If you’re looking for a traditional Scottish show to visit during your summer stay at Celtic Lodges, the Caithness Show (also known locally as the County Show) is one of the most popular events in the event calendar, attracting nearly 7,000 people in 2024.
Held over the third Friday and Saturday in July, the event alternates between Wick and Thurso. In 2025, the event will be held at Wick Riverside and Westerseat on the 18th and 19th July.
What’s on at The Caithness Show
The Show promotes agricultural and rural industries over a two-day summer show. It includes competitions, entertainment in the main ring, and trade stalls with an assortment of food, drink and craft stalls.
Livestock competitions are a main feature of agricultural shows in Scotland. At the Caithness Show, there are horse, cattle and sheep sections, as well as sections for pigs, goats, rabbits and poultry! There is also a dog show which is a favourite amongst showgoers, where visitors can enter their four-legged friends into the competitions. The winners of the Crop competitions are also announced.
What to Expect
The main ring entertainment at the Caithness Show varies each year with vintage machinery parades, and stunt teams all crowd favourites. In 2025, world champion motorcycle rider Steve Colley will be wowing the crowd with an array of stunts. At the 2025 Show the Stoltman Brothers will be appearing, and will no doubt be impressing the crowd with their acts of strength and power. Our tip is to take a camping chair and find a good view for all the action.
For a more relaxing time, visitors can admire entries in the various industrial competitions. There are over 70 sections at the Caithness Show, including home baking, photography, handicrafts and art, and the marquee is always filled with entries. New for 2025 is a Honey section! Competitors of all ages are encouraged to participate, with sections for preschoolers up to teenagers.
Stalls, Stands and Entry Fees
There are many trade and charity stands at the Caithness Show for visitors to look round. For an excellent array of food & drink, crafts and gifts, head to the Northern Quality Produce Marquee. There are also many stands raising awareness for charitable causes and local businesses. Everyone is friendly and it’s a great way to meet the locals!
The Caithness Show issues wristbands which means that you can leave and re-enter the show as often as you like. Entry prices for the Saturday are £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £5 for children aged 5-15 (admission on the Friday is roughly half this cost as there is a reduced timetable of entertainment). Kids will be happy with a variety of fairground rides and amusements in the showground.
Where to Park at The Caithness Show
There is free car parking available for visitors to the Show. All are welcome to attend the Caithness Show which goes ahead whatever the weather, however visitors should ensure that they wear suitable clothing and footwear. As the show takes place in fields, it can get very muddy when there has been wet weather and so visitors with disabilities should take care to navigate the showground.
The end of the Caithness Show is marked by an evening buffet and dance at a local hotel in Wick or Thurso. Tickets must be bought in advance and locals love a party to celebrate!
The Caithness Show and other Local Events
If you’re in the area this summer, why not visit the Caithness Show or one of the other annual events?
- Wick Gala Week (Last week of July; In 2025, Saturday 26th July – 2nd August) The opening Saturday night Gala parade is not to be missed, with locals taking lots of effort to dress up their floats and costumes. The week has lots of family friendly activities and competitions to take part in.
- Halkirk Highland Games (Last Saturday of July; In 2025, 26th July) at Halkirk Recreation Park
- Mey Highland Games (First Saturday of August; In 2025, 2nd August) at the John O’Groats Showground.
