Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Dive into an eclectic range of events and festivals that make the most of Scotland's summer months and warmer weather.

• Solas Festival, Perthshire, 11 – 13 June 2027 – celebrate Scotland’s midsummer with a weekend extravaganza of music, theatre, performance art, and entertainment for all ages.
• Arran Folk Festival, 11 – 13 June 2027 – lose yourself in a weekend of unforgettable folk music, lively sessions, late-night tunes, and island spirit.
• Borders Book Festival, Melrose, 17 – 20 June 2027 – this festival is a bookworm’s paradise, brimming with great books, big ideas, and inspiring talks, alongside fun and creative workshops for children.
• Largo Arts Week, Fife, 17 – 25 July 2027 – spend a week exploring art, music, and poetry, alongside engaging talks, family activities, and pop-up events.
• Eilean Dorcha Festival, Outer Hebrides, July 2027 (dates TBC) – this family-friendly event on Benbecula features a diverse line-up of live music, creative workshops, art exhibitions, and much more.
• Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick, 30 July – 8 August 2027 – set in the picturesque seaside town of North Berwick, this award-winning multi-arts festival brings together people who share a love for creativity, performance, and the arts.
• Pittenweem Arts Festival, Fife, 31 July – 7 August 2027 – explore one of Scotland's most unique arts festivals in the historic fishing village of Pittenweem in the East Neuk of Fife.

• Shetland Fiddle Week, 2 – 7 August 2027 – experience a week filled with lively workshops, captivating concerts, and immersive fiddle traditions guided by top Shetland tutors – truly an unmissable event!
• Party at the Palace, Linlithgow, 7 – 8 August 2027 – set against the stunning backdrop of Linlithgow Palace, enjoy an unforgettable weekend of live music, good atmosphere, family-friendly entertainment, and castle views.
• Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival, 8 – 13 August 2027 – held in Glasgow ahead of the World Pipe Band Championships, this internationally renowned festival celebrates bagpipe music and Celtic culture with concerts, performances, workshops, ceilidhs, and live events across the city.
• Stirling Highland Games, 21 August 2027 – step into the excitement of traditional Highland games, with athletics, piping, dancing, and Scottish culture on full display in the heart of Stirling.
• Edinburgh Festivals, throughout August 2027 – across the month of August, Edinburgh hosts an exhilarating mix of internationally renowned festivals, featuring everything from comedy and theatre to live music, art, and much more.
• Marymass Festival, Irvine, August 2027 (dates TBC) - this annual traditional horse festival features horse racing, parades, a funfair, live jousting stunt shows and much more to get involved in.

July

Journey off the beaten path in July and delve into a new destination or join in a sparkling event or festival you may not have heard of. Gracing the streets and venues of Glasgow this summer is the Commonwealth Games. Previously hosted in Glasgow in 2014, the event returns in 2026, once again bringing Scotland’s largest city to life with sporting spectacles and events that see athletes from across the world come together in a feat of community spirit. Aside from the sporting competitions, dip your toe into Glasgow’s cultural scene with venues, attractions, and live shows that the whole family will love.

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in July

August

August is no stranger to vibrant festivals and lively cities. Among the most famous are the renowned Edinburgh Festivals, which return each August with a packed programme of theatre, comedy, music, art, and culture. It’s also the perfect time to plan a solo trip or getaway with friends and family up north. Book an escape to Inverness, Loch Ness, and Nairn – a land steeped in mystery, history, and magic. Explore the ancient Highland capital of Inverness and visit the newly reinvented Inverness Castle Experience, or learn all about the myths and legends surrounding the iconic Loch Ness Monster at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. Nairn offers a coastal town retreat with championship links courses, cycle paths and trails, beautiful coastline, beaches, and more.

Or why not discover the unique beauty of the Uist islands, with their peaceful beaches, rich Gaelic culture, abundant wildlife and breathtaking coastal scenery – an idyllic summer escape away from the crowds.

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in August

Autumn highlights

As summer comes to an end, autumn is a wonderful time to experience Scotland with fewer crowds, crisp air and colourful landscapes. Escape to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and discover the newly reopened Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre following its major transformation, and gain an insight into one of the most mysterious and evocative prehistoric sites in the world.

September brings Stranraer Oyster Festival (11 – 13 September 2026), BBC Radio 2 in the Park (11 – 13 September 2026) in Stirling, and Wigtown Book Festival (25 September – 4 October 2026) to Dumfries & Galloway, while October showcases the autumn beauty of Highland Perthshire and the magical Enchanted Forest (8 October – 8 November 2026). November is a chance to celebrate St Andrew's Day, explore galleries and museums, and experience Scotland’s culture and traditions.

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in autumn

Find a great range of passes and special offers to help you and your family make the most of your summer adventures across Scotland.

• ScotRail's Kids for a Quid - Travel around Scotland with ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid offer where kids can hop on board for just £1 with a paying adult.
• Kids Pass - Find out more about family offers available through Kids Pass.
• Historic Scotland Summer - Get 20% off your admission ticket at a range of historic sites across Scotland until 1 September 2026.
• My Scottish Pass - Explore cities like Glasgow and the Highlands with passes designed by locals who know everything there is to see and do.
• ScotRail's 2for1 - Enjoy 2for1 entry on a variety of attractions, gardens, tours and more across Scotland.

Find more passes, offers and deals in Scotland.