There’s no need to wait for Halloween for a good night out. This weekend brings comedy to Helensburgh, fireworks to Rosneath and two home games at The Rock. And if the children still have energy to burn, Sunday in Balloch could get properly muddy.
Here’s what’s caught my eye for 15–21 October. This week’s diary takes us through Dumbarton, Balloch and Helensburgh, with a couple of ideas a little further afield.
Friday: a laugh or a quiz?
Jane McCarry and Mark Cox · Helensburgh
Fancy an evening with two familiar faces from Still Game? Jane McCarry and Mark Cox come to Victoria Halls on Friday 16 October, 7.30–10pm, for stories, comedy and behind-the-scenes chat. Jane, of course, played Isa. You can almost hear her asking what’s going on already.
The venue is on Sinclair Street, Helensburgh. Check the booking page for the current ticket price and remaining seats. Destination Helensburgh lists this as 14+, with under-18s accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Bring your clever pal · Garelochhead
The Gibson Hall quiz is on Friday 16 October, with doors at 7.45pm and the quiz listed for 8pm. Destination Helensburgh gives £3 per person, teams of up to six, BYOB and a raffle. One for the friend who knows every answer on the telly—let’s see how they do without the sofa.
Saturday: make a day of Helensburgh
Browse the Autumn Craft Fair at The Bridge, Helensburgh Parish Church, on Saturday 17 October, 10am–3pm. Helensburgh & Lomond Artisans host, with a pop-up tearoom supporting CHAS. A handmade find and a cuppa sounds like a decent start.
Or head to Helensburgh Fire Station’s open day, 11am–3pm, for activities and demonstrations. Check the listing for any last-minute changes.
For music, the Mortimer Family West Coast Ceilidh Band play at noon at the United Reformed Church, 35 West Princes Street. The listing offers soup, cake and tea or coffee afterwards; tickets are £10, available through Destination Helensburgh, church members or at the door, subject to availability.
Pumpkins by day. Fireworks after dark.
Rosneath Castle Park’s pumpkin patch runs Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, noon–4pm, with seasonal food, drink, family activities and photo opportunities. Check directly about pumpkin prices and any booking arrangements—the calendar doesn’t give those details.
On Saturday 17 October, the park’s fireworks event opens from 5pm, with the display scheduled for 7.30pm. The organiser says admission to the fireworks is free, with donations welcome.
This is Rosneath, near Helensburgh, so allow for the journey round the loch. Wrap up, check the latest arrangements before travelling and keep an eye on the weather.
Two chances to get behind Dumbarton
There’s football at The Rock, Castle Road, on both days of the weekend:
Saturday 17 October, 3pm: Dumbarton v Stirling Albion, William Hill League 2.
Sunday 18 October, 2pm: Dumbarton Women v Linlithgow Rose Ladies, SWFL Central-West.
Pick a game, pull on a warm layer and give the home side some backing. Check the club for admission prices and the latest match information before setting off.
Sunday: let them get muddy
Wild Days – Autumn Adventure is at Balloch Castle Country Park on Sunday 18 October, 11am–2pm. The free session is for children aged 5–12, with nature exploration, outdoor play and seasonal activities.
It’s a drop-off session: parents and carers don’t need to stay. Follow the council’s Eventbrite link to check remaining spaces, booking details and the meeting point. The listing places it up the lane opposite the courtyard.
Waterproofs and shoes that can cope with mud are the order of the day. Probably best to leave the lovely new trainers at home.
Live music further up Loch Lomond
If you fancy making a trip of it, the Drovers Inn at Inverarnan, G83 7DX, has two dated gigs on its own calendar:
Friday 16 October, 8–11pm: Joe Wulvar, with an acoustic set spanning Scottish folk and modern pop. Friday’s listing
Saturday 17 October, 9pm–midnight: singer and guitarist Paul Murdoch, mixing classics from the ’60s and ’70s with newer favourites. Saturday’s listing
This is at the north end of Loch Lomond, rather than Balloch. Confirm admission arrangements with the inn and plan the journey home before heading up.
Who’s playing at your local?
Pub bands, karaoke, open-mic nights, quizzes—send them my way. If you run a venue or spot a good night out in Dumbarton, Clydebank, the Vale, Balloch or Helensburgh, reply with the date, time, venue, price and a public event link.
And if you know someone who always hears about things after they’ve happened, forward this to them.
See you next Thursday,
Mary
Listings checked on 15 October 2026. Times, availability and outdoor-event arrangements can change; check the organiser’s latest information before travelling.