Scotland events & festivals calendar 2026: 300+ dates month-by-month

A ten-week citywide celebration of culture, sport and community running alongside the Commonwealth Games, with new artworks, major events and free activities across all 23 wards.

A large-scale touring exhibition at Kelvingrove featuring more than 150 dolls, from rare vintage editions to modern representations.

The DP World Tour and PGA Tour co-sanctioned event returns to East Lothian the week before The Open, with major champions in the field.

Traditional music and dance at its finest in Dumfries & Galloway.

A friendly festival of traditional and contemporary folk music on the north-east coast.

A beachside, family-friendly island gem in the Inner Hebrides.

Traditional Highland athletics, piping and dancing with a global flavour.

A local food and drink festival held at The Helix, beside The Kelpies.

An enchanting Gaelic music and culture highlight in the grounds of Lews Castle on the Isle of Lewis.

Following a sell-out 2025 debut, the two-day Highland festival returns to Meadows Park in Dornoch, with headliners The Hoosiers (Sat) and The Tumbling Paddies (Fri) plus Tide Lines, The Wellermen, Scooty and the Skyhooks, Harleymoon Kemp and more. Country and Western theme on Friday, live music, craft beer tent, food, funfair and family programming across the weekend.

The recently relaunched Stirlingshire festival returns, with confirmed acts including Ash and Utah Saints.

More than 100 gigs across the city as part of the biggest jazz festival in Scotland.

A tiny, magical island weekender on sacred Iona.

Scotland’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, with the parade gathering at Glasgow Green and heading to George Square.

Scotland’s biggest one-day motoring show, with classic cars, supercars, motorbikes and arena displays.

A community arts festival in the pretty East Neuk village of Crail.

A once-in-a-generation sporting spectacle bringing thousands of athletes from across the Commonwealth to venues across Glasgow.

Outdoor arts, music, circus and family events across Glasgow’s Merchant City during Fair Fortnight.

A city-centre music festival in Dundee’s Slessor Gardens.

Ten days of folk music, storytelling and Scottish food and drink at Assembly George Square Gardens, running up to the Fringe. Free-to-enter site with programmed ticketed events at Piccolo and Palais du Variété (£5–£28). Music from top Scottish trad artists (Duncan Chisholm headlined 2025) alongside street food, workshops and family programming.

A traditional Scottish music festival in the heart of Speyside.

Talks, tastings, cooking demonstrations and a dedicated food trail, with free entry.

Scotland’s largest family camping festival, a Highlands favourite near Inverness.

A special little seaside festival all of its own in North Berwick, with music, comedy and talks.

Orkney’s traditional Show Week runs across the islands: Sanday (31 Jul), East Mainland (1 Aug), Shapinsay (4 Aug), South Ronaldsay & Burray (5 Aug), Dounby (6 Aug) and finally the Orkney County Show at Kirkwall (8 Aug). Prize cattle, sheep, horses, home baking, crafts and fun fair rides — the pinnacle of the farming year.

A ten-week citywide celebration of culture, sport and community running alongside the Commonwealth Games, with new artworks, major events and free activities across all 23 wards.

A large-scale touring exhibition at Kelvingrove featuring more than 150 dolls, from rare vintage editions to modern representations.

A community arts festival in the pretty East Neuk village of Crail.

A once-in-a-generation sporting spectacle bringing thousands of athletes from across the Commonwealth to venues across Glasgow.

Outdoor arts, music, circus and family events across Glasgow’s Merchant City during Fair Fortnight.

Ten days of folk music, storytelling and Scottish food and drink at Assembly George Square Gardens, running up to the Fringe. Free-to-enter site with programmed ticketed events at Piccolo and Palais du Variété (£5–£28). Music from top Scottish trad artists (Duncan Chisholm headlined 2025) alongside street food, workshops and family programming.

Scotland’s largest family camping festival, a Highlands favourite near Inverness.

A special little seaside festival all of its own in North Berwick, with music, comedy and talks.

Orkney’s traditional Show Week runs across the islands: Sanday (31 Jul), East Mainland (1 Aug), Shapinsay (4 Aug), South Ronaldsay & Burray (5 Aug), Dounby (6 Aug) and finally the Orkney County Show at Kirkwall (8 Aug). Prize cattle, sheep, horses, home baking, crafts and fun fair rides — the pinnacle of the farming year.

Over 100 artists exhibit in homes, sheds and studios across the coastal East Neuk village.

Shetland’s traditional shows unfold across the isles over August and September — Voe (1 Aug), Walls (8 Aug), Cunningsburgh (12 Aug), Unst (30 Aug) and Yell (5 Sep). Prize livestock, Fair Isle knitting competitions, home baking, children’s activities and community catering — a chance to see rural Shetland at its most vibrant.

A classic Highland Games with heavy events, piping and dancing.

A Highland agricultural institution with livestock, produce and rural crafts.

CAMRA’s Glasgow beer weekender at the Briggait, with 100+ cask ales, Scottish craft beers, ciders and live music.

The world’s largest arts festival, three weeks of theatre, comedy, cabaret and hundreds of shows daily.

World-famous opera, theatre, dance and classical music from leading international artists.

Celebrity chefs, live bands and gourmet street food, with headliners Symphonic Ibiza and Boyzlife.

Military bands, massed pipes and drums and international performers, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

A celebration of whisky during the festival season at the beautiful Mansfield Traquair.

A traditional Perthshire show and Highland Games.

The Isle of Arran’s Highland Games at Ormidale Park in Brodick, with heavies, Highland dancing, piping and the iconic Goatfell backdrop. Held on the Saturday after the Arran Show.

The islands’ big agricultural day out in Kirkwall.

A music festival in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace, with headliners Peat & Diesel and Skerryvore.

The prestigious strength competition comes to Glasgow for the first time, across two days of live contests.

A classic Highland Games event in Perth.

A global week of piping in the run-up to the World Pipe Band Championships.

Royal Deeside’s traditional Highland Games.

The world’s oldest continuously-running film festival returns with premieres, retrospectives and panels.

Scotland’s largest annual visual arts festival returns with multi-venue exhibitions and international collaborations. 2026 features a new home in Leith and brings Catherine Opie, Eva Rothschild, Anne Hardy, Frank Walter, Gwen John and Katie Paterson alongside Scottish emerging artists.

Live cooking demos, headline music, local producers and artisan food in Rouken Glen Park.

A brand-new three-day, three-stage music festival for 2026 in Brechin.

Hundreds of pipe bands from around the world compete on Glasgow Green — the pinnacle of piping.

Scotland’s major literary festival, with authors from around the world.

A scenic Highland gathering at the head of Loch Shiel.

A new festival for 2026 from the organisers of Heartland, with the Bay City Rollers.

The Highlands trad-folk band’s headline day festival returns to SWG3’s Galvanizers Yard in Glasgow for its biggest edition yet — a proper trad-folk knees-up in the city’s most atmospheric outdoor venue.

A traditional Highland Gathering in Strathearn.

The curated Fringe showcase of Scottish dance, theatre and music, with a Cowgate gigs strand featuring eight Scotland-based acts.

A music festival in Campbeltown at the tip of the Kintyre peninsula.

A packed run of open-air shows with Biffy Clyro, The Cure, Florence + The Machine, Lorde, Deftones and The Prodigy.

Highland Games on the shores of Loch Ness at Drumnadrochit, with the traditional heavies, dancing, piping and children’s races. A perfect Loch Ness day out.

A brand-new music festival with a line-up including Nathan Evans, Saint Phnx, Cian Ducrot and Ella Henderson.

British Cycling’s new national gravel championships, with elite, youth, junior and masters races.

The famous march of the Lonach Highlanders and traditional games in Strathdon.

One of the largest Highland Games in the world, on Scotland’s west coast at Dunoon.

The Argyllshire Gathering’s annual games at Mossfield Park, Oban — one of Scotland’s oldest, held every year on the last Thursday of August. Includes the prestigious piping competitions at the Argyllshire Gathering.

Traditional Perthshire Highland Games in the shadow of Birnam Wood, made famous by Macbeth. Heavies, dancing, piping and the massed pipe bands finale.

Now in its 22nd year, this nine-day Highland festival blends author events with music, theatre, photography and art exhibitions across venues in the seaside town of Nairn. A varied programme with something for every kind of book lover.

A Viking-themed festival marking the 1263 Battle of Largs, with a living-history village, battle re-enactment and longship burning.

A large-scale touring exhibition at Kelvingrove featuring more than 150 dolls, from rare vintage editions to modern representations.

Shetland’s traditional shows unfold across the isles over August and September — Voe (1 Aug), Walls (8 Aug), Cunningsburgh (12 Aug), Unst (30 Aug) and Yell (5 Sep). Prize livestock, Fair Isle knitting competitions, home baking, children’s activities and community catering — a chance to see rural Shetland at its most vibrant.

Now in its 22nd year, this nine-day Highland festival blends author events with music, theatre, photography and art exhibitions across venues in the seaside town of Nairn. A varied programme with something for every kind of book lover.

A Viking-themed festival marking the 1263 Battle of Largs, with a living-history village, battle re-enactment and longship burning.

Dunfermline’s music and arts festival brings five days of music, film, theatre, literature and art to Scotland’s newest city. 2026 sees a new partnership with local arts initiative Dunfermline Creatives Network, expanding the visual arts strand alongside the festival’s signature all-dayer at Glen Pavilion.

The Scottish Borders’ biggest music festival.

A free seaside airshow on Ayr’s Low Green.

Scotland’s biggest tabletop gaming weekender, with board games, RPGs, wargames, tournaments and a huge trader hall.

The most famous Highland Games in Scotland, traditionally attended by the Royal Family.

Free access to normally closed buildings across Scotland, on weekends throughout September.

A celebration of the food and drink of the Loch Lomond area.

Competitors gather on the tiny island of Easdale to skim stones the furthest.

The one-day sister festival to Manchester Psych Fest returns to Edinburgh for its fourth edition across multiple venues including Summerhall and The Queen’s Hall. 2026 line-up includes Stereolab, Ty Segall, Gwenno, Model/Actriz, GHOSTWOMAN, Angine de Poitrine, Adult DVD, The Mystery Lights and 20+ more, plus DJs, food stalls and a pop-up record store. Early bird tickets sold out.

A closed-road cycling sportive through the beautiful Scottish Borders.

Small but respected literary and arts festival across historic Tain and the Easter Ross peninsula in the Highlands. A lovely addition to the September Highlands cluster for readers travelling north.

Classical and chamber music in atmospheric venues across East Lothian.

The BBC’s flagship live music festival lands in Scotland, with Chaka Khan and Simple Minds headlining.

A new independent festival with live music, local food and camping on the Black Isle near Inverness.

A lively weekend of jazz across the island’s coastal scenery.

Demos, live music and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships on Loch Ryan.

A music festival in a lovely Midlothian country park.

A cover-band music festival in Silverburn Park.

Traditional Highland Games in the Perthshire town of Pitlochry.

Classical chamber music in breathtaking island venues.

Scotland’s leading crime-writing festival.

Glasgow’s premium DIY weekender turns ten with a three-day, two-stage, 20+ band anniversary blowout at The Old Hairdressers. Ten years of chaos across garage, psych, punk, post-punk and pop from Scotland’s finest grassroots promoter. Weekend passes live now.

A free, community-led independent music festival in Tarbert, Argyll.

The finest comedians come to the Granite City for over two weeks across three weekends. Russell Howard opens the festival at the Music Hall (Fri 19 Sept) with his Don’t Tell The Algorithm tour, followed by Susan Calman, Larry Dean, Connor Burns, John Kearns, Laura Lexx and more across venues including His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and the Lemon Tree.

A world-class mountain and trail running event attracting thousands of participants.

A gathering celebrating wild food and foraging by Loch Lomond.

A multi-award-winning biennial festival of music, theatre, dance, circus and exhibitions around Findhorn Bay.

Scotland’s leading biennial festival of audiovisual art and experimental music takes over 11 Glasgow venues for its ninth edition. Over 170 artists from 21 countries, headlined by a Rachel Maclean AI-driven commission at Buchanan Galleries, a first-time takeover of Pollok House (The Listening House) and a closing set from Buchla synthesiser legend Suzanne Ciani. RSNO perform Philip Glass’s Symphony No.4 “Heroes” marking 10 years since Bowie’s death.

A craft beer festival where all your beer is included in the ticket price.

Three days of trad music, ceilidhs and free-entry pub sessions on the wildest of the Southern Hebrides.

Ten days celebrating literature in Scotland’s National Book Town.

Barcelona’s mega-theatrical house party comes to Edinburgh with inflatables, dancers and a heavyweight line-up.

A celebration of Shetland’s world-famous knitwear heritage, with classes and tours.

A large-scale touring exhibition at Kelvingrove featuring more than 150 dolls, from rare vintage editions to modern representations.

The finest comedians come to the Granite City for over two weeks across three weekends. Russell Howard opens the festival at the Music Hall (Fri 19 Sept) with his Don’t Tell The Algorithm tour, followed by Susan Calman, Larry Dean, Connor Burns, John Kearns, Laura Lexx and more across venues including His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and the Lemon Tree.

A multi-award-winning biennial festival of music, theatre, dance, circus and exhibitions around Findhorn Bay.

Scotland’s leading biennial festival of audiovisual art and experimental music takes over 11 Glasgow venues for its ninth edition. Over 170 artists from 21 countries, headlined by a Rachel Maclean AI-driven commission at Buchanan Galleries, a first-time takeover of Pollok House (The Listening House) and a closing set from Buchla synthesiser legend Suzanne Ciani. RSNO perform Philip Glass’s Symphony No.4 “Heroes” marking 10 years since Bowie’s death.

Ten days celebrating literature in Scotland’s National Book Town.

A celebration of Shetland’s world-famous knitwear heritage, with classes and tours.

A real ale festival on the Ayrshire coast at Troon.

Pick your own pumpkin through October from over 20,000 to choose from.

A city-wide celebration with wristband-holders enjoying five-pound cocktails across Edinburgh.

A porridge cook-off in Carrbridge drawing competitors from across the globe.

Scotland’s pioneering sound-and-light show transforms the woodland near Pitlochry with immersive light, colour and original music.

Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, culture, sport and the arts, in Glasgow for 2026.

Scotland’s biggest music-discovery festival returns for its one-day multi-venue takeover of Glasgow’s East End. Over 50 up-and-coming artists across venues including Barrowlands, Saint Luke’s, BAaD, The Winged Ox and Van Winkle — organised by Tenement TV and Gigs in Scotland. Line-up announced late summer.

Scotland’s only dedicated LGBTQIA+ film festival, with international queer cinema, workshops and panels.

The world’s largest celebration of storytelling, with a 2026 theme of Lights of the North.

Scotland’s biggest Halloween light and sound spectacle returns to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for its eighth year with a new show, GlasGLOW’s Miles Better — inspired by the iconic 80s campaign and celebrating nine larger-than-life Glasgow icons including the Glasgow Garden Festival, Tam Shepherds World of Magic and the Clockwork Orange. Marshmallowland, gourmet street food and the Glow Bar all return.

Superb speakers and the best of Highland food, showcasing Mull as the Book Capital of the Hebrides.

One of Europe’s largest pop culture conventions, drawing tens of thousands of fans.

A makers’ market weekend near Inverness.

Kilmarnock celebrates Halloween six days early, with decorated homes and children guising.

Celebrate Halloween with a spooky parade through Paisley and other events.

The Beltane Fire Society’s autumn counterpart, marking seasonal change with fire and performance.

Scotland’s pioneering sound-and-light show transforms the woodland near Pitlochry with immersive light, colour and original music.

Scotland’s biggest Halloween light and sound spectacle returns to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for its eighth year with a new show, GlasGLOW’s Miles Better — inspired by the iconic 80s campaign and celebrating nine larger-than-life Glasgow icons including the Glasgow Garden Festival, Tam Shepherds World of Magic and the Clockwork Orange. Marshmallowland, gourmet street food and the Glow Bar all return.

The annual Mallaig book festival, featuring well-known local and national names.

Scotland’s premier anime festival kicks off with a weekend at the GFT.

The festival of lights celebrated with a colourful parade, dance, Indian cuisine and a fireworks finale.

The award-winning outdoor lantern trail returns for 60 nights with an all-new space-safari theme.

A multi-date celebration of Oban’s culture, with craft markets, the Argyll Haggis Competition and festive light shows.

Scotland’s biggest trading card and collectables show, with Pokémon, sports cards and tournaments.

The Scottish Book Trust’s annual nationwide celebration of books and reading, themed Scotland’s Stories.

The Edinburgh leg of Scotland’s premier anime festival, a full week at the Filmhouse.

The 10th-anniversary illuminated trail returns with new installations alongside favourites like the Christmas Cathedral.

Two weekends of pre-Christmas shopping with art, crafts and food, just outside Inverness city centre.

Scotland’s biggest fiddle event, with concerts, recitals, workshops, sessions and ceilidhs.

A whisky festival in the south of Scotland.

A brand-new competition for 2026 celebrating Scotland’s iconic shortbread.

Scotland’s premier classic rock weekender, with three nights of headliners, an acoustic stage and a rock market.

Scotland’s national day, marked with ceilidhs, music, food and free entry to many attractions across the country.

The award-winning outdoor lantern trail returns for 60 nights with an all-new space-safari theme.

A multi-date celebration of Oban’s culture, with craft markets, the Argyll Haggis Competition and festive light shows.

The 10th-anniversary illuminated trail returns with new installations alongside favourites like the Christmas Cathedral.

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup returns to Great Britain for only the second time ever, with Kelvingrove Park hosting Round 3 of the 2026-27 series on Sunday 13 December. World-class international riders including local hero Cameron Mason race through the mud, grass and purpose-built obstacles of Glasgow’s iconic park. The first Scottish round in the event’s history, following on from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Tickets on general sale from Monday 9 March 2026 via Ticketmaster.

Orkney’s spectacular mass-participation street game between the Uppies and the Doonies through the streets of Kirkwall on Christmas Day and again on New Year’s Day. The Boys’ Ba’ at 10am, Men’s Ba’ at 1pm — hundreds of players scrum through the town aiming to reach opposing goals at the harbour or the wall. One of Scotland’s most extraordinary living traditions.

A festive music festival with RURA, Siobhan Miller Band, Talisk and a Hogmanay Big Ceilidh.

Welcome in the new year with a torchlight procession, the Concert in the Gardens and a world-famous fireworks display.

Flaming fireballs are swung through the streets of Stonehaven to welcome the New Year.

The award-winning outdoor lantern trail returns for 60 nights with an all-new space-safari theme.

Welcome in the new year with a torchlight procession, the Concert in the Gardens and a world-famous fireworks display.

Brave locals and visitors take a New Year’s Day plunge into icy waters in fancy dress, most famously at South Queensferry.

Shetland’s kick-off winter fire festival, held on the second Friday of January in Scalloway — the traditional opener to Shetland’s Up Helly Aa season, with a torchlit procession, longship burning and Jarl’s Squad. Held every year without fail.

Glasgow’s world-class folk and roots music festival, with concerts, ceilidhs and late-night sessions.

Scotland’s national poet is celebrated with Burns suppers, haggis, neeps and tatties, and poetry.

Shetland’s spectacular fire festival, with a torchlit procession and the burning of a Viking galley.

The award-winning outdoor lantern trail returns for 60 nights with an all-new space-safari theme.

Scotland’s 2027 Six Nations home fixtures at Murrayfield: Italy, Wales and a first-ever Friday-night match against Ireland.

Scotland’s largest film festival returns for its 23rd edition, with world premieres and screenings across the city.

An opening dinner, main festival sessions and distillery events across Fife.

Scotland’s 2027 Six Nations home fixtures at Murrayfield: Italy, Wales and a first-ever Friday-night match against Ireland.

Scotland’s largest film festival returns for its 23rd edition, with world premieres and screenings across the city.

Children welcome spring by racing around the church in Lanark with paper balls.

Brand-new pop culture convention landing in Glasgow with cosplay, comics, gaming, star guest signings and traders. Ideal Saturday for the fandom crowd; check organiser socials closer to the date for guest reveals.

Europe’s largest comedy festival returns with 500+ shows, including arena and theatre dates.

Europe’s biggest country music festival returns for three days at the OVO Hydro.

Scotland’s only silent film festival, with live musical accompaniment at the historic Hippodrome.

A procession from Glasgow Green and a family-friendly festival celebrating Irish heritage.

The UK’s largest science festival, with two weeks of exhibitions, talks and workshops for all ages.

A celebration of the estate’s national collection of daffodils in Fife.

Free live music filling the pubs and halls of Tobermory.

Scotland’s dedicated horror convention returns with genre celebrity guests, cult-film screenings, cosplay competitions, artist alley and traders. A must for horror, slasher and cult cinema fans across the central belt.

Scotland’s largest closed-road cycle sportive, 66 miles around Loch Ness.

The 28th edition of the world-renowned whisky festival, across 50+ Speyside distilleries.

The 45th edition of the UK’s most northerly folk festival.

A modern reinterpretation of the ancient Celtic ritual marking the start of summer, always held on 30 April.

Ten days of Scotland’s traditional folk roots across the Queen’s Hall, Traverse Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre and Cameo Cinema. Storytelling, traditional music, film, art and workshops from Scotland and beyond. VisitScotland now confirms 30 April – 10 May 2027 dates.

The 28th edition of the world-renowned whisky festival, across 50+ Speyside distilleries.

The 45th edition of the UK’s most northerly folk festival.

Ten days of Scotland’s traditional folk roots across the Queen’s Hall, Traverse Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre and Cameo Cinema. Storytelling, traditional music, film, art and workshops from Scotland and beyond. VisitScotland now confirms 30 April – 10 May 2027 dates.

The world’s only festival of biography and memoir returns to the stunning grounds of Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, with authors, bards, actors, poets, musicians, adventurers and children’s authors across the weekend. Includes the ever-popular Boswell Children’s Festival running alongside the main programme.

Orkney’s annual celebration of its centuries-old Norse ties, with Norwegian visitors in traditional bunad, a parade through Kirkwall to St Magnus Cathedral, and a joint Norwegian-Scottish service and concert. A moving expression of Orkney’s cultural bridge with Norway.

Six-day celebration of Campbeltown’s whisky region — Springbank, Glen Scotia, Kilkerran and independent bottler Cadenhead’s each host their own open day with distillery-exclusive bottlings, food, music and fringe events. Widely known among whisky fans as one of the hardest-ticket festivals in Scotland; sets up perfectly to lead into Fèis Ìle the following week.

A world-class showcase of folk music in Stromness.

The world’s most famous whisky festival returns to Islay for ten days of distillery open days, exclusive bottlings, ceilidhs, live music and Gaelic culture across the island. All nine active Islay distilleries — Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardnahoe — host their own dedicated day. The festival itself is free but the most popular distillery events sell out within hours. Book accommodation nine to twelve months ahead.

The best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world.

Scotland’s biggest running weekend, voted the fastest marathon in the UK.

The world’s most famous whisky festival returns to Islay for ten days of distillery open days, exclusive bottlings, ceilidhs, live music and Gaelic culture across the island. All nine active Islay distilleries — Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardnahoe — host their own dedicated day. The festival itself is free but the most popular distillery events sell out within hours. Book accommodation nine to twelve months ahead.

The best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world.

A month-long nationwide celebration of Scotland’s remarkable geology.

The four-day indie arts and music festival at Raehills Meadows near Moffat returns for its 2027 edition, running Thursday to Sunday. Woodland stages, circus, gardens and cinema across a beautiful Dumfriesshire estate. VisitBritain has confirmed the 10-13 June 2027 dates.

Scotland’s flagship agricultural show returns to Ingliston for four days of livestock competitions, food and drink, farming innovation and rural culture. Over 6,000 animals, 750+ trade stands and the Royal Highland Hoolie evening concert with Scottish folk headliners. 2027 dates confirmed by VisitScotland.

One of the biggest sporting moments ever to come to Scotland. The Grand Départ opens with Stage 1 setting off from Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, sweeping south through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders (tackling the day’s only categorised climb on the Côte de Melrose in the Eildon Hills) and Dumfries & Galloway before crossing the border to finish in Carlisle. First time the Tour de France has visited Scotland — 184km of world-class racing on home roads.

Golf’s oldest and most storied major returns to St Andrews for the 31st time — the first Open at the Home of Golf since the record-breaking 150th in 2022, when Cameron Smith carded a final-round 64 to lift the Claret Jug. The Championship rounds run 15-18 July, preceded by practice and qualifying from 11 July. Marks 100 years since Bobby Jones’s legendary 1927 St Andrews victory. Expected to draw 290,000+ fans across the week and generate £300m+ for the Scottish economy. Public ticket ballot opens July 2026.

The second edition of Scotland’s dedicated Outlander convention returns to Edinburgh, drawing fans from around the world for cast appearances, panels, photo ops, filming location tours and themed evening events. Held in the heart of Outlander’s home country.

Ten days of gigs, workshops and jam sessions.

A multi-artform celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Aberdeen and beyond, dedicated to queer creativity and a showcase of outstanding artistry. 2026 dates TBC — 2025 ran 6–9 November at the Lemon Tree and Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Guided hikes and mountain culture on the Isle of Arran.

Glasgow’s much-loved book festival returns for its 21st edition at The Mitchell Library and pop-up venues around the city. 2026 dates TBC — the 2025 anniversary edition ran 6–16 November.

A book festival in Blairgowrie with talks and stalls.

Literature meets comedy and family fun in Melrose.

The National Trust for Scotland illuminates the grounds around Brodie Castle on selected November evenings.

The largest rural jazz and blues festival in Scotland.

A spectacular light festival at Edinburgh Castle across November and December.

Festive markets in the grounds of the historic castle near Nairn.

An iconic extreme triathlon in the Torridon mountains of Wester Ross.

A free festive outdoor village on the banks of the Clyde, with ice-rink, funfair and Santa.

A thrilling weekend book festival in the historic Black Isle town of Cromarty.

The second edition of Dundee’s electronic dance music festival, with an initial line-up including Paul van Dyk.

Celebrating all things whisky in Dornoch.

Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival.

A winter wonderland with market stalls, street food, fairground rides and live music.

A wool and craft festival celebrating Scottish knitting and fishing heritage.

Wooden stalls with Scottish and European crafters, a Big Wheel and festive food and drink.

A large-scale tartan celebration and parade through the capital.

Internationally famous Christmas markets, light trails, skating and concerts from mid-November to early January.

Hundreds of whiskies from Scotland and beyond, plus demonstrations.

Talks, readings, film and exhibitions in Stornoway.

The largest UK brass festival.

Mushroom foraging and a retreat in Kirkmichael, Perthshire.

Films, lectures and guided walks celebrating mountain culture.

A community Hallowe’en festival rooted in local galoshans traditions, with parades and giants.

Two sessions with 120+ spirits at the Assembly Rooms.

A city-wide wristband cocktail event.

Everything about coffee, including demos, sampling and awards.

Scotland’s biggest contemporary art biennial.

Glasgow’s longest-running music festival marks its 40th edition.

Scotland’s biggest South Asian festival, a flagship event of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Festival, with international music, dance, food, sport and creative workshops.

Over 60 stalls of vegan food, cruelty-free beauty and more.

A huge whisky festival held at Hampden Park.

An Oktoberfest event with beers from top local and independent breweries in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

A Craft Scotland showcase of around 80 makers, with free entry and a talks programme.

Celebrating Scottish Borders history through community events across Hawick.

A family-friendly music festival in the heart of Scotland with top headliners.

An annual arts-and-culture festival with installations and performances in unexpected spaces.

An annual film festival at Eden Court showcasing the best of independent and international cinema.

Europe’s largest indoor funfair returns to the SEC Centre for the festive period. Rides, rollercoasters, dodgems, food stalls and family programming across three weeks — one of Glasgow’s most enduring Christmas-holiday traditions. Exact 2026 dates typically confirmed in September/October.

A loud and exciting motorsport rally in the Scottish Borders.

A large indoor market with thousands of bargains, live music and a visit from Santa.

An eccentric, colourful music and arts festival in the grounds of a painted castle in Ayrshire.

More than 20 events with over 40 Scottish, UK and international authors.

A community celebration with events across Leith.

Walks, crafts and food and drink experiences across Inverness and Loch Ness.

Market stalls, festive rides, live performances and Santa’s grotto at Loch Lomond Shores.

A Scottish folk music festival in the West Highlands.

A live-fire barbecue festival at SWG3 in Glasgow’s West End.

The birthplace of rugby sevens hosts its famous tournament.

A free community literature festival in Inverness.

A weekend celebrating Orkney and Shetland culture at Aberdeen Performing Arts, curated by Chris Stout.

One of the best street art festivals in Scotland, taking over the city.

A traditional October beer festival in Princes Street Gardens.

An Orkney food festival with celebrity chefs at Kirkwall Grammar School.

Wildlife-watching experiences and events across Orkney.

A new festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and culture, with theatre, music, film and ceilidhs.

A new music, fitness and wellness festival with a line-up including Rag’N’Bone Man, Sister Sledge and Cammy Barnes.

A street-food and producers weekend around Paisley Abbey.

Music, comedy, drama and dance in venues across Perth.

Local craft gifts, food and festive treats in Perth city centre.

A ten-day nationwide celebration of music, dance, art and food promoting inclusion and shared culture.

A festival celebrating everything rum.

Discover carpets of snowdrops at gardens and stately homes across the country.

Celebrating heritage boat-making and maritime culture in the village of Portsoy.

A family-friendly food festival with seafood demos and trawlers in Peterhead harbour.

A Scottish crime-writing festival in Lerwick.

A live music festival in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Celebrating all things smoked fish in the seaside town of Arbroath.

Some of Scotland’s finest jazz and trad musicians, plus workshops and a live-scored silent film.

A city-wide light festival transforming Aberdeen’s centre with installations and displays.

Artists open their studio doors to visitors across Dumfries & Galloway.

Orkney’s flagship midsummer festival of classical, folk, theatre and visual art, marking its 50th anniversary.

Scotland’s premier poetry gathering.

Events for families and children of all ages, many of them free.

A weekend of seafood, parades, music and stalls around Tarbert’s picturesque harbour.

Farm-to-table food and music celebrations in Royal Deeside.

Street food and live music in the lovely surroundings of Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline.

A St Andrew’s Day celebration with live music and ceilidh dancing.

A classical music festival set among the beautiful fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

A one-day festival of Scottish music including Skerryvore.

A two-day celebration of global street food, live music, chef demos and artisan markets.

One of Edinburgh’s largest and longest-running free community events, with music, stalls and family fun.

Traditional dance meets music, film and heritage crafts.

The UK’s flagship pro-am windsurfing competition.

Scotland’s biggest city-centre rock and pop festival returns to Glasgow Green.

Parades, music and street arts in Glasgow’s cultural West End.