Bandstand Bar & Restaurant

28/09/2026

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

We’re headed into spooky season with plenty to look forward to including Rocktober from the 15th-18th plus our own Halloween celebrations – and lots of great live entertainment in the next few days. Andrew Still joins us for the first time for Midweek Music, Oxbow Lake and Vinyl 2 Vintage DJs keep things funky on Saturday and the fabulous Lewis Stevenson returns as open mic host. Here’s the full deets:

WEDNESDAY: Andrew Still is a singer-songwriter from Inverness who has fronted Americana stalwarts, The Galipaygos, for over 23 years, playing gigs and festivals across Scotland and beyond. They've released 9 albums, one more new one in the offing this year. He has also written and recorded two solo albums as Mr Still. Andrew will be playing a selection of feel good acoustic covers from the 60s to the 90s along with a handful of his own soulful songs – music from 8pm.

SATURDAY: Our good pals Oxbow Lake return. Expect eclectic journeys into jazzier improvisations, groove laden Scottish indie soulfulness, spiritual pop, occasional Latin and Caribbean riddims and straight up rockers. "A banger! And it's great!" says Craig Charles of the bbc6music radio funk and soul show. And to kick things off, there’s a brand new set list of soulful grooves and funky pop from Vinyl 2 Vintage DJs, Nigel and Helen. Bring your dancing shoes!

: singer-songwriter Lewis Stevenson plays host with a set from 6.30. He brings soulful vocals, atmospheric guitar work and his trademark blend of storytelling and melody, with heartfelt originals and unique takes on well-loved covers. Get down early to enjoy the show, with all performers welcome to sign up for a slot and expertly managed sound.

21/09/2026

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK

We are still buzzing after our fabulous Carnival Weekend – Samba Sene & Diwan never fail to raise the roof. We’ve got a Midweek Music debut followed by a huge weekend coming your way. Dance the night away on Saturday with The Federals and enjoy a very special with a closing set from Bad Actress – full details below:

WEDNESDAY: with Changing Tides – a Nairn-based acoustic duo blending blues, country and rock with soulful vocals, driving rhythm guitar and unmistakable musical chemistry. Formed this year following an impromptu performance at the Belladrum, guitarist and songwriter Simon Phillipps and Nashville native, vocalist and songwriter Rebekah Graber deliver heartfelt performances shaped by influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Music from 8pm.

SATURDAY: The Federals. Formed 2005 in the mountains of Wester Ross, the band have been playing their way through the Highlands and Islands for more than 20 years, playing a mix of festivals, village halls, social gatherings and pub gigs with old country and bluegrass numbers that keep toes tapping and heels clicking. Kicking off at 9pm.

SUNDAY SESSION: we’re looking back on an incredible summer in which our open mic has gone from strength to strength, with the pub packed and talent that blows us away every week. This Sunday, it's party time. The Blaze Bros will take first host slot, kicking off the evening with their fire acoustic covers. Then it's over to you, our amazing guests, to show us your stuff. Finally our second hosts, the one and only Bad Actress, will close the night with a riotous half-hour set of their special brand of good-time hard rock. Get down early – it's going to be a mad one and we can't wait.

20/09/2026

20/09/2026

BBQ - OPEN MIC - SUNDAY ROASTS

By popular demand, we'll be running our African inspired BBQ dishes again from 3pm this afternoon (til stocks last). Then Samba Sene & Diwan are back after quite an amazing set last night, this time hosting our weekly Open Mic Sunday Session.

We're almost fully booked for dining this evening, so if you do plan to eat with us this evening please remember to book a table to enjoy our delicious Sunday Roasts.

Have a great Sunday Nairn!!

Bandstand Bar & Restaurant Nairn Loves Local

19/09/2026

THE SHOW GOES ON!!

The safety and customer committees have met and decided that todays BBQ and Drum Workshop WILL go ahead - albeit indoors!

So after enjoying the wonderful collection of cars on the Links - Wheels of Nairn, join in the carnival atmosphere from 2pm with a very special west african BBQ menu by our great friend Pape B - served to 5.30pm. Samba Sene & Diwan will then take to the stage from 3pm for a Drum Workshop - You are all invited to take in your own percussion and join in the fun!!

Then from 9-11.30pm, Samba and the band take the stage with their exuberant mix of Afrobeat grooves tinged with ska and reggae – original songs with impassioned vocals, infectious guitar licks and irresistible dance grooves. Carnival attire encouraged!

18/09/2026

CARNIVAL - DRUM WORKSHOP - BBQ - SAMBA SENE & DIWAN

Hosted by Samba Sene & Diwan and Chef Pape, there's loads to enjoy throughout Saturday, starting with a Senegalese BBQ from 2-7pm to excite your tastebuds. From 3pm, you can get involved with a drumming session and workshop – bring your own percussion instrument if you can. Families and kids very welcome!! Note that if the weather is a bit rubbish (which it looks like being) we'll do the drum workshop and BBQ indoors (with food ordered at the bar)

Then from 9-11.30pm, Samba and the band take the stage with their exuberant mix of Afrobeat grooves tinged with ska and reggae – original songs with impassioned vocals, infectious guitar licks and irresistible dance grooves. Carnival attire encouraged!

Samba Sene & Diwan Nairn Loves Local

16/09/2026

TRAVELLERS' CHOICE 2026!

We are so proud and humbled that we've been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award for another year. This means so much to us and we are thrilled that our visitors from near and far recognise the fantastic work our team do every day.

Thank you all!!

Bandstand Bar & Restaurant VisitScotland Nairn Loves Local CAMRA

14/09/2026

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK

Get ready for a healthy dose of West African sunshine as our Carnival weekend combines infectious rhythms with a delicious taste of Senegal – that's on Saturday, with a Sunday Session takeover also on the bill from host Samba Sene & Diwan. Plus from the fantastic Rhuari Campbell. And don't forget, the Wheels of Nairn returns to the links on Saturday – check out some fabulous vehicles before you come along to feel the beat! Here's the full bill...

WEDNESDAY: Rhuari Campbell aka Slow for a Poet, alt-folk singer-songwriter from Scotland’s central east coast. Drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Leonard Cohen, as well as contemporary voices such as King Creosote and Bon Iver, Rhuari weaves raw ballads, dynamic riffs, and unforgettable hooks into his deeply personal storytelling. Music from 8pm.

SATURDAY: it's the big one! Hosted by Samba Sene & Diwan and Chef Pape, there's loads to enjoy throughout the day, starting with a Senegalese BBQ from 2-7pm to excite your tastebuds. From 3pm, you can get involved with a drumming session and workshop – bring your own percussion instrument if you can. Then from 9-11.30pm, Samba and the band take the stage with their exuberant mix of Afrobeat grooves tinged with ska and reggae – original songs with impassioned vocals, infectious guitar licks and irresistible dance grooves. Carnival attire encouraged!

: Samba Sene & Diwan take over the open mic. They'll kick off with a set at 6.30pm before inviting guests to the stage. Come down early to secure your slot, get into the groove and see what all our brilliant local musicians have to offer.

Wheels of Nairn Nairn Loves Local VisitScotland Bandstand Bar & Restaurant Samba Sene & Diwan

07/09/2026

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK

What a night last night! A big thanks to everyone who came along and brought the house down for our Book & Arts after party Sunday Session. A fantastic end to a fabulous week of arts and culture that really helps put Nairn on the map. We’ve three more great gigs on the way this week – and with the Rat Race coast to coast challenge, another busy weekend in store. Good luck to all the contestants and please do book ahead if joining us for a meal. Here's the full bill...

WEDNESDAY: with Mat Tyrer. Originally from Liverpool, Mat has found a second home in Scotland. As a folk singer-songwriter, his music blends skilful guitar playing with catchy melodies. Expect original songs alongside classic folk and rock covers – music from 8pm.

SATURDAY: Eilidh & the Energy – this Inverness-based four-piece plays a mix of crowd favourites from the 70s through to the present day. Bring your dancing shoes and singing voices – they’ll bring the tunes! The party starts at 9pm.

: open mic hosted by ToeKnee Hands. Always tremendous fun, ToeKnee blends blues, hip-hop, rock, reggae, disco and even heavy metal – songs you may know, in a quirky style, and musical mashups with a cheeky helping of humour. He'll start with a set at 6.30pm, then it's over to you! Managed sound and a brilliant atmosphere guaranteed.

See you soon!