Events and festivals in Scotland calendar: a complete guide to what’s on in 2026

Looking for a Scotland Events & Festivals Calendar 2026? Here is my guide to what’s on in Scotland!

From Viking fire processions in January to bouncing summer music festivals to epic Hogmanay street parties in December, Scotland’s cultural calendar is full all year round.

Here’s your month-by-month guide to events in Scotland in 2026 and the top Scottish festivals and events worth planning for. Updated daily so bookmark to keep up to date!

Please get in touch if you have a festival or event you would like added to the calendar, have a confimed date, or further visitor information.

How to use the Scotland events calender

• The Scotland event’s calender sets out all the events in Scotland, month by month.
• Events are listed by the earliest date they start, and may run over a few days or weeks.
• Events are listed with TBC until dates have been announced.
• Each event has a link for more information, and where available, the next date for the festival or event.
• Jump to the month you are interested in to see all the events, or use the search function below to find specific events.

Latest updates on events in Scotland 2026

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (Imaginate) 2026 – tickets on sale now – running 30 May to 7 June under new Festival Director Adjjima Na Patalung, the 2026 programme brings 15 productions from 9 countries to Edinburgh, spanning circus, dance, music, puppetry and theatre. Book at imaginate.org.uk.

Edinburgh Tradfest — 1–11 May 2026, various venues, Edinburgh Traditional music, film, ceilidhs and workshops across the Traverse, Cameo and Storytelling Centre. RURA open; highlights include the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia featuring Lankum. Tickets at edinburghtradfest.com

Edinburgh Science Festival — 4–19 April 2026, venues across Edinburgh Two weeks of science shows, talks and workshops. Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin headline at Usher Hall (12 Apr). Family activities at the National Museum; Planetarium Lates at Dynamic Earth. edinburghscience.co.uk

Edinburgh International Festival — 7–30 Aug. General tickets on sale 26 Mar. 24 days, 147 performances. Highlights include a Missy Mazzoli world premiere, the Berliner Philharmoniker and San Francisco Ballet. Over 50,000 tickets at £30 or under. eif.co.uk

Barbie comes to Glasgow this summer. Barbie: The Exhibition arrives at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in June 2026, bringing over 150 dolls spanning decades of design and cultural history. From rare vintage editions to modern representations, the large-scale touring show explores the icon’s enduring influence on fashion and identity. Tickets are on sale now for 13 June – 18 October 2026.

Glasgow International Festival 2026 – Full Programme Announced 5-21 June 2026. Scotland’s major contemporary art festival has just released its full 2026 programme, including exhibitions, installations, talks and community projects across the city. Find out more.

Hidden Door Festival – final Paper Factory takeover, Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th June 2026. Edinburgh’s pop-up arts festival has announced its final takeover of The Paper Factory, a massive industrial site in west Edinburgh, for the 2026 edition of the multi-arts festival. Weekend headliners include Jenny Hval and Valtos Presents: High Water Mark.

Shetland Folk Festival 2026 – full programme and local artist line-up announced, 30 April–3 May 2026 – The Shetland Folk Festival has just launched its concert programme as well as its local artist line-up, with early membership holders getting the first chance to buy tickets on Monday 16th March for the festival weekend running 30th April to 3rd May. Book tickets for Shetland Folk Festival

Dunoon announces its first-ever food and drink festival – a brand-new event is coming to the Cowal peninsula this summer. Taste Dunoon is scheduled for 25–26 July and the programme will include talks, tastings, cooking demonstrations and workshops, as well as a dedicated Taste Dunoon Trail. Entry to the event is free – find out more.

Scottish Traditional Music Festival “The Reeling” Moves to Edinburgh for 2026 – The Scottish traditional music festival “The Reeling” will move from its usual home at Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow to Edinburgh for the first time. The event will be staged at the Royal Highland Show (20 June 2026) and will showcase leading traditional and Gaelic music acts including Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Q and Dougie MacLean. Find out more.

Nuart Aberdeen 2026 ‘Poetry in the Streets’ theme confirmed – The internationally recognised street art festival Nuart Aberdeen has announced its 2026 theme – ‘Poetry in the Streets’ with a programme of new large-scale public murals and artist interventions across the city. Find out more about Nuart

Fèis Ìle 2026 — 40th anniversary Islay Festival, 22–31 May, tickets on sale from 28 March – The 40th anniversary edition of Fèis Ìle runs from Friday 22 May to Sunday 31 May 2026. The festival has extended this year with a new second Sunday, with Laggan Bay Distillery and Islay Ales taking on the final day for the first time. Ticket sales open from 28 March, with event details live on 20 March. Find out more and join the mailing list at feisile.co.uk.

Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 2026: ticket on-sale date announced – one of the major Islay Fèis Ìle events on the 24 May 2026 has announced that tickets go on sale on the 23 Feb 2026 (with Cammy Barns). Find out more.

BBC Radio 2 in the Park — announced today for City Park, Stirling, 7–9 August 2026 – BBC Radio 2’s flagship live music festival is coming to City Park in Stirling this August. The festival will open with a Friday night DJ party before two full days of live music. No line-up or ticket details have been confirmed yet. Find out more at bbc.co.uk/radio2.

Paisley Alive — New Festival Announced in Barshaw Park, Paisley on the 4 July 2026 – a new music, fitness and wellness festival has been announced with a line-up featuring Rag’N’Bone Man, Sister Sledge, Cammy Barnes and Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5. Get tickets.

Ubhal Cider Gathering (Custom Lane, Leith, Edinburgh, Sat 28  March 2026) – brand‑new cider festival curated by musician Grant Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit) and Aeble owner brings 15 UK cider producers together for two tasting sessions; tickets are available now.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2026 – programme preview & tickets preview live (programme preview live now, general sale 24 Feb) – the iconic Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has released its full 2026 programme preview, offering a first look at hundreds of tastings, distillery tours, masterclasses and events across 50+ distilleries; festival tickets are now in preview mode ahead of general sale on 24 Feb. Find out more.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (Inverness, 30th July – 1st August 2026) – Wave 2 of the line up has just been announced for this brilliant Scottish music festival, headliners include James and The Human League, Mika and Razorlight. Find out more here – Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Conifox Adventure Park Launches Easter Festival 2026 (28–29 March and 3–5 April 2026) – with Egg Hunts, Characters and Family Fun including the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt will see children and grown-ups alike exploring the Maze in search of hidden eggs. Find out more and book tickets with code EASTER15.

Fun for Life Festival Glasgow (16 May 2026) – a new festival in Glasgow is aiming to raise funds for 15 ambulances announces headliners – Boney M, Boyzlife, Newton Falkner and the Bay City Rollers. Buy Tickets.

Glasgow Jazz Festival 2026: first acts announced – early-bird tickets are now live across multiple venues including Old Fruitmarket and SWG3. Buy now.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026: first 351 shows announced – The Fringe has dropped its first 351-show batch — your cue to start early planning and snag popular runs before the programme floodgates open. Find a show.

Tickets are now available for The Gathering Festival (30 May 2026, Northern Meeting Park, Inverness) – A one-day festival featuring some of the best of Scottish music including Skerryvore. Tickets.

Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show at V&A Dundee, Dundee. The V&A’s new exhibition opens 3 Apr 2026. Tickets on sale soon.

Scotland festivals in April 2026

• Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show at V&A Dundee, Dundee. The V&A’s new exhibition opens 3 Apr 2026. Tickets on sale soon.
• Go on a Easter Egg hunt (Friday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026) – the National Trust for Scotland hosts 41 Easter Egg trails right across Scotland, from egg hunting at Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire to Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. You can find the nearest egg hunt to you on the National Trust for Scotland‘s website.
• Conifox Adventure Park Easter Festival 2026 (3-5 April 2026) – with Egg Hunts, Characters and Family Fun including the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt will see children and grown-ups alike exploring the Maze in search of hidden eggs. Find out more and book tickets with code EASTER15.
• Edinburgh Science Festival (4–19 April 2026, venues across Edinburgh) Two weeks of science shows, talks and workshops. Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin headline at Usher Hall (12 Apr). Family activities at the National Museum; Planetarium Lates at Dynamic Earth. edinburghscience.co.uk
• Counterflows Festival (9–12  April  2026, Glasgow) – contemporary music festival which includes challenging and thought-provoking work, with experimental music artists from Scotland, UK and around the world. Find out more – Counterflows.
• BUZZCUT 2026 (Glasgow, Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 April 2026) Experimental performance festival page is live; full programme announcement Feb 2026.
• Terminal V Festival (18-19 April 2026) at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh (electronic / dance). Tickets.
• Glasgow Coffee Festival (18 & 19 April 2026) – celebrating everything about coffee including demos, sampling and awards. Find out more – Glasgow Coffee Festival
• Mull Music Festival (Isle of Mull, Tobermory/Dervaig, 23–26 Apr 2026) – free live music filling Tobermory’s pubs and halls. Find out more – Mull Music Festival
• Nuart Aberdeen (23–26 Apr 2026) – probably the best street art festival in Scotland taking place across the city. This year’s theme is ‘Poetry in the Streets’ – find out more – Nuart Aberdeen
• Scotland Calling Festival 2026 (Edinburgh, 25th April 2026, Edinburgh Corn Exchange) all-day punk rock festival held in Scotland, tickets.
• Colonsay Book Festival 2026 (25–26 Apr 2026) – the official author line‑up has been announced and tickets are on sale for this island book festival, featuring acclaimed writers and literary events. Find out more.
• Cycle the Etape Loch Ness (26th April 2026) – love to ride? Well this 66 mile cycle around Loch Ness on the 26th April will be right up you street. Book your place at Etape Loch Ness.
• Paisley Food & Drink Festival (Friday 24 – Saturday 25 April, 2026) – a two-day street-food + producers, great for foodie families, all held around Paisley Abbey. Find out more – Paisley Food & Drink Festival
• Glasgow Cocktail Festival (24 April – 3 May 2026) – a city-wide wristband event held at the end of August to September.
• Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (Wednesday 29th April – Monday 4th May 2026) – tours, tastings, and storytelling across Speyside’s distilleries. One of the best Scottish whisky festivals on the calendar. Programme now live – Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
• Beltane Fire Festival (Edinburgh, 30 April) – a fiery reinterpretation of ancient Celtic rites—drums, dancing, and sparks flying. Find out more – Beltane Fire Festival.
• Wide Days (Scotland’s Music Convention) 2026 (30 April – 1 May 2026) – an influential industry convention for Scottish music — in 2026 it returns with a fresh format, a “next‑generation” ticket and a focus on talent development, networking and music business in Scotland. Find out more.
• Shetland Folk Festival (Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May 2026) – world-renowned music sessions on Shetland. The concert programme has been now launched with early membership holders getting the first chance to buy tickets on Monday 16th March for the festival weekend running 30th April to 3rd May. Find out more – Shetland Folk Festival
• The Pomegranates Festival (Edinburgh, date TBC) – a traditional dance meets music, film, and heritage crafts. Find out more – The Pomegranates Festival

Highland Games in Scotland in 2026

The Highland Games Season begins in May each year – watch caber-tossing, dancing, and pipe bands at village gatherings. Highland Games are located across the Highlands, you can view the Highland Games calendar here.

A few of the more famous Highland Games include:

• Inverness Highland Games — Sat 11 July 2026
• Bridge of Allan Highland Games — Sun 2 August 2026
• Aberfeldy Show & Highland Games — Sat 8 August 2026
• Ballater Highland Games — Thu 13 August 2026
• Glenfinnan Highland Gathering — Sat 15 August 2026
• Crieff Highland Gathering — Sun 16 August 2026
• Lonach Highland Gathering (Strathdon) — Sat 22 August 2026
• Cowal Highland Gathering (Dunoon) — Thu 27 – Sat 29 August 2026
• Braemar Gathering — Sat 5 September 2026
• Pitlochry Highland Games — Sat 12 September 2026

Whats on in Scotland in May 2026

• Glasgow Cocktail Festival (24 April – 3 May 2026) – a city-wide wristband event held at the end of August to September.
• Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (Wednesday 29th April – Monday 4th May 2026) – tours, tastings, and storytelling across Speyside’s distilleries. One of the best Scottish whisky festivals on the calendar. Find out more – Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
• Shetland Folk Festival (Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May 2026) – world-renowned music sessions on Shetland. Find out more – Shetland Folk Festival
• Folk Film Gathering 2026 (1–10 May 2026, Cameo Cinema & Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh) – the world’s first festival dedicated to folk cinema includes a mix of global and Scottish films plus live music events; part of TradFest. Find out more.
• Edinburgh Tradfest (1–11 May 2026, various venues, Edinburgh) Traditional music, film, ceilidhs and workshops across the Traverse, Cameo and Storytelling Centre. RURA open; highlights include the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia featuring Lankum. Tickets at edinburghtradfest.com
• Culture Night Stirling 2026 (1 May 2026) – a new annual event celebrating the best of Stirling’s music, dance, comedy, art, crafts, literature and more. Find out more at Culture Night Stirling 2026.
• The Arran Rock ‘N’ Blues Festival (Brodick, 1st to 3rd May 2026) – a music festival in Brodick on the lovely Isle of Arran. Find out more here – The Arran Rock ‘N’ Blues Festival
• Bonfest (1-3 May 2026) in Kirriemuir, near Dundee. Annual celebration honouring the legendary Bon Scott, the iconic frontman of AC/DC. Tickets.
• Live in Loch Goil Festival (1-3 May 2026) – a very small, “intimate” festival in Lochgoilhead (capacity just 400), with live music + local food & drink focus. Tickets.
• Muck n Mac Fest (Tweed Valley 1 -3 May 2026) – celebrate the popular sport of gravel bike riding with this cycling event. Find out more – Muck n Mac Fest.
• Girvan Traditional Folk Festival (Ayrshire, 1–3 May 2026) – a celebration of folk music in South West Scotland. Find out more here – Girvan Traditional Folk Festival.
• TradFest Edinburgh (Edinburgh 1–11 May 2026) – traditional music festival in Edinburgh accross multiple venues – Queen’s Hall, Traverse Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre and The Cameo. Find out more at Edinburgh Tradfest.
• Pavilion Festival (Ayr Beach 2–3 May 2026) Electronic music fest on Ayr Beach – Tickets
• Skye Live Festival (7–9 May 2026, Portree) – live music festival with Beluga Lagoon and Dougie MacLean. Tickets.
• Taste of Nairn, Moray (May 8th and 10th 2026)– a town-wide food weekend including the world Tattie Scone Championships. Visit Nairn Scotland.
• Edinburgh Tartan Parade (9 May 2026) – the inaugural Tartan Parade took place in May 2025, and it will be back for 2026. Find out more here – Edinburgh Tartan Parade.
• Orkney Nature Festival (11–17 May 2026) – celebrate Orkney’s wildlife with watching experiences and events. Orkney Nature Festival
• Helensburgh Beer and Gin Festival (Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre, 5-16 May 2026) – community spirits festival – tickets on sale now
• Fun for Life Festival (Glasgow 16 May 2026) – a new festival in Glasgow is aiming to raise funds for 15 ambulances with headliners – Boney M, Boyzlife, Newton Falkner and the Bay City Rollers. Buy Tickets.
• The Gralloch Ultra (15-17 May 2026) – a gravel bike festival in Scotland and Britain’s first UCI Gravel World Series event. Find out more – The Gralloch Ultra.
• SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival (15–17 May 2026, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway) – 5th annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival, featuring the very best in UK & International bluegrass / Americana acts in the Festival Marquee at The Vault Arts Centre.
• Arran Mountain Festival (15–18 May 2026) – guided hikes and mountain culture on the Isle of Arran. Find out more – Arran Mountain Festival.
• Scottish Vegan Festival, Edinburgh (16 May 2026) – for plant-based diners, this vegan festival is held at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, discover more at scottishveganfestival.com
• Campbeltown Malts Festival 2026 (Monday 18th – Saturday 23rd May) – whisky festival across Cambeltown’s distilleries – events now bieng announced at Glen Scotia, Springbank, Glengyle as well as the oldest independent bottler in Scotland, Cadenhead’s. Find out more.
• Scottish Wild Food Festival (Loch Lomond, 19–20 Sep 2026) – a gathering and celebration of wild food and foraging in Scotland. Find out more here – Scottish Wild Food Festival
• Orkney Folk Festival (21 to 24 May 2026) – a world-class showcase of folk music. Find out more – Orkney Folk Festival:
• Perth Arts Festival (21–30 May 2026) – music, comedy, drama and dance in venues across Perth. Find out more here – Perth Arts Festival
• Knockengorroch Festival (Galloway, 21–24 May 2026) — truly off-grid valley gathering: (note: organisers flagged financial pressure in 2025) – tickets Knockengorroch Festival
• Islay Festival of Music & Malt (Fèis Ìle, Friday the 22nd of May to Sunday the 31st May): A whisky lover’s dream with ceilidhs and tastings on the fabulous isle of Islay. Find out more – Islay Festival of Music & Malt. Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 2026: ticket on-sale date announced – one of the major Fèis Ìle events on the 24 May 2026 has announced that tickets on sale 23 Feb 2026 with Cammy Barns. Find out more.
• Jim Clark Rally (Duns, 22–24 May 2026) – a loud and exciting motorcar rally in the Scottish Borders. Find out more here – Jim Clark Rally
• Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival (22 May–6 Jun 2026 across Dumfries & Galloway) – Scotland’s largest rural performing arts Festival, find out more)
• Melrose Sevens Rugby Tournament (22–23 May 2026) – the birthplace of rugby sevens. Find out more – Melrose Sevens Rugby Tournament
• Edinburgh Marathon Festival (Edinburgh, 23–24 May 2026) – Scotland’s biggest running weekend (10k/5k/juniors on Sat; half, full & relay on Sun). Find out more – Edinburgh Marathon
• Spring Fling (23–25 May 2026) – art studios open their doors to visitors across Dumfries and Galloway. Find out more here – Spring Fling
• Outlander in Concert (Edinburgh, 30 May 2026) – a concert tour based on the soundtrack of the hit series Outlander. Find out more.
• The Gathering Festival (30 May 2026, Northern Meeting Park, Inverness) A one-day festival featuring some of the best of Scottish music including Skerryvore. Tickets.
• Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: (30 May-7 June 2026) – theatre, dance, and storytelling for younger audiences. Find out more – Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

Festivals in June in Scotland 2026

• Big Nights Out Glasgow – Kelvingrove Bandstand (Outdoor Concerts) – confirmed Dates & Acts: 4 Jun 2026 – Level 42, 6 Jun 2026 – The Stranglers, 12 Jun 2026 – Cast, 13 Jun 2026 – Fisherman’s Friends. Tickets on sale now.
• Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: (30 May-7 June 2026) – theatre, dance, and storytelling for younger audiences. Find out more – Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
• West End Festival (Glasgow, 1–29 June 2026) – parades, music, and street arts in the city’s cultural hub. Find out more – West End Festival
• Scottish Geology Festival 1-30 June 2026 – coinciding with the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton – the father of modern geology and one of Scotland’s most important enlightenment figures – the theme of the Festival is ‘300 years of Deep Time’. More details to follow.
• Hidden Door Festival (Edinburgh, 3 – 7 Jun 2026) Annual arts‑and‑culture festival returning now with confirmed dates. Hidden Door Festival.
• Sound of Gigha Music Festival (4-7 June 2026) – brings together local artists and producers on Gigha. Find out more.
• Glasgow International Festival (citywide, 5–21 Jun 2026) – Scotland’s biggest contemporary art biennial. Visit glasgowinternational.org
• Arran Folk Festival (5th – 7th June 2026) – live folk festival on the Isle of Arran. Find out more – Arran Folk Festival.
• Borders Book Festival (Melrose, 11-14 June 2026) – literature meets comedy and family fun. Find out more – Borders Book Festival
• Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 (12–21 June 2026, various communities across Scotland) – a 10‑day nationwide celebration, showcasing music, dance, art, food and cultural heritage in communities across the country, promoting inclusion and shared culture. Find out more – Refugee Festival.
• Killin Music Fest (12-14 June 2026) – celebrating Scottish music, culture, heritage in the lovely Perthshire village of Killin.
• Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (Portsoy, 12th — 14th June 2026) – a festival celebrating heritage boat making and maritime culture in the beautiful Aberdeenshire village of Portsoy. Find out more – Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
• Shetland Noir (Lerwick (Mareel), 11–14 Jun 2026) – a Scottish crime-writing festival. Find out more.
• Eden Festival (Raehills Meadows, Moffat 11–14 Jun 2026) – a 4-day indie arts and music festival in Scotland. Tickets.
• North Scotland Garden Show 2026 (Turriff Showground, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, 12–13 June 2026) – 2nd year of this popular garden show confirmed with expanded designer competition, new VIP tickets and a freshly announced headline sponsor. Focus on plants’ roles in everything from pharmaceuticals to sustainable packaging, plus plant shopping and demos. Find out more.
• Killin Music Festival (12-14th June 2026) – community-driven folk festival celebrations. Find out more – Killin Music Festival
• Ministry of Sound Classical (13 June 2026, Helix Park, Falkirk) – Ministry of Sound Classical takes on the very best tunes hand-picked from dance music history and recreated in a breathtaking performance by an incredible 30-piece orchestra. Tickets.
• CELTMAN! Extreme Triathlon (Wester Ross, 13 Jun 2026) — iconic Torridon sufferfest – get extreme.
• The Leith Festival (13th June to 21st June 2026) – celebrating the community of Leith, Edinburgh. Find out more here – The Leith Festival
• Meatopia Glasgow (Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June 2026  ) – a live-fire barbecue festival at SWG3, tickets via their website.
• Barbie: The Exhibition (13 June – 18 October 2026, Kelvingrove, Glasgow) – a large-scale touring exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow, featuring 150+ dolls from rare vintage editions to modern representations. A major family attraction — tickets on sale now.
• Silverburn Festival (Friday 19 – Saturday 20 June, 2026) – a weekend music event surrounded by trees within the beautiful grounds of Silverburn Park in Fife. Find out more.
• Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh, Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June, 2026) – Scotland’s biggest agricultural event which will also this year include the Scottish traditional music festival “The Reeling” with traditional and Gaelic music acts including Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Q and Dougie MacLean. Find out more – Royal Highland Show

Events in Scotland in July 2026

• The East Neuk Festival (1–5 Jul 2026) – a classical music festival in the beautiful East Neuk. Find out more – The East Neuk Festival
• Kelburn Garden Party (2-6 July 2026, Ayrshire) – an eccentric music festival at a painted castle. Find out more – Kelburn Garden Party
• WOMAD Scotland (first time in Scotland) (3-5th July 2026 Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow) Peter Gabriel’s world-music festival is coming to Scotland for the first time; full line-up due next year. Tickets on sale 6th February 2026.
• Paisley Alive (Barshaw Park, Paisley, 4 July 2026)– a new music, fitness and wellness festival has been announced with a line-up featuring Rag’N’Bone Man, Sister Sledge, Cammy Barnes and Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5. Get tickets.
• Tartbert Seafood Festival (4-5th July) – weekend of Seafood, parades, music, stalls and fun situated around Tarbert’s harbour.
• Doof in the Park 2026 (Saturday 4 July 2026, Camperdown Park Dundee) – Second edition of the electronic dance music festival in Dundee; initial lineup announced (e.g., Paul van Dyk among others) and full details rolling out. Find out more – Doof in the Park.
• Taste Scotland Food Festival, Dunfermline (5–6 July 2026, Pittencrieff Park) – street food and live music in the lovely Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline.
• Edinburgh Foodies Festival (7–9 August 2026 at Inverleith Park), with headliners Symphonic Ibiza and Boyzlife. Find out more.
• TRNSMT (Glasgow, 10–12 July 2026) – Scotland’s biggest rock and pop festival with Richard Ashcroft and Lewis Capaldi headlining. Find out more – TRNSMT
• Stonehaven Folk Festival (10-12 July 2026) – traditional and contemporary folk festival. Find out more – Stonehaven Folk Festival
• Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival (10–12 Jul 2026) – folk at its finest. Find out more – Newton Stewart Festival
• Tiree Music Festival (Isle of Tiree, 10–12 Jul 2026) – a beachside, family-friendly gem. Find out more – Tiree Music Festival
• Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (Edinburgh, 10–19 Jul 2026) – 100+ gigs across the city as part of the biggest jazz festival in Scotland. How to Jam – ejbf.co.uk/
• Inverness Highland Games (11 July 2026) – traditional athletics with global flair. Find out more – Inverness Highland Games
• Falkirk Food & Drink Weekend (12–13 July 2026)– local food and drink festival held at The Helix, by The Kelpies.
• Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt, Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, 15-18 July 2026) – a Gaelic music festival and culture highlight in the Outer Hebrides. Find out more – Hebridean Celtic Festival
• Sound of Iona Music Festival (Iona, 17–18 Jul 2026) – a tiny, magical island weekender – Tickets.
• Crail Festival (Crail, 22 Jul – 1 Aug 2026) – a community arts in the East Neuk.
• Merchant City Festival (Glasgow, Thu 23 Jul – Sat 1 Aug 2026) – outdoor arts, music, circus and family events during Fair Fortnight.
• Discovery Festival (Dundee, 24–26 July 2026) – music festival in Slessor Gardens.
• Speyfest (24-26 July 2026) – taditional Scottish Music Festival in Speyside. Find out more – Speyfest
• Taste Dunoon (25–26 July) – talks, tastings, cooking demonstrations and workshops, as well as a dedicated Taste Dunoon Trail. Entry to the event is free – find out more.
• Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (Inverness, 30th July – 1st August 2026) – a brilliant Scottish music festival. Find out more here – Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
• Glasgow Pride March (date TBC) – Scotland’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration. Find out more Glasgow Pride March

August 2026 festivals in Scotland

• Edinburgh International Festival (7–30 Aug 2026) – world famous opera, theatre, dance, and classical music. Find out more – Edinburgh International Festival
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe (7–31 Aug 2026) – the world’s largest arts festival—hundreds of shows daily. The Fringe has now dropped its first 351-show batch — your cue to start early planning and snag popular runs before the programme floodgates open. Find a show.
• Fringe by the Sea (31st July – 9 August 2026) – don’t call this festival an offshoot of the Edinburgh Festival, it is a special little festival in Scotland all of its own! Find out more – Fringe by the Sea.
• Black Isle Show (Muir of Ord, preview 5 Aug & main 6 Aug 2026) – a highland agri-show institution. Find out more – blackisleshow.com
• Edinburgh Art Festival 2026 (6–23 August 2026) – Scotland’s largest annual visual arts festival returns with multi‑venue exhibitions and international collaborations – find out more.
• Foodies Festival Edinburgh (7–9 August 2026) – brings celebrity chefs, live bands and gourmet street food. Tickets – Foodies Festival Edinburgh
• BBC Radio 2 in the Park — announced today for City Park, Stirling, 7–9 August 2026 – BBC Radio 2’s flagship live music festival is coming to City Park in Stirling this August. The festival will open with a Friday night DJ party before two full days of live music. No line-up or ticket details have been confirmed yet. Find out more at bbc.co.uk/radio2.
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (A Call to Gather” 7–29 Aug 2026) – bagpipes, marching bands, and fireworks at the castle. Find out more – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Perth Highland Games 2026 (9 August 2026) – the date is now confirmed for this classic Highland Games event.
• Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival (Glasgow,Sunday 9th August – Friday 14th August 2026) – global piping week ahead of the Worlds. Keep an eye on their website for 2026 dates – pipinglive.co.uk
• Orkney County Show (Kirkwall, 8 Aug 2026) – the islands’ big day out, view the Orkney Country Show programme.
• Party at the Palace (Linlithgow, 8–9 Aug 2026) – festival in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace, with headliners Peat + Diesel and Skeryvore. Tickets.
• UK’s Strongest Man Glasgow 2026 (Braehead Arena, Glasgow 8–9 August 2026) – the prestigious strength athletics competition will be held in Glasgow for the first time ever, across two days, with live shows, athletic contests, and meet‑and‑greet opportunities. Tickets.
• World Pipe Band Championships (Glasgow. 14–15 August 2026) – the pinnacle of piping. Find out more – World Pipe Band Championships
• Foodies Festival Glasgow (Rouken Glen Park, 14–16 Aug 2026) – tickets on sale for a weekend of live cooking demos, headline music acts, local producers, and artisan food experiences. Find out more.
• Edinburgh International Book Festival (Edinburgh, 15–30 Aug 2026) – Scotlan’s major literary festival. Book tickets.
• Summer’s End Angus Music Festival (Brechin, Angus, 15–16 August) – new three‑day music festival for 2026 with three stages – early‑bird tickets and camping packages are now on sale at Summer’s End Festival.
• Replay Festival 2026 (South Inch, Perth, 15–16 August 2026) – a new festival launched for 2026 by the organisers of Heartland, with Bay City Rollers. Early bird tickets on sale.
• Mull of Kintyre Music Festival (Campbelltown, 19-23rd August 2026) – line up coming soon.
• Heather on the Hill – new Edinburgh festival (Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, 22 August 2026) Brand-new music festival with a first wave of acts including Nathan Evans, Saint Phnx, Cian Ducrot and Ella Henderson. Heather on the Hill.
• British Cycling 2026 Lloyds National Gravel Championships (Ae Forest, Scotland, 22–23 August 2026) – new national gravel cycling championships organised by British Cycling with elite, youth, junior, masters and women’s races across gravel routes. Find out more.
• Cowal Highland Gathering (27–29 Aug 2026, Dunoon) – one of the world’s largest Highland Games. Find out more – Cowal Highland Gathering.
• Thunder in the Glens (paused for 2026) – Europe’s biggest Harley-Davidson rally. Find out more – Thunder in the Glens
• Whisky Fringe, Edinburgh (date TBC) – a celebration of whisky during the Edinburgh Festival held at Mansfield Traquair.

September festivals and events 2026

• Largs Viking Festival (30 Aug 2026 – 7 Sep 2026) – marking the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and the Norse. Find out more – Largs Viking Festival
• Braemar Gathering (Saturday 5th September 2026) – the most famous Highland Games in Scotland attended by the Royal Family. Find out more Braemar Gathering
• International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight (Ayr, Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2026) – free seaside airshow at Low Green. Find out more – destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/ayrshow
• World Stone Skimming Championships (Easdale, Saturday 5 September 2026) – the island of Easdale is the perfect home for this unique event which sees competitors try to skim stones the furthest. One to book tickets for in advance. Find out more – World Stone Skimming Championships
• EdgeFest (4–6 Sep 2026, Jedburgh) –  The Scottish Borders biggest music festival. Line up for 2026 still to be announced, but tickets are on sale.
• Loch Lomond Food Festival (5th & 6th September 2026) – celebrating food and drink. Find out more – Loch Lomond Food Festival.
• Tour of the Borders (Sunday 6 Sept 2026) – a cycling sportive event in Scotland around the beautiful Scottish Borders. Find out more – Tour of the Borders
• Lammermuir Festival (East Lothian, 9 – 20 September 2026) – classical and chamber music. Keep an eye open for 2026 dates here – lammermuirfestival.co.uk
• Stranrear Oyster Festival (11-13 September 2026) – with demos, live music and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships. Find out more – Stranrear Oyster Festival 
• Vogrie Pogrie (Vogrie Country Park, Midlothian, 11-14th Septeber 2026) – a music festival in a lovely country park. Find out more – Vogrie Pogrie
• FifeFest (Silverburn Park, Fife, 12 September 2026) – a cover band music festival in Silverburn Park. Find out more.
• Mendelssohn on Mull Festival (13–17 September 2026) – classical chamber music in breathtaking island venues. Find out more – Mendelssohn on Mull Festival
• Live at the Loch Festival (Tarbert, September 18-20, 2026) – free, community-led and independent music festival in Tarbert, Argyll. Find out more.
• Bloody Scotland (Stirling, 18-20 September 2026) – a leading crime-writing festival in Scotland. Find out more – Bloody Scotland
• Salomon Skyline Scotland (Nevis Range, Fort William,Saturday 19th September 2026) – a world-class mountain and trail running event in Scotland, attracting 2,000+ participants. Find out more – Salomon Skyline Scotland.
• Gravity Beer Festival, Summerhall, Edinburgh (25–26 September 2026) Craft beer festival where all your beer is included in the ticket price – visit Gravity Festival.
• Doors Open Days (5–6 Sep / 12–13 Sep / 19–20 Sep / 26–27 Sep 2026) – free access to normally closed buildings across Scotland.
• Wigtown Book Festival (25 Sep–4 Oct 2026) – a ten-day literary celebration in Scotland’s book town. Find out more – Wigtown Book Festival
• Outwith Festival (Dunfermline, 2026 date TBC) – Dunfermline’s music and arts festival, bringing five days of music, film, theatre, literature, and art, to Scotland’s newest city. Find out more outwithfestival.co.uk
• Scottish Rum Festival, Glasgow (2026 date TBC) – celebrating everything rum. Tickets.
• Smokie Fest (Arbroath, 2026 date TB5) – celebrating all things smoked fish in the seaside town of Arbroath. Find out more – Smokie Fest
• SeaFest, Peterhead (2026 date TBC) – a family friendly food festival in Scotland with seafood demos, trawlers, marketplace held in the harbour at Peterhead. More info.
• Lochaber Live (Fort William / Highlands, 2026 date TBC) – a Scottish folk music festival. Tickets.
• Tarland Food & Music Festival, Royal Deeside (2026 date TBC – more info) – farm-to-table music celebrations.
• Orkney Food & Drink Festival (Kirkwall, 2026 date TBC) Orkney.com) – held at Kirkwall Grammar School, with celebrity chefs.
• Forest to Fork Scottish Fungi Festival, Perthshire (2026 date TBC) – mushroom foraging and retreat in Kirkmicheal. Find out more.

October 2026 events in Scotland

• Shetland Wool Week (Shetland, 27 September – 3 October 2026) – celebrating Shetland’s knitwear heritage with classes and tours. Get knitting.
• Ayrshire Real Ale Festival (Troon, 2026 Thursday 1 October – Saturday 3 October 2026) – real ale festival in Ayrshire – find out more.Tickets.
• Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, Carrbridge (3rd October 2026) – a porridge cook-off drawing competitors from across the globe. Find out more – goldenspurtle.com
• Edinburgh Cocktail Week (Friday 2 – Sunday 11 October 2026) – a city-wide £5 cocktails at Edinburgh Cocktail Week
• Royal National Mòd (Lochaber, Glasgow, 9–17 October 2026) Gaelic language & music week – Royal National Mòd
• The Enchanted Forest ‘Luminara‘ (Faskally Woods, Pitlochry, 8 October – 8 November 2026) – a magical woodland light show. Find out more and get tickets – The Enchanted Forest.
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival (Edinburgh, 21 – 31 October 2026) – the world’s largest celebration of storytelling. This year’s programme theme is “Lights of the North”, focusing on Scottish and Nordic culture & storytelling. Find out more – Scottish International Storytelling Festival
• Comic Con Scotland (Edinburgh, 24‑25 October 2026) – one of Europe’s largest pop culture conventions, attracting tens of thousands of fans annually to the Royal Highland Centre. Find out more – Comic Con Scotland
• Exclusively Highlands Autumn Festival @ Wildwoodz (25–26 Oct, near Inverness) makers market weekend. exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk
• Arran Festival of Food & Drink (2026 date tbc) – including the Harvest Fest Farmers Market and Family Fun Day. Visit Arran’s Food Journey for more information.

• The Big Swally beer festival (Edinburgh,2026 date tbc)  – cult beers and street food at the Corn Exchange. Tickets – the Big Swally beer festival.
• Faclan: the Hebridean Book Festival (Stornaway 2026 date tbc) – talks, readings, film, exhibitions, and other events in Stornaway, Outer Hebrides. Full programme.
• Samhuinn Fire Festival (Edinburgh, annual on 31 Oct) – Beltane Fire Society’s autumn counterpart. Find out more – beltane.org/about-samhuinn
• NessBookFest (Inverness, 2026 date tbc) free community lit fest. NessBookFest
• Callander Jazz & Blues Festival (2026 date tbc) – largest rural Jazz & Blues festival in Scotland.
• Oktoberfest (Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, 2026 date tbc) traditional October beer festival – Tickets.
• Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival, Edinburgh (Edinburgh Old Town, 2026 date tbc) – an Ocktoberfest event with beers from top local and independent breweries – visit Grassmarket Craft Beer Festival.
• Pitlochry Festival Theatre: Banff Mountain Film Festival (2026 date tbc) – extreme moutain films – tickets.
• Gin & Rum Festival (Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, 2026 date tbc) two sessions, 120+ spirits; tickets now live.
• BOOKMARK Blairgowrie & Rattray Book Festival (Blairgowrie Community Campus, 2026 date tbc) – book festival in Blairgowrie with talks and stalls. Find out more.
• HARVEST: Contemporary Craft Fair (City Art Centre, Edinburgh, 2026 date tbc) Brand‑new Craft Scotland showcase of ~80 makers; free entry; talks programme just posted. Find out more.
• Tiree Wave Classic (Isle of Tiree,2026 date tbc) – the UK’s flagship pro-am windsurfing competition. How to watch.
• Glasgow Vegan Festival, Paisley (2026 date tbc – veganeventsuk.shop) over 60 stalls selling food catering, meat and dairy alternatives, cruelty-free beauty products, clothes and more.
• Edinburgh’s Whisky Festival, Murrayfield (2026 date tbc – slanjevents.co.uk) hundred of whiskies from around Scotland and beyond, plus demonstrations.
• Great Big Living History Week (2026 date tbc) – living‑history characters across multiple Historic Environment Scotland sites. Meet the characters.
• Stirling Science Festival (2026 date tbc) – events for families and children of all ages, many of which are free. View the programme.
• Take me Somewhere (Glasgow, 2026 date tbc) – festival dedicated to performance art. Find out more – www.takemesomewhere.co.uk.
• Loch & Land Festival (Inverness & Loch Ness, 2026 date tbc) – experiences across the region (walks, crafts, food & drink) Find out more.
• Glasgow Vegan Festival, Paisley (2026 date tbc) – veganeventsuk.shop over 60 stalls selling food catering, meat and dairy alternatives, cruelty-free beauty products, clothes and more.
• Edinburgh Horror Festival (October, on hiatus for 2026) multiple venues incl. Banshee Labyrinth. Full schedule now published here.
• The Creative Craft Show + Stitching Show + Simply Christmas (2026 date tbc, SEC Centre, Glasgow). Big craft & hobby fair. Find out more.
• The Wee Fife Folk Festival (Leslie and Dunfermline2026 date tbc) – alll things folk in Dunfermline and Leslie in Fife – tickets.
• Dornoch Whisky Festival (2026 date tbc) – celebrating all things whisky at the Dornoch Whisky Festival
• GlasGLOW (2026 date tbc) – an immersive, spooky light spectacul at the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Find out more – GlasGLOW.

Pumpkin and halloween events in Scotland 2026

Here are a few of the main halloween events in Scotland. Find the complete list of Halloween event in Scotland in my guide.

• Galoshans Festival (Greenock, 2026 date tbc) – rooted in local Hallowe’en “galoshans” traditions and street theatre, now a community festival with parades, giants and performances. Find out more.
• Killieween (Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire) – In Kilmarnock, locals celebrate Halloween six days early on the last Friday of October—a tradition called Killieween. Homes and fire stations decorate, and children guising happens ahead of the schedule.
• Paisley Halloween Festival (30-31 October 2026) – celebrate Halloween with this parade through Paisley and other spooky events. Find out more: Paisley Halloween Festival

More information on Halloween in Scotland.

Festivals in November 2026 in Scotland

• TB Watson Whisky Festival (21 Nov 2026 Dumfries) – whisky festival in the south of Scotland. Find out more.
• Scotland Loves Anime (Glasgow Film Theatre, 2026 tbc) – pop culture meets fandom film festival. Find out more – Scotland Loves Anime.
• Edinburgh Diwali (2026 tbc) – 10th anniversary, with 150 performers, dance groups (Yatra Tamil, Uttarakhand, Malayali, Telugu), contemporary Bollywood fusion, Indian cuisine, and fireworks finale. Find out more.
• Edinburgh Gang Show (2026 tbc) – annual Scouts and Guides show. Tickets.
• Aye Write! (2026 tbc) – a lively literary festival in Scotland with author talks, launches, and workshops. Find out more – Aye Write!
• Castle of Light (Edinburgh Castle, November and December) – a spectacular light festival at Edinburgh Castle perfect to get you in the christmas spirit (or brighten up winter). Find out more – Castle of Light.
• Glasgow’s Whisky Festival (2026 tbc) – a huge whisky festival in Scotland held at Hampden Park – tickets-scotland.com.
• Exhibition: Stirling 900 Banner Exhibition (2026 tbc) Textile banner exhibition celebrating Stirling’s 900th anniversary – find out more – Stirling Events
• Oban Winter Festival (2026 tbc) – a community-driven Highland celebration. Find out more – Oban Winter Festival
• The Scots Fiddle Festival 2025 (Edinburgh, 2026 tbc) – programme of concerts, recitals & ceilidhs – The Scots Fiddle Festival 2025
• Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns (2026 tbc) – A trail of 600+ Chinese lanterns returns to Edinburgh Zoo. Find out more – Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns.
• Stirling Gin & SpiritsFEST (2026 tbc) – part of Stirling SpiritFEST featuring gin/rum/vodka/whisky at Stirling Distillery
• Folk Horror & Landscape Mysteries Festival (2026 tbc) various venues in Perthshire region – a themed celebration of gothic fiction, folk horror, and Scottish landscapes. Find out more – Culture Perth and Kinross
• Book Week Scotland (2026 tbc) – lterary events across the country. Find out more – Book Week Scotland
• Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS experience (Landmark Forest Adventure Park, 2026 tbc) – follow a one-kilometre woodland trail and immerse themselves in the enchanting ancient pinewood forest, illuminated by thousands of lights, sounds and effects. Also in February 2026. Tickets.
• Edinburgh’s Christmas – internationally famous Christmas markets, light trails, skating, and concerts from mid-Nov to early Jan. Plan your visit to Edinburgh at Christmas.
• Christmas at the Botanics (selected evenings 20 Nov–30 Dec 2025.) Dates/ticketing confirmed. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
• Festival of Brass (Perth Concert Hall, 2026 tbc) – the largest UK brass festival – find out more.
• Soundhouse Winter Festival (Traverse theatre, 2026 tbc) featuring some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, and a silent film accompanied by live music. Find out more – Soundhouse Winter Festival.
• WinterStorm Rock Weekender (Troon, Ayrshire, 2026 tbc) – rock and metal festival in Troon – tickets.
• East Neuk Knits – new wool & craft festival (Bowhouse, St Monans, Fife, November, 2026 tbc) – festival celebrating Scottish knitting, craft and fishing heritage, with workshops (Fair Isle, Tunisian crochet, Gansey knitting), talks, marketplace, kids’ activities and charity fundraising.
• St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov) – national celebrations with ceilidhs, fireworks, and torchlit processions. Find out more – St Andrew’s Day. One of the biggest events is The Big Hoolie in St Andrews (November 2026 tbc) with live music & ceilidh dancing.

Christmas events and markets in Scotland 2026

• Edinburgh – East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh (2026 date TBC) Edinburgh. Wooden stalls with Scottish & European crafters, Big Wheel, festive food & drink, Santa’s Stories in St Andrew Square.
• Edinburgh – West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair, Edinburgh (2026 date TBC) Edinburgh. Free-entry funfair rides, festive warming zones, live choirs on Ross Bandstand.
• Edinburgh – Christmas at the Botanics (2026 date TBC) Dates/ticketing confirmed. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
• Glasgow – Clydeside Christmas Village (2026 date TBC) – Glasgow (South Street, near Partick Station) – a brand‑new free festive outdoor village on the banks of the Clyde, with an undercover ice‑rink, funfair rides, food stalls, live entertainment & Santa. Visit Clydeside Christmas Village.
• Glasgow – Jingle Bell‑a‑houston Christmas Market (2026 date TBC) at Bellahouston Sports Centre in Glasgow. A large indoor market featuring thousands of bargains, stalls, live music and a visit from Santa. Visit Jingle Bell‑a‑houston Christmas Market
• Dundee – Christmas in the Square (2026 date TBC) – Winter wonderland event including traditional market stalls, street food, fairground rides and live music. Visit dundee.com
• Dundee – Christmas Market at The Yard (2026 date TBC). Market of makers, crafters, food trucks and festive music; includes “Mini Market” variants. Visit The Yard Events.
• Dundee – Christmas Market at The McManus (2026 date TBC) Over 20 artisan stalls from Dundee, Fife, Perthshire & Angus; family-friendly crafts & storytelling sessions. Visit Dundee Heritage Trust.
• Stritling – Christmas Shopping Fair at Stirling Castle (2026 date TBC) Evening fair with local Scottish brand stalls, crafts, food & drink, brass band, mince pies & mulled wine. Find out more.
• Stirling – Christmas Market at Albert Halls (2026 date TBC) Indoor market with crafts, gifts, art, ceramics, food & drink; adult entry £5. Stirling Events
• Stirling – Thistles Indoor Christmas Market (2026 date TBC) Makers, food producers and entrepreneurs in festive indoor market setting. Visit shsevents.co.uk
• Balloch – Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival (2026 date TBC) at Loch Lomond Shores (Highlands/loch area). Features market stalls, festive rides, live performances and Santa’s grotto. Visit Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival
• Perth – Christmas Market in Perth City Centre (2026 date TBC) Local craft gifts, food & festive treats; part of Perth’s winter events programme. Visit pkc.gov.uk
• Oban – Oban Winter Festival (2026 date TBC) – a community-driven Highland celebration. Find out more – Oban Winter Festival
• Dumfries & Galloway – Drumlanrig Castle, Queensberry Estate (2026 date TBC) – heated marquee market in scenic estate gardens, local food & drinks, crafts, Santa’s grotto, marshmallow station; charity fundraiser. Visit Drumlanrig Castle.

Festivals in Scotland in December 2025

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• Winterlight Music Festival (2026 date TBC) – a rousing end-of-year music celebration. Find out more – Winterlight Music Festival
• Christmas at the Botanics (2026 date TBC) Find out more – Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
• Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions — Big Wheel, Polar Ice Bar, Santa’s Stories etc. dates confirmed across Nov–Jan (running throughout December)
• Night Afore Hoolie – West Princes Street Gardens. Tickets.
• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – Concert in the Gardens – West Princes Street Gardens. Tickets.
• Stonehaven Fireballs (31 Dec) – flaming fireballs swung through the streets to welcome the New Year. Find out more – Stonehaven Fireballs

Scotland festivals in January 2027

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• Loony Dook (Nationwide, 1 January 2027) – one of the most unique festivals in Scotland, brave locals (and visitors) take a plunge into icy waters wearing fancy dress. The most famous dip is at South Queensferry near Edinburgh.
• Good Food Guide “Restaurant Month” (2027 date TBC) – first ever Restaurant Month with offers at 13 restaurants in Scotland from Adfern to Timeberyard. Find out more.
• Celtic Connections (Glasgow, 2027 date TBC) – a world-class folk and roots music festival in Scotland with concerts, ceilidhs, and late-night sessions. Find out more – Celtic Connections
• Out in the Hills Festival 2026 – NEW LGBTQIA+ festival (2027 date TBC, Pitlochry Festival Theatre) – brand-new festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and culture, with theatre, music, film, talks and ceilidhs. Guests include Ian McKellen, Graham Norton, Alan Cumming, Val McDermid, Evelyn Glennie and more. Out in the Hills Festival.
• Leith Winter Blues Weekend (2027 date TBC) – free gigs across Leith. Find out more.
• Acrofest 2026 (2027 date TBC) – Acro & cirque dance showcase. Tickets.
• Burns Night (Nationwide) – celebrating Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns with burns suppers, haggis neeps and tatties and poetry readings, a uniquely Scottish event. One of the biggest celebrations is the Dumfries’ Big Burns Supper. Find out more about how to celebrate Burns Night.
• Up Helly Aa (2027 date TB6) – did you know that Scotland has viking festivals? Up Helly Aa is the most famous and features torchlit processions and the burning of a galley ship. One to book way in advance! Find out more – Up Helly Aa
• Inverclyde Whisky Festival 2026 (31 Jan 2026) – a whisky festival in Inverclyde. Tickets.

Whats on in Scotland in February 2027

• Reimagined – a new classical festival by Absolute Classics (date TBC, Lockerbie, Kings Arms Hotel & New Galloway, CatStrand) – a week-long celebration of world-class classic music in Dumfries and Galloway. Find out more.
• Spectra – Scotland’s Festival of Light 2026 (Aberdeen date TBC) – city‑wide light festival with installations and light displays transforming Aberdeen’s centre. Follow Spectra on Instagram.
• Edinburgh Map Festival (Edinburgh, City Archives, date TBC) – one-day “Map Festival” is ticketed and live on Eventbrite, focused on Edinburgh’s maps/aerial photography collections (very niche, very Edinburgh).
• Dundee Science Festival (Dundee Science Centre + partner venues, Dundee, date TBC) – a city-wide programme with events for all ages under this year’s theme “Beyond Wonder”. Find out moew – Festival info.

• Fort William Mountain Festival (date TBC) – films, lectures, and guided walks celebrating mountain culture. Find out more – Fort William Mountain Festival.
• Scottish Snowdrop Festival (Nationwide, date TBC) – discover carpets of Snowdrops at Branklyn Gardens, Perth and stately homes across the country. Find out more – Scottish Snowdrop Festival.
• Scottish Opera: The Great Wave (Glasgow + Edinburgh date TBC) – Tickets are live for the world-premiere opera inspired by Hokusai, with related pre-show talks and access events running alongside the performances. Find out more.
• Winter Words Festival (Pitlochry Festival Theatre, date TBC) – literary festival curated by the Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming. Find out more.
• Artists’ Bookmarket 2026 (Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, date TBC) – Fruitmarket’s annual artists’ book weekend returns, with the workshops/events programme now open for booking (free entry to the market itself). Find out more.
• UNESCO Week of Sound (Edinburgh College of Art, date TBC) – concerts, talks and workshops focused on music, sound technology and listening culture. Find out more.
• Elgin Film Festival (Elgin, Moray, date TBC) – tickets for the very first Elgin Film Festival is are now on sale, bringing award‑winning films, local talent showcases and hands‑on workshops to theatres and halls across the town. Buy tickets.
• National Brick Events (Lego) (P&J Live Aberdeen, Sunday 22nd February 2026) – the popular lego (other bricks are available) brick‑building event makes its return to Aberdeen with exhibits and activities. Find out more.
• World Gaelic Week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) (Nationwide Celebration 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2026) – The annual celebration of Scottish Gaelic language and culture returns with a record number of funded events across Scotland. Find out more.
• Glasgow Film Festival (Glasgow, TBC Feb 2027) – international and indie cinema with screenings across the city. The official programme for GFF26 has been released, featuring 126 films over 12 days — including 16 World premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres from films across 44 countries. Find out more – Glasgow Film Festival.
• Scottish Festival of Real Bread, Fife (date TBC) – celebrating local grain and slow fermentation, this food festival is held in the middle of February at Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, find out more at Bowhouse. The Scottish Bread Championship (date TBC) is also held at Bowhouse as part of Real Bread Week.
• Fife Whisky Festival (Cupar, date TBC) – a small yet mighty Scottish whisky festival perfect for whisky aficionados seeking intimate tastings. Tickets.

Scotland events and festivals in March 2027

• Glasgow Film Festival (Glasgow, TBC Mar 2027) – international and indie cinema with screenings across the city. The official programme for GFF26 has been released, featuring 126 films over 12 days — including 16 World premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres from films across 44 countries. Find out more – Glasgow Film Festival.
• Six Nations Rugby (Edinburgh, Feb–Mar) – Murrayfield Stadium roars to life with Scotland’s biggest rugby fixtures. Fid out more and how to snag tickets – Six Nations Rugby. Scotland home fixtures – Sat 14 Feb 2026 vs England; Sat 7 Mar 2026 vs France, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
• Eat Out Edinburgh 2026 (TBC March 2027) – the annual dining festival is back, with deals and curated set menus across nearly 60 city centre restaurants, cafes and bars. Bookings and offers are live now online.
• Whuppity Scoorie (Lanark, 1 March) – children welcome spring by racing around the church with paper balls. Find out more – Whuppity Scoorie.
• Kirkcudbright Book Festival (TBC Mar 2027, Dumfries & Galloway) – with over 20 events and more than 40 authors spanning Scottish, UK and international writers. Find out more and book tickets at kbtbookfestival.org.
• FrightFest at Glasgow Film Festival (TBC Mar 2027) – FrightFest confirmed for two days as part of the Glasgow Film Festival – tickets and film info.
• National Lottery Open Week (TBC Mar 2027) – National Lottery Open Week offers free entry, discounts and special offers at National Lottery funded places across Scotland – including castles, gardens and museums – and even zoos! Find out more – National Lottery Open Week.
• Scotland’s Daffodil Festival (TBC Mar 2027) – home to a national collection of Narcissus (daffodils) the Backhouse Rossie Estate in Cupar Fife hosts Scotland’s Daffodil Festival on the 13/14 April. £5.50 for adults,more info and tickets. You can also visit Brodie Castle and Estate which is home to the National Daffodil Collection, with around 400 varieties.
• StAnza Poetry Festival (St Andrews, TBC Mar 2027) – Scotland’s premier poetry gathering. Find out more – StAnza Poetry Festival
• Glasgow International Comedy Festival (TBC Mar 2027) – a city-wide celebration of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy. Find out more Glasgow International Comedy Festival – full programme announced with 500+ shows.
• Caithness International Science Festival (date TBC) – family-friendly events inspiring curiosity in science. Find out more – Caithness International Science Festival
• C2C: Country to Country (Glasgow, TBC Mar 2027) – Europe’s biggest country music festival at the OVO Hydro. Find out more – c2c-countrytocountry.com
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Family Festival (Glasgow, TBC Mar 2027) – with a procession starting at Glasgow Green and culminating in a family‑friendly cultural festival celebrating Irish heritage and community contributions.
• Drinkmonger Spirits Fair (Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh, TBC Mar 2027) – Scotland’s largest multi‑category spirits tasting festival is back for its third year with 150+ international and local spirits, expanded cocktail sessions and expert bartender demonstrations; tickets are live now.
• HippFest – Hippodrome Silent Film Festival (Bo’ness Hippodrome Cinema TBC Mar 2027) – The 2026 HippFest programme has been announced and tickets are confirmed on sale, with festival passes available. Tickets.
• Britpop Classical Concert (Glasgow, TBC Mar 2027) – a fusion concert celebrating Britpop classics with orchestral arrangements featuring artists including Phil Daniels and Saffron. Find out more.
• Aberdeen Jazz Festival (12–23 Mar 2026) – ten days of gigs, workshops, and jam sessions. Find out more – Aberdeen Jazz Festival.
• St Andrews Cocktail Week, Fife (TBC Mar 2027) – a city-wide ‘wristband’ cocktail festival with deals on cocktails and mixology masterclasses.
• Hawick Reivers Festival (27–29 Mar 2026) – celebrating Scottish Borders history through community events across Hawick. Find out more – Hawick Reivers Festival
• Paisley Arts Festival (27–29 Mar, Paisley town centre) Inaugural three-day festival of music, performance and visual art. Irvine Welsh on Pam Hogg (Fri), Club 69 electronic night with Melé and Optimo (Sat), Vic Galloway hosts a Paisley music celebration (Sun). Pay-what-you-can tickets for many events. Programme and tickets
• Ubhal Cider Gathering (Custom Lane, Leith, Edinburgh, TBC Mar 2027) – brand‑new cider festival curated by musician Grant Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit) and Aeble owner brings 15 UK cider producers together for two tasting sessions; tickets are available now.
• First International Blues Festival in Inverness (TBC Mar 2027) – a new international blues music festival featuring live performances from legendary and contemporary artists; family‑friendly format. Find out more and buy tickets.
• Conifox Adventure Park Easter Festival 2026 (TBC Mar 2027) – with Egg Hunts, Characters and Family Fun including the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt will see children and grown-ups alike exploring the Maze in search of hidden eggs. Find out more and book tickets with code EASTER15.

Other major events in Scotland in 2026

• Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games (23 July to 2 August 2026) – with a large, city-wide sporting programme, the XXIII Commonwealth Games is coming to Glasgow across multiple venues across Glasgow (e.g., Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre) among others. The full sport schedule has been released and tickets are going on sale – glasgow2026.com
• Glasgow 850 (year‑long): the city’s 850th anniversary programme continues across culture, music and heritage. Find out more from Visit Scotland.

Major festivals and events in Edinburgh in 2026

From fire festivals to ceilidhs, whisky tastings to world-class theatre, Scotland’s festivals have something for everyone. Plan around one (or more!) and you’ll experience the country at its most spirited.

Love from Scotland x