1 Glasgow Doors Open Days
Across Glasgow, until Sun
We mentioned Scotland’s annual festival of architecture and urban spaces at the start of the month, but the sheer scale of what’s on offer in Glasgow this week makes it well worth a reminder. Having started on Monday, the lion’s share of the programme takes place over the weekend, with more than 100 of the city’s best loved buildings open to explore free of charge. Along with an accompanying range of talks, tours, special events and hands-on activities, there’s also a children programme featuring over 40 different things to do. glasgowdoorsopenday.com
2 Cyclefest Edinburgh
Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, Sat-Sun
Taking over where last year’s Scottish Bike Show left off, this new consumer expo brings together a host of top brands from the world of cycling. Exhibitors include top equipment, clothing and accessories companies, plus a variety of bike-friendly health, heritage and community organisations.
Entertainment includes stunt displays, trial biking, test tracks, bouncy castles, soft play, face painting and bubble football. There’s also secure onsite parking for those making the trip on two wheels. Running from 11am to 5pm on both days, tickets are available from £10 (under 15s free). www.cyclefestedinburgh.com
3 Big Roman Week
Around Falkirk, from Saturday
Discover Scotland’s Roman roots with a week of guided walks, talks, film screenings, and special events across the Falkirk area and surviving stretches of the Antonine Wall. Inspired by the September 19 birthday of Antoninus Pius, the second century emperor behind the construction of the ancient fortification, this year’s programme gets under way with Roman family days at Callendar House in Falkirk and the Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness, where visitors can meet soldiers and find out what life was like on the most distant fringes of the empire. bigromanweek.org.uk
4 The Planetarium
Glasgow Science Centre, daily
Explore the universe in stunning digital clarity with a trip to Glasgow Science Centre’s 15m dome planetarium - re-opened this month after a state-of-the-art projection system upgrade. Alongside a new interactive Space Zone, visitors can experience expert-led live shows and spectacular 360 degree films journeying through the solar system and beyond - appropriately, the first batch includes the lunar exploration-themed Back to the Moon for Good, narrated by Tim “Buzz Lightyear” Allen. Entry to the Planetarium comes as a £2.50 add-on to the standard Science Mall ticket (£8.50-£10.50). www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
5 Pretty Muddy 5K
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Sun
One final chance to sign up for this Cancer Research UK charity fitness event for women, consisting of a 5K bolt round Bellahouston Park spiced up by a sequence of muddy obstacles. Remember to wear pink and bring a towel to wipe off the worst of the muck afterwards; although there are no showers or lockers available for participants, there will be somewhere you can stash a bag. You do have to be over 13 years old, but there are still places available until midnight tonight - register for £14.99 (under 15s £10) at raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
6 Tech Fest Activity Weekend
Gordon Barracks, Aberdeen, Sat-Sun
Get hands-on across 25 fun-packed events including interactive workshops, educational activities, drop-in demonstrations, and live experiments. Taking place over the middle weekend of Techfest - Aberdeen’s annual festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics - visitors can discover more about amazing animals, building and making, the human body, and the earth’s rainforests. There’s also a special area where toddlers can get stuck in as well. On from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day, entry is £1 for adults, while children pay just one penny. www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/tis
7 Scottish Food & Drink Chilli Fest
Scone Palace, Perth, Sat-Sun
Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink continues with this fiery food festival showcasing a range of exhibitors specialising in warming curries, sauces, pickles, preserves and drinks made from chillies. There’s also the chance to sample the wares of a host of local producers, watch cookery demonstrations, and kick back in a cocktail bar fashioned from a vintage bus. Keeping the crowds amused will be chilli eating contests, live music and tango dancing, bouncy inflatables and traditional outdoor games. Tickets are £4.70 - £6.50. scone-palace.co.uk
8 Kirkcaldy Film Festival
Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Thu-Sun
Another diverse selection of classic films, independent screenings and new releases, including a red carpet gala of spy thriller The Ipcress File, a retrospective of work by Tayport-raised Beta Band member-turned director John Maclean, and a celebration of noted Fifer Dougray Scott, whose period drama To Kill A King is shown on Sunday. Although tickets for tonight’s outdoor screening of Jaws have been gobbled up, there are still plenty of chills and thrills to come, with Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and The 39 Steps both featuring tomorrow. www.onfife.com/kff15
9 Octonauts Training Academy
Loch Lomond Sealife Centre, Balloch, daily until Sep 29
Train to become a member of the Octonauts crew with a series of watery fun zones and crafty activities inspired by the hit CBeebees show. Younger members of the family also have the chance to meet undersea adventurers Kwazii or Peso in person. Home to Scotland’s only giant sea turtle and a multifarious array of ocean creatures including sharks, stingrays and otters, Sea Life Centre is open daily from 10am-5pm. Tickets available online from £9.24. www.visitsealife.com/loch-lomond
10 The Blues Grand Prix
Midlothian Ski Centre, Sat
The winter sports season might not start for a while yet, but younger enthusiasts have a great excuse to get some extra practice in on Saturday at a morning of fun ski races at Hillend near Edinburgh. Participants between the ages of 6 and 14 will have the chance to warm up before tearing down slopes set up for slalom and giant slalom skiing, with prizes for the best times. Take part for £12, including lift pass and ski hire. Download an entry form at bluestheskishop.co.uk
Don’t Miss
The Silversmith’s Art: Made In Britain Today
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, from Fri
A sparkling new free exhibition showcasing 150 pieces of modern decorative silverware from the Contemporary Silver Collection of the Goldsmiths’ Company, London. Spin-off events in coming weeks include talks, demonstrations and a seminar on recognising forgeries and fakes. www.nms.ac.uk
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