilson, the Kilted Chef, will be back to provide the chance for visitors to cook alongside him and create some tasty, healthy dishes. In line with the health theme of this year’s festival, children will be thrilled with a plethora of sporting activities on offer.

Event is free to attend, although some cookery workshop tickets are priced. Head to deesidefoodfestival.co.uk for more information.

3. Josh Okeefe
The Glad Cafe, Glasgow, Sunday

Originally from Britain, Okeefe upped sticks from Derby in 2009 to follow his singing dreams all the way to Nashville, Tennessee, where he’s been making waves since, having recorded with stars like Alison Krauss. Now, though, the musician has returned to the UK to showcase his debut self-titled album. So if you’re a fan of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash or Woody Guthrie, this gig is one not to be missed.

Advance tickets are available for £6, plus booking fee, from musicglue.com/the-glad-cafe. On-the-door tickets are priced at £8. Visit joshokeefe.com to know more.

4. The Battle of Pinkie
Newhailes, Musselburgh, Saturday and Sunday

The Battle of Pinkie, the biggest battle to take place in Scotland, is set to be fought again for the first time since 1547, as part of a spectacular weekend of events. Visitors are invited to step back in time for activities where they can witness a dramatic re-enactment of the battle complete with cavalry charge, walk through historical encampments, meet the characters, try their hand at Tudor archery and also take part in a variety of family-friendly activities designed to absorb all ages.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children. Visit eastlothianbattles.com for more information.

5. Musicians Against Homelessness
Stramash, Edinburgh, tomorrow

Raising money for the homeless charity Crisis in all four home nations, rock and pop stars are backing the cause which looks set to have an even bigger impact this year. Comperes on the night will be comedian and BBC sitcom Scot Squad actor Darren Connell and, fresh from an Edinburgh Festival Fringe run earning rave reviews, Suky Goodfellow. Playing on the night will be Have Mercy Las Vegas, Mickey 9s, Sea Bass Kid, SUPA & Da Kryptonites and many more.

Stramash is a free entry venue, however, organisers are suggested a £10 donation upon arrival.

This year’s drive coincides with the 50th anniversary of Crisis. The event is also taking place at Drygate in Glasgow on Saturday.

Visit musiciansagainsthomelessness.net to know more.

6. Junior Warriors
Balgone Estate, East Lothian, Saturday and Sunday

The pinnacle of UK obstacle racing, is back in Scotland and, for the first time this year, children can get in on the action too. The Junior Warrior course features 12 challenging obstacles over 2km and is a scaled down version of the senior Total Warrior race, which crams 32 obstacles into a 10km route. Children will not only tackle climbing walls, hay bales, muddy crawls and water slides, but also receive their own Junior Warrior headband and medal when they cross the finish line. Hundreds of youngsters have signed up so far.

There is still time to enter all of the Warrior events. Prices vary. Visit totalwarrior.co.uk for more information.

7. Invercharron Highland Games
Balblair Farm, Bonar Bridge, Saturday

Traditionally the final games of the year, Invercharron is one of the most exciting of the season. Heavy events, piping competitions, Highland dancing, track and field, hill and children’s races, tug o’ war and cycling all feature in this fun-packed, traditional family day out, with a variety of stalls and amusements.

Tickets are available on the day at the gate and cost £6 per adult or £1 per child. Head to invercharronhighlandgames.co.uk to see the full programme.

8. Craig Campbell: Easy Tiger
The Ironworks, Inverness, Saturday

Described by some as the Canadian Sir Billy Connolly, Campbell is coming straight out of the Fringe and on to the world stage for his third solo tour, never failing to entertain. He certainly looks the part, sporting a beard and long hair. His unique humour fuses together whimsical anecdotes with salty stories around sex and drugs. Audiences be warned: his laid-back manner and genuine warmth belie the true outrageous nature of his material. Still, it’s his risqué subjects that have won him devoted fans worldwide.

Tickets cost £16.10, with booking fee, and can be purchased via ticketmaster.co.uk.

9. Ocean Film Festival
Edinburgh Festival Theatre, tomorrow

Calling all ocean lovers, the annual festival hits the capital with a brand new selection of the world’s most amazing ocean films, from both above and below the surface. Set to be screened is Fishpeople which tells the stories of a unique cast of characters who have dedicated their lives to the sea. Also lined up is the short Haven which dives down to the largest shipwreck in the Mediterranean. Ocean Rubbish will also focus on an artist from Queensland who collects rubbish from beaches and does something meaningful with it.

Tickets are priced at £15.50, plus booking fee, and can be purchased via oceanfilmfestival.co.uk. The event then heads to Eden Court Theatre and Cinema in Inverness on Saturday.

10. VHS Trash Fest
Summerhall, Edinburgh, tomorrow and Saturday

If you’re looking for something to do that breaks the norm, then look no further. Returning to Edinburgh as part of Scalarama, the two-night event pays homage to the medium of analogue tape – by celebrating the worst of bad film. Screening entirely from VHS, with original trailers included and tape swaps encouraged, VHS Trash Fest aims to bring audiences the very best in “classic VHS horror trashdom”.

Tickets are priced between £6 and £12, plus booking fee. Head to wegottickets.com to book.

DON'T MISS...

Scalarama
Various venues across Scotland, until September 30
THE celebration of film sees cinemas around the world transform September into a month of amazing movies. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling are all taking part, with Crime Wave, left, being shown in Dundee.

Prices vary. Visit scalarama.com for more information.