Scotland events & festivals calendar 2026: 350+ dates to plan your year around

A six-month season of live performance in the village halls of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh — folk, trad, theatre and storytelling in rooms that seat a few dozen people. Past bills have included Siobhan Miller and Allan MacDonald. The most intimate way to hear music in the Highlands.

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.

Three days of skiff rowing racing in the sheltered waters of Loch Broom, hosted by Ullapool Coastal Rowing Club. Community rowing clubs from across Scotland gather at Ullapool harbour for a weekend of competition, ceilidhs and coastal camaraderie.

The third year of Aberdeen’s citywide celebration of its maritime heritage — two weeks of exhibitions, creative workshops, guided walks, sea shanty singing and family events across the Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, Beach Ballroom, Fittie and Torry. Step aboard the historic Tall Ship Reaper at the quayside from 23-25 July, and follow the pirate-themed brick trail through the city centre.

Midlothian’s traditional agricultural show at Dalkeith Country Park, held on the second Saturday of July. Livestock competitions, working horses, sheep shearing displays, food and drink stalls, craft tents, kids’ entertainment and country pursuits — bringing together the farming and non-farming communities for a friendly family day out.

Duns Summer Festival’s Saturday Rideout and Fancy Dress procession through the historic Borders market town, part of the Common Ridings tradition. A vibrant day of horseback riding, pipe bands and community celebration.

Skye’s week-long celebration of Gaelic culture, run by SEALL — language, song, island music traditions and contemporary performance across the island. This year’s finale is the Puppet Picnic Parade through Kyleakin on the Saturday, with giant puppets, samba drumming and stilt walkers built in workshops all week.

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

The 149th edition of Angus’s beloved country show — livestock judging, rural demonstrations, vintage vehicles, tractor displays, trade stands, local food vendors and family entertainment at Logie, Kirriemuir. Running since 1877.

The Scottish National Whisky Festival’s Inverness edition at Eden Court with hundreds of whiskies from world-renowned distilleries and independent bottlers, guest spirits, experimental flavours and world-class cocktail creations. A great excuse to be in Inverness the same day as the Highland Games.

The UK’s biggest vintage vehicle rally in the spectacular grounds of Glamis Castle — 2,100+ classic and vintage vehicles, parades, pipe bands, stands, amusements and food vendors. Free visitor parking, dogs welcome on leads.

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.

One of the north Highlands’ biggest agricultural events with livestock competitions, show jumping, vintage tractors, crafts, food stalls and family entertainment across a packed summer weekend in Caithness.

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.

The artists’ town rides its ancient boundaries — a cavalcade through one of the prettiest harbour towns in the south of Scotland, with the ceremony, colour and community pride that runs through every Galloway riding.

A tiny, magical island weekender on sacred Iona.

The famous Cleikum ceremony on Friday evening and the historic Games Day on Saturday at Victoria Park in Innerleithen. Founded in 1827 and one of Scotland’s oldest sporting festivals, with foot races, hill runs, cycling and traditional pipe bands.

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

Dumfries welcomes a family-friendly celebration of Japanese and Scottish cultural connections through arts, crafts, music, food, education and sport. 2026 focuses on the marine environment. Includes Manga drawing and Cosplay competitions, hands-on activities, performances and demonstrations.

Kelso Civic Week’s Yetholm Rideout and Fancy Dress procession — a traditional Borders Common Riding day with horseback riders, pipe bands and community celebration through the historic market town.

The Honest Toun celebrates its 90th festival — a full week led by the Honest Lad and Honest Lass, with the sashing ceremony at Northesk Church, the Crusaders Chase rideout to Inveresk, Carberry and Wallyford, and a gallop along the beach at dusk. Family fun day, fancy dress parade, and the Burgh Bash to finish.

The sound of pipes and drums fills Robertson Park as pipe bands from across Scotland compete on Saturday 18 July. A free-to-attend afternoon of massed pipes, drums and the swirling sound of Scottish tradition.

Traditional community Highland Games at the very southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula, with heavy events, running races, Highland dancing, piping and a warm village welcome near the Mull of Kintyre.

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

Traditional Highland Games at Mackie Academy playing fields in Stonehaven, held on the third Sunday in July, with heavy events, Highland dancing, piping, a pipe band contest, running races, mini-games for children and a great seaside-town atmosphere on the Aberdeenshire coast.

Founded in 1652 and reckoned the second-oldest Highland Games in the world, held on the Links right beside the beach. Heavies, Highland dancing, running and cycling, plus the Binn Race up the hill behind the town and a reception for the Exiles — Burntisland folk come home from all over.

The UK’s most northerly festival — a week of community celebrations on the island of Unst at the very top of Shetland, with music, arts, heritage events, family activities and a proper island welcome at the edge of Britain.

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.

The world’s top female golfers compete at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire in this LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned event, played the week before the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. A stellar international field on classic Scottish links terrain.

The highlight of the Scottish Borders’ agricultural calendar. Held on the last Friday and Saturday of July at Springwood Park just outside Kelso, this traditional farming show features over 500 open competitions for horses, livestock, industrial arts, plus trade stands, food and family entertainment.

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

Held in the dramatic scenery of the north-west Highlands, this traditional gathering combines Highland dancing, piping, heavy events and a lively community atmosphere at Shore Park in Durness — one of the most remote and scenic Games venues in Scotland.

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 two-day, family-friendly music festival on the island of Benbecula in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. Live music, great food and unforgettable Hebridean atmosphere — one of the friendliest small festivals in Scotland, drawing crowds from across the islands and the mainland.

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

A traditional Scottish music festival in the heart of Speyside.

The UK’s favourite touring circus brings its 2026 ‘Celebration’ show to Warout Playing Fields in Glenrothes for four days of world-class circus acts, acrobatics, aerial performances and family entertainment under the big top.

A one-day 80s music festival at Slessor Gardens with Tony Hadley, Marc Almond, Level 42 and more of the decade’s biggest names. Part of Discovery Festival’s summer weekend takeover of the city centre.

The annual East Kilbride Farm Show returns to West Nerston Farm for a great family day out with prize livestock, farm demonstrations, sheep shearing, dog shows, food stalls and country pursuits.

The Herring Queen and her attendants sail into Eyemouth harbour in full costume, escorted by the fleet, for a parade through town and the crowning at Gunsgreen Basin. Born out of the Fishermen’s Picnic after the First World War, it also honours the 1881 disaster, when 23 boats and 129 men were lost in a single storm. A week of events around it.

Falkirk’s summer music festival returns to Callendar Park in the heart of the town, with live acts across the day in the grounds of the historic Callendar House. A great local crowd-pleaser between the Kelpies Live concerts and the autumn season.

Two days of live music, performances and non-stop family fun at Conifox Adventure Park, fifteen minutes from Edinburgh. Funfair rides and face painting, food and a stocked bar, with full access to the outdoor adventure park included in your ticket. The ultimate family-friendly festival weekend near the capital.

The Isle of Gigha’s much-loved community raft race — homemade rafts battle it out in Ardminish Bay with fancy dress, prizes and plenty of soakings. A brilliant slice of Hebridean island life on “God’s Island”.

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

The 35th annual Scottish Ford Day at Lochore Meadows Country Park, one of Scotland’s most popular classic car shows with hundreds of Fords across every era plus food, music and family entertainment. A must for petrolheads.

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

Arbroath’s annual seaside festival combining live music, home-grown talent, and delectable food and drink at the harbour. A jam-packed weekend showcasing Arbroath Smokies and Angus produce alongside live acts on the main stage.

A lively island celebration bursting with live music, local talent and electric community spirit on the beautiful Isle of Barra — big tunes and dancing at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides.

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

“Langholm’s Great Day,” kept unbroken since 1759. The Crying of the Fair proclaimed from the back of a horse, the emblems carried aloft — a barley bannock and salted herring on a pole, a spade, a giant thistle and a crown — then the gallop up the Kirk Wynd and the ride round the marches. Horse racing, Cumberland wrestling and Highland dancing on the Castleholm all afternoon. Exiles come home from all over the world.

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.

Perth’s agricultural show has taken over the South Inch since 1863. Friday is light horse day with London International qualifiers; Saturday brings the heavy horses, cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys, plus a dog show. Food and drink marquee with a cookery theatre, craft tent and main-ring entertainment. Under-14s free.

A six-month season of live performance in the village halls of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh — folk, trad, theatre and storytelling in rooms that seat a few dozen people. Past bills have included Siobhan Miller and Allan MacDonald. The most intimate way to hear music in the Highlands.

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.

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.

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

The Herring Queen and her attendants sail into Eyemouth harbour in full costume, escorted by the fleet, for a parade through town and the crowning at Gunsgreen Basin. Born out of the Fishermen’s Picnic after the First World War, it also honours the 1881 disaster, when 23 boats and 129 men were lost in a single storm. A week of events around it.

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

Arbroath’s annual seaside festival combining live music, home-grown talent, and delectable food and drink at the harbour. A jam-packed weekend showcasing Arbroath Smokies and Angus produce alongside live acts on the main stage.

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.

Perth’s agricultural show has taken over the South Inch since 1863. Friday is light horse day with London International qualifiers; Saturday brings the heavy horses, cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys, plus a dog show. Food and drink marquee with a cookery theatre, craft tent and main-ring entertainment. Under-14s free.

One of Royal Deeside’s most historic Highland gatherings, drawing thousands to Aboyne Green for over 140 years. Heavy events, piping, Highland dancing, athletics, tug o’ war, trade stands and a brilliant summer Games atmosphere in the heart of Royal Deeside. Held on the first Saturday of August.

One of the oldest Common Ridings in the Borders — mounted riders and Cornet lead a colourful procession around the ancient burgh boundaries, celebrating Lauder’s centuries-old tradition of “riding the marches.”

Cairngorm-set Highland Games with a strong local shinty tradition, held on the first Saturday of August. Heavy events, athletics, Highland dancing and piping, with the massed pipe bands parading through the village.

A big event in the Orkney calendar — classic cars, tractors and motorbikes with indoor exhibitions, displays and collectors’ items to view, alongside children’s entertainment. A great rainy-day-proof fixture during Orkney’s busiest week.

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.

The chilled-out, family-friendly car show that celebrates the automobile in all its forms — sports cars, classics, JDM, muscle, custom builds and more — at St Andrews’ beautiful Craigtoun Country Park. Presented by Cadden’s Remaps.

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

Scotland’s biggest two-day agricultural show, celebrating farming, community and Aberdeenshire heritage. Livestock competitions, main-ring displays, rural showcases, local food, family entertainment and plenty of street fun across the weekend at the Haughs, Turriff.

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

Held on The Lump — a promontory jutting into Portree harbour with the Cuillin on one side and the Old Man of Storr on the other. Portree Pipe Band leads a procession from Somerled Square at 9.45am, then heavies, hill race, solo piping and Highland dancing. Held here since 1877.

Coldstream Civic Week’s most poignant day — the Flodden Rideout, when mounted riders travel to Flodden Field in Northumberland to commemorate the 1513 battle. A moving Borders tradition with pipe bands, community procession and remembrance.

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

The 10th anniversary of the Isle of Bute’s crime writing festival — a weekend of author events, panels and criminal conversations in Rothesay. A brilliant island alternative to the big-city book festivals, timed perfectly for a Clyde coast summer trip.

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.

Kintyre’s traditional agricultural show at Anderston Park, Campbeltown, with prize livestock, vintage machinery, trade stands, food and drink and family entertainment. A highlight of the peninsula’s farming calendar.

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.

Traditional Highland Games in the Cairngorms village of Nethy Bridge, held on the second Saturday of August. Heavies, dancing, piping and the massed pipe bands in a beautiful ancient pine forest setting.

A lively family celebration held during the second week of August, featuring a duck race, pet show, community picnic, procession, fayre, live music and a Grand Ball — all in the heart of Ballater and named for Queen Victoria’s long association with the area.

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.

Watch the Perseid meteor shower from one of Scotland’s darkest island skies. Gigha’s community celebrates the peak of the year’s best meteor display with stargazing sessions, talks and night-sky events across five nights.

A packed weekend of country sports, family activities, exciting main-ring performances, plus brilliant local crafts and delicious food from across Dumfries & Galloway. A classic rural show weekend.

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.

Horses, ponies, carriages and their riders take to the streets of Kirkwall to carry a standard along the old boundaries of the town, from Broad Street to Scapa Beach and back. Revived in 1986 for the 500th anniversary of Kirkwall’s Royal Burgh status.

A classic Highland Games event in Perth.

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

A week of family-friendly entertainment, community events, live performances and summer celebrations across the historic Highland town of Dornoch. Follows on from the Dornoch Music & Beer Festival earlier in July for a proper Highland summer double-hit.

A classic Royal Deeside Highland Games at Monaltrie Park, held on the second Thursday of August as the traditional highlight of Ballater Victoria Week. Heavyweight events, track races, piping, Highland dancing, trade stands and a brilliant community atmosphere.

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

One of Scotland’s oldest festivals — 12 days of celebrations in Irvine including traditional horse racing at Marymass Saturday, fireworks, parades, live music, funfair, live jousting, dog shows and community events. Dates back centuries and remains a highlight of the North Ayrshire calendar.

Aberdeen Northern Soul Club’s annual weekender at the historic Beach Ballroom, with soul music played exclusively on original vinyl and a great line-up of DJs from across the UK. Day and weekend passes available — a proper night out on one of Scotland’s great sprung dancefloors.

A weekend exhibition of paintings, crafts and photography by local and visiting artists in the village hall at Clachan, near Tarbert on the west Kintyre coast. A friendly showcase of Argyll’s creative community.

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.

Wheel-to-wheel racing action returns to Scotland’s national motorsport centre as the Caterham Championship roars back to Knockhill for a packed weekend of close, competitive club racing.

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

A scenic Highland gathering at the head of Loch Shiel.

The Tolbooth’s all-day celebration of boundary-breaking music acts returns for its multi-space, multi-genre showcase in the historic heart of Stirling. Scottish and international indie, alternative, electronic, pop, jazz and experimental music — a genuinely eclectic day for the musically curious.

Returning for the first time since 2019, the Johnstone Fire Engine Rally sees a parade of vintage fire engines through the town before an afternoon of free family fun at Houstoun Square with vehicle displays, activities and entertainment.

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

Upper Nithsdale’s burgh rides its ancient boundaries, in the town that’s home to the oldest working post office in the world. Cornet, ride-out and gala day in the heart of the Southern Uplands.

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.

Fife’s largest street food festival returns to the new Dunfermline City Campus with the best of Scotland’s food and drink producers, street food traders, live music and cocktail bars across a lively weekend.

A traditional Highland Gathering in Strathearn.

A scenic triathlon in the far southwest of Kintyre, combining a swim, cycle and run through some of Argyll’s most remote and beautiful coastal landscapes.

North Lanarkshire’s LGBTQ+ pride celebration at Palacerigg Country Park with live entertainment, community stalls, family programming and an inclusive celebration of love, diversity and community.

A week of world-class chamber music and song on the Isle of Arran, with acclaimed international artists performing intimate concerts across venues on the island. Includes a world premiere collaboration with Kilmory Primary School and the Brook Street Band’s candlelit concert The Magic Hour.

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

The 33rd edition of Campbeltown’s famous MOKFest — five days of trad, folk, rock and Celtic music across the town’s venues, with 2026 headliners including Skipinnish and Blazin’ Fiddles. One of Scotland’s best-loved community music festivals, in the town Paul McCartney made famous.

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

Argyll’s LGBTQ+ pride celebration takes over the waterfront town of Oban for a weekend of parades, live entertainment, community stalls, and family-friendly programming. A vibrant west coast celebration since 2019 (registered charity SC049763).

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.

One of Scotland’s most atmospheric Highland gatherings, held in a spectacular Strathdon glen setting. Famous for the dramatic March of the Lonach Highlanders — kilted men with pikes and Lochaber axes escorted by pipers — plus a full Games programme.

One of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious Highland Games, held every year on the last Thursday of August at Mossfield Park in Oban. Features traditional heavy events, Highland dancing, athletics and the world-class solo piping competitions of the Argyllshire Gathering — one of the pinnacles of the piping calendar.

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

The inaugural running of a new international eventing fixture in the grounds of Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings. Cross-country, dressage and showjumping across the estate — Scotland’s answer to Badminton and Burghley, and a proper country day out.

Three days of family fun on the East Neuk waterfront, with live music, harbour races, kids’ entertainment, food and drink and the famous rubber duck race. A proper Fife harbour weekend.

One of Scotland’s most spectacular free family events — mass hot-air balloon launches at dawn and dusk, tethered balloon rides, live music, funfair, food stalls and family entertainment across the weekend at John Hastie Park. Watch the skies fill with colour.

A cultural festival of literature, performing arts, film, politics and international dialogue in the grounds of Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, near Peebles. A thought-provoking Borders weekend at the end of summer.

The 5th edition of one of the largest visual art exhibitions in the UK, with over 400 works from more than 100 artists on show across 11 weeks at The Art Department in Paisley. Free-entry gallery visits, artist talks and workshops throughout.

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

An end-of-summer music festival at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort near Dundee, pairing live music and drinks with waterside views. A great summer send-off.

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 day of local Angus food and drink producers, cooking demonstrations, live music and family entertainment at Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens. Beautiful rural setting north of Kirriemuir.

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

A community celebration around Stonehaven’s historic harbour with live music, stalls, boat activities, food and drink and family entertainment on the quayside — one of the prettiest harbour settings in the north-east.

A six-month season of live performance in the village halls of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh — folk, trad, theatre and storytelling in rooms that seat a few dozen people. Past bills have included Siobhan Miller and Allan MacDonald. The most intimate way to hear music in the Highlands.

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.

The 5th edition of one of the largest visual art exhibitions in the UK, with over 400 works from more than 100 artists on show across 11 weeks at The Art Department in Paisley. Free-entry gallery visits, artist talks and workshops throughout.

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 world’s most prestigious solo piping competition returns to Eden Court, contested by the world’s finest pipers for the Highland Society of London Gold Medal, the Clasp and the MacGregor Memorial. Founded in 1841 — the pinnacle of solo piobaireachd and light music competition.

One of the world’s longest-running science festivals welcomes speakers and visitors from around the globe for a week of talks, workshops, live music, family events and films across Orkney. A brilliant blend of science, culture and island heritage.

The Scottish Borders’ biggest music festival.

A free seaside airshow on Ayr’s Low Green.

Open-air concerts on the Great Lawn at Helix Park, in the shadow of The Kelpies. The Fratellis open on the Friday, Beluga Lagoon play Saturday and James Morrison closes on Sunday. Falkirk is 20 minutes by train from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, so it’s an easy one either way.

Nine days of guided walks across the Borders’ hills, valleys and historic routes. Walks vary in length and difficulty, based across Jedburgh, Peebles, Melrose and the wider area — an inclusive way to explore the Borders on foot with expert local guides.

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.

Scotland’s largest competitive show — over 700 classes of prize leeks, dahlias, jams and shortbread, judged with deadly seriousness. Around 18,000 people come through Camperdown Park across the weekend for the horticulture, the Tayside and Angus producers, celebrity chef demos and a proper family day out. Running 30-plus years.

An island-hopping whisky week across eight Hebridean distilleries — Torabhaig and Talisker on Skye, plus Raasay, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula and Jura. Open days, warehouse tastings and masterclasses, timed so you can travel between them. Finale at Raasay on the Saturday, with a festival cask bottling.

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

Traditional Highland Games in the riverside setting of Hay Lodge Park on the banks of the River Tweed. Caber toss, shot put, hammer throw, tug o’ war, Highland dancing, piping and the massed pipe bands — a great Borders day out.

A weekend to explore hidden gems and fascinating venues across Renfrewshire — buildings normally closed to the public throw open their doors for free tours, talks and behind-the-scenes access. Part of Scotland’s nationwide Doors Open Days programme.

Britain’s biggest sausage-and-cider party lands at Slessor Gardens for a day of over 30 sausage varieties and 60+ ciders, with live music and DJs. Family-friendly during the day, party atmosphere later.

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.

The UK’s biggest touring country music festival brings the Nashville sound to Dundee’s waterfront with headline country acts, line-dancing, food and drink. A great weekender when paired with the Sausage and Cider Festival the day before.

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

Thirteen days of world-class classical music across East Lothian’s magnificent churches, halls and landscapes — from riverside Haddington and coastal Dunbar to medieval Whitekirk and the stunning Amisfield Walled Garden. 2026 highlights include a Landmark Haydn residency from Concerto Copenhagen, a Scottish Opera and Lammermuir tribute to Benjamin Britten marking 50 years since his death, Ensemble Jupiter marking Dowland’s 400th anniversary, Mozart’s Così fan tutte with Royal Northern Sinfonia, and festival debuts from pianist Javier Perianes and The English Concert.

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.

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.

A small but powerful film festival offering a fresh perspective on important environmental and coastal topics through a curated selection of films, talks and discussions at venues across Montrose.

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

A music festival in a lovely Midlothian country park.

A day of music and entertainment from some of the UK’s top tribute bands in the beautiful grounds of Silverburn Park in Leven. A great value family music day out surrounded by trees.

An open-water swimming event in the beautiful Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest and dominated by Cairn Gorm mountain. Distances from 1km to 5km for swimmers of all abilities.

Traditional Highland Games in the Perthshire town of Pitlochry.

The last Games of the Scottish season, and free to get into. Heavies, dancing, piping and the massed bands at Cardenden — a quiet, well-loved fixture that closes out the summer circuit.

Hundreds of horses through the centre of the capital — the Captain and Lass lead the ride around Edinburgh’s ancient boundaries, from the Braid Hills down the Royal Mile to the Castle Esplanade. Revived in 2009 after a gap of nearly three centuries, and a genuinely startling thing to come across in a modern city.

Classical chamber music in breathtaking island venues.

Scotland’s biggest flat racing meeting. Three days at Ayr building to Saturday’s £180,000 Ayr Gold Cup — one of the most valuable sprint handicaps in Europe — plus the Firth of Clyde Stakes, Scotland’s only Group race. Friday is Ladies Day with the Style Awards. ITV coverage; book ahead.

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.

Royal Deeside’s dedicated three-day mountain biking festival, with demo bikes, guided rides across the Ballater trails, expert-led sessions, festival vibes and family activities. An inclusive weekend for gravel riders, mountain bikers and the bike-curious.

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.

Ullapool’s annual community 12K road race fundraiser, with runners tackling a scenic Loch Broom route from the village. A popular event on the Highland running calendar.

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 family-friendly musical takeover of Dunbar’s sunny East Lothian harbour town. Over 40 free gigs plus big-name ticketed headliners, community performers and buskers across 17 venues ranging from pubs and hotels to Lauderdale Park, the Harbour Chapel, Belhaven Brewery’s Monk’s Retreat and Dunbar Battery. One of Scotland’s longest-running music festivals — dates back to 1988.

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.

Three days exploring the hidden beauty of southwest Scotland on foot, based in the pretty spa town of Moffat. From long-distance trails and easy ambles to family-friendly adventures and treks around town, with guided walks for all abilities.

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 delicious weekend showcase of baking, creativity and shared passion at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch. Local flavours, sweet treats, hands-on baking experiences for all ages, demonstrations from top bakers and family-friendly programming against the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond.

Scotland’s most scenic marathon finishes in Inverness after 26.2 miles running along the shores of Loch Ness. Also incorporates a 10K, 5K and River Ness fun runs — a full weekend of running in the Highland capital. Traditionally sells out early.

The world-famous celebration of Shetland’s wool and knitwear heritage, the farming community that produces the wool, and the islands’ many designers and makers. Workshops and events on Fair Isle and lace knitting, weaving, spinning, dyeing and croft visits, running from Shetland’s southern tip all the way to Unst. Accommodation books out months ahead — plan early.

A six-month season of live performance in the village halls of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh — folk, trad, theatre and storytelling in rooms that seat a few dozen people. Past bills have included Siobhan Miller and Allan MacDonald. The most intimate way to hear music in the Highlands.

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

The 5th edition of one of the largest visual art exhibitions in the UK, with over 400 works from more than 100 artists on show across 11 weeks at The Art Department in Paisley. Free-entry gallery visits, artist talks and workshops throughout.

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.

The world-famous celebration of Shetland’s wool and knitwear heritage, the farming community that produces the wool, and the islands’ many designers and makers. Workshops and events on Fair Isle and lace knitting, weaving, spinning, dyeing and croft visits, running from Shetland’s southern tip all the way to Unst. Accommodation books out months ahead — plan early.

The 25th edition of the DP World Tour’s most unusual event — professionals paired with celebrity amateurs across the Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Entry is free to spectators on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday at all three courses; only the Sunday finale on the Old Course is ticketed.

A real ale festival on the Ayrshire coast at Troon.

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

Scotland’s largest rural jazz and blues festival returns to the gateway of the Trossachs for its 20th edition. Over 60 gigs across 10 venues, featuring 150+ musicians playing live jazz, blues, swing, boogie and rock over four days — from solo artists to big bands — against the autumn splendour of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

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

Three days of world-class guitar music in the tiny fishing village of Ullapool — masterclasses, concerts and workshops with acclaimed players across classical, folk, jazz and traditional styles. A must for guitar aficionados willing to travel to the Highlands.

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.

Two epic trail races in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park — the classic 21km Aberfoyle Trail Half Marathon (capped at 500) and the 63km Aberfoyle Ultra (capped at 200). Forest tracks, single-track trails, lochside paths and vistas towards Ben Lomond. Waymarked routes and finisher’s medals.

A stunning half marathon through the remote coastal landscape of the Coigach peninsula, starting from Coigach Hall in Achiltibuie. One of the UK’s most scenic road half marathons, with mountain and sea views throughout.

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. With Brògeal and Baby Strange.

Four days of books, ideas and conversation as writers, poets and thinkers from across Scotland and beyond gather at An Lanntair in Stornoway for talks, readings, workshops and film. The Hebrides’ flagship literary event.

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 festival of new music takes over venues across Aberdeen and the shire for twelve days — classical, jazz, electroacoustic and sound art, with dozens of world premieres each year. Genuinely adventurous programming, and one of the north-east’s best-kept cultural secrets.

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.

Widely regarded as one of the best Halloween events of its kind in the UK, Paisley Halloween Festival returns for two days of spine-tingling family programming with themed parades, illuminated installations, street performance, spooky characters and Halloween food and drink across Paisley town centre.

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.

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

The 5th edition of one of the largest visual art exhibitions in the UK, with over 400 works from more than 100 artists on show across 11 weeks at The Art Department in Paisley. Free-entry gallery visits, artist talks and workshops throughout.

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

Scotland’s festival of new music takes over venues across Aberdeen and the shire for twelve days — classical, jazz, electroacoustic and sound art, with dozens of world premieres each year. Genuinely adventurous programming, and one of the north-east’s best-kept cultural secrets.

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 Borders’ biggest Guy Fawkes Night display at Springwood Park in Kelso, with a huge community bonfire and fireworks display. A fantastic family evening in the Kelso showground.

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.

Ullapool’s annual community Bonfire Night at West Terrace overlooking Loch Broom — a proper Highland Guy Fawkes with fireworks over the water, community bonfire and free-to-attend village atmosphere.

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

Five days of jazz across the city, now past its fortieth year. Run by Jazz Scotland — the same team behind Islay and Aberdeen — with a programme that mixes touring names, Scottish rising stars and a strong community strand of free workshops and gigs across Dundee.

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.

Campbeltown’s Christmas lights switch-on brings festive cheer to the heart of the Wee Toon, with entertainment on Main Street and a community celebration to launch the season.

Tarbert’s festive lights switch-on around the picturesque Loch Fyne harbour, with carols, community stalls and a visit from Santa.

Ullapool’s charming festive light switch-on features the village’s distinctive Creel Tree — a Christmas tree made from stacked lobster creels on West Shore Street. Live music, mulled wine and a proper community welcome to winter.

Local crafts, food and drink producers and festive stalls in the heart of Campbeltown — a chance to shop local for Christmas at the foot of the Kintyre peninsula.

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.

Kirkwall stops for the Ba’. Uppies against Doonies, hundreds of men in a scrum that grinds through the streets for hours — the Doonies trying to reach the harbour, the Uppies a wall at the far end of town. Boys’ Ba’ at 10am, Men’s Ba’ at 1pm. Shopfronts are boarded up. One of the most extraordinary things in Scotland.

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.

The biggest bonfire in Scotland, built for weeks in the middle of the High Street — which is also the A702, so the main road through the town simply closes. Lit at 9.30pm by Biggar’s oldest resident, in a tradition said to run back to pagan times: burning out the old year, and everything bad in it.

Birch poles felled in autumn, bound in sacking and soaked in paraffin, are lit at the stroke of midnight and carried blazing around the village behind a pipe band. At the end of the parade the flambeaux are hurled from the Dalginross Bridge into the River Earn — casting the evil spirits out with them. Centuries old.

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.

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 scenic winter running event featuring trail routes around Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park. Forest paths, crisp conditions and mountain views for runners of all levels — a perfect New Year Highland getaway.

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.

Burghead keeps New Year on the old Julian calendar, so it welcomes 1727— sorry, 2027 — on 11 January. Half a whisky barrel is filled with staves, set alight and carried through the streets by men from four local families, then burned on the earthworks of the Pictish fort above the town. Fragments of the charred barrel are kept for luck.

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.

The UK’s most northerly blues festival — a friendly and fun weekend featuring the cream of British blues artists alongside exciting local Orcadian bands, in the pubs, clubs and venues of Stromness and beyond.

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 only festival dedicated to people with disabilities, hosted by Enable Falkirk. Live bands, DJ sets and singers alongside a colourful fairground, inflatables, side shows and surprises for all ages and abilities, plus their families and friends — billed as Scotland’s most inclusive festival.

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.

The Mòd returns to the Western Isles for the first time in eleven years — nine days of Gaelic song, choral competition, piping, dance, drama and literature across Stornoway and the islands. The Hebrides hold the highest concentration of Gaelic speakers in Scotland, which makes this a homecoming. Accommodation will vanish early.

From mid-November to late December, Broad Street transforms into a winter wonderland with an open-air ice rink, traditional fairground rides (helter-skelter, horse carousel), festive market stalls, food and drink pop-ups and family entertainment.

A free twenty-minute show fired over the North Sea from Aberdeen’s long sweep of beach — now the largest council-run Bonfire Night display left in any of Scotland’s big cities. Wrap up: it is November, on a beach, in Aberdeen.

The Granite City’s Highland Games at Hazlehead Park, with heavy events, Highland dancing, piping and the massed pipe bands. One of the earliest Games in the summer season and a great family day out on the outskirts of the city. Typically held in June.

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.

Aberdeen’s annual early-spring dining celebration, with local eateries across the city offering exclusive fixed-price lunch and dinner menus. A great chance to try acclaimed restaurants at reduced prices.

Over 600 years of boundary-riding on the Solway Firth, and the only riding with a gallop along the beach when the tide allows. A hundred riders behind the Cornet, the passing of the Burgh Snuffbox, the “Hole in the Hedge” ceremony at Landheads — where a local boy is still shoved through the hedge, as a lookout once climbed through the smithy window to watch for raiders. Massed pipe bands close the day in Market Square.

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 ten-week interactive sculpture trail taking over Perth city centre and beyond (Kinross, Auchterarder, Crieff, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Blairgowrie) with beautifully designed bear sculptures. Free trail app, creative workshops, “paint your own bear” sessions and a farewell weekend at Scone Palace. Runs across summer months.

Dumfries throws Scotland’s biggest Burns celebration each January — cabaret, comedy, music, a carnival parade and Le Haggis, all in the town where the poet spent his last years and is buried. Not a stuffy supper club: a proper winter festival.

The gothic alternative to pumpkin patches — a market of horror art, occult crafts, taxidermy, dark jewellery and independent makers. Scotland’s spooky-season fixture for anyone who wears black all year round anyway.

A book festival in Blairgowrie with talks and stalls.

Literature meets comedy and family fun in Melrose.

Galashiels rides its marches behind the Braw Lad and Braw Lass, with the mixing of the roses — red for England, white for Scotland — commemorating the marriage of James IV and Margaret Tudor. One of the younger ridings, instituted in 1930, and no less fierce for it.

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

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.

The oldest free Games in Scotland, held every year since 1314 — by charter from Robert the Bruce, granted to the village in thanks for the men of Ceres who fought at Bannockburn. Pipes, dancing, wrestling, heavies, cycling and running around the Bow Butts. Always the last Saturday in June.

A week of Gaelic song, piping, fiddle and step dance in the heart of the Gaelic-speaking community of South Uist, with cèilidhs and concerts every night. Rooted in the living tradition rather than performing it.

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.

Stirling’s cultural festival takes over the city and surrounding areas for one night only with 40+ free events across 25+ venues. Free headline shows across the Tolbooth and the Albert Halls, plus aerial dance, cabaret, drumming spectacle, historical crime tours and immersive performance. Delivered by Stirling Council in partnership with Scene Stirling. Typically held on the first Friday of May.

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.

Billed as Scotland’s largest bonfire and fireworks event — a full festival rather than a display, with pyrotechnics choreographed to music, live entertainment, street food and a crowd in the thousands at Ingliston. Bonfire Night scaled up.

The largest UK brass festival.

Fife’s county agricultural show near Cupar — pedigree cattle and sheep, heavy horses, show jumping and a game fair, with falconry, gun dogs, ferret racing, a cookery theatre and a food marquee stocked by Fife’s producers.

Mushroom foraging and a retreat in Kirkmichael, Perthshire.

Films, lectures and guided walks celebrating mountain culture.

Harris turns to the water each summer in Tarbert — a festival of boats, seafood, music and the sea-going life that shaped the island.

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.

A week of huge open-air shows in Bellahouston Park. The 2026 run marked ten years and brought Neil Young, My Chemical Romance, Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, Pitbull, Teddy Swims and The Lumineers to the south side.

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

A huge whisky festival held at Hampden Park.

Aberdeen’s dance music festival at Hazlehead Park with a stacked line-up of top DJs and the biggest dance anthems. Previous editions have featured Ultrabeat, Judge Jules, Utah Saints, Alison Limerick and Dave Pearce. Typically held in late June.

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

“Good Neighbours” — Dumfries rides its marches and crowns its Queen of the South in the same week, a common riding and a gala rolled into one, dating back to the burgh charter of 1395.

Britain’s oldest inhabited house does Halloween properly — ghost stories in the woods, tarot readings, magic shows and a family fun day in grounds that have been lived in for 900 years.

The daytime, family-friendly half of Conifox’s Halloween — a pumpkin patch, the Witches’ Labyrinth and Funhouse of Fear mazes, a funfair, face painting and marshmallows over the fire pit. All-weather, which in a Scottish October matters.

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

The first and largest of the Border Common Ridings. Hawick commemorates the capture of an English flag by the youths of the town in 1514, the year after Flodden — the Cornet carries the Colour, the Drum and Fife Band rouses the town at dawn, and up to 500 horses ride the marches. Shops close. The whole town stops.

Celebrating Scottish Borders history through community events across Hawick.

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

February on Lewis, when the nights are long and the skies are among the darkest in Europe. An Lanntair builds a whole festival around them — astronomy talks, stargazing, film, music and art, with a decent chance of the aurora thrown in.

The best of Hebridean produce under one roof in Stornoway — island seafood, meat, baking and drink, with demos and talks from the people who make it.

An October film festival across the islands, with a strong international programme and a home-grown Hebridean strand.

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

The Highlands’ LGBTQ+ pride celebration through Inverness city centre, with a march followed by entertainment, community stalls and family programming at Eden Court. Typically held in early June.

An annual international blues music festival at the Northern Meeting Park, with legendary and contemporary blues acts across a single day. Past line-ups have featured Southern Avenue, Alvin Youngblood Hart, West Weston’s Bluesonics and the Giles Robson Band. Typically held in late March.

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.

Two full weeks of rideouts across Jedburgh’s history — to Ferniehirst, to Redeswire, to the sites of the old skirmishes — led by the Jethart Callant. Established in 1947 and one of the most ambitious festivals in the Borders.

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.

A week of games, dances and social events in the old gypsy capital of Scotland, with a midweek rideout following the historic Stob Stanes route around the village bounds.

A free community bonfire and fireworks night in Beveridge Park, kept alive by the rugby club and the park volunteers while other Fife displays quietly folded. Exactly the kind of thing worth turning up for.

Europe’s longest street fair and Scotland’s oldest, running since 1304. A mile of the Kirkcaldy waterfront turns into a funfair for six days over the Easter holidays — 30 adult rides, 80 more for kids, and 200,000-plus people through the town. Almost unknown outside Fife, which is part of the charm.

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

Scotland’s longest-running greenfield festival, tucked in a Galloway glen — world, roots and trad music, family-friendly, fiercely independent and environmentally minded. Nothing else in Scotland feels quite like it.

Bonfire Night with engines. Scotland’s national motorsport circuit pairs live-action driving displays with a full fireworks show and a bonfire — a family day out that goes on well into the dark.

The buried 17th-century streets beneath the Royal Mile, stripped of electric light and lit only by hand-held lanterns. Plague, poverty and the dark — and no need to invent anything, because the history does the work. Sells out weeks ahead.

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.

A week of ceremonies and rideouts in the shadow of Melrose Abbey, led by the Melrosian, culminating in the Festival Rideout through some of the loveliest country in the Borders.

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.

Orkney has a deeper storytelling tradition than almost anywhere in Scotland, and this October festival brings tellers from the islands and beyond together for tales, music and late-night sessions in Kirkwall.

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

Every district from the Butt of Lewis to Barra holds its own show, most of them through July — prize livestock, home baking, craft tents and a full day of island community life. The Hebridean equivalent of Orkney’s Show Week.

A community-built celebration of Hebridean wildlife from Lewis to Barra — guided bird walks in Gaelic and English, snorkelling, boat trips, bumblebee safaris and shorewatches. Coordinated by the Species on the Edge conservation programme, with a fringe programme running on through July.

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.

Peebles folds the Common Riding tradition into a much older one — Beltane, the fire festival marking the start of summer. A week of rideouts, the crowning of the Beltane Queen on the steps of the parish church, and a town-wide celebration on the Tweed.

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

The city’s flagship 10-day festival of classical music, theatre, dance and visual arts, curated by Horsecross Arts. Global names alongside emerging Scottish talent, family concerts and masterclasses at Perth Concert Hall. Attracts 20,000+ visitors annually. Typically held in late May.

One of the world’s great solo piping competitions, held each April in Stornoway and drawing competitors from as far as New Zealand and North America — in memory of one of the finest pipers and composers Lewis ever produced.

Scotland’s international conference of hip-hop and underground culture — three days of showcases, panels and parties in Glasgow.

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

Something different for Shetland — a festival built around heavier sounds, started by local musicians and music lovers, mixing island talent with visiting national acts.

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.

The UK’s most northerly film festival, curated by Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams — screenings, lectures and Q&As with visiting filmmakers, plus Home Made, the annual showcase of films shot by Shetlanders themselves.

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

The most affecting of them all. Eighty Selkirk men went to Flodden in 1513 and one came home, carrying a captured English standard. Every June the Standard Bearer rides the marches and returns to cast the colours in the Market Square — a silent, extraordinary piece of civic ceremony, and one of the great sights in Scotland.

Sixty-plus musicians over one October weekend — six-piece Scottish dance bands, small ensembles and soloists, alongside Shetland’s own players. Widely held to be the finest celebration of accordion and fiddle music in Scotland.

A week of fiddle classes in the unmistakable Shetland style, run by Jenna Reid and Lynda Anderson — absolute beginners through to advanced, with concerts and informal sessions running alongside all week.

Shetland lamb, beef straight off the hill, shellfish landed that morning, seawater oatcakes and Shetland Black potatoes. An October celebration with cookery demos, a producers’ market and events across the isles.

Concerts and workshops around the isles each September, celebrating the guitar in a place better known for its fiddles.

Crime writing at the top of the world, curated by Ann Cleeves — whose Jimmy Perez novels made these islands famous — with Shetland author Marsali Taylor. The 2026 edition ran in June with Lee Child headlining, marking twenty years since Raven Black.

The UK’s most northerly Pride — a march through Lerwick followed by performances, talks and community events. Small, warm and genuinely of its place.

Lerwick isn’t the only one. Nine more fire festivals burn their way across Shetland from February into March — Nesting & Girlsta, Uyeasound, Northmavine, Cullivoe, Norwick, Bressay, South Mainland, Delting and Walls Junior. Smaller, warmer, and far easier to find a bed for than 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.

The historic Stirling and District Agricultural Society show returns annually with prize livestock, main ring entertainment, food stalls, funfair rides and children’s activities. Traditionally held in May at Bandeath, Throsk.

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.

Scotland’s serious scare attraction, fifteen minutes from Edinburgh — multiple scare mazes with names like Redneck Rampage, Blackout and Sadistic Circus. Strictly over-18s, and it sold out completely last year. Not for the faint-hearted or the under-aged.

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

Scotland’s biggest free medieval festival returns to Pittencrieff Park in Scotland’s ancient capital. Four arenas of jousting, mock battles, falconry, stone-lifting, artisan markets, medieval village re-enactors, storytellers and a spectacular kids’ zone including the School for Squires. New for 2026: a Music Zone marquee with ticketed evening gigs. Absolutely huge family day out. Typically held on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend in late May.

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

A one-day trad-folk festival at the Northern Meeting Park in the heart of Inverness featuring some of the best of Scottish music including Skerryvore. A proper Highland knees-up in the city centre. Typically held in late May.

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.

One of the oldest village festivals in the south of Scotland, running since 1803 — a week of processions, rideouts and community events led by the Whipman, originally the carters and ploughmen of the parish.

Shetland’s book festival, running since 2001 — readings, workshops and signings with local, national and international writers, in a place that takes its literature seriously.