The Guide to Scotland's Festivals 2026

SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

FOREWORD

Each year we produce this guide, there seems to be more to pack in. Scotland has long been good at festivals, and the energy and creativity they contain seems contagious. Individually and taken together, Scotland’s festivals are a showcase for a huge range of artistic talent and different activities. They have a special capacity to celebrate the synergy of the collective: they’re something we can all feel a part of.

We do our best to make room in the guide for festivals large and small, the mainstream and the esoteric, the well-publicised and the less-wellknown, those in cities and in smaller communities. The intention is that you’ll find something, somewhere, that works for your tastes, interests and cultural radar.

In planning and assembling the guide, we’ve drawn on our valuable partnership with Creative Scotland who play such an important role in supporting and championing the diversity of the creative, cultural and community riches of the nation. In addition, The Scotsman is again showing its support for the sector by teaming up with The List to distribute the guide with their newspaper on Saturday 21 February, carrying the information we’ve gathered to all corners of Scotland and helping to highlight this valuable aspect of Scottish cultural activity.

On the topic of those who help make things happen, credit is also due to the huge number of determined and committed people who grapple

with the considerable challenges of funding, programming, finding personnel, marketing and organising each event listed in this guide. They achieve amazing results from limited resources, helping to create memorable experiences for hundreds of thousands of locals, visitors, volunteers, participants and performers. Festivals are, above all, people-powered.

As you make use of the information in this guide, please keep in mind that while we make extensive efforts to verify and check the details provided, it’s always possible that schedules, line-ups, locations and plans will change. Make use of our website (list. co.uk) as well as online and social media channels from the event organisers themselves to keep an eye on updates and check key information. You’ll also find detailed coverage of festivals and events in the pages of The List, our parent magazine covering all that’s worth knowing about in arts, culture and what’s on. It’s available as a free pick-up across Edinburgh and Glasgow at the start of every month.

A SAMPLE OF WHAT’S IN THE GUIDE . . .

MUSIC

The much-admired St Magnus International Festival on Orkney celebrates its 50th edition in June 2026 (see page 53)

OUTDOOR

Head to the Scottish Borders in October for the Tweed River Festival with art and activities in, on and alongside the water (see page 84)

THEATRE

Great drama abounds in Edinburgh in August during the Fringe and other sister festivals (see pages 21–22)

LITERATURE

The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh hosts the Accessible Book And Story Festival in September (see page 75)

FAMILY

In October, Faskally Woods near Pitlochry become The Enchanted Forest with choreographed sound and light displays (see page 81)

Scan to listen as you read

PLAYLIST

Tune into some of the artists who will be taking to festival stages featured in this guide, including Talisk, Daniel Avery and Lorde.

Project Editor

Donald Reid

Copy Editor and Producer

Paul McLean

Design and Layout

Seonaid Rafferty

Listings by Data Thistle

Kelly Apter

Contributors

Lucy Ribchester, Ailsa Sheldon

Advertising

Jayne Atkinson, Lachlan McMaster

Proofreading

Jay Thundercliffe

CEO

Sheri Friers

PRINCIPAL SUPPORTING PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNER

COVER IMAGES:

From top right, clockwise: Kelburn Garden Party, Orkney Folk Festival, Josephine at Edinburgh Fringe (credit David Monteith-Hodge, © Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society), Knockengarroch, Scottish Wild Food Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, FyneFest (credit Steve McKenna), FyneFest, Kelburn Garden Party, Edinburgh International Festival (credit Andrew Perry), Fringe By The Sea, The Enchanted Forest

2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh www.list.co.uk email festivals@list.co.uk

ISSN: 2054-8036

© 2026 List Publishing Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of List Publishing Ltd.

This edition published February 2026 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

Scotland’s definitive guide to arts & culture, helping people ‘ get a life ’ since 1985.

For updates, latest announcements and details of all events and festivals in Scotland in 2026, go to list.co.uk/scotlands-festivals

DISCLAIMER: The List magazine has made every effort to ensure information published in this guide is correct. Line-ups, times and dates can change at short notice, however, so please check with the festival before attending. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors the guide may contain. For up-to-date listings information go to list.co.uk. Festival organisers can get in touch at festivals@list.co.uk.

FESTIVAL TIPLISTS

Eager to festival but struggling to know where to start? Our TipLists select some festivals and events worth knowing about in a few different themes and categories. They’re just a taster of what’s available right through the year and across the length and breadth of Scotland

Explore some of the festivals making their debut on the Scottish events calendar in 2026

KELBURN JAZZ WEEKEND

A complement to the well-established Kelburn Garden Party, taking place at the same venue and offering food, bars and camping. Gilles Peterson and Corto.alto headline the debut event.

n Kelburn Castle And Estate, Fairlie, 2 & 3 May.

HELEN HOPEKIRK FESTIVAL

Concerts and events celebrating Scottish pianist, composer and teacher Helen Hopekirk (1856–1945), with performances from Bubblyjock Collective, Dana Muller and Gary Steigerwalt.

n Various venues, Edinburgh and Glasgow, 18–21 May.

WOMAD GLASGOW

Peter Gabriel’s world music festival joins cities such as Adelaide, Rome and Recoleta in Chile for its first Scottish edition, produced in partnership with Celtic Connections.

n Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, 3 & 4 July.

PAISLEY ALIVE FESTIVAL

Scotland’s first-ever music, fitness and wellness festival, with a line-up featuring Rag’N’Bone Man, Sister Sledge, Emeli Sandé, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 and others.

n Barshaw Park, Paisley, 4 July.

SUMMER’S END ANGUS MUSIC FESTIVAL

A festival designed to help support the local community, boasting an eye-catching and eclectic line-up including Bonnie Tyler, Skerryvore and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

n Brechin Castle Showground, Brechin, 14–16 August.

HEATHER ON THE HILL FESTIVAL

A family-focused festival created and headlined by Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band, with plenty of music plus storytelling, arts and crafts, kids’ yoga, a funfair, a makers’ market and food and drink stalls.

n Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, 22 August.

FAMILY FESTIVALS

Partying with your kids? Kick off summer with a festival designed specifically for young families. Wildhood Festival (5–7 June) takes over Tullibole Castle near Kinross, spread across 30 acres of parkland and ancient woodland. Expect relaxed camping, wanders in the woods and a generous programme of workshops and creative activities for all ages. The Eden Festival in Moffat (11–14 June) caters for all ages, with plenty for families across its wide-ranging line-up. With 250 acts over ten stages, spanning music, cabaret, comedy and children’s events, the hardest part will be choosing what to see and do.

Under 12s go free at Solas Festival (19–21 June), a midsummer celebration of arts, music and ideas in Perthshire. Children can join interactive workshops, from Lego challenges and den building to yoga and dance, and enjoy a packed programme of music, storytelling, theatre and magic. Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (30 July–1 August) is famously welcoming to families. This year’s line-up includes The Human League, James and Scouting For Girls. Family camping keeps evenings calmer, while a dedicated kids’ area offers storytelling circles, arts and crafts, hopscotch, giant bubbles and puppet-style theatre.

Festival magic comes easily at Kelburn Garden Party (2–6 July), set in the lush grounds of Kelburn Castle. Families can lose themselves in the Neverending Glen art trail, discovering hidden stages, music and surprises along the way. Over the same weekend, Womad Scotland (3 & 4 July) makes its debut in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park. With music from around the world, dance and family-friendly events, it looks like a brilliant option if camping isn’t your jam.

Head beyond the central belt with our pick of Scotland’s more far-flung festivals, and keep in mind that the journey is all part of the adventure. HebCelt Festival on Lewis continues to go from strength to strength. Based around Stornoway, this year’s festival (15–18 July) features Peatbog Faeries, Mànran and The Saw Doctors.

Mull Music Festival (23–26 April) and Tiree Music Festival (10–12 July) offer more intimate experiences, ideal for combining island exploration with music, culture and plenty of craic. A little way south is The Sound Of Gigha festival (4–7 June), an intimate four-day celebration of music, culture and creativity. Or why not head even further north for the epic hoolie that is Shetland Folk Festival (30 April–3 May)? Expect to dart between villages, hopping on and off ferries, all soundtracked by some of the best traditional music from Scotland and around the world.

On Islay, Fèis Ìle (22–31 May) adds whisky into the mix, with ceilidhs and tastings galore. Elsewhere, Orkney Nature Festival (11–17 May) shifts the focus to wildlife and the natural world, while Arran Mountain Festival (15–18 May) celebrates mountain culture through guided hikes, talks and workshops. Later in the year, the SEALL Festival Of Small Halls brings music, community and culture to village halls across Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh. It usually takes place in the last week of November, with details announced closer to the time, and yearround programming worth seeking out too.

ISLAND FESTIVALS

While the best part of a festival can be sitting back and watching your favourite artists at work, sometimes you might have a hankering to get involved yourself. A number of Scottish festivals give you the chance to be more hands-on, whether you’re keen to consolidate a skill, meet like-minded creatives or explore a new hobby. These are just a few of them:

• For dance aficionados, Paisley International Tango Festival (25–27 September) offers a weekend of all things Argentine tango. Expect social dance milongas, workshops and professional performances.

• Late autumn brings some of the world’s finest fiddlers to Edinburgh. The Scots Fiddle Festival (20–22 November) celebrates its 30th birthday this year. Three days of workshops catering to fiddlers of all levels alternate with virtuoso concerts and fun open sessions.

• Women and non-binary filmmakers can step behind the camera at the Sea Change Film Festival (18–20 September) on the island of Tiree. As well as screenings and industry talks, the festival offers workshops on various aspects of filmmaking, from idea development to animation.

• If you want to have a go at cold-smoking or learn how to tell ceps from chanterelles, the Scottish Wild Food Festival (19 & 20 September) has you covered. The programme features a range of foraging walks and wildcooking workshops, including a plentiful selection that are free.

• And in Aberdeen young people get stuck into helming the whole festival at WayWORD (3–11 October). Much of the literary-themed programme is interactive, including poetry workshops and walking tours.

PARTICIPATORY FESTIVALS

SPECIALIST BOOK FESTS

Scotland boasts excellent book and literary festivals, but some have a very specific focus

STANZA

Heading towards its 30th birthday, Scotland’s oldest poetry festival features international guests along with UK talent and a hybrid format that makes remote attendance possible.

n Various venues, St Andrews, 13–15 March.

FIRST DATE

Collaboration between radical bookshop The Lighthouse and romance-focused Book Lovers Bookshop, with a fortnight-long festival featuring top romance and romantic comedy novelists.

n Various venues, Edinburgh, 24 April–8 May.

BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL

The only book festival in the world to focus primarily on biographies and memoirs. Named after locally born James Boswell, the festival regularly attracts big-name authors.

n Dumfries House, Cumnock, 8–10 May.

CYMERA

Scotland’s festival of science fiction, fantasy and horror writing has built a strong community since 2019 and has a focus on developing writers as well as serving readers.

n The Pleasance, Edinburgh, 5–7 June.

BLOODY SCOTLAND

The home-grown talent in crime writing (Ian Rankin, Val McDiarmid, Chris Brookmyre etc) ensures that this festival attracts high-profile local and international authors.

n Various venues, Stirling, 18–20 September.

OH!CON

There are quite a few comic-cons these days, but this one stands out for taking place in the Outer Hebrides, with a focus on sci-fi and fantasy.

n Various venues, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, 3 October.

JAKE VAADELAND AND THE STURGEON RIVER BOYS • THE ONLIES THE FOREIGN LANDERS • LES FILS CANOUCHE • ROSS MILLER BAND THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS OF HEZEKIAH PROCTER • LOS VEGA TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO • THE CHAIR • TUMBLING SOULS • HANNAH RARITY WILL POUND & JENN BUTTERWORTH • ISLA RATCLIFF • HUIPPU MEGAN MCGINLEY, NIA BYRNE, MARTIN BARRY

In 2026, Scotland hosts a major global sporting festival, the Commonwealth Games, part of a rich array of sports events both large and small across the country, as Donald Reid discovers

Scotland will be front and centre on the global sporting stage this summer, either by winning the men’s football World Cup in the US or, a tad more realistically, when Glasgow welcomes the 23rd Commonwealth Games for 11 days in late July and early August.

Having hosted the games in 2014, Glasgow retained both the facilities and the eventplanning blueprint to be able to step in at the last minute when original 2026 hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out. A slimmed-down version of the games was drawn up, with ten sports and six para sports scheduled across four venues in the city between 23 July and 2 August. Scotstoun Stadium will stage the highprofile athletics events, swimming will happen at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, track cycling and artistic gymnastics at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome And Arena, with the SEC in Finnieston housing netball, weightlifting, 3 x 3

basketball, bowls, boxing and judo. In all, 215 gold medals are up for grabs with 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories anticipated. Many high-profile international sports stars including Olympic medallists are expected to be in action in Glasgow, and while no street events such as marathons or road cycling are in the schedule, if you’re wanting to catch some of the action and don’t manage to get hold of tickets, public fan zones in places such as Glasgow Green are likely to be the liveliest spots. From late May onwards, the Glasgow 2026 Festival brings a series of signature cultural events to the city to complement and celebrate the city’s hosting of the games (see page 44).

For all that the Commonwealth Games offer a feast of diverse sporting skills and dramatic action, multi-sport events are familiar enough in Scotland. Most weekends between May and September will see a Highland games happening somewhere, each a significant date in the calendar of the local community. For what’s normally a very reasonable entry fee (some are even free), you can enjoy a day-long mix of amateur athletics, strong-man heaving and tossing events, traditional dancing, marching bagpipe bands, stalls and family-oriented activities. The games, as they’re invariably described locally, can be large affairs

THE GAMES WE PLAY

with temporary grandstands and marquees erected, busy bars and craft fairs, while others incorporate agricultural shows and cherished local traditions. For handy listings of more than 50 Highland games, head to rshga.org/calendar.

Elsewhere, there’s no shortage of top-level sporting action to be found right through 2026. Rugby’s Six Nations fixtures for men (February/ March; Edinburgh) and women (April/May; Edinburgh) make for lively weekends in the nation’s capital, with further men’s internationals against New Zealand and Australia lined up for Murrayfield Stadium in November. The famous Melrose Sevens rugby tournament takes place in the heart of the Scottish Borders in May.

The big golf tournaments of the year are the men’s Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian, the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in Ayrshire, and the men’s ISPS Handa Senior Open at Gleneagles, all taking place during July. Many of golf’s biggest stars also turn up for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in October. The Scottish Grand National horse racing festival takes place in Ayr in April, with the same venue hosting the Ayr Gold Cup Festival in September. International Horse Trials take place at Scone Palace near Perth in August.

A round of the British Superbike Championship roars into Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife in June, with the same venue hosting an event within the British Touring Car Championship in August. There’s also a National BMX Race Series at the Glasgow Life BMX Centre in Knightswood, Glasgow, and The Gralloch UCI Gravel World Series for gravel cycling in Galloway Forest Park, both in May. Among numerous marathons and other extremedistance running events, world-class mountain and trail runners gather for Skyline Scotland in Glencoe in September, while windsurfing’s Tiree Wave Classic, the longest running professional windsurfing event in the world, is scheduled for the Isle Of Tiree in October. Staying on the waves, the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race makes a stopover in Oban between 10 and 19 July. Just south of Oban, Easdale Island is the annual home of the World Stone Skimming Championships, scheduled for 5 September and, also in Oban this year, shinty’s Camanachd Cup Final takes place in September.

Finally, if you’re already planning ahead, keep in mind that on 2 July 2027 the Tour de France Grand Départ will set off from central Edinburgh before making its way south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders to Carlisle.

2026

11TH - 29TH MARCH

DANIEL SLOSS SUE PERKINS HARRY ENFIELD

SUSIE MCCABE CONNOR BURNS TOM DAVIS

ROSIE O’DONNELL MARC JENNINGS RUBY WAX

CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD JEFF DUNHAM

BRIDGET CHRISTIE TIM KEY SPONTANEOUS POTTER

ALAN DAVIES MARK SIMMONS KAREN DUNBAR

JACK DOCHERTY KYLA COBBLER MIKE WOZNIAK

DES CLARKE JUDI LOVE ROSCO MCCLELLAND

ALANA JACKSON PADDY MCDONNELL CRAIG HILL

FRED MACAULAY MARJOLEIN ROBERTSON

PAUL MCCAFFREY THOMAS GREEN MHAIRI BLACK

KIM BLYTHE CELTIC DA’S JOHN TOTHILL

FESSHOLE LIVE LAURA SMYTH MARK NELSON

GICF COMEDY GALA WHEN BILLY MET ALASDAIR

MARK BLACK, MARK COX & THE EWART BROS PLUS HUNDREDS MORE NELSON

TICKETS ON SALE NOW GLASGOWCOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM

Anna Massie

Auskerry

Blazin’ Fiddles

The Chair

Claire Hastings

Damn Tall Buildings

Dirk Powell, Cedric Watson and Amelia Powell

Duncan Chisholm

Elephant Sessions

Ellie Beaton

Fergal Scahill and Ryan Molloy

Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson

Gráinne Hunt

John Smith

Katie Spencer

Kenneth Pattengale

Meallan

Old Blind Dogs

Polenta

Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart

Rory Matheson and his Scottish Dance Band

Saltfishforty

21-24 MAY 2026

Session A9

Stoatfinger

Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Mac Morin plus many more to be announced…

CENTRE STAGE

Edinburgh blossoms into a riot of colourful, cultural festivals come August, bringing together world-class musicians, bestselling authors, comedians, dancers and more, as Lucy Ribchester explains

In Scotland’s capital during August, it certainly feels like you’re never more than three feet away from a festival. Edinburgh’s summer festivals are legendary around the world for their eclectic line-ups and the opportunity to see acclaimed artists alongside emerging talent. They’re the place where global superstars first cut their teeth in student theatre, where you can watch the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra one night, catch a debut author talk the next morning and see two separate dance versions of Hamlet before lunch.

Things are already underway by late July with Edinburgh Jazz And Blues Festival (17–26 July). Jools Holland is a headliner this year, to be joined by swing, manouche, funk and soul musicians from all over the world. The festival’s annual carnival afternoon transforms Princes Street Gardens into a celebration of costumes and dance.

Honorary Edinburgh festival Fringe By The Sea (31 July–9 August) takes place half an hour’s train ride away in North Berwick. As well as attracting

phenomenal headliners (this year Louis Theroux and Belle And Sebastian), the multi-genre seaside event has a proper festival atmosphere, with marquees, food trucks and kids’ zones.

Edinburgh International Festival (7–30 August) is your portal to soaking up high culture. A carefully curated programme of top-tier artists means the work is always of a high standard, even when it’s divisive. San Francisco Ballet are in town for 2026, alongside a new version of Ibsen’s An Enemy Of The People starring Wagner Moura. Some £10 tickets are available for all events and the festival offers discounts for NHS and charity workers.

EIF’s wayward twin, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, (7–31 August) is the capital’s largest festival, playing host to over 3500 shows over three weeks. The Fringe is where you’ll find yourself in a pitchblack shipping container taking in an interactive audio experience one minute, and the next you’ll be watching a world-class Australian circus in a big top. It was created with a free-wheeling ethos (anyone can register to perform) and that’s

the spirit in which to approach it as an audience member. Many long-established operations such as Assembly, The Pleasance, Underbelly, The Stand, Gilded Balloon, C Venues and Summerhall have their own collections of Fringe shows taking place in different sites around Edinburgh. If you find the range and sheer number of shows daunting, don’t worry: everyone else does too.

There’s no denying that most festival ticket prices have steadily risen over recent years. Thankfully Edinburgh also plays host to Free Festival (6–30 August), making stand-up, kids’ shows and theatre more accessible to all, through a ‘pay what you can’ and unticketed programme. Some major stars have made their name in the past at Free Festival, so it’s definitely one to take a punt on.

For an altogether less raucous affair, Edinburgh International Book Festival (15–30 August) is back once more in the leafy grounds of Edinburgh University’s Futures Institute. This year the festival is branching out into music as well, through a collaboration with Scotland’s trad music Celtic Connections festival.

A more leftfield literary experience can be found at Edinburgh Book Fringe (14–31 August). This burgeoning gem of a festival takes place across some of the city’s brilliant indie bookshops, including Leith’s Argonaut and the Old Town’s Lighthouse Books. All events are free.

Look out for a retrospective of early 20th-century Welsh artist Gwen John at the National Gallery Of Scotland as part of Edinburgh Art Festival (14–30 August), which fills the city and its surroundings with intriguing visual delights. Also on the programme, Glasgow-based drag artist Sgàire Wood is taking over the magical Jupiter Artland sculpture park at Wilkieston.

Food and drink gets in on the act with Edinburgh Folk And Food Festival (dates tbc) and Foodies Festival (7–9 August). Both celebrate the good things in life, combining food stalls, demos, tasters and music in leafy outdoor settings.

Taking place over a week, Edinburgh International Film Festival (13–19 August), the world’s oldest continually running film festival, is the place to head to catch an arthouse gem. Short films, features, retrospectives and filmmaker Q&As make up the bill, which is usually crowned with a starry opening-night premiere.

And August wouldn’t be August without The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (7–29 August) in its iconic location on Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade. This year, the theme is ‘A Call To Gather’, and brings together storytelling, music and military pageantry from across the world. Whichever festival you’re at in the city centre on a given evening, you can be sure to see or hear the Tattoo’s nightly fireworks or fly-past zooming overhead.

FESTIVALS

MONTH BY MONTH

FEBRUARY

UNTIL 22 FEBRUARY

DUNDEE SCIENCE

FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Dundee Science Centre, dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/ festival

A fun-packed fortnight of events, activities and scientific demonstrations for all ages, taking place at Dundee Science Centre and city-wide.

17–22 FEBRUARY GRANITE NOIR

LITERATURE

Various venues, Aberdeen, granitenoir.com

Granite Noir celebrates ten years of thrilling mysteries, chilling tales and unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s finest crime writers including Denise Mina, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, Shari Lapena and many more.

20–22 FEBRUARY

BEACON BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock,

ALSO HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY . . .

• NORTHMAVINE UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Northmavine, Shetland, 20 February

• CULLIVOE UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Yell, Shetland, 27 February

beaconartscentre.co.uk/whats-on

A stellar line-up of authors and events, including Chris Brookmyre, Justin Currie, Damian Barr, The Hebridean Baker and Peter McQueen, Scottish Women in Writing (Denise Mina, Kirsty Logan, Louise Welsh) and Ken MacLeod.

21 & 22 FEBRUARY

CAPITAL SCI-FI CON

LITERATURE FILM & TV

Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, capitalscificon.com

Capital Sci-Fi Con returns for its 11th year. Meet your favourite celebrity guests up close and personal, and immerse yourself in the world of sci-fi as you shop for unique collectibles, pose with cosplayers and explore authentic props and sets.

25 FEBRUARY–8 MARCH

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Glasgow Film Theatre, glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-filmfestival

With 16 world, European and international premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres, this year’s festival features a ‘trust to power’ retrospective and a focus on Swedish films.

27 FEBRUARY–1 MARCH

FIFE WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Corn Exchange, Cupar, fifewhiskyfestival.com

With 50 distilleries and independent bottlers from all over Scotland (and beyond) showing their wares, plus tastings, a blending workshop and distillery tours.

27 & 28 FEBRUARY SCOTTISH FESTIVAL OF REAL BREAD

FOOD & DRINK

Bowhouse, St Monans, scotlandthebread.org

Celebrating its fourth year as a national gathering for bakers, farmers, food producers and bread lovers, the 2026 festival features guided tours of Scotland The Bread’s mill and sourdough flatbread workshops, plus the Scottish Bread Championship on 27 February.

MARCH 1 MARCH EAST WEST BLUES FEST MUSIC

Drygate Brewing Co, Glasgow, bluebounty.club/ewbf

Line-up of blues and ‘blue-roots’ bands including The Jensen Interceptors, The Deke McGee Band, The James Oliver Band and Nicole Smit & Jed Potts.

4–7 MARCH & 12–14 MARCH INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Inverness Methodist Church, Inverness, invernessmusicfestival.org

A local showcase opportunity for all amateur performers, taking place over two legs. From 4–7 March is for speech, drama, classical and contemporary music, while 12–14 March focuses on traditional music. All are welcome.

5–7 MARCH

FRIGHTFEST GLASGOW

FILM & TV

Glasgow Film Theatre, frightfest. co.uk/filmsandevents

A horror, fantasy, science fiction and thriller film-based event for over 18s.

5–8 MARCH EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL

COMEDY

Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh, edimprovfest.com

Four days of workshops, shows and jams celebrating the best in improv from around the world. Headliners for 2026 include Chris Gethard, Trumane Alston, Jiavani, Lyndsey Frank, Nick Mandernach and Oscar Montoya.

7 MARCH LITERARY ESCAPE FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

The Steeple Centre, Dundee, literaryescapeco.co.uk

A touring grassroots book festival celebrating independent authors, local creatives, and small businesses. Designed

ALSO HAPPENING IN EARLY MARCH

. . .

• CREATIVE AND CULTURAL CAREERS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY

Edinburgh, 2–13 March

• BRESSAY UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Bressay, Shetland, 6 March

• NORWICK UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Unst, Shetland, 7 March

• SOUTH MAINLAND UP HELLY AA HERITAGE South Mainland, Shetland, 13 March

to bring readers and makers together, the festival offers a relaxed and welcoming space to discover new voices, meet authors and explore a curated selection of handmade goods from independent makers. Also in Bridge of Allan on 28 March.

7 MARCH

NAAFC ANNUAL ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Partick Burgh Halls, Glasgow, naafcfestival.co.uk

A full day of accordion and fiddle competitions, including solo and group categories, followed by a closing dance with The Haggis Chasers Ceilidh Band.

7 & 8 MARCH

POWER COMIC CON

FILM & TV GAMING LITERATURE SEC, Glasgow, forthefans.uk/ power-gaming-con Power Comic Con returns to Glasgow for a weekend of special guests from the worlds of gaming, TV and comics. With engaging fan experiences, props and set-builds, interactive areas as well as the return of Scotland’s longest running cosplay competition.

7 & 8 MARCH

SBBA SCOTTISH BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

MUSIC

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, sbba.org.uk

A weekend of brass band music performed by over a thousand musicians, as bands from across Scotland deliver set works to compete for national titles across five sections, and a chance to qualify for the prestigious National Brass Band Championships Of Great Britain.

8 MARCH CAILLEACH FESTIVAL

ART FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Canvas, Dundee, canvasdundee.com

To mark International Women’s Day, 71 Brewing is hosting a festival celebrating the work of women across Scotland through beer, spirits, food, music and art.

9–14 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Newton Stewart, Stranraer and Castle Douglas, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

Competitive music festival for amateur musicians. The event covers piano, brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and more, with members of the public welcome.

9–21 MARCH PERFORM IN PERTH MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Perth, perthshire-music-festival.org.uk

Annual musical competition with classes in Scottish country dancing and baton twirling, poetry, prepared reading, dramatic solos, and music including vocal and instrumental solos, bands and orchestras.

11–29 MARCH GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL COMEDY

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

The 2026 line-up includes Harry Enfield, Sue Perkins, Daniel Sloss, Bridget Christie, Tom Davis, Susie McCabe, Connor Burns, Tim Key, Judi Love, and many more.

12–15 MARCH

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Lochwinnoch, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

Celebrating its 25th year, Lochwinnoch’s mini arts festival will feature Alan Bissett in When Billy Met Alasdair, dance show Bloom and events by local authors.

12–22 MARCH

ABERDEEN

JAZZ FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

Spanning two weeks, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival has all genres covered, from mainstream jazz to avant garde through to cutting-edge underground sounds. The 2026 line-up includes the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Fergus McCreadie Trio, Toolbox Orchestra and many more.

13–15 MARCH

BORDERS ART FAIR

ART

Borders Events Centre, Kelso, bordersartfair.com

Discover over 70 exhibition stands showcasing work from artists, galleries and collectives at the largest visual art event in the south of Scotland. Buy art, meet the makers, watch artist demonstrations or take part in creative workshops.

13–15 MARCH

C2C: COUNTRY TO COUNTRY

MUSIC

OVO Hydro, Glasgow, c2ccountrytocountry.com

Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville’s biggest acts. The 2026 line-up

includes headliners Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn and Zach Top, plus many more.

13–15 MARCH

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL POETRY

FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Various venues, St Andrews, stanzapoetry.org

The 2026 festival theme is ‘You Are Not Alone’, with a packed programme of poetry readings, creative workshops, live music and art. This year’s guests include Scotland’s Makar Peter Mackay, Anthony Joseph and many more.

14 MARCH SHORT COM FILM AND ANIMATION FESTIVAL COMEDY FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, shortcom.org

One of the world’s leading comedy-specific short film festivals.

HippFest, page 29

14 MARCH STIRLING VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, veganeventsuk.co.uk/cusevents/stirling-vegan-festival

Over 60 stalls selling vegan food and drink, clothing, toiletries and more. Plus talks, workshops and demonstrations.

14 MARCH TASTE OF THE HIGHLANDS

FOOD & DRINK

Eden Court, Inverness, visitinvernesslochness.com/ taste-highlands

Discover the very best of Highland and island flavours at this jam-packed food and drink festival, with local producers, artisan makers, live cooking demos, talks and interviews, with MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin as your host.

14 & 15 MARCH

COMIC CON SCOTLAND

ABERDEEN

FILM & TV GAMING LITERATURE

P&J Live, Aberdeen, comicconscotlandnortheast.co.uk

Celebrate all things pop culture with celebrity guests, sets, props and cosplay displays, retro and modern gaming, and trader and artist areas. Guests for 2026 include Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Denise Richards and Jamie Bamber.

14 & 15 MARCH

DORNOCH FIBRE FEST

ART HERITAGE

Various venues, Dornoch, fibrefest.org.uk

The 2026 festival includes workshops in botanical printing, lace knitting, Fair Isle knitting, weaving, sewing with retro machines, patchwork cushion making, papercut lampshade making, crochet mending, wet and dry felting, plus trading halls.

14 & 15 MARCH DRINKMONGER

SPIRITS FAIR

FOOD & DRINK

Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh, drinkmonger.com/drinkmongerspirits-fair

Explore a world of 150-plus spirits from top producers across tequila and mezcal, brandy, gin, liqueurs, vermouth, rum and whisky.

15 MARCH

DUNDEE VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Bonar Hall, Dundee, veganeventsuk.co.uk/cusevents/dundee-vegan-festival

Over 50 stalls selling vegan food and drink, clothing, toiletries and more. Plus talks, workshops and demonstrations.

16–19 MARCH

SHETLAND YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Mareel, Lerwick, symf.co.uk

This four-day music festival brings together young people from across the isles to perform, including a gala concert.

18–22 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Various venues, glasgowshort.org

The largest competitive short film festival in Scotland. Awards up for grabs include the Young Scottish Filmmaker Prize, Bill Douglas Award for International Short Film and the Scottish Short Film Award.

18–22 MARCH

HIPPODROME SILENT FILM FESTIVAL (HIPPFEST)

FILM & TV HERITAGE

The Hippodrome, Bo’ness, hippodromecinema.co.uk/ hippfest

Scotland’s first and only festival of silent film with live music, centred

in and inspired by Scotland’s first and oldest cinema. Featuring screenings, commissions, workshops and community events.

19–21 MARCH

SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL OF ECONOMICS

POLITICS

Various venues, Edinburgh, scotonomics.org/event/ scotlands-festival-of-economics

In 2026 the festival changes location (from Dundee to Edinburgh) and name (formerly Scotonomics), with talks taking place across venues in Leith.

20–22 MARCH BERWICK FILM

& MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Maltings Cinema At Berwick Barracks, Berwick-uponTweed, bfmaf.org

For its 21st edition, the festival takes place at The Maltings’ temporary cinema in the historic Berwick Barracks, presenting a more intimate experience.

20–22 MARCH THE NIEL GOW FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Dunkeld & Birnam, nielgowfestival.co.uk

. . .

ALSO HAPPENING IN LATE MARCH

• DELTING UP HELLY AA HERITAGE Brae, Shetland, 20 March

• 100 BEST AUSTRALIAN WINES FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 21 March

• THE INDEPENDENT SPIRITS FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 21 March

• SCOTTISH WOOL PRODUCERS SHOWCASE ART HERITAGE Perth, 21 March

A weekend of concerts from world renowned musicians, multiinstrumental workshops, stalls from local artists and businesses, and the chance to join in with pub sessions, all celebrating the life of Perthshire fiddle legend Niel Gow.

21 MARCH TWO TOWNS DOWN PAISLEY BEER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Thomas Coats Memorial Church, Paisley, ticketebo.co.uk/ttdb/ paisley-beer-fest-2026

A day dedicated to the best in beer, live music and good vibes, with a great line-up of independent breweries, plus a spirits bar, wine, cider, food truck and a limited-edition festival beer crafted exclusively for the event.

22–28 MARCH GOVAN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowbarons.com

The festival has a cultural regeneration agenda at its heart, bringing a mix of music to the area. Visitors can expect world, fusion, classical and rap music shows involving around 300 musicians and participants.

25 MARCH–30 APRIL CATALAN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Various venues, Scotland, catalanfilmfestival.co.uk

A programme of feature films, shorts and Q&As celebrating the best in Catalan cinema, with events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and beyond.

26–29 MARCH HAWICK REIVERS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Various venues, Hawick, hawickreivers.com

Step back in time to the 1500s at this festival that brings to life the reiver history of the Hawick region. The 2026 festival includes an opening procession, Reivers Encampment Market and interschools games, a stage musical, lectures, torchlight procession with fireworks, concerts and more.

27–29 MARCH PAISLEY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Paisley, oneren.org

A celebration of the town’s many cultural connections from Pam Hogg to Paolo Nutini, with some history, music, theatre and visual arts in the mix.

APRIL

3 & 4 APRIL

LARBERT REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Dobbie Hall, Main Street, Larbert, forthvalley.camra. org.uk

A two-day festival showcasing over 50 ales, ciders and perries from around the UK.

4 & 5 APRIL SPRINGFEST: THE SCOTTISH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

One of Scotland’s biggest food and drink festivals, this twoday event features cooking demonstrations by top Scottish chefs, cooking workshops, whisky tasting, children’s entertainment and a wide range of producers.

4–19 APRIL

EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

An extensive programme for all ages, with fun hands-on activities, thought-provoking talks, dynamic performances and more. The 2026 theme, ‘Going Global’, will showcase the research and innovation created through international partnerships and

highlight Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances.

9–12 APRIL COUNTERFLOWS

ART FILM & TV MUSIC

Woodside Hall, Glasgow, counterflows.com

A carefully curated selection of local and international artists, with live performances, club nights, film screenings, a small publishers fair and discussions.

9–18 APRIL BAROQUE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Institut Français d’Ecosse, Edinburgh, ifecosse.org.uk

The festival’s theme for 2026 is ‘Europe’, inviting audiences to go on a rich musical voyage through the great baroque traditions of France, England, Scotland and Italy. Local and European musicians will perform including Alexander Krylov, Ensemble Près de Votre Oreille, Ensemble Amarillis and more.

10–14 APRIL EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL MUSIC

George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, harpfestival.co.uk

Concerts, courses, workshops, sessions and more, celebrating the versatility of the harp. The 2026 international line-up of performers includes Amy Turk, Anna McLuckie, Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain, Juanjo Corbalán Quartet and more.

11 & 12 APRIL CONPULSION

FILM & TV GAMING

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, conpulsion.org

The 2026 theme for Scotland’s

oldest gaming convention is ‘On Top Of The World’, with keynote guests discussing diversity and accessibility in roleplaying games.

11 & 12 APRIL

SCOTLAND’S DAFFODIL FESTIVAL

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Backhouse Rossie Estate, Collessie, backhouserossie.co.uk

Experience the beauty of thousands of historic and modern, daffodils alongside a stunning display of other spring-flowering plants. Enjoy artisan traders, food and drink, a vintage fête and flower stalls, plus a Bear Walk and putting green for little ones.

15–19 APRIL BUZZCUT FESTIVAL

ART THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowbuzzcut.co.uk

The ninth edition of this groundbreaking festival of live art and experimental performance. The 2026 line-up will feature living archives of black rave

culture, rituals of queer and trans remembrance, dance tributes to soap opera icons and more.

17 & 18 APRIL

THE WOOLLY GOOD GATHERING

ART HERITAGE

Edinburgh Academy, Edinburgh, woollygood.co.uk

This event celebrates knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners and fibre lovers with a festival of crafts, workshops, marketplace, talks, food and music.

17–19 APRIL

NORTHERN STREAMS MUSIC

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, northernstreams.org Festival featuring Nordic/ Scandinavian and Scottish music, song and dance with concerts, workshops and sessions from both up-and-coming and established artists.

17–19 APRIL

OPEN GATE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Edinburgh Science Festival, page 30

Various venues, Aberfeldy, healthiesttown.org

A festival encouraging the Aberfeldy community, and visitors, to eat real, local food and to learn more about the benefits of it. Events include garden tours, workshops in growing, foraging, preserving and outdoor cooking, films, cooking classes and more. Also in June and October.

17–19 APRIL SANDS: INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF ST ANDREWS

FILM & TV

Byre Theatre, St Andrews, sands-iff.com

A three-day event committed to providing an exciting and diverse showcase of international cinema, as well as film-related events and workshops for local, national and international audiences.

18 &

19

APRIL TERMINAL V FESTIVAL MUSIC

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, terminalv.co.uk/festival

Two days with 40,000 ravers and five fully immersive stages headlined by over 100 artists. The 2026 line-up is a razorsharp snapshot of contemporary electronic music and a collision of heavyweights, legends, disruptors and future icons of techno.

23–26

APRIL MULL MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Tobermory, facebook.com/ mullmusicfestival

Lively weekend of Scottish music throughout Tobermory, featuring folk-rock bands, fiddle, accordion, dance and ceilidh bands.

23–26 APRIL NUART ABERDEEN

ART

City Centre, Aberdeen, 2026. nuartaberdeen.co.uk

Street art festival returns with four days of text and poetry-based art on the theme of ‘Poetry Is In The Streets’. Globally renowned street artists will have the cityscape as a blank canvas for this innovative and visionary take on Nuart.

23–26 APRIL

ORKNEY BLUES FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Orkney, orkneyblues.co.uk

A blistering weekend of blues music. The 2026 line-up includes the Deborah Bonham Band, Jon Amor Trio, Liz Jones and Broken Windows, and many more.

24 & 25 APRIL PAISLEY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Paisley, paisley.is

Two days of top street food from across Scotland, with local traders, live music, food workshops and more taking place on Abbey Close and Bridge Street.

24 & 25 APRIL SAMA PAISLEY TAKEOVER 2026 FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Paisley, officialsama.com

Curated by the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and friends, this two-day music festival returns to Paisley with gigs at The Bungalow and Paisley Arts Centre. Featuring the best new Scottish music and shining a spotlight on contemporary music genres.

24 APRIL–8 MAY FIRST DATE: EDINBURGH’S ROMANCE FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Various venues, Edinburgh, lighthousebookshop.com

Taking place at The Lighthouse (Edinburgh’s radical bookshop) and Book Lovers Bookshop (Edinburgh’s romance bookstore), First Date will be headlined by novelist Beth O’Leary.

25 APRIL FIFE BRASS BAND FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, fifebbfestival.wixsite.com/fbbf Brass band entertainment competition for bands from Scotland and beyond, open to the public to enjoy a day of music-making with live, onstage performances from all bands.

25 APRIL SCOTLAND CALLING

MUSIC

Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, louderthanwar.com/shop/tickets

One-day punk festival with the 2026 line-up featuring The Exploited, The Rezillos, UK Subs, Anti-Nowhere League, Ferocious Dog, Subhumans, The Meffs, Gimp Fist and more.

25 APRIL STEREOFUNK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Hamilton Park Racecourse, Hamilton, stereofunkfestival. co.uk

This boutique music festival has firmly established itself in the Scottish clubbing calendar. The 2026 line-up includes Alice DJ, N-Trance, QFX, Dream Frequency, Alison Limerick and Livin’ Joy.

ALSO HAPPENING IN APRIL .

. .

• SPRING HIGHLAND FESTIVAL FORTNIGHT

FOOD & DRINK Dornoch, 8–22 April

• GLASGOW COFFEE

FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Glasgow, 18 & 19 April

• STIRLING WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Stirling, 25 April

25 & 26 APRIL COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Various venues, Isle Of Colonsay, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

Book festival with readings and performances. The 2026 programme includes Mike Berners-Lee, Scotland’s National Makar Peter Mackay, Doug Johnstone and Ambrose Parry.

26 APRIL GLASGOW BLUES, RHYTHM & ROCK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Òran Mór, Glasgow, solidentertainments.com/blues/ glasgow

Featuring performances by artists including King King, Gerry Jablonski Band and Greg Coulson.

29 APRIL–4 MAY SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Various venues, Speyside, spiritofspeyside.com

Meet the makers and taste the world’s finest whiskies. Plus great food, live music, talks, tastings, tours, outdoor adventures, the Spirit Of Speyside Whisky Awards and the renowned Whisky School.

30 APRIL BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL

HERITAGE THEATRE & DANCE

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming, acrobatics, giant puppetry and, of course, fire.

30 APRIL & 1 MAY WIDE DAYS

MUSIC

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, widedays.com

Wide Days shines a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative and diverse new music from Scotland. Through a two-day programme of showcases, conference sessions and networking, the convention provides a forum to connect with Scotland’s music scene.

30 APRIL–3 MAY ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL

ART FILM & TV

Various venues, Hawick, alchemyfilmandarts.org.uk

Distinctive festival of experimental film with an international programme of cinema screenings, moving-image exhibitions, live performances and a ceilidh.

30 APRIL–3 MAY SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandfolkfestival.com

The UK’s most northerly folk festival. The 2026 line-up includes Hannah Rarity, The Chair, The Onlies, Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys, Los Vega and many more.

MAY

1–3 MAY BONFEST

MUSIC

Various venues, Kirriemuir, bonfest.com

Three nights of live music as fans from around the world flock to the Angus town of Kirriemuir to celebrate its most rock’n’roll son, AC/DC frontman Bon Scott. The 2026 line-up includes Reef, Ricky Warwick And The Fighting Hearts, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, The Chris Slade Timeline, Wolfsbane and CJ Wildheart.

1–3 MAY GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Girvan, girvantraditionalfolkfestival.org.uk

Celebrating its 51st year, this festival run by Girvan Folk Club features open sessions, concerts, workshops, a ceilidh, storytelling, talks, trails and kids’ events.

1–3 MAY LIVE IN LOCH GOIL FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Lochgoilhead Village Hall, Lochgoilhead, liveinlochgoil.co.uk

Lochgoilhead’s award-winning festival returns with fantastic live music over two stages, plus local food and drink. The 2026 line-up features Beluga Lagoon with many more to be announced.

1–3 MAY MUCK N’ MAC FEST

FAMILY OUTDOOR SPORT

Traquair House, Innerleithen, mucknmacfest.co.uk

A weekend of gravel riding, live music, talks, films and family friendly

activities. All staged at Traquair House in the Scottish Borders, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house.

1–4 MAY SI-FAN FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, si-fan.org/film-festival

A curated programme of films and animation in sci-fi, fantasy, horror, action, thriller and magical realism.

1–9 MAY DUNSPLAYFEST

THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Duns, dunsplayfest.org.uk

This annual nine-day community drama festival aims to bring the best in new writing for theatre to Berwickshire, while providing opportunities for local artists, nonprofessionals, emerging theatricals and established practitioners to showcase and develop their skills.

1–10 MAY FOLK FILM

GATHERING

FILM & TV HERITAGE

Various venues, Edinburgh, folkcinemas.com

The world’s first festival of folk cinema, celebrating the lived experiences of communities worldwide, with screenings and events in Edinburgh and online.

1–11 MAY EDINBURGH

TRADFEST

ART HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghtradfest.com

Eleven days of perfectly curated folk, trad and trad-adjacent music. Expect banging tunes, elegant Gaelic vocals, four-part harmonies, Canadian banjo, old time maestros from the US, Scandi strings players, Rajasthani sarangi masters, Ukrainian DJs and much more.

1 MAY–12 JUNE GIE IT!

ART FILM & TV THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghcollege.ac.uk/gie-it

Gie it! (previously GLOW) is an arts festival showcasing the work of Edinburgh College’s creative industries and tech students. The programme includes art, design and photography exhibitions, film screenings, live music, dance and theatre performances, plus showcases in creative technology and production arts.

2 & 3 MAY

KELBURN

JAZZ WEEKEND

MUSIC

Kelburn Castle And Estate, Fairlie, kelburngardenparty. com/kelburn-jazz-weekend

A boundary-pushing celebration of Scotland’s fresh jazz and nu-soul scene, with headliners Corto.Alto and Gilles Peterson, plus Athens

Of The North, Becca Sloan, Alexander Nut, Shy One, Azamiah, Coco Maria and many more.

2 & 3 MAY

MACMORAY EASTER FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Cooper Park, Elgin, macmoray.com

Family-friendly festival with two outdoor music stages, children’s activities, food stalls and a funfair. On the bill for 2026 are The Fratellis, UB40, Basshunter, The Wanted 2.0, Cammy Barnes, East 17, 2 Unlimited and many more.

2 & 3 MAY PAVILION FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Low Green, Ayr, pavilionfestival.com

A weekend of heavyweight

names across house, techno and electronic music, with the 2026 line-up featuring Carl Cox, MK (Mark Kinchen) and Ewan McVicar, Alison Limerick, Sasha, John Digweed, Leftfield and La La.

2 & 3 MAY

QUEEN’S PARK SPRING WEEKENDER

MUSIC

Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Glasgow, instagram.com/ queensparkspringweekender

Across two days and two stages, the festival brings together an impressive mix of boundarypushing DJs, live acts, and rising talent. The 2026 line-up, curated by Melting Pot and Optimo, includes Caribou, Mr Scruff, Hercules And Love Affair, Daphni, HAAi and many more.

2 & 3 MAY TECTONICS FESTIVAL MUSIC

City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, Glasgow, bbc.co.uk/tectonics

Led by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, international and local artists gather to explore the boundaries of classical and other forms of music, with a spotlight on new, experimental and genre-defying vocalists, performers and composers.

2–4 MAY

OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE

ART HERITAGE

Various venues, Fife, openstudiosfife.co.uk

An opportunity to speak to artists about their methods and sources of inspiration and buy or commission directly from them. Some artists run workshops and demonstrations during the event

and you also get to see inside the spaces in which they create.

2–16 MAY FALKIRK SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Falkirk, falkirkleisureandculture.org

The annual science festival returns, with a 2026 programme including Innovate at Zetland Park (2 May); Step Back Into Science at Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness (4 May); STEM at Helix Park, Falkirk (9 May); and Wild In Science at Muiravonside Country Park (16 May).

3 MAY DUNDEE

DANCE EVENT

MUSIC

Various venues, Dundee, dundeedanceevent.co.uk

An opportunity for the dance music community to come together, with events happening in 30 venues and over 200 DJs from across Scotland taking part.

4–17 MAY

COLONSAY FESTIVAL OF SPRING

COMMUNITY FAMILY OUTDOOR

Various venues, Isle Of Colonsay, colonsayspringfest.com

Learn more about the rich natural heritage of the island through a whole host of guided walks, activities and events.

6 & 7 MAY TURING

FEST

SCIENCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, turingfest.com

A chance for founders, product leaders, and early-stage investors to come together. Get to know key tech leaders, talk to vendors and meet Europe’s top investors.

Creative Scotland celebrates art and culture all year round, by supporting festivals across the country.

Explore with us in 2026!

/creativescots

/creativescotland

creativescotland.com

7–9 MAY SKYE LIVE MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Skye, skyelive.co.uk

The 11th year of this two-day music festival offering a fusion of genres, with traditional music, bands, DJs and dance acts. The 2026 line-up includes Beluga Lagoon, Dougie MacLean, An Dannsa Dub, Breabach, Dàna, Trip, Rura, Josie Duncan and more.

7–10 MAY DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, dca.org.uk

Annual horror and cult film festival that brings together a mix of previews and premieres of new genre titles, as well as specially selected horror classics.

7–17 MAY FESTIVAL OF EUROPE SCOTLAND POLITICS

Various venues, Scotland, festivalofeuropescotland.org Festival seeking to highlight the tangible ways our shared values have brought benefits to Scotland, the UK and Europe and exploring how through creative effort we can all collaborate to progress a peaceful, sustainable and positive future.

8–10 MAY BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE

Dumfries House, Cumnock, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

Inspired by the great Ayrshire biographer James Boswell, this is the world’s only festival of biography and memoir, attracting big-name authors each year.

8–10 MAY

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Dunoon Burgh Hall and Studio Cinema, Dunoon, dunoonfilmfestival.org

In partnership with Screen Argyll, a selection of films and workshops that inspire fun, music, food and creativity in the community.

8–10 MAY

EDINBURGH SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL

FAMILY FILM & TV

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, edinburghspanishfilmfestival.com

A spring weekend taste of the main festival that takes place in early October (see page 81).

8–10 MAY

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Moniaive, moniaivefolkfestival.com

Three day festival in Galloway of music sessions, family events, a craft fair, open stages, workshops, food and drink, and more.

8–11 MAY

LOCH SHIEL FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Loch Shiel, lochshielfestival.com

Loch Shiel Festival brings together great chamber music and folk performances with the breathtaking surroundings of the Scottish Highlands, inviting top artists from Scotland and further afield.

8–14 MAY

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Newton Stewart, walkfestnewtonstewart.com Galloway is a wonderfully unspoilt

ALSO HAPPENING IN EARLY MAY . . .

• CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING MULTI-ARTS

Stirling, 1 May

• ANGUS FESTIVAL OF MAKERS ART Angus, 1–31 May

• SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL OUTDOOR SPORT

Fort William, 4–9 May

• CLACKMANNANSHIRE’S WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Alloa, 9 May

• EDINBURGH TARTAN

PARADE HERITAGE

MUSIC Edinburgh, 9 May

landscape with a variety of routes for walkers to enjoy. The festival offers a programme of around 30 routes over seven days, with transport and guides included, as well as evening social events.

9 MAY

EDINBURGH UNCORKED WINE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, wineeventsscotland.co.uk/events

A celebration of wines from all over the world, with special guest Joe Wadsack. Taste your way around the globe with hundreds of wines, meet dozens of producers and experts, and take part in engaging wine workshops.

9 MAY

FESTHAILES COUNTRY

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Newhailes House and Gardens, Musselburgh, eventbrite.co.uk

Family-friendly country music festival, plus funfair rides, street food, ice-cream, face painting, and a bar, set in the picturesque grounds of Newhailes House.

9 MAY LITERARY ESCAPE FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

St Matthew’s Church, Perth, literaryescapeco.co.uk

Touring grassroots book festival with various locations around Scotland (see main entry, page 26).

9 & 10 MAY EDINBRICK LEGO MODEL SHOW ART FAMILY

Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh, facebook.com/ Edinbrick

A not-for-profit Lego event celebrating the joys of building and collecting Lego (not associated with The Lego Group).

11–17 MAY ORKNEY NATURE FESTIVAL

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Various venues, Orkney, orkneycommunities.co.uk/ orkneynaturefestival

Running since 2013, this festival has given thousands of people the opportunity to enjoy, and be inspired by, the magnificent Orcadian wildlife.

15 & 16 MAY HELENSBURGH BEER & GIN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Helensburgh And Lomond Civic Centre, Helensburgh, helensburghheart.com

A fun weekend with the chance to sample a wide range of beer, gin and fizz, plus live music and food.

15–17 MAY FIFESING: THE FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Lumsden Memorial Hall,

Freuchie, springthyme.co.uk/ fifesing

An opportunity to meet singers and hear traditional song in an informal gathering, and participate in concerts, workshops and singarounds, with guest singers.

15–17 MAY THE GRALLOCH

OUTDOOR SPORT

Various venues, Gatehouse Of Fleet, grallochgravel.com

The Gralloch is Britain’s premier gravel cycling festival, celebrating endurance, adventure and worldclass riding. The event features shakeout rides, panel talks, live music, local food, craft beer and an event village in Gatehouse Of Fleet.

15–17 MAY

PAISLEY BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Various venues, Paisley, paisleybookfestival.com

The theme for Paisley Book Festival 2026 is ‘Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons’. They’ll welcome some of Scotland’s most iconic writers, thinkers and creatives and there’s also a family day on 16 May.

15–17 MAY

RUSHFEST SCOTLAND

MUSIC

Drygate Brewery and Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, rushfestscotland.co.uk

A weekend of tribute acts, special guests and a fan convention celebrating Canadian rockers Rush. All profit goes to registered cancer charities.

15–17 MAY

SPRINGGRASS

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MUSIC

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

Trad Music Trust presents the fifth annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival, featuring the very best in UK and international bluegrass/ Americana acts. The 2026 line-up includes Taff Rapids from Wales, Damn Tall Buildings from New York, and American mandolinist Jacob Joliff with the Rain Of Animals Trio.

15–18 MAY

ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Isle Of Arran, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

Enjoy guided walks, runs and scrambles with knowledgeable and experienced local guides in Arran’s unique landscape.

15–18 MAY CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST WALKING FESTIVAL

HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Various venues, Strathearn & Perthshire, droverstryst.com

A celebration of the life, work and traditions of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. Enjoy a programme of guided walks in the stunning scenery of Strathearn and surrounding areas, enriched by wildlife, plants, trees and history.

16 MAY

EDINBURGH VEGAN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Edinburgh College Granton Campus, Edinburgh, veganeventsuk.co.uk

Featuring more than 80 stalls, world food caterers, exciting cookery demos, inspirational talks, interactive workshops, and yoga and children’s activities.

16 MAY

FUN FOR LIFE FEST

FAMILY MUSIC

Tollcross Park, Glasgow, funforlifefest.com

Live music, comedy, sports, children’s activities and a light show. The 2026 line-up includes Boney M and Newton Faulkner.

16 MAY KAIJU CON

FILM & TV LITERATURE

SEC, Glasgow, forthefans.uk/ kaiju-anime-con

Kaiju Con (formerly known as Rai Con) is Scotland’s anime, manga and Asian culture convention. Enjoy panels and Q&A’s from special guests, watch the cosplay competition and anime screenings, and have your photo taken in the prop area.

16–22 MAY BALLATER

WALKING FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Ballater, walkballater.com

Outdoor festival catering to walkers of all abilities, with easy, medium and strenuous walks across seven active days. Events are led by knowledgeable local residents, full-time rangers and professional mountain guides.

18–20 MAY PINT OF SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK SCIENCE

Various venues, Scotland, pintofscience.co.uk

Taking place in towns and cities across the UK, (including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews), scientists and researchers head to pubs, cafés and other places to share and discuss their latest

discoveries with you. No prior knowledge required.

18–21 MAY

HELEN HOPEKIRK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh and Glasgow, helenhopekirkcompetition. co.uk/festival

A programme of concerts and educational events celebrating the life, music and legacy of Scottish pianist, composer and teacher Helen Hopekirk (1856–1945). Taking place across Glasgow and Edinburgh, the festival brings together invited international and UK artists, including The Bubblyjock Collective, Dana Muller and Gary Steigerwalt.

18–23 MAY

CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Campbeltown, springbank.scot/malts-festivalinfo

A four-day celebration of Campbeltown’s whiskies: Glen Scotia, Springbank, Glengyle as well as the oldest independent bottler in Scotland, Cadenhead’s.

19–24 MAY

THE VILLAGE

STORYTELLING

FESTIVAL

HERITAGE LITERATURE

The Village Storytelling Centre, Langton Halls, Glasgow, villagestorytelling.org.uk/festival The festival’s 2026 programme will feature contemporary storytellers, a range of performances, screenings and exhibitions from the centre’s community projects, and a twoday symposium of workshops, presentations and discussions.

21–24 MAY KNOCKENGORROCH FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Knockengorroch Farm, Castle Douglas, knockengorroch.org.uk

Now in its 28th year, the lineup for 2026 includes BCUC, Grace Sands, Elias Alexander, Dallahan, Mungos Hi Fi Sound System and The Deltones, plus a dance performance, workshops, sessions, a children’s area, healing area, fire show, stalls and more.

21–24 MAY

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Orkney, orkneyfolkfestival.com

This well-loved festival returns for its 43rd edition. The 2026 line-up features Blazin’ Fiddles, Session A9, Elephant Sessions, Duncan Chisholm, Anna Massie, California’s Kenneth Pattengale, Brooklyn’s Damn Tall Buildings, Finland’s Polenta and many more.

21–30 MAY

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Perth, perthfestival.co.uk

A celebration of the visual and performing arts, featuring artists from around the world. The 2026 line-up features Jools Holland.

21 MAY–14 JUNE

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Dumfries and Galloway, dgartsfestival.org.uk

This annual festival features worldclass performing arts from local and national artists, including theatre, music, dance, comedy and children’s shows.

ALSO HAPPENING IN LATE MAY . . .

• BEARSCOTWEST

COMMUNITY Various venues, Glasgow, 22–24

May

• THE FIFE SHOW FAMILY Kinloss, Cupar, 23 May

• EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL SPORT

Edinburgh, 23 & 24 May

• GLASGOW IMPROV MARATHON COMEDY

Glasgow, 30 May

22 & 23 MAY

STRICHEN FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

The Ritchie Hall, Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk/ strichen-festival

A chance to appreciate the area’s rich tradition of music, song, verse, drama and story, and hear the broad Doric language. A pre-festival dance on Friday night paves the way for competitions on Saturday in Doric verse, storytelling, bothy ballads, fiddle and accordion, plus a concert.

22–24 MAY

FLY FESTIVAL GLASGOW

MUSIC

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, flyflyfly.co.uk/open-air

Three days of world-class electronic music on the banks of the Clyde, featuring Chloe Caillet, Jamback, Kolter, Max Dean, Marlon Hoffstadt, Nadia Summer, Obskur, Omar+, Paige Tomlinson, Paso, Rossi, Simone and more.

22–24 MAY

PUNK ON THE PENINSULA

MUSIC

Coal Pier, Dunoon,

punkonthepeninsula.rocks

With over 40 bands, the weekend brings a mix of legendary names from the punk and alternative music world alongside up-andcoming bands. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the line-up features GBH, Hung Like Hanratty, Australian band Rust and more.

22–31 MAY

FÈIS ÌLE: THE ISLAY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, feisile.co.uk

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this ten-day festival focuses on whisky, live entertainment and the beautiful scenery of the island. Each distillery hosts an open day, with tastings, tours, music and more. You can also enjoy ceilidhs, folk nights and whisky nosings.

23 & 24 MAY

GLASGOW ZINE FEST

LITERATURE

The Briggait, Glasgow, glasgowzinelibrary.com/ glasgow-zine-fest

A yearly celebration with talks, hands-on workshops, and, of course, zines. The 2026 festival, their 13th, will feature a rich programme of events and the return of their zine fair.

23–25 MAY SPRING FLING

ART

Various venues, Dumfries and Galloway, spring-fling.co.uk Artists and craft-makers welcome you into their studios to share their work, methods, inspiration, tools, materials and techniques. Around 80 studios take part, showcasing painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, jewellery and more.

23 MAY–6 JUNE RISE FESTIVAL

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Findhorn, Glasgow, Inverness & Wick,dancenorth.scot

An innovative programme of contemporary dance, featuring work from international and local choreographers and groups, plus talks, films and special events. The focus for 2026 is global Indigenous dance, including work by Indigenous Australian artist Jacob Boehme.

23 MAY–9 AUGUST GLASGOW 2026 FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS SPORT

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgow2026.com

A series of signature events, specially commissioned art installations and community-led activities around Glasgow to complement and celebrate the city’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games (see feature, page 16).

28–31 MAY

KELSO COUNTRY AND WESTERN FESTIVAL MUSIC

Borders Events Centre, Kelso, facebook.com/groups/ kelsocwfestival

A fun, country-themed day out with live bands, trade stalls, line dancing and more.

29–31 MAY FYNEFEST

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, fynefest.com

A celebration of great drinks, tasty food and good times. Hosted by the team at Fyne Ales, this laid-back festival brings together a community of beer lovers, foodies and music fans for an unforgettable weekend.

29–31 MAY HADDSTOCK FESTIVAL

ART FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Haddington, haddstock.co.uk

Haddstock returns this year, bringing music, arts, literary and family events to town. The garden theme for 2026 will combine an open garden trail with botanical and green events, in partnership with East Lothian Climate Hub. Look out for more details online.

29–31 MAY

MONTROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL (MO FEST)

MUSIC

Various venues, Montrose, montrosemusicfestival.co.uk

Known as ‘Mo Fest’, this annual event offers band nights, ceilidhs, a family day and a range of music gigs in venues around the town and on the high street.

30 MAY DAYS FESTIVAL

MUSIC

The Pitt Market, Edinburgh, instagram.com/days.festival

Electronic music festival with indoor and outdoor stages, food market and merch. The 2026 line-up includes Daniel Avery, DJ Seinfeld, Sweely and more.

30 MAY THE GATHERING

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Northern Meeting Park Arena, Inverness, thegatheringscotland.com

One-day festival celebrating some of the best music, culture, food and drink from the Highlands and across Scotland. The 2026 lineup includes Skerryvore, Beluga Lagoon, Torridon, Talisk, Valtos, Kim Carnie and more.

30 MAY MAUCHLINE HOLY FAIR

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Mauchline, East Ayrshire, mauchlineholyfair.com

This traditional fun day out features over 70 stalls, dances, live music, children’s activities, a football match, talks and performances celebrating the legacy of Robert Burns.

30 & 31 MAY PRTY FSTVL 2026 MUSIC

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, prtyevents.co.uk

A new era of PRTY FSTVL begins this summer at Glasgow’s iconic open-air venue.Three stages featuring the signature PRTY sound, a blend of hard bounce, hard techno and industrial.

30 MAY–6 JUNE INVERNESS FESTIVAL OF WALKING AND WHEELING

OUTDOOR

Various venues, Inverness, wawfest.com

A fun programme of events, including themed walks and cycles, join-in activities and more.

30 MAY–7 JUNE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, imaginate.org.uk

Edinburgh’s acclaimed children’s festival delivers a programme of theatre, dance, storytelling and puppetry presented by top companies from around the world.

31 MAY–14 JUNE LIGHT THE BLUE

ART FAMILY FILM & TV MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenperformingarts.com/ light-the-blue

Multi-artform festival created for young people, by young people, featuring a line-up of theatre, dance, music, film and more.

JUNE

1–28 JUNE WESTFEST

FAMILY MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Glasgow, westfest.uk

The fourth WestFest brings together 150 events in 60-plus venues across Glasgow’s West End. Expect a mix of community groups, local and international artists, events, exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops and screenings.

1–30 JUNE SCOTTISH GEOLOGY FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Scotland, scottishgeologytrust.org/ festival

The theme of the 2026 festival is ‘300 Years Of Deep Time’, with a broad programme of activities across Scotland and online, including guided walks, geologyinspired exhibitions, talks and more.

3–7 JUNE HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Venue tbc, Edinburgh, hiddendoorarts.org

Hidden Door specialises in finding forgotten urban spaces and transforming them into a festival venue, filling the chosen location with new and emerging talent delivering live music, visual art, dance, film and spoken word.

4–7 JUNE

THE SOUND OF GIGHA

ART FAMILY MUSIC

Isle Of Gigha, thesoundofgigha.co.uk

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Gigha, this is an intimate celebration of music, culture and creativity. Expect a jam-packed four days filled with live music, dancing, art, cultural heritage, local skills and talent, wellness activities, children’s entertainment and family fun.

4–14 JUNE

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

Celebrating its 20th birthday, Glasgow Science Festival is taking a look back: what has Glasgowbased research contributed to the scientific world and what could the next 20 years look like? With talks, fun activities and events for all ages in venues across the city.

5–7 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Brodick, Isle Of Arran, arranfolkfestival.co.uk

Celebrating the 30th Arran Folk Festival in 2026, with free-toattend afternoon sessions at the Douglas Hotel, evening concerts in Brodick Village Hall, late-night sessions and special free-toattend workshops.

5–7 JUNE

CYMERA: SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR WRITING

LITERATURE

The Pleasance, Edinburgh,

cymerafestival.co.uk

A space for readers and writers of science fiction, fantasy and horror to come together in celebration of genre fiction, with author panels, book signings, writing workshops, open mics, live performances, quizzes, tabletop games and more.

5–7 JUNE

LEITH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, leithjazz.com

Three days of great jazz and blues musicianship across Leith.

5–7 JUNE

PORTSOY MUSIC

FESTIVAL: THE 16TH HAAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Portsoy, bothyfolk.org

A festival of music, song and storytelling in and around the village of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire, from singarounds and seaside shanties to headline concerts. The

36

line-up for 2026 includes Siobhan Miller, Eileen Ordish, Thomas McCarthy and more.

5–7 JUNE WILDHOOD FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Tullibole Castle, Crook of Devon, wildhoodfestival.com

An award-winning family festival created especially for children aged 12 and under, with music, theatre, storytelling, puppetry, nature adventure and outdoor creativity, as well as heritage arts, traditional crafts, forest trails, science experiments and more.

5–8 JUNE MARINE FEST

FAMILY OUTDOOR SCIENCE

Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, seabird.org

Now in its sixth year, Marine Fest is a fun-filled programme of walks, talks, workshops, a family-friendly open day and an extra-special puffin express boat trip, giving people of all ages a taste of the magic of the marine world.

5–14 JUNE OPEN GATE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Aberfeldy, healthiesttown.org

Community food and growing festival (see main entry, page 32).

5–21 JUNE GLASGOW

INTERNATIONAL

ART

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowinternational.org

Glasgow International 2026 includes exhibitions and projects, performances and discursive events at more than 20 spaces across the city, featuring work by over 50 artists.

6 JUNE

THE FESTIVAL OF BALLANTRAE

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Ballantrae, ballantraefoodfest.com

A fun day out in South Ayrshire, with food tastings, pop-up restaurants and bars, organic food stalls, cookery demonstrations, live music and more.

7 JUNE DUNDEE WESTFEST

FAMILY MUSIC

Magdalen Green, Dundee, dundeewestfest.org

A fun day out for all the family, with live music, a carnival, DJ tent, stalls, displays and kids’ activities.

10–14 JUNE

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, jazzfest.co.uk

Glasgow Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary and welcomes some of the biggest names in jazz,

blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music, for concerts, a late-night jazz club, film screenings and talks.

11–14 JUNE

BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Harmony House, Melrose, bordersbookfestival.org

Author events capturing the latest fiction, current affairs, history and politics, along with personalities from sport, music and entertainment. The festival also hosts a range of health and wellbeing sessions, plus artisan food and drink, live music and a festival book shop.

11–14 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL

COMEDY FAMILY MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Raehills Meadows, Moffat, edenfestival.co.uk

Festival held over ten different music stages, a kids’ arena, circus tent, comedy, cabaret and workshops, as well as a feast of performers, artworks, games and much more.

11–14 JUNE

SHETLAND NOIR

LITERATURE

Mareel, Lerwick, shetlandarts. org/festivals/shetland-noir

A programme packed full of author talks, workshops, panel discussions and special events, curated in 2026 by authors Ann Cleeves, and Marsali Taylor. Guests include Lee Child, Louise Penny, Vaseem Khan, Yrsa Sigurdardottir and Professor Lorna Dawson.

12–14 JUNE

KILLIN MUSIC FEST

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Killin, killinmusicfest.com

Showcasing the unique culture of

Scotland and its music, the festival includes performances from local, national and international musicians, and hosts a variety of community, heritage, arts and family activities.

12–14 JUNE

MEATOPIA ON FIRE

FOOD & DRINK

SWG3, Glasgow meatopia.co.uk

The very best live-fire chefs, all cooking over wood or charcoal to serve one carefully curated dish each. The Meatopia menu is served up alongside frosty drinks, with great bands and banging DJs.

12–14 JUNE

POTFEST SCOTLAND

ART

Scone Palace, Perth, potfest.co.uk

Under large marquees across the palace lawns, meet the 90 studio ceramics artists taking part. Wander Scone’s grounds, gardens and pinetum. Talk to the makers, discover what fuels their passion for clay and buy direct.

12–14 JUNE

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Portsoy, stbfportsoy.org

Heritage boats from across the country drop anchor in this historic Aberdeenshire harbour for a weekend of celebrations, including music and dance, Scottish food and drink, demonstrations of age-old crafts and more.

12–14 JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Keith, keithfestival.com

ALSO HAPPENING IN JUNE . . .

• CURRIE BEER AND CURRY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Edinburgh, 5 & 6 June

• LARGS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Largs, 6 & 7 June

• MEADOWS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY FAMILY MUSIC Edinburgh, 6 & 7 June

• DUNDEE’S WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Dundee, 13 June

• HINA MATSURI JAPANESE SPRING FESTIVAL ART MUSIC

Glasgow, 13 June

• SUMMER SESSIONS GLASGOW MUSIC

Glasgow, 27 June–4 July

• RENFREW FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Renfrew, 27 & 28 June

Now in its 51st year, Keith Festival offers three days of Scottish traditional music, song, dance and verse in the Moray town, with guest artists, musicians and singers taking part in a range of sessions, competitions, concerts and ceilidhs.

12–21 JUNE REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND

COMMUNITY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Scotland, refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

A ten-day celebration of creativity, culture and heritage bringing communities together to enjoy music, dance, art, food, language and cultural heritage.

12–22 JUNE

MORAY WALKING & OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Various venues, Moray, moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk

From the foothills of the Cairngorms to Moray’s awardwinning coastline, you can enjoy long summer days discovering the area’s natural, historical and cultural landscape.

13–21 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Various venues, Edinburgh, leithfestival.com

Leith shows off its festival skills with a packed programme of events including gigs, exhibitions, concerts, walks, talks and films, plus a special gala day on Leith Links on 13 June, and Leith Festival Pageant and Tattoo on 21 June.

14 JUNE AWAKENING THE FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Callendar Park, Falkirk, facebook.com/ awakeningthefestival

Scotland’s only music festival exclusively aimed at people with disabilities, with live bands, DJs, therapy animals and a sensory yurt.

14–20 JUNE

PEEBLES BELTANE FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Peebles, peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk

Local legend, history and tradition combine for this annual festival. Events across the week are topped off with a crowning ceremony and grand procession to mark the beginning of summer.

15–20 JUNE

MELROSE FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Various venues, Melrose, melrosefestival.co.uk

Annual festival featuring the common riding, crowning of the Melrose Queen, a ball, pipe bands, fancy dress parade, family day and more.

18–21 JUNE THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW

ART FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, royalhighlandshow. org

Part agricultural show, part food festival, part family fun day out, with everything from motor, equine and craft programmes to food and drink, live music, cookery demonstrations and children’s activities.

19 & 20 JUNE SILVERBURN FESTIVAL MUSIC

Silverburn Park, Leven, facebook.com/ silverburnfestival

A two-day music event with three stages of music, DJs from across Scotland, food and drink and free entry for under 14s. Expect rock, funk, folk, pop, indie, punk, metal, ska, techno, bassline and more.

19–21 JUNE

OBAN INTERNATIONAL SHANTY FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Oban, obanshanty.org.uk

A weekend of rip-roaring songs and music of the sea, amid the spectacular scenery of the West Highlands.

19–21 JUNE SOLAS FESTIVAL FAMILY MULTI-ARTS Errol Park, Errol,

solasfestival.co.uk

A midsummer music and arts gathering in the heart of Perth and Kinross, with performances and workshops in music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts and wellbeing, plus talks and debates.

19–21 JUNE TRNSMT FESTIVAL MUSIC

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, trnsmtfest.com

Music festival in the heart of Glasgow. The 2026 line-up includes Richard Ashcroft, Wolf Alice, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Kasabian, The Snuts, Lewis Capaldi, Amy Macdonald and more.

19–28 JUNE ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

ART MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Orkney, stmagnusfestival.com

A wide variety of events including music, theatre, arts, dance, literature, cabaret and folk music alongside community projects, education and learning opportunities.

20 JUNE

THE COMET FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Coronation Park, Port Glasgow Annual celebration to commemorate the launch of The Comet, the first passenger carrying steamship in Europe. With local bands, children’s entertainment, boat rides, local traders, the Port Glasgow 10k and much more.

20 JUNE

EDINBURGH CANAL FESTIVAL AND RAFT RACE

COMMUNITY FAMILY OUTDOOR

Union Canal, Edinburgh, edinburghcanalfestival.org.uk

A fun day out for visitors and residents to enjoy, with stalls, live music, family activities, canal boat trips and more, at venues along the Union Canal.

20–27 JUNE

OUTER HEBRIDES WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SCIENCE

Various venues, Outer Hebrides, outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk Annual community-led celebration of the incredible wildlife of the Outer Hebrides, with a programme of events spread across the

islands, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy, learn about, connect with, and take action for nature in the area.

24–28 JUNE

NORTH ATLANTIC FIDDLE CONVENTION

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeen, northatlanticfiddle.com

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the convention brings together an international programme of fiddle music and dance traditions from across the North Atlantic, including workshops, dances, sessions, concerts, youth events, busking trails and a festival club.

26–28 JUNE

HEARTLAND FESTIVAL MUSIC

Pitlochry Recreation Ground, Pitlochry, heartlandfestival.co.uk

A family-friendly music festival, with top headlining acts, a discovery stage for upcoming artists and much more. The 2026 line-up includes Marti Pellow, Skipinnish, Peat & Diesel, Torridon, Cammy Barnes, Billy Reekie, Katie Nicoll, Star Sailor, Skids, Ben Walker and Emerald Sunday.

26–28 JUNE

SOUTH SCOTLAND OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR SPORT

Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, southscotlandoutdoorfestival. com

A jam-packed programme of rides, runs, talks, films, food and drink, live music and more, including the Grinduro gravel ride, scenic road cycles and exhilarating trail runs. Beyond the tracks and trails, recharge your energy in the wellness zone.

JUNE

26–28 JUNE

WILDFIRE FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Wanlockhead Inn, Wanlockhead, wildfirefestival.co.uk

A weekend of rock and metal music performed in Scotland’s highest village. The 2026 lineup includes Thieves Of Liberty, Pyroclast, Midnite City, Apriori, Hard Buds and many more. Stages split between an outdoor marquee and Wanlockhead Inn.

27 JUNE

GRANITE CITY FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, granitecityfest.co.uk

Aberdeen’s home of electronic music, bringing together thousands of fans for an unforgettable oneday celebration. Expect massive stages, world-class DJs, high-end production and a vibrant crowd. The line-up for 2026 includes The Time Frequency, Billy Gillies, Alison Limerick, Gok Wan and many more.

27 & 28 JUNE

BLAZIN’ IN BIGGAR

MUSIC

Gillespie Centre, Biggar, blazininbiggar.com

Blazin’ in Biggar brings together fiddlers, guitarists and piano players for a weekend of workshops and music-making.

27 & 28 JUNE

YOUTH BEATZ

FAMILY MUSIC

Park Farm, Dumfries, youthbeatz.co.uk

Billed as Scotland’s biggest and best free youth music festival, primarily aimed at 12–25 year olds, with a big emphasis on community spirit, civic pride, safety, accessibility and inclusivity.

JULY

1–5 JULY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, East Neuk, Fife, eastneukfestival.com

Five days of top-quality artists from around the world, playing jazz, classical and traditional music.

The 2026 line-up includes Fergus McCreadie, Trout Quintet, The Tallis Scholars II, Calidore Quartet and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

1 JULY–31 AUGUST

ABOYNE & DEESIDE FESTIVAL

MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Aboyne and Upper Deeside, aboyneanddeesidefestival.org.uk

The annual two-month festival presents a wide range of events including classical, folk and contemporary music, talks, films and outdoor theatre performed by Illyria.

2–6 JULY

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

FAMILY MUSIC

Kelburn Castle and Estate, Fairlie, kelburngardenparty.com

This annual music and arts festival is known for its diverse and exciting programme across ten unique stages. Expect everything from house, techno and electronica to jazz, folk, hip hop, funk and lots more.

3 & 4 JULY DOONFEST

HERITAGE MUSIC

Dalrymple, Ayrshire, doonfest.org

A three-day music and community festival with concerts, workshops, food and drink. On the line-up for 2026 are Davie Anderson, RuMac,

The Banned, Porkpie, Glasville, Cafe Orchestra and more.

3 & 4 JULY WOMAD GLASGOW

FAMILY MUSIC

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, womadglasgow.co.uk

The first-ever Womad in Scotland will bring high-profile and emerging artists to Kelvingrove Park, celebrating music and cultural expression from around the globe.

3–5 JULY GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR

FAMILY HERITAGE

Scone Palace, Perth, scottishfair.com

Three days of country sports, competitions and main ring events and entertainment at this familyfriendly fair. You’ll find falconry displays, gun dogs, pipe bands, cookery demonstrations, foraging, shooting and a range of traders and stalls.

3–5 JULY NEWCASTLETON TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Newcastleton Village Hall, Newcastleton, newcastleton.org.uk

A space for musicians, singers, poets and storytellers to get together in the Scottish Borders and share their love of traditional culture, with an opening concert and ceilidh dance, followed by competitions, workshops and sessions, plus the ancient Copshaw Common Riding.

3–5 JULY

WATER SOUND BLUEGRASS & ROOTS FESTIVAL

JULY

JULY

MUSIC

Burray Hall, Orkney, watersoundfestival.co.uk

The UK’s most northerly bluegrass and roots festival, bringing Orkney residents and visitors together to celebrate, with workshops and jamming opportunities alongside performances from a fantastic line-up.

3–6 JULY

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Eden Court, Inverness, ytas. org.uk/whats-on/nationalfestival-of-youth-theatre

Every two years, NFYT brings together young creative talent, enabling them to discover and celebrate a shared passion, and develop as artists, leaders, audience members and creative thinkers. The festival includes programmed shows, creative workshops and social events.

4 JULY DOOF IN THE PARK

MUSIC

Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, doofinthepark.com

Boundary-pushing DJ, producer and label head, Hannah Laing, brings Doof In The Park back to Dundee for another year, with hard house, techno and trance courtesy of Eddie Halliwell, Maddix, Novah, Odymel, Paul Van Dyk, The Rocketman and more.

4 JULY

PAISLEY ALIVE FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Barshaw Park, Paisley, paisleyalivefestival.com

A community movement designed to inspire healthier lifestyles and showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage. With a daytime wellness,

fitness and family programme, followed by night-time music from Rag’N’Bone Man, Sister Sledge, Emeli Sandé, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 and more.

4 JULY SMA’ SHOT DAY

FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Paisley, paisley.is/featured_event/ sma-shot-day

This well-loved event in the Paisley calendar commemorates the historic victory of the weavers over their employers in the 19th century and has developed into an annual celebration of arts and culture.

4 & 5 JULY

FILM & COMIC CON GLASGOW

FILM & TV LITERATURE

Braehead Arena, Glasgow, filmandcomicconglasgow.com

A fun weekend for fans of pop culture, where you can browse trade stalls, meet the stars behind your favourite film and TV characters, visit the cosplay and comics zones and more. Guests

Surge Festival, page 62

include Craig Charles, Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury.

4 & 5 JULY LOCH LOMOND SHORES: SUMMERFEST

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

A day out for the family, with street food, live music performances, shopping, stalls and funfair rides.

5 JULY BARKLOVE

COMMUNITY FAMILY SWG3, Glasgow, barklove.co.uk

The ultimate festival for dog lovers, (whether you have a dog or not). A day full of dog-themed discovery, with education and wellness sessions, and a carefully curated dog marketplace.

5–10 JULY CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY

MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, cantilenafestival.co.uk

Every July, the Hebridean island of Islay is home to Cantilena’s professional musicians and students of the Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland, who bring a programme of chamber music to residents and visitors, with many concerts held in the famous Islay whisky distilleries.

5–10 JULY CEÒLAS SUMMER SCHOOL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Cnoc Soilleir, Daliburgh, South Uist, ceolas.co.uk

Ceòlas celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, so join them for ‘Sgoil Shamhraidh’, their annual summer school for Gaelic language, music, song and dance, taught by world-class Gaelic, Scottish and Cape Breton tutors and musicians.

6 & 7 JULY

TARBERT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

Tarbert Harbour, Tarbert, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

A two-day celebration of the fish and shellfish from the waters of Loch Fyne in Argyll, with cookery demonstrations, workshops, live music, the crowning of the Seafood Festival Queen, and a festival parade through the village.

8–13 JULY

SINGLE PARENT FESTIVAL

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Douglaswood, Kirkbuddo, singleparentfestivals.com

A chance for single parents and their kids to join together for a week-long festival in the beautiful Angus countryside. Each week is packed full of activities and entertainment for kids (of all ages) and adults.

8 JULY–30 AUGUST UNDER CANVAS

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Eden Court, Inverness, Highland, eden-court.co.uk

Eden Court’s flagship outdoor summer festival, performed under a big top on the beautiful banks of the River Ness, showcasing traditional and contemporary Scottish music.

10–12 JULY

NEWTON STEWART AND MINNIGAFF

TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

Annual festival celebrating the best in traditional Scottish, Irish and world music.

10–12 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Stonehaven, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

This popular festival features some of the best traditional and contemporary folk music, concerts, ceilidh, sessions, singarounds and workshops, plus the famous aqua ceilidh and world paper’n’comb championships. The 2026 line-up includes the Capstan Quartet, Sian, Breabach and more.

10–12 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Crossapol Bay, Isle Of Tiree, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

Multiple award-winning music festival set beside the beautiful white beaches of Crossapol on Tiree. Featuring a mix of Scottish big-name acts, local musicians and events.

10–19 JULY CASTLE CONCERTS

MUSIC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, regularmusic.com

Concerts set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The 2026 line-up features Callum Beattie (10 July), Garbage (11 July), James Taylor (14 July), Deacon Blue (17 July), Snow Patrol (18 July), and Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban with the RSNO (19 July).

11

JULY SCOTTISH NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Eden Court, Inverness, scottishnationalwhiskyfestival. com

Some of the best exhibitors from across the whisky industry, with hundreds of whiskies and other spirits available to sample. Festivalgoers can also enjoy live music and entertainment, food vendors and masterclasses.

12 JULY GLASGOW VEGAN SUMMER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Easterhouse Sports Centre, Glasgow, veganeventsuk.co.uk

Over 80 stalls selling vegan food and drink, clothing and toiletries. Plus talks, workshops and demos.

15–18 JULY HEBCELT

FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, hebceltfest.com

HebCelt mixes the best local talent with leading Scottish, UK and world artists to provide a feast of music to appeal to all ages. Confirmed acts for 2026 include Mànran, Peatbog Faeries, Beinn Lee and The Saw Doctors.

RIANNE DOWNEY • SKIDS • DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND AZIZ IBRAHIM (EX STONE ROSES) • GOODBYE MR. MACKENZIE CHRIS HAWKINS (BBC RADIO 6) PRESENTS AWESOME FRIENDS: SEB LOWE - THE GUEST LIST - PLASTICINE

RUMAC • OH MY GOD IT’S THE CHURCH • RUDEBEARD • BOMBSKARE

DICK & DOM • JOE GOODALL • THE HERBALISER BAND • WILL VARLEY PORKPIE • COLONEL MUSTARD & THE DIJON 5 • KING OF BIRDS

HEADSTICKS • ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM • RISKIE AND THE RIDICULE

LEVENGROVE • NORTHERN SOUL TRAIN • THE COMPLETE STONE ROSES MAJELEN • TRAGEDY (ALL METAL TRIBUTE TO THE BEE GEES AND BEYOND)

RAGGED SCHOOL UNION • SHANNON PEARL • THE BERRIE BIG BAND THE RENNAISANCE • RAGGED SCHOOL UNION • THIEVES OF LIBERTY

CARDROSS ESTATE, STIRLINGSHIRE 17TH, 18TH & 19TH JULY 2026 Tickets on sale from: www.backdounetherabbithole.co.uk & many more

17 & 18 JULY

DORNOCH MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

The Meadows Park, Dornoch, dornochbeerfestival.co.uk

A weekend of live music, local craft beers and delicious food featuring bands The Hoosiers and The Tumbling Paddies, Scottish singer Martin Bannon, and country singers Harleymoon Kemp and Erin Ponsonby.

17–19 JULY

BACK DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

FAMILY MUSIC

Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, backdounetherabbithole.co.uk

This family-friendly festival returns, with acts performing indie, rock, ska, folk, punk, electronic and more. Along with main headliner Ash, the 2026 line-up includes Alabama 3, EMF, Huey Morgan, Skids, Utah Saints, EMF, Space, and Dick & Dom with a DJ set.

17–26 JULY

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, ejbf.co.uk

Scotland’s largest jazz festival with a programme featuring all genre styles from early jazz to the avant garde, with home-grown talent and international stars. The 2026 line-up features Jools Holland at the Usher Hall on 22 July.

17–26 JULY

MUSIC AT PAXTON MUSIC

Paxton House And Country Park, Paxton, musicatpaxton.co.uk

Top quality chamber, choral and

folk music in the Scottish Borders from established international musicians and young prize-winners.

18–26 JULY LARGO ARTS WEEK

MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Largo, largoartsweek.com

With over 60 artists from across the Fife villages showing work from a wide range of art and craft forms, plus competitions, storytelling, talks, workshops, tours, children’s events and more.

18–26 JULY

MUSSELBURGH FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Musselburgh, musselburghfestival.org

A packed week with parades, sporting events, costumes, crowning of the Honest Lad and Lass, family cycle events, races and the famous Common Riding.

18–26 JULY

PETERHEAD SCOTTISH WEEK

COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Various venues, Peterhead, peterheadscottishweek.org

A week-long programme of cultural events across the Aberdeenshire town of Peterhead, including shows, displays, competitions, entertainment and crowning of the Buchan Queen and Princesses.

19 JULY

SCOTTISH FESTIVAL OF MOTORING

FAMILY

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, festivalofmotoring.co.uk

Featuring an indoor showcase arena with cars, trucks and motorcycles on display, plus live

ALSO HAPPENING IN JULY

. . .

• BRECHIN BIKE AND TRIKE FEST FAMILY OUTDOOR Brechin, 4 July

• EAGLESHAM BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Eaglesham, 4 July

• GLASGOW MELA FAMILY MUSIC Glasgow, 5 July

• GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN GOLF SPORT Dirleton, 8–12 July

• RUN THE BLADES SPORT Eaglesham,17–19 July

• ISPS HANDA SENIOR OPEN GOLF SPORT Gleneagles, 23–26 July

• PERTH SHOW FAMILY Perth, 31 July & 1 August

stunt shows, music, exhibitions, a trade village, passenger experiences, junior driving, kids’ zone and more.

20–26 JULY

UNSTFEST

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Various venues, Unst, Shetland, facebook.com/unstfest

Britain’s most northerly festival, featuring family-friendly events, sporting competitions, workshops, races, beach events, walks, live music and a procession.

22

JULY–1 AUGUST CRAIL FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Crail, crailfestival.org

Celebrating 40 years in 2026, this festival is a lively mix of art, music and family fun. This year’s line-up includes Jill Jackson (23 July), Blazin’ Fiddles (24 July), Carlyle (25 July), Restricted Code (28 July), The Bluebells (1 August), a quiz and more.

23 JULY–2 AUGUST COMMONWEALTH GAMES SPORT

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgow2026.com

An 11-day festival of top-level sport, with world-famous athletes, swimmers and cyclists among 3000 competitors from 74 nations and territories.

24 & 25 JULY EILEAN

DORCHA FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Liniclate Machair, Isle Of Benbecula, edffestival.com

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this friendly festival in the Outer Hebrides showcases a wide range of music. The 2026 lineup includes Elephant Sessions, Torridon, Siobhan Miller, The Tumbling Paddies, Skerryvore, GBX, Norrie MacIver and more.

24–26 JULY DISCOVERY FESTIVAL MUSIC

Slessor Gardens, Dundee, discoveryfestival.co.uk

The 2026 line-up features The Libertines, Level 42, Marc Almond, Tony Hadley, Five, Sophie EllisBextor, Haircut 100, Jaki Graham, Hue & Cry and many more.

24–26 JULY EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow, glasgowbarons.com

Run by the Glasgow Barons, this festival is a gathering of Scotland’s finest period music talent.

24–26 JULY & 31 JULY–2 AUGUST MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Merchant City, Glasgow, merchantcityfestival.com

This diverse festival features

comedy, theatre and visual art, with street performers adding to the atmosphere.

24–26 JULY SPEYFEST

MUSIC

Various venues, Speyside, speyfest.com

Three days of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, with concerts, ceilidhs, stomps and workshops, plus a craft fair, food and drink, and Speyfest Family Sunday. The line-up for 2026 includes The Tumbling Paddies, Karen Matheson Band, Astro Bloc, Dallahan and many more.

24–26 JULY & 31 JULY–2 AUGUST SURGE FESTIVAL

COMEDY FAMILY MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Glasgow, surge.scot

A festival of street arts, physical theatre and circus, bringing new Scottish work and cutting-edge international performances to the streets, theatres and unusual spaces of Glasgow.

24 JULY–2 AUGUST

EDINBURGH FOLK & FOOD FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

George Square, Edinburgh, edfoodfest.com

George Square Gardens and its environs fill up with street food vendors, picnic tables, pop-up bars and food stalls, alongside a programme of cookery workshops as well as gigs from trad and alttrad musicians.

25 JULY FALKIRK FEST

MUSIC

Callendar Park, Falkirk, falkirkfest.co.uk

Live music festival celebrating some of the biggest artists of all time through top-class tribute acts, with the 2026 line-up featuring tributes to Queen, AC/ DC, David Bowie, Robbie Williams and The Smiths.

27 JULY–15 AUGUST SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE BANDSTAND MUSIC

Kelvingrove Bandstand And Amphitheatre, Glasgow, regularmusic.com

The 2026 Summer Nights lineup includes The Flaming Lips, Suzanne Vega, Mika, OMD, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Elephant Sessions, Tash Sultana, Marti Pellow, ABC, Idlewild, Billy Ocean, The Bluebells and Friends Again.

30 JULY–1 AUGUST BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

THEATRE & DANCE

Belladrum Estate, Kiltarlity, tartanheartfestival.com

This family-friendly festival just 20 minutes drive from Inverness returns with a line-up that includes James, The Human League, Callum Beattie, Mika, Razorlight, Lloyd Cole, Kula Shaker, Scouting For Girls and many more.

31 JULY & 1 AUGUST ARBROATH MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Various venues, Arbroath, andreousbistro.co.uk/musicfood-festival-2026

Festival showcasing an eclectic mix of rock, indie, jazz and folk from up-and-coming artists and established acts, paired with some of the finest local food vendors.

31 JULY–9 AUGUST

FRINGE BY THE SEA

MULTI-ARTS

Lodge Grounds, North Berwick, fringebythesea.com

A ten-day multi-arts festival set in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick. The 2026 lineup includes Capercaillie, Louis Theroux, Belle And Sebastian, Ben Fogle, Kool & the Gang, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, and more.

AUGUST

1 AUGUST

DUNDEE BREW FEST

FOOD & DRINK

Canvas, Dundee, facebook. com/dundeebrewfest

A celebration of craft beer, street food, live music and local producers, with a strong focus on Scottish breweries. Look out for some special additions to mark their 5th anniversary.

1–8 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL

ART

Various venues, Pittenweem, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

From front rooms to garages, this is a unique opportunity to connect with over 180 artists in the East Neuk. Gain insights into their creative process and take home a unique piece of art.

3–8 AUGUST

SHETLAND FIDDLE WEEK

MUSIC

Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick, shetlandfiddleweek.com

A five-day music school with fiddle workshops led by experienced Shetland musicians. Concerts and sessions feature some of

Shetland’s talented local musicians who keep the tradition alive.

7–9 AUGUST BUTE NOIR LITERATURE

Glenburn Hotel, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, butenoir.co.uk

Annual crime-writing festival held on the beautiful Isle Of Bute, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

7–9 AUGUST

FOODIES FESTIVAL (EDINBURGH)

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, foodiesfestival.com

Watch Michelin-starred chefs and MasterChef stars cooking their favourite recipes and giving you top tips, including Barry Bryson, Joe Wadsack, Jilly McCord, Rohan Wadke and Sophie Sugrue. Plus live music from Symphonic Ibiza, Gareth Gates and Scouting For Girls, with kids’ activities, shopping, a wellness village and more.

7–16 AUGUST

EDINBURGH DEAF FESTIVAL

ART MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghdeaffestival.com

An accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage, aiming to bring the arts to deaf audiences and give mainstream audiences the opportunity to learn more about deaf culture while enjoying a variety of performances.

7–29 AUGUST

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

HERITAGE MUSIC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, edintattoo.co.uk

This unique event draws crowds

and performers from all over the world, with massed pipes and drums, military bands, display teams, dancers and light projections. The theme for 2026 is ‘A Call To Gather’.

7–29 AUGUST

VIVE LE FRINGE!

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Institut Français d’Ecosse, Edinburgh, ifecosse.org.uk

Part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Vive le Fringe! gives a platform to francophone and francophile companies.

7–30 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, eif.co.uk

Three weeks of world-class classical and contemporary music, opera, theatre and dance, with the 2026 programme featuring Zurich Opera performing Verdi’s ‘A Masked Ball’, San Francisco Ballet performing ‘Mere Mortals’, and the Berliner Philharmoniker.

7–31 AUGUST

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Edinburgh, edfringe.com

Thousands of performers from around the world fill venues across the city with theatre, comedy, circus, cabaret, dance, music, family shows, spoken word and more. From big names to emerging artists, this is the largest fringe festival in the world.

8 AUGUST

SEQUENTIAL SCOTLAND COMIC CON

FAMILY LITERATURE

DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel

Glasgow Central, Glasgow, sequentialscotland.co.uk

A relatively new comic convention, spotlighting Scotland’s amazing comic creators and micro-publishers. Expect talks and workshops from independent creators, as well as free to enter art and cosplay competitions.

8 & 9 AUGUST

GALLOWAY COUNTRY FAIR

FAMILY

Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, gallowaycountryfair.co.uk

A fun-filled weekend of country sports, family activities, exhilarating main-ring entertainment plus excellent local crafts and foods. Dog show, a kids’ zone, craft marquee, clay shooting, food demos and more.

8 & 9 AUGUST

PARTY AT THE PALACE

FAMILY MUSIC

Linlithgow Peel, Linlithgow, partyatthepalace.co.uk

Family-friendly day festival, with big acts on the main stage, a second stage featuring new and local talent, comedy stage, market traders, food and drink, and plenty of kids’ activities.

8–16 AUGUST BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK

COMMUNITY FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Ballater, ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

A week of community-based fun, including live music, sporting events, games, fairs, the Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Show and much more.

9 AUGUST

SUMMER IN NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, summerinnashville.com/ aberdeen

New and undiscovered country acts from the US along with highenergy tribute acts, along with other entertainments including line dancing, barbecue and street food.

9–14 AUGUST

PIPING LIVE! GLASGOW

INTERNATIONAL PIPING FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

The National Piping Centre, Glasgow, pipinglive.co.uk

A fantastic mix of music from solo piping to trad groups, international performers playing indigenous bagpipes from around the world, and headline artists, plus the Masters Solo Piping Competition (9 Aug), familyfriendly events, book launches, talks and more.

13–16 AUGUST

RISING NORTH FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Lerwick, risingnorthfestival.com

Back for its third year, Shetland hosts this contemporary music festival with over 40 new and established acts.

13–19 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Various venues, Edinburgh, edfilmfest.org.uk

Hosting its 79th edition, this year’s festival sees Scottish and UK independent film and talent dominating an international

ALSO HAPPENING IN EARLY AUGUST

. . .

• TRUCKFEST SCOTLAND

FAMILY Edinburgh, 1 & 2 August

• THE EDINBURGH

INTERNATIONAL CUP

SPORT Edinburgh, 7 August

• ABERDEEN SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Aberdeen, 8 August

• SUMMER IN NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC

FESTIVAL MUSIC Bogbain Farm, Inverness, 16 August (see main entry, this page)

programme, which includes competitions with world-leading cash prizes and screenings attracting major press, buyers, international execs and film buffs.

13–24 AUGUST MARYMASS FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Irvine, marymass.com

This historic Ayrshire festival, dating back to the 17th century, mixes the traditional with the modern over 12 days of activities, including horse racing, football, a fireworks display, funfair, greasy pole, live jousting, dog show, live music, the official crowning of the Marymass Queen and one of the largest community parades in Scotland.

14 & 15 AUGUST WORLD

PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

FAMILY MUSIC

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, theworlds.co.uk

The best pipe bands from all over the world, featuring 8000 pipers

and drummers, compete for the most prestigious prizes and the coveted World Champion crown.

14–16 AUGUST FOODIES FESTIVAL (GLASGOW)

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Rouken Glen Park, Giffnock, foodiesfestival.com

In 2026 you can watch Michelinstarred chefs and MasterChef stars cooking their favourite recipes and giving you top tips, including Joe Wadsack, Jilly McCord, Rohan Wadke and Dean Parker. Plus live music from Boyzlife and Symphonic Ibiza, with kids’ activities, shopping, a wellness village and more.

14–16 AUGUST FRESH AYR FOLK FEST

MUSIC

Troon Town Hall, Troon, freshayrfolkfest.com

Three days of folk, world and roots music, with more than 30 artists

from Scotland and beyond gracing the stage.

14–16 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Innerleithen, facebook.com/ innerleithenmusicfestival

A packed schedule of music performed in venues around the Scottish Borders town, with more than 50 acts.

14–16 AUGUST

SUMMER’S END ANGUS MUSIC FESTIVAL COMEDY MUSIC

Brechin Castle Showground, Brechin, summers-end.com

A new independent music festival, with more than 40 acts over three stages. Line-up includes Bonnie Tyler, Susan Boyle, Judge Jules, Tide Lines, The Feeling, Ben Walker, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Skerryvore, Gok Wan and more.

bookshops (Lighthouse, Argonaut Books and Typewronger Books), Book Fringe offers readers the opportunity to meet world-class writers in an intimate setting.

15 & 16 AUGUST PENTLANDS OPEN STUDIOS’ ART TRAIL ART

Various venues, Colinton, Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green, postudios.org

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore local studios in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton, meet professional artists, discover the stories behind their work and buy something unique.

15–30 AUGUST EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

FAMILY LITERATURE

Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh, edbookfest.co.uk

ALSO HAPPENING IN LATE AUGUST

14–30 AUGUST EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL (EAF)

. . .

• GIN & RUM FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Glasgow, 21 & 22 August

• EDINBURGH TV FESTIVAL FILM & TV Edinburgh, 25–28 August

• FESTIVAL OF POLITICS POLITICS Edinburgh, 27 & 28 August

• SCONE PALACE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS SPORT Perth, 27–30 August

• RIDE THE NORTH OUTDOOR SPORT Glamis, 29 August

• SUMMER SESSIONS EDINBURGH MUSIC Edinburgh, 21–29 August

ART

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

The UK’s largest annual festival of visual art, featuring a rich programme of exhibitions. Find work by artists at a pivotal point in their career, alongside the best emerging talent and a programme of new commissions.

14–31 AUGUST EDINBURGH BOOK FRINGE

LITERATURE

Lighthouse, Edinburgh, lighthousebookshop.com

Curated and run by three of Scotland’s leading indie

The world’s largest public celebration of the written word, featuring guest appearances by leading Scottish and international authors, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors.

19–23 AUGUST MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Campbeltown, mokfest.com

A celebration of music and culture set against the beautiful backdrop of Kintyre, showcasing a diverse range of genres, from traditional Scottish and pan-Irish folk music to contemporary rock and pop acts.

22 AUGUST HEATHER ON THE HILL FESTIVAL

FAMILY MUSIC

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, smmrsessions.com/ locations/edinburgh/heatheron-the-hill

A new family-focused festival created and headlined by Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band. It promises a lively mix of music and entertainment, with performances from Cian Ducrot, Skerryvore, Ella Henderson, Brooke Combe and NATI. For younger visitors there’ll be face painting, storytelling, arts and crafts, kids yoga, messy play, a dedicated music tent and funfair.

22–30 AUGUST RATTRAY ARTS FESTIVAL ART

Blairgowrie Town Hall, Blairgowrie, rattrayartfestival.com

Hundreds of original paintings for sale, plus designs by local sculptors, woodturners, jewellers, silversmiths, stained-glass artists, potters and weavers. Visitors can buy, order and commission work.

27–30 AUGUST ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL

FAMILY LITERATURE

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, islaybookfestival.co.uk

A community-led festival with an array of events happening across the island. A mix of big-name authors, poets and storytellers, with sessions on crime, historical and contemporary fiction, a range of non-fiction and island themes, new writing, children’s events, school visits and poetry, workshops.

28–30 AUGUST

ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Anstruther Harbour, Anstruther, anstrutherharbourfestival.org

This three-day festival revives the

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, page 65

East Neuk burgh’s historic market, Anster Fair, with food and craft stalls from local traders, live music and dance events, dog show and special entertainment for children.

28–30 AUGUST STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Strathaven Park, Strathaven, strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s only hot air balloon festival, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying, plus a funfair, live music and classic vehicles.

28–30 AUGUST SUMMER NIGHTS ON THE SOUTHSIDE MUSIC

Queen’s Park Arena, Glasgow, regularmusic.com

Three nights of big-name acts, with the Scissor Sisters headlining on 30 August.

29 & 30 AUGUST BEYOND BORDERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

ART LITERATURE POLITICS

Traquair House, Innerleithen, bbintfest.com

An annual weekend event in the Scottish Borders encompassing panel discussions and debates, alongside a programme of music, visual and performing arts, film, spoken word and wellbeing.

29 AUGUST–6 SEPTEMBER LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Largs, largsvikingfestival.co.uk

A week-long celebration of Viking heritage, including an opening parade and ceremony, live entertainment, food and craft market, Viking village, Festival Of Fire, Viking skirmish, burning of the long boat and a firework display.

29 AUGUST–6 SEPTEMBER NAIRN BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL

LITERATURE MULTI-ARTS

Nairn Community & Arts Centre, Nairn, nairnfestival.co.uk

One of the longest-running arts events of its kind in Scotland, this annual festival hosts a new theme each year, with talks and readings by high-profile authors, inspirational speakers, new and established writers, Gaelic and Scots language events, live music and theatrical performances.

SEPTEMBER

2–4 SEPTEMBER PITCH SCOTLAND CONFERENCE AND SHOWCASE

ART MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, pitchscotland.com

Scotland’s international conference of hip hop takes place over three days at Drygate, McChuills and Moxy Merchant City.

2–5 SEPTEMBER GATHERED TOGETHER THEATRE & DANCE

Tramway, Glasgow, indepen-dance.org.uk

Scotland’s international inclusive dance festival, with daytime workshops based on different styles and practices led by inclusive dance artists and companies, followed by public performances in the evening.

2–6 SEPTEMBER OUTWITH FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Dunfermline, outwithfestival.co.uk

Five days of music, film, comedy, book events, workshops, visual art and more. See some of the best established and emerging acts at the all-day live music event on 5 September.

3–6 SEPTEMBER ORKNEY ROCK FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Kirkwall, facebook.com/ orkneyrockfestival

Rock, punk and metal music festival, with talented local acts and bands from further afield. Now in its 11th year, it has free pub gigs as well as ticketed events at the Albert Hotel.

3–9 SEPTEMBER

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Orkney, oisf.org

One of the world’s longestestablished and most original science festivals, providing a platform for fresh ideas in an island setting.

4 & 5 SEPTEMBER INTERNATIONAL AYR SHOW FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Low Green, Ayr, destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/ ayrshow

This is an action-packed weekend of flying displays and great family entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful South Ayrshire coastline.

4 & 5 SEPTEMBER TUNES BY THE DUNES

MUSIC

Ham Park, Dunnet, ncentertainments.co.uk

The UK’s most northerly mainland music festival, set beside beautiful Dunnet Bay in Caithness, is a two-day celebration of the best in Scottish music. The 2026 Tunes By The Dunes line-up includes Tidelines, Whisky, Trail West, The Tumbling Paddies, and many more.

4–6 SEPTEMBER EDGE FEST

MUSIC

Lilliardsedge Holiday Park, Jedburgh, edge-fest.co.uk Music festival in the Scottish Borders attracting thousands each year, featuring international stars, a food market and camping village.

4–6 SEPTEMBER KELSO FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Kelso, kelsofolkfest.org

A weekend of traditional music concerts, sessions, workshops and open mics, run by Kelso Folk And Live Music Club, with big name acts and local talent.

4–6 SEPTEMBER KIRRIEMUIR TMSA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & SONG

MUSIC

Various venues, Kirriemuir, kirriefest.com

One of Scotland’s longest-running trad music festivals. A weekend of ceilidhs, concerts, competitions and a lively session scene.

4–6 SEPTEMBER PORTPATRICK FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Harbour House Hotel, Portpatrick, facebook.com/ portpatrickfolkfest

Weekend festival in a picturesque Dumfries and Galloway seaside village, now in its 30th year, with concerts at the village hall and sessions at harbourside pubs.

4–6 SEPTEMBER TABLETOP SCOTLAND

FAMILY GAMING

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, tabletopscotland.co.uk

Annual board game, card game and roleplaying game convention, with exhibitors, events and play experience under one roof.

4–12 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL

HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Various venues, Jedburgh, facebook.com/borderswalking Scotland’s longest running walking festival, established in 1994. Each year, a different Borders town is host (in 2026, it’s Jedburgh), with planned walks, family and doggy-friendly strolls, and visits to interesting sites across the area.

4–13 SEPTEMBER AN TALLA SOLAIS ART WEEK

ART

Various venues, Ullapool, antallasolais.org

A celebration of creativity and art in Wester Ross, with events, workshops, exhibitions and an open studio trail around Ullapool and beyond. The trail continues each weekend (Fri–Sun) throughout September.

5 SEPTEMBER MUSICFEST MAINSTAGE

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Uddingston Cricket And Sports Club, Uddingston, eventbrite.co.uk

Family-friendly festival with top acts and a great vibe. The 2026 headline act is Inspiral Carpets.

5 SEPTEMBER OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

A selection of short films capturing seafaring voyages, extreme watersport and marine conservation from the leastexplored depths of the planet.

5 & 6 SEPTEMBER & WEEKENDS THOUGHOUT SEPTEMBER DOORS OPEN DAY HERITAGE

Various venues, Scotland, doorsopendays.org.uk

ALSO HAPPENING

IN EARLY SEPTEMBER . . .

• DUNDEE SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Dundee, 5 September

• GLASGOW SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Glasgow, 5 September

• SUMMER IN NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Dundee, 6 September (see main entry, page 67).

• TOUR O THE BORDERS SPORT Peebles, 6 September

• BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Inverness, 6 September; Aberdeen, 10 September & Stirling, 12 September.

• SCOTTISH NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Aberdeen, 12 September

Doors Open Day is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old. Explore hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland for free, with some of them opening up only once a year, some just once in a lifetime.

5 & 6 SEPTEMBER LOCH LOMOND SHORES FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk

One of Scotland’s biggest food and drink festivals, with cooking demonstrations by top Scottish chefs, plus creative workshops, Scottish and UK producers selling their produce, competitions and children’s activities.

5–12 SEPTEMBER HEBRIDEAN WHISKY FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK HERITAGE

Various venues, Outer Hebrides, hebrideanwhisky.com

A week-long celebration of whisky and whisky-making in the stunning Hebridean island landscapes of Skye, Raasay, Harris, Benbecula and Jura. Expert tastings and tunes, warehouse tours and unique experiences showcasing the Hebridean distilleries of Torabhaig, Isle Of Raasay, Isle Of Harris, Talisker, North Uist, Benbecula and Jura.

6 SEPTEMBER EDINBURGH PSYCH FEST MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghpsychfest.com Festival of psychedelic, experimental, and indie music. The 2026 line-up features headliners Stereolab, plus Model/Actriz, Gwenno, Ghostwoman, The Mystery Lights, Adult DVD, Lael Neale, Dog Race, Makeshift Art Bar, Bleech 9:3 and more.

6 SEPTEMBER SUMMER IN NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, summerinnashville.com/glasgow New and undiscovered country acts from the US along with highenergy tribute acts, plus other entertainments including line dancing, barbecue and street food.

8–13 SEPTEMBER ST DUTHAC BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ART LITERATURE MUSIC

Various venues, Tain and Easter Ross, stduthacbookfest.com

24 SEP - 4 OCT 2026

A spectacular celebration of arts and culture set within the scenic coastal towns and villages around Findhorn Bay. scan for more

FUN FILLED

Open Every Day, Early until Late

Now entering its sixth year, this festival delivers a range of literature, art, music and heritage events in Tain and the surrounding Easter Ross peninsula.

9–13 SEPTEMBER ORKNEY ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE SCIENCE

Various venues, Orkney, orkneyarchaeologysociety.org.

uk/oas-festival-of-archaeology

This exciting festival celebrates Orkney’s world-renowned archaeological heritage with a packed programme of events, ranging from guided walks across ancient landscapes to inspiring talks, family-friendly hands-on activities, site tours and special behind-the-scenes experiences.

9–20 SEPTEMBER LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, East Lothian, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

Bringing the finest classical music to East Lothian each September, Lammermuir Festival promises beautiful music in beautiful places, with world-class musicians performing in historic, atmospheric venues.

10–14 SEPTEMBER PAISLEY COMEDY FESTIVAL COMEDY

Various venues, Paisley, onren.org

Plenty of top comedy stops by in Paisley throughout the year, with this festival drawing the likes of Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Stuart Mitchell and more.

11 & 12 SEPTEMBER ACCESSIBLE BOOK AND STORY FESTIVAL

FAMILY LITERATURE

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, mykindofbook.org.uk/festival

A unique opportunity for families, teachers, librarians, authors, publishers and many others to share knowledge around how to make books and stories accessible for children with additional needs.

11 & 12 SEPTEMBER BLACK ISLE CALLING MUSIC

Black Isle Brewery, Munlochy, blackislecalling.com

A weekend of great music and great beer direct from the Black Isle Brewery farm, just ten minutes north of Inverness. A family-friendly festival with on-site camping and a vibrant mix of live artists and DJs.

11–13 SEPTEMBER ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Islay, islayjazzfestival.co.uk

The Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival celebrates its 28th year, with the best of Scottish jazz over three days of intimate concerts and captivating performances. A highlight of the jazz calendar.

11–13 SEPTEMBER

MONTROSE LANDXSEA FILM FEST

FAMILY FILM & TV

Montrose Playhouse, Montrose, landxsea.org

Scotland’s environmental film festival transforms the town of Montrose into a hub for bold, creative storytelling, with compelling films from Scotland and around the world, inspiring conversations and opportunities to take action.

11–13 SEPTEMBER STRANRAER OYSTER FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

Stranraer Harbour, Stranraer, stranraeroysterfestival.com

A celebration of Scotland’s last remaining wild and native oyster bed, with celebrity chef demos, live music, the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships, food and drink, family fun and watersports.

11–14 SEPTEMBER VOGRIE POGRIE

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, vogriepogrie.com

Over 150 artists come together for a weekend of open-air theatre, live music, jam sessions, circus acts, comedy, cabaret, storytelling, dance, contemporary clowning, immersive workshops, land art, crafts and more.

11–20 SEPTEMBER

BORDERS MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Melrose, melrosemusicfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s newest emerging festival with international and local musicians performing classical, jazz, folk and brass.

12 SEPTEMBER FIFE

FEST

MUSIC

Silverburn Park, Leven, facebook.com/fifefestsilverburn

A weekend of music and entertainment from some of the top tribute bands in the UK, along with some of Fife’s own local talent.

12 & 13 SEPTEMBER THE GRAVELFOYLE WEEKENDER

OUTDOOR SPORT

ALSO HAPPENING IN LATE SEPTEMBER

13 SEPTEMBER

. . .

• GRAVITY BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Edinburgh, 25 & 26 September

• BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING SPORT Inverness, 27 September

Gravelfoyle, Aberfoyle, dukesweekender.com

The Dukes Weekender given a fresh name, The Gravelfoyle Weekender is the perfect blend of competition and social riding among beautiful mountains, lochs and glens, with five competitive timed stages on Scotland’s finest gravel trails and the Kids Mini Enduro.

12 & 13 SEPTEMBER

THE SCOTTISH YARN FESTIVAL

ART HERITAGE

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, thescottishyarnfestival.com

Scotland’s largest and longest continuously running contemporary yarn and fibre festival. Bringing together independent yarn dyers, producers of single origin wool, inspirational tutors and fibre crafters.

12–20 SEPTEMBER

NEOS: NORTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS

ART

Various venues, north-east Scotland, northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Explore the studios and work of artists based in the area east of Inverness and north of Montrose, hear about their work, find out about their artistic processes and perhaps buy something unique.

GARNOCK VALLEY CARVES

ART FAMILY HERITAGE

Wilsons Auctions, Dalry, garnockvalleycarve.com

Get ready for a day of breathtaking artistry, live action and community spirit, as the Garnock Valley Chainsaw Carving Spectacular returns for its eigth year.

13–17 SEPTEMBER

MENDELSSOHN ON MULL MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Mull, soundwavesscio.org.uk

A classical music festival during which young musicians are mentored by professionals in the craft of chamber music-making, followed by concerts played in venues across the island.

16–20 SEPTEMBER

IBERODOCS FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, iberodocs.org

A non-competitive, annual film festival that celebrates the diverse cultures of Latin America, Spain and Portugal through documentary films, shorts and events.

17–20 SEPTEMBER

CEÒL CHOLASA

MUSIC

Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, ceolcholasa.co.uk

An intimate festival showcasing top notch folk and traditional music, plus informal sessions and a festival club in the nearby hotel.

17–20 SEPTEMBER GLASGOW CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL

ART HERITAGE MUSIC

Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow, gcfestival.com

A four-day programme of music, tours, exhibitions and more, bringing the city’s oldest building to life and finding fresh perspectives on Glasgow’s cultural heritage.

17–20 SEPTEMBER GLASGOW DOORS OPEN DAYS FESTIVAL HERITAGE

Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk

A cornerstone of Glasgow’s cultural calendar and now in its 37th year, Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival invites Glaswegians and city visitors alike to go behind the scenes of its historic buildings, hidden spaces, factories, theatres, museum stores and cultural gems over four inspiring days.

18–20 SEPTEMBER BLOODY SCOTLAND LITERATURE

Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

A three-day celebration of crime writing, bringing together leading Scottish and international authors, showcasing debut voices and encouraging new writers.

18–20 SEPTEMBER FREAKENDER FESTIVAL MUSIC

The Old Hairdresser’s, Glasgow, instagram.com/ freakenderglasgow

Garage/psych/pop festival with more than 20 acts over three days.

18–20 SEPTEMBER LIVE AT THE LOCH MUSIC

Tarbert, Loch Fyne, liveattheloch.com

This free music festival set on the banks of Loch Fyne features a

Follow Edinburgh’s past residents in underground alleyways and hear their real stories. Free language audio guides, also available in British and International Sign Language

variety of local and well-known artists, plus food and family entertainment. You can expect to hear Celtic music, both traditional and contemporary, mixed with floor-fillers and singalongs.

18–20 SEPTEMBER

SEA CHANGE FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Various venues, Isle Of Tiree, screenargyll.co.uk/sea-changefilm-fest

Scotland’s only annual film festival dedicated to empowering women in film, screening films directed and produced by women throughout the weekend. Enjoy film introductions, workshops, discussions, special guests, beach walks, yoga, swimming and more.

18–20 SEPTEMBER THRIVE BIKE

FAMILY OUTDOOR SPORT

Various venues, Ballater, thriveballater.com

Scotland’s premier mountain bike festival, with more than 20 of the world’s top mountain bike and accessory brands showcasing their latest products and models. Plus there’s a range of food offerings, family-friendly activities, stunt show, funfair, climbing wall, ramps, soft play, soft archery and wood carving.

19 & 20 SEPTEMBER

COLONY OF ARTISTS

ART

Various venues, Edinburgh, colonyofartists.co.uk

Artists living in the Abbeyhill Colonies in Edinburgh open their doors to visitors who can explore their work, hear about their inspirations and methods, and buy unique artwork.

19 & 20 SEPTEMBER SCOTTISH

WILD FOOD FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

Tir na nOg Holistic Centre, Balfunning, scottishwildfoodfestival.co.uk

The festival encourages people of all ages to step outdoors and learn about local wild food. With lavish meals, foraging walks, wild drinks, forest school, talks and demos, workshops, live music and a marketplace.

24 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER FINDHORN BAY

FESTIVAL COMMUNITY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Findhorn, findhornbayfestival.com

Ten-day celebration of arts and culture set in unexpected spaces around the stunning bay of Findhorn. In 2026, the festival will be celebrating connections with Ireland and inviting audiences to share the vibrancy, joy and talent of Irish and Celtic arts, fostering links between communities.

24 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER SONICA

ART MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Glasgow, sonic-a.co.uk

A festival for curious minds and adventurous spirits. Discover international musicians and visual artists alongside homegrown talent, showcased across some of Glasgow’s most vibrant venues.

25–27 SEPTEMBER

DUNBAR MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY MUSIC

Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

East Lothian-based festival of international and local acts, free gigs all over town, family-friendly events and open-invite sessions.

25–27 SEPTEMBER GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, youthfilmfest. glasgowfilm.org

Co-curated by a group of young programmers aged 15 to 18 who are mentored through a summer school with the Glasgow Film team, GYFF presents a range of international films with special guest appearances and free-toattend creative industry events.

25–27 SEPTEMBER ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Various venues, Craighouse, Isle of Jura, juramusicfestival.com

Music festival on the Isle Of Jura with live bands, workshops, ceilidhs, sessions, open mics and a procession.

25–27 SEPTEMBER PAISLEY INTERNATIONAL TANGO FESTIVAL

THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Paisley, paisleytango.com

Tango dance festival with workshops, performances and parties, plus live music, DJs and world-class teachers.

25 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL

FAMILY LITERATURE

Various venues, Wigtown, wigtownbookfestival.com

A celebrated feature in the Scottish literary calendar attracting many big names. For ten days, Scotland’s National Book Town buzzes with book events as well as theatre, music and site-specific happenings in quirky venues.

26 SEPTEMBER BOOTSTOCK IN THE BORDERS

MUSIC

Traquair Village Hall, Traquair, bootstock.org

Annual music festival with folk, world and swing music, all raising funds for children in Nepal.

26 & 27 SEPTEMBER EPIC COMIC CON

GAMING LITERATURE

SEC, Glasgow, forthefans.uk/ epic-comic-con

Epic Comic Con (formerly known as Acme Comic Con) returns to Glasgow for a fan-filled weekend where you can meet special guests from the worlds of film, gaming, TV, wrestling and comics.

27 SEPTEMBER–3 OCTOBER SHETLAND WOOL WEEK

ART HERITAGE

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandwoolweek.com

A celebration of Britain’s most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and rural farming, with exhibitions, classes

and events covering subjects such as weaving, spinning and dyeing

29 SEPTEMBER–5 OCTOBER PENFEST

ART COMMUNITY FAMILY

LITERATURE MUSIC

Various venues, Penicuik, penicuikarts.org

Community arts festival with exhibitions, screenings, concerts, workshops and more.

30 SEPTEMBER–4 OCTOBER BEARSCOTFEST

COMMUNITY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

A weekend of fun at the largest bear event in Britain. The festival includes parties, club nights and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

OCTOBER

1–3 OCTOBER AYRSHIRE REAL ALE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK MUSIC

Troon Concert Hall, Troon, ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s largest cask real ale festival celebrates its 25th year, with over 150 different real ales from throughout the country to try, and 25 real ciders and perries, plus live music each night.

1–4 OCTOBER THE CUMNOCK TRYST MUSIC

Various venues, Cumnock, thecumnocktryst.com

Established by one of Scotland’s best-known composers, Sir James MacMillan, and held in the Ayrshire town in which he grew up, The Cumnock Tryst mixes international names in classical music, jazz and folk music, alongside local composers and performers of all ages and stages.

2–4 OCTOBER CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Callander, callanderjazzandblues.com

Popular rural jazz and blues festival with more than 60 gigs across eight venues, performing live jazz, blues, swing, soul, R&B and rock’n’roll, all in the autumn splendour of the Trossachs.

2–4 OCTOBER COWALFEST

MUSIC OUTDOOR

Cowal Peninsula, cowalfest.org

Walking festival showcasing the stunning lochs, glens and mountains of the Cowal peninsula, with ramblers of all ages and abilities taking part in guided and special interest walks, as well as other events, including a ceilidh.

2–4 OCTOBER FEIS NA MARA MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC

Astley Hall, Arisaig, feis-namara.com

Highland music festival, with top names from the Scottish traditional and modern music circuit.

2–4 OCTOBER OPEN GATE FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Aberfeldy, healthiesttown.org

Community food and growing festival (see main entry, page 32).

2–4 OCTOBER PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Portobello Library, Edinburgh, portobellobookfestival.co.uk

Run by passionate volunteers, this small but lively seaside book festival is based mainly at Portobello Library but with author events and activities also taking place nearby.

2–4 OCTOBER ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL

MUSIC

The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

Three days of workshops, performances, trade shows and a festival club. The 2026 line-up includes an afternoon concert with students from the Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland, and more to be announced.

2–11 OCTOBER EDINBURGH SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, edinburghspanishfilmfestival.com

Back for its 13th edition, the festival supports and promotes the cultural richness and diversity of Spanish cinema, and highlights unmissable films from Latin America.

3 OCTOBER KIRKCUDBRIGHT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

COMMUNITY

Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbright.town

Lantern parade followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

3 OCTOBER LITERARY ESCAPE FESTIVAL LITERATURE

The Boardwalk, Glasgow, literaryescapeco.co.uk

Touring grassroots book festival with various locations around Scotland (see main entry, page 26).

3 OCTOBER OH!CON

ART GAMING LITERATURE

Various venues, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, ohcon.info

Comic con featuring workshops, panels, talks, retro games, consoles and VR, board games, TTRPG and CTG sessions, soft archery, NERF and soft axe throwing, cosplay masquerades, workshops and talks.

3–11 OCTOBER WAYWORD FESTIVAL

ART FILM & TV LITERATURE MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeen, waywordfestival.com

Student-led literary arts festival celebrating unconventional forms of artistic expression, with workshops, author events and panel discussions.

8–13 OCTOBER SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

Various venues, Shetland, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

Now in its 37th year, the festival welcomes over 200 musicians

ALSO HAPPENING IN OCTOBER . . .

• EDINBURGH COCKTAIL

WEEK FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 2–11 October

• EDINBURGH

OKTOBERFEST FOOD & DRINK Central Hall, Edinburgh, 8–10 October

• THE ENCHANTED FOREST ART FAMILY HERITAGE Pitlochry, 8 October–8 November

• MULL RALLY SPORT Isle Of Mull, 9–11 October

• EDINBURGH’S WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 10 October

• TIREE WAVE CLASSIC SPORT Isle Of Tiree, 10–16 October

from home and abroad performing concerts and dances in venues throughout Shetland.

9–17 OCTOBER ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD FAMILY HERITAGE LITERATURE MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Glasgow, ancomunn.co.uk

A week-long programme of Gaelic music, drama, Highland dance, literature and sport, as well as a lively fringe programme.

10 OCTOBER TENEMENT TRAIL MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, tenementtrail.com

Scotland’s multi-venue festival of music discovery, featuring a mix of established veterans, hotly tipped artists and emerging local bands, with anthemic rock, highenergy punk, innovative dance music, folk, pop, hip hop and more all represented.

10 & 11 OCTOBER BOOKMARK BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Various venues, Blairgowrie, bookmarkblair.com

Engaging mix of household names and emerging authors, Bookmark offers a range of readings, meetthe-author events and more.

10–21 OCTOBER COLONSAY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Various venues, Isle Of Colonsay, colonsayfoodfest.co.uk

With gin and whisky tastings, foraging walks, cooking classes and demos, chocolate making and baking sessions, Colonsay’s annual food festival has something for everyone.

15–18 OCTOBER SPLINTR FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY MULTI-ARTS

The Glad Café, Glasgow, floscollective.com/splintrfestival Exhibitions, workshops, performances, screenings at this festival celebrating women, trans and gender-diverse creatives with space for artists and audiences to interact and collaborate.

15–19 OCTOBER DANCELIVE

THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Aberdeen, citymoves.org.uk

Contemporary dance festival returning for its 20th anniversary with quality visiting companies and home-grown talent.

16 & 17 OCTOBER AUTUMN TRAD FESTIVAL

MUSIC

The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, tradmusic.com

Showcasing the very best in young traditional music talent, with concerts, sessions and workshops.

16–26 OCTOBER

BIGGAR LITTLE FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Biggar, biggarlittlefestival.com

Biggar Little Festival offers a wide range of cultural activities, including music, art, poetry, theatre, walks, exhibitions, dance and famlly fun. Plus an art trail and Biggar Day Out on the first Sunday of the festival.

17 OCTOBER PICTCON2:

A SCOTTISH SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION

LITERATURE

Salutation Hotel, Perth, pictcon.com

A chance for science fiction and fantasy readers and fans to get together and enjoy a day filled with panels, talks and workshops by Scottish sci-fi writers.

17 OCTOBER

SCOTLAND VEGAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL

FOOD & DRINK

Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley, veganeventsuk.co.uk

More than 80 stalls selling vegan food and drink, clothing, toiletries and more. Plus talks, workshops and demonstrations.

17–30 OCTOBER

GALOSHANS FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE

Various venues, Inverclyde, galoshansfestival.co.uk

Galoshans Festival returns for its 12th year, bringing two weeks of creative programming that inspires audiences through art, culture and Halloween traditions. The festival

will feature a diverse programme of outdoor arts, hands-on workshops, a giant’s parade and street party.

19–23 OCTOBER BLAZIN’ IN BEAULY MUSIC

Various venues, Beauly, blazininbeauly.com

The brainchild of Blazin’ Fiddles, this festival immerses visitors in the music of the Highlands through concerts, sessions, talks and workshops.

19–24 OCTOBER SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SQIFF)

FILM & TV

Venue tbc, Glasgow, sqiff.org Scotland’s annual celebration of queer cinema, with screenings, workshops, networking opportunities and more.

19 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER ABERDEEN COMEDY FESTIVAL

COMEDY

Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenperformingarts.com/ aberdeen-comedy-festival

A packed line-up of comedy performers, the 2026 festival features Russell Howard, Susan Calman, John Kearns, Laura Lexx and many more.

19 OCTOBER–8 NOVEMBER SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Scotland, mhfestival.com

Celebrating its 20th year, this festival reaches tens of thousands of people across Scotland, with film, music, performing arts, literature, visual arts and creative workshops.

21–24 OCTOBER STIRLING SCIENCE FESTIVAL

FAMILY SCIENCE

Various venues, Stirling, stirlingsciencefestival.org

Take a dive into the world of science with fun for all ages andmost events free to attend.

21–31 OCTOBER SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE LITERATURE

Various venues, Scotland, sisf.org.uk

A celebration of live storytelling and imagination featuring performances, workshops, talks and children’s events.

22–31 OCTOBER SOUNDFESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Aberdeenshire, sound-scotland.co.uk

Run by Sound, a music incubator based in north-east Scotland, the festival presents new music including classical, jazz, electroacoustic and sound art.

23 & 24 OCTOBER PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Paisley, paisley. is/featured_event/halloween

One of the biggest free Halloween festivals in the UK, this twoday spectacular attracts huge crowds to enjoy street theatre, live acts, magical installations and a fabulous parade.

23 & 24 OCTOBER TOBERMORY BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Various venues, Tobermory,

Isle Of Mull, tobermorybookfestival.co.uk

Book festival with readings, book signings, author interviews and a festival bookshop.

24 OCTOBER EDINBURGH WOMEN’S FICTION FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Christ Church, Edinburgh, edwomensficfest.co.uk

Literary festival celebrating writing for, by and about women. An inclusive event that welcomes everyone who finds joy in reading women’s stories, whether they’re commercial, romance, historical, literary, book club or beyond.

24 & 25 OCTOBER COMIC CON SCOTLAND FILM & TV GAMING LITERATURE

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, comicconventionscotland.co.uk

One of Europe’s largest pop culture conventions, attracting tens of thousands of fans annually, with star guests from movies, TV, streaming, gaming, anime and sports entertainment, plus props, sets and cosplay competitions.

30 & 31 OCTOBER PERTH ALL-SCOTLAND ACCORDION & FIDDLE FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Salutation Hotel, Perth, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk

Running since 1950, the festival is a major occasion in the Scottish music calendar incorporating the official Scottish Accordion Championships, with competitions, concerts and ceilidhs.

30 & 31 OCTOBER TWEED RIVER FESTIVAL HERITAGE OUTDOOR

Various venues, Melrose, tweedriverculture.org

A creative celebration of the River Tweed, featuring art and activities in, on and alongside the river.

31 OCTOBER SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL

FAMILY HERITAGE

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

Celebrates the Celtic new year, marking the end of summer and welcoming the onset of winter. The change of seasons is brought to life through wild drumming, firedancing and acrobatics.

OCTOBER (DATES TBC) DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL

FAMILY FILM & TV

Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, dca.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences, showing the best youth cinema from around the world, plus workshops and events.

OCTOBER (DATES TBC) GLASGOW SHANTY FESTIVAL

HERITAGE MUSIC

The Tall Ship Glenlee and Riverside Museum, Glasgow, glasgowshanty.weebly.com

‘Set sail’ for a fun day of sea shanties with concerts, workshops and activities.

OCTOBER (DATES TBC) HEBRIDES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Various venues, Outer Hebrides, hebfilmfestival.org

Film festival championing quality independent features and short films. Screenings happen across Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra.

NOVEMBER

3–10 NOVEMBER

WINTER WONDER WANDER

ART FAMILY

Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens, Aberdeen, facebook.com/ friendsofduthiepark

Winter Wonder Wander will see the David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park transformed once more with festive lights, family fun and magical evening trails.

5–8 NOVEMBER

EDINBURGH’S RADICAL BOOK FAIR

LITERATURE

Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, lighthousebookshop.com

Showcasing the best in radical and progressive publishing and ideas for building a better tomorrow. Features book stalls, events, workshops and more.

5–9 NOVEMBER

CENTRAL SCOTLAND DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, macrobertartscentre.org/ cs-doc-fest

The Central Scotland Documentary Festival brings together audiences, filmmakers and storytellers for five days of film, conversation and community, with documentaries from across the globe.

6–16 NOVEMBER

EDINBURGH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, edinburghshortfilmfestival.com

Dedicated to screening short films from Edinburgh, Scotland and

around the world, the festival also hosts networking sessions with special guests, panel discussions and Q&As.

11–15 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC

Various venues, Dundee, dundeejazzfestival.com

Dundee Jazz Festival has been running for 40 years and has become a key date in the city’s festival calendar. Showcasing both the local musical talent and bringing visiting performers to the city, it’s a celebration of great music on Tayside.

11–15 NOVEMBER

WOFF: WORLD OF FILM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL GLASGOW

FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, iffg.co.uk

Returning for its 13th year, this festival brings audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals together, creating a platform to exchange ideas,

showcase work and discuss film and new trends in the industry.

12–14 NOVEMBER HAVANA GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Various venues, Glasgow, hgfilmfest.com

A celebration of the culture of Glasgow and Havana with a programme of film, dance, music, social events and discussions. For 2026, the festival will explore the theme of ‘Literacy, Language and Land’.

12–15 NOVEMBER PUSH THE BOAT OUT: EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL

LITERATURE MULTI-ARTS

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, pushtheboatout.org

A poetry festival where artforms come together, cross-pollinate and collide: poetry, spoken word, live music, songwriting, film, sound, gaming, visual art and concrete poetry.

12–17 NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY (INTL) ART

Various venues, Glasgow, intl.international

Set up by Glasgow’s Warriors Studio, the UK’s largest graphic design festival incorporates an international creative conference, a global poster design competition and showcase awards.

13–15 NOVEMBER CORE

MUSIC

Various venues, Glasgow, corethefestival.com

Described as ‘a celebration of noise’, this hardcore music festival returns with gigs at Glasgow School Of Art, Nice N Sleazy and Garnethill Multicultural Centre. The 2026 line-up features Saetia, Incendiary, Pig Destroyer, Eyehategod, Petrol Girls, Taqbir, Wormrot, Raging Speedhorn and many more.

13–19 NOVEMBER INVERNESS FILM FESTIVAL

FILM & TV

Eden Court, Inverness, eden-court.co.uk

The Highland capital hosts a week of screenings, film premieres and a handpicked selection of work by international directors. And as 2026 is Eden Court’s 50th anniversary, the film festival is working with local partners to curate special sitespecific screenings elsewhere.

14 NOVEMBER LITERARY ESCAPE FESTIVAL LITERATURE

St Paul’s & St George’s Church, Edinburgh, literaryescapeco.co.uk

Touring grassroots book festival with various locations around Scotland (see main entry, page 26).

20–22 NOVEMBER SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL

MUSIC

The Pleasance, Edinburgh, scotsfiddlefestival.com

Get along to Scotland’s largest fiddle festival as it celebrates its 30th birthday, with a programme of concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions, festival clubs and ceilidhs.

21, 28 & 29 NOVEMBER SCOTTISH

FESTIVAL OF BRASS

MUSIC

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, sbba.org.uk

Experience the best brass bands Scotland has to offer, over three separate days: Band Supplies Scottish Challenge contest, featuring brass bands in contesting sections 1–4 (Saturday 21 November); Scottish Open contest, supported by Besson, featuring brass bands in the Championship section (Saturday 28 November); and Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships (Sunday 29 November).

26–28 NOVEMBER DEEP TIME

ART MUSIC

Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, fruitmarket.co.uk

Deep Time is Fruitmarket’s festival of new music featuring commissions and performances from some of the leading radical and experimental composers, musicians and improvisors working today.

ALSO HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER . . .

• GLASGOW’S WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Glasgow, 7 November

• OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL ART FAMILY FOOD & DRINK Oban, 13 November–20 December

• BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND LITERATURE Scotlandwide, 16–22 November

• FIZZ FEAST FOOD & DRINK Edinburgh, 20 & 21 November

• GIN & RUM FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK MUSIC Edinburgh, 21 November

• TB WATSON WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Dumfries, 21 November

26–28 NOVEMBER WINTERSTORM ROCK WEEKENDER

MUSIC

Troon Concert Hall, Troon, winterstorm.co.uk

Weekend of old-school rock, metal and AOR, now in its tenth year.

26–30 NOVEMBER SOUNDHOUSE WINTER FESTIVAL

MUSIC

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, soundhousewinterfest.com

Five-day music festival produced by the Soundhouse Organisation, incorporating jazz, folk and indie performances by some of the best musicians in Scotland and the most exciting newcomers, with a full programme of workshops.

27–29 NOVEMBER POTFEST IN THE CITY

ART

The Briggait, Glasgow, potfest.

NOVEMBER

co.uk/visit/potfest-scotlandpotfest-in-the-city-glasgow

A chance to see and purchase unique and beautiful handmade pieces from talented artists, plus trade stalls selling pottery supplies.

28 NOVEMBER FAIR SATURDAY SCOTLAND

FAMILY MULTI-ARTS

Various venues, Scotland, standrews.fairsaturday.org

On the day after Black Friday, Fair Saturday Scotland is part of a global counter movement to consumerism, with events taking place across the country, including music, dance, storytelling, art, craft, nature, wellbeing and family fun.

28 & 29 NOVEMBER COVE AND KILCREGGAN BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE

Cove Burgh Hall, Cove, coveburghhall.uk

Expect lively book discussions and well-known authors at this intimate book festival in Argyll.

LATE NOVEMBER (DATES TBC) ANCIENT FOREST TWILIGHTS

FAMILY OUTDOOR

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge, landmarkpark.co.uk

Step into a winter wonderland where twinkling lights, enchanting sounds and dazzling effects transform the ancient forest.

NOVEMBER (DATES TBC) AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL

LITERATURE SCIENCE

Various venues, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, this high-

profile book festival brings together national, international and local writers, with big names and emerging talent across its programme engaging in lively discussions, debates and events.

NOVEMBER (DATES TBC) SEALL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Various venues, Isle Of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh, seall.co.uk

This two-week multi-artform winter festival brings some of the finest traditional musicians from Scotland and beyond to small halls around Skye and Lochalsh for a series of concerts and workshops.

DECEMBER

5 & 6 DECEMBER

LOCH LOMOND SHORES: CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondshores.com

Loch Lomond Shores rounds off its year of lively entertainment festivals with a host of food and drink, live entertainment, rides and more for all the family.

12 DECEMBER

HOOLIE IN THE HYDRO MUSIC

OVO Hydro, Glasgow, ovohydro.com/events/detail/ hoolie-in-the-hydro-2026 Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music returns.

18–30 DECEMBER

EDINBURGH

INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL

FAMILY THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Edinburgh, magicfest.co.uk

An exciting programme of shows,

cabarets, site-specific events and workshops designed for all ages to experience and enjoy the wonder of magic and illusion.

27–31 DECEMBER WINTERLIGHT MUSIC

Albert Halls, Stirling, stirlingevents.org/festival/ winterlight

A dazzling new winter festival to light up your December evenings, with spectacular live music featuring some of the biggest acts in Scottish music.

29–31 DECEMBER EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

MUSIC

Various venues, Edinburgh, edwinterfest.com/hogmanay Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations kick off on 29 December with the annual Torchlight Procession. On 30 December, the Night Afore Concert sees Princes Street Gardens ignite for a raucous evening of highenergy tunes. Then ring in 2027 at the Street Party on 31 December, as Edinburgh’s skies light up in one of the world’s greatest New Year celebrations.

31 DECEMBER STONEHAVEN FIREBALLS CEREMONY

COMMUNITY HERITAGE

Stonehaven High Street, Stonehaven, stonehavenfireballs.com

Welcome in the New Year watching the spectacular sight of a troupe of revellers parading up the street, swinging balls of fire around their heads, creating patterns in the air and lighting up the night sky, followed by a firework display.

LOOKING AHEAD TO WINTER 2026/27

At the time this guide is compiled, details of some events planned for late 2026 and early 2027 have yet to be announced or confirmed. But there’s plenty to look forward to, with long-established favourites being joined by some interesting new ventures this year

Autumnal and winter light shows are becoming increasingly popular in November and December, transforming venues such as Duthie Park in Aberdeen (Winter Wonder Wander), Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge on Speyside (Ancient Forest Twi-Lights), Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden (Christmas At The Botanics) and Edinburgh Castle (Castle Of Light). In Dumfries, the lights shine brightest for a long weekend in mid-January when their Big Burns Supper incorporates some spectacular light and art installations from Northern Lights Dumfries, as well as live music, street food and family-friendly activities.

Markets and event programmes are planned at Edinburgh’s Christmas and Christmas In Glasgow as well as other cities, but there are also winter festivals in towns such as Oban (13 November–20 December), Helensburgh, and at Loch Lomond Shores at Balloch (5 & 6 December). Spanning Christmas week, events such as Edinburgh International Magic Festival (18–30 December) and Winterlight music festival in Stirling (27–31 December) offer something a little different.

The highest profile of the year-end celebrations is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, a three-day line-up of events (29–31 December) culminating in a street party with high-profile music acts and midnight fireworks popping in spectacular fashion above the castle.

Looking beyond into the start of 2027, Celtic Connections in Glasgow is a mainstay of the cultural calendar in January, the entrancing Spectra light installations come to Aberdeen in February, while the 20th edition of Manipulate Festival brings animated film, puppetry and visual theatre to various venues around Edinburgh. Also in February, Winter Words Festival at Pitlochry Festival Theatre hosts an exciting roster of authors, playwrights, broadcasters and journalists from around Scotland and beyond.

Stretching from January through to March, different communities across Shetland host a series of Up Helly Aa fire festivals, inspired by the islands’ Viking past. Eleven different events are held around the Shetland, with the largest in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January every year. See shetland.org for a list of all the different venues and dates.

INDEX

Aberdeen Comedy Festival 82

Aberdeen Jazz Festival 27

Aberdeen Sausage And Cider Festival 67

Aboyne And Deeside Festival 57

Accessible Book & Story Festival 75

Alchemy Film And Moving Image Festival 35

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 17

An Talla Solais Art Week 72

Ancient Forest Twi-Lights 88, 89

Angus Festival of Makers 39

Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival (NAAFC) 26

Anstruther Harbour Festival 70

Arbroath Music & Food Festival 62

Arran Folk Festival 47

Arran Mountain Festival 11, 40

Australian Wines Festival 2026, 100 Best 29

Autumn Trad Festival 82

Awakening The Festival 52

Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival 88

Ayr Festival Of Flight 71

Ayr Gold Cup Festival 17

Ayrshire Real Ale Festival 79

Back Doune The Rabbit Hole 61

Ballater Victoria Week 67

Ballater Walking Festival 43

Banff Mountain Film Festival 72

Barklove 58

Baroque Music Festival 30

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival Of Running 76

Beacon Book Festival 25

BearScotFest 79

BearScotWest 44

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 11, 62

Beltane Fire Festival 35

Berwick Film and Media Arts Festival 29

Beyond Borders International Festival 70

Big Burns Supper 89

Biggar Little Festival 82

Black Isle Calling 75

Blazin’ in Beauly 82

Blazin’ in Biggar 57

Bloody Scotland 12, 76

Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival (Glasgow) 33

Bonfest 35

Book Week Scotland 87

Bookmark Book Festival 82

Bootstock in the Borders 79

Borders Art Fair 27

Borders Book Festival 51

Borders Music Festival 75

Boswell Book Festival 12, 39

Brechin Bike And Trike Fest 61

Bressay Up Helly Aa 26

British Superbike Championship 17

British Touring Car Championship 17

Bute Noir 65

Buzzcut 32

C2C: Country To Country 27

Cailleach Festival 26

Camanachd Cup Final 17

Campbeltown Malts Festival 43

Cantilena Festival On Islay 58

Capital Sci-Fi Con 25

Castle Concerts 59

Castle Of Light 89

Catalan Film Festival 30 Celtic Connections 89 Central Scotland Documentary Festival 85

Ceòl Cholasa 76

Ceòlas Summer School 59

Christmas At The Botanics 89

Christmas In Glasgow 89

Clackmannanshire’s Whisky Festival 39

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 17

Colonsay Book Festival 33

Colonsay Festival Of Spring 36 Colonsay Food And Drink Festival 82 Colony Of Artists 78

Explore Scotland’s film festivals and discover stories that stay with you.

Screen Scotland supports festivals across the country to show the best cinema from Scotland and around the world. Funded festivals include SQIFF, HippFest and Take One Action, among a host of others found here:

screen.scot/filmfestivals

Edinburgh International

Children’s Festival 46

Edinburgh International Cup 67

Edinburgh International Festival 21, 65

Edinburgh International Film Festival 22, 67

Edinburgh International Harp Festival 30

Edinburgh International Improv Festival 26

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 88, 89

Edinburgh Jazz And Blues Festival 21, 61

Edinburgh Marathon Festival 44

Edinburgh Oktoberfest 81

Edinburgh Psych Fest 72

Edinburgh Science Festival 30

Edinburgh Short Film Festival 85

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival 39, 81

Edinburgh Tartan Parade 39

Edinburgh Tradfest 35

Edinburgh TV Festival 68

Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival 39

Edinburgh Vegan Festival 40

Edinburgh Women’s Fiction Festival 84

Edinburgh’s Christmas 89

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 88, 89

Edinburgh’s Radical Book Fair 85

Edinburgh’s Whisky Festival 81

Eilean Dorcha Festival 62

Enchanted Forest 81

EPIC Comic Con 79

Fair Saturday Scotland 88

Falkirk Fest 62

Falkirk Science Festival 36

Fèis Ìle: The Islay Festival 11, 44

Fèis na Mara Music Festival 79

Festhailes Country 39

The Festival of Ballantrae 51

Festival Of Economics, Scotland’s 29

Festival Of Europe Scotland 39

Festival Of Motoring, Scottish 61

Festival Of Politics 68

Festival Of Real Bread (Scottish) 25

Festival Of Small Halls 11, 89

Fife Brass Band Festival 33

Fife Fest 75

Fife Show 44

Fife Whisky Festival 25

Fifesing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival 40

Film & Comic Con Glasgow 58

Findhorn Bay Festival 78

First Date:

Edinburgh’s Romance Festival 12, 33

Fizz Feast 87

Fly Festival Glasgow 44

Folk Film Gathering 35

Foodies Festival (Edinburgh) 22, 65

Foodies Festival (Glasgow) 68

Freakender Festival 76

Free Festival 22

Fresh Ayr Folk Fest 68

FrightFest Glasgow 26

Fringe By The Sea 21, 65

Fringe, Edinburgh 21, 65

Fun For Life Fest 43

FyneFest 44

Galloway Country Fair 67

Galloway Music Festival 26

Galoshans Festival 82

Garnock Valley Carves 76

Gathered Together: Scotland’s International Inclusive Dance Festival 71 The Gathering 46

Genesis Scottish Open 17, 61

Gie it! 36

Gin & Rum Festival (Edinburgh) 87

Gin & Rum Festival (Glasgow) 68

Girvan Traditional Folk Festival 35

Glasgow 2026

LandxSea Film Fest, Montrose 75

Larbert Real Ale & Cider Festival 30

Largo Arts Week 61

Largs Food & Drink Festival 52

Largs Viking Festival 70

Leith Festival 52

Leith Jazz And Blues Festival 47

Light The Blue 46

Literary Escape Festival (Bridge of Allan) 26

Literary Escape Festival (Dundee) 26

Literary Escape Festival (Edinburgh) 87

Literary Escape Festival (Glasgow) 81

Literary Escape Festival (Perth) 40

Live At The Loch 76

Live In Loch Goil Festival 35

Loch Lomond Shores Food & Drink Festival 72

Loch Lomond Shores: Christmas Festival 88, 89

Loch Lomond Shores: Summerfest 58

Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running 76

Loch Shiel Festival 39

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 27

Macmoray Easter Festival 36

Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 89

Marine Fest 47

Marymass Festival 67

Mauchline Holy Fair 46

Meadows Festival 52

Meatopia On Fire 51

Mela, Glasgow 61

Melrose Festival 52

Melrose Sevens rugby 17

Mendelssohn on Mull 76

Merchant City Festival 62

Mòd, Royal National 81

Moniaive Folk Festival 39

Montrose LandxSea Film Fest 75

Montrose Music Festival (Mo Fest) 46

Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival 52

Muck ’n’ Mack Fest 35

Mull Music Festival 11, 32

Mull Of Kintyre Music Festival 68

Mull Rally 81

Music At Paxton 61

Musicfest Mainstage 72

Musselburgh Festival 61

NAAFC Annual Accordion & Fiddle Festival 26

Nairn Book And Arts Festival 70

National BMX Race Series 17

National Festival Of Youth Theatre 58

Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival 57

Newton Stewart And Minnigaff

Traditional Music & Dance Festival 59

Newton Stewart Walking Festival 39

Niel Gow Festival 29

North Atlantic Fiddle Convention 53

North East Open Studios (NEOS) 76

Northern Streams 32

Northmavine Up Helly Aa 25

Norwick Up Helly Aa 26

Nuart Aberdeen 33

Oban International Shanty Festival 52

Oban Winter Festival 87, 89

Ocean Film Festival 72

OH!CON 12, 81

100 Best Australian Wines Festival 2026 29

Open Gate Festival 32, 51, 81

Open Studios North Fife 36

Orkney Archaeology Festival 75

Orkney Blues Festival 33

Orkney Folk Festival 43

Orkney International Science Festival 71

Orkney Nature Festival 11, 40

Orkney Rock Festival 71

Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival 53

Outwith Festival 71

Paisley Alive Festival 10, 58

Paisley Arts Festival 30

Paisley Book Festival 40

Paisley

Paisley

Paisley International

Scottish Game Fair 57

Scottish Geology Festival 46

Scottish Grand National 17

Scottish International Storytelling Festival 84

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 82

Scottish National Whisky Festival 59

Scottish National Whisky Festival (Aberdeen) 72

Scottish Open golf 17, 61

Scottish Queer International Film Festival 75

Scottish Six Days Trial 39

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 51

Scottish Wild Food Festival 12, 78

Scottish Wool Producers Showcase 29

Scottish Yarn Festival 76

Sea Change Film Festival 12, 78

SEALL Festival Of Small Halls 11, 88

Senior Open golf 17, 61

Sequential Scotland Comic Con 65

Shetland Accordion And Fiddle Festival 81

Shetland Fiddle Week 65

Shetland Folk Festival 11, 35

Shetland Noir 51

Shetland Wool Week 79

Shetland Youth Music Festival 29

Short Com Film And Animation Festival 27

Short Film Festival, Glasgow 29

SI-FAN Film Festival 35

Silverburn Festival 52

Single Parent Festival 59

Six Days Trial 39

Six Nations rugby 17

Skye Live 39

Skyline Scotland 17

Sma’ Shot Day 58

Solas Festival 11, 52

Sonica 78

The Sound Of Gigha Festival 11, 47

soundfestival 84

Soundhouse Winter Festival 87

South Mainland Up Helly Aa 26

South Scotland Outdoor Festival 53

Spanish Film Festival, Edinburgh 39, 81

SPECTRA: Aberdeen Festival Of Light 89 Speyfest 62

Spirit Of Speyside Whisky Festival 33

SPLINTR Festival 82

Spring Fling 44

Spring Highland Festival Fortnight Community 33

Springfest: The Scottish Food & Drink Festival 30

Springgrass Bluegrass Festival 40

StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival 12, 27

Stereofunk Festival 33

Stirling Science Festival 84

Stirling Vegan Festival 27

Stirling Whisky Festival 33

Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony 88

Stonehaven Folk Festival 59

Stranraer Oyster Festival 75

Strathaven Balloon Festival 70 Strichen Festival 44

Summer In Nashville Country Music Festival (Aberdeen) 67

Summer In Nashville Country Music Festival (Dundee) 72

Summer In Nashville Country Music Festival (Glasgow) 72

Summer In Nashville Country Music Festival (Inverness) 67

Summer Nights At The Bandstand 62

Summer Nights On The Southside 70

Summer Sessions Edinburgh 68

Summer Sessions Glasgow 52

Summer’s End Angus Music Festival

SCOTLAND’S FRESHEST FESTIVAL