Orkney has seen plenty of archaeological action over the summer months, with the return of digging at the Ness of Brodgar and other excavations taking place in Rousay, South Ronaldsay, and Sanday.
Now, with autumn approaching, the Orkney Archaeology Festival is once again gearing up to celebrate the incredible history of the islands, from the Neolithic right through to World War Two.
The five-day festival will be held between 9 – 13 September throughout Orkney with another packed programme and no shortage of fascinating events and activities.
Here are four reasons to join in the festival fun this year.
The chance to get out and about
There are a range of guided walks planned as part of the Orkney Archaeology Festival in 2026, offering plenty of opportunities to explore different parts of the islands and stretch your legs.
You can discover Orkney’s prehistoric submerged forests on a special shoreline walk; Enjoy a walk and talk at the newly-reopened Tomb of the Eagles to find out more about the site, its history, and discoveries made here; Bring the worlds of archaeology and energy together with a guided walk at some of Orkney’s famous, and spectacular, wind power sites; and Immerse yourself in the Neolithic world with a nature walk to the 5,000-year-old Wideford Hill burial cairn.
Historic Environment Scotland’s Rangers will also be leading their fantastic walks at the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness during the festival, and there are guided tours of St Magnus Cathedral on offer too.
Go island hopping
The festival has some excellent events planned for Orkney’s island communities. You can plot a course for Papa Westray for a full day’s exploration of the island’s archaeology. The trip will include a walk to the Knap of Howar and a boat trip to the Holm of Papay and its 5000-year-old chambered cairn.
You can also discover the history of Pierowall in neighbouring Westray. Hazel Moore and Graham Wilson from EASE Archaeology will guide you through the village, taking in sites of archaeological interest from the Neolithic to Post-Medieval periods.
If Orkney’s wartime heritage is more of your thing, head over to Lyness in Hoy for a guided walk with photographer and artist, Mark Wrigley. The walk will include a look at some of the wartime sites at Lyness and a gentle trek up Wee Fea, and a discussion about the photography of Orkney’s wartime past.
Take in a talk or two
We all know the Orkney weather in September can be changeable at best, but don’t fear, there are some captivating talks scheduled throughout the festival, giving you the chance to retreat indoors if needed.
Head to Sanday to hear about life at the coast 200 years ago. Tom Dawson from The SCAPE Trust at the University of St Andrews will focus on William Daniell’s drawings from two centuries ago depicting the coast of Britain, with a particular look at his depictions of Orkney and the north of Scotland.
The audience at 'In Hind Sight: the when and where of Neolithic red deer in Orkney' will discover the results of a project that analysed radiocarbon dates from the Ness of Brodgar and the chambered cairns of Blackhammer and Yarso to explore the movement of red deer in Orkney’s ancient landscape.
And two separate talks will focus on the digs at The Cairns and Skaill Farm this summer. Join archaeologists from each project to find out what they uncovered in 2026, and their plans for the future.
Get hands on
There’s no shortage of interactive events and workshops on offer during this year’s festival.
You can travel back in time to Orkney’s Norse Age and gather around the campfire for storytelling, crafts, games, and the chance to sample some Viking food. There’s a public drop-in session showcasing some of the finds from two decades of digging at the Ness of Brodgar, as well as stalls and hands-on activities.
Step into Orkney’s food heritage with a trip to the Barony Mill to explore the ancient grain, bere barley, before baking your own bere bannocks for a true taste of Orkney’s past.
Or you can enjoy interactive games and activities at HMS Tern and discover life on a Royal Navy Air Station during World War Two. All ages can head along to the former airfield to learn what everyday life on the Home Front was like.
This is just a snapshot of the packed programme at the Orkney Archaeology Festival this year. View the full programme online and book your tickets now. The festival will be held across Orkney between 9 - 13 September, 2026.