Orkney and Shetland in October: wool, fiddle music and island culture
Shetland Wool Week runs until 3 October 2026, followed by the Accordion & Fiddle Festival from 8 to 13 October: autumn culture in the northern islands.
By coolcation editorial team · Published on
WHY NOW
Island life is happening both indoors and out.
Shetland Wool Week runs from 27 September to 3 October 2026, followed by the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival from 8 to 13 October. Both celebrate local culture through craft, concerts, sessions and dancing.
Shetland Wool Week until 3 October
Wool Week celebrates Shetland wool, Fair Isle knitting and the skills of local producers, designers and makers. Workshops and events take place across the islands. It has an international following, so booking early is important.
Accordion & Fiddle Festival from 8 to 13 October
Traditional music takes over just days later. According to Shetland.org, more than 60 musicians participate, with concerts, informal sessions and dances on the programme.
What about Orkney?
Orkney also offers an early October reason to visit: ORKtoberfest takes place in Stromness from 1 to 4 October with local food, music and Viking heritage. Combining both island groups adds variety, but also requires plenty of time and weather flexibility for travel connections.
Book festival accommodation far in advance.
Leave generous time between ferries and flights.
Prioritise waterproof and windproof clothing over a rigid itinerary.
Compare Lofoten, Finnish Lapland, Shetland and Alaska: four destinations with enough scenery and activities to make the journey worthwhile even on cloudy nights.
Orkney marks an anniversary at midsummer: the 50th St Magnus International Festival brings music, theatre and literature to the islands from 19 to 28 June.