Events and festivals in Scotland
Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.
Discover unique events in Scotland
Events in Scotland have the power to astound and inspire you. Our atmospheric crowds gather from across the globe, iconic venues pop up in unexpected places, and our picture-perfect landscapes make Scotland a memorable country for hosting duties, no matter the event.
What's on this season
Step into Scotland’s warming autumn season, where forests come alive with light, stories unfold and dark skies create unforgettable nights. Discover immersive woodland experiences, captivating storytelling, and magical evenings beneath the stars.
The Enchanted Forest
In autumn, 8 October – 8 November, explore immersive light trails through Faskally Wood in Perthshire, with a new theme each year.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Discover the world of literature from 21 – 31 October through captivating live storytelling sessions, performances and children’s events.
South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival
Join outdoor stargazing workshops and events or head indoors for food, art and cultural activities inspired by our solar system.
Scottish culture, music and dance
Scottish cultural events celebrate and showcase Scotland’s heart and soul through traditions including music, dance, sport, and food & drink. Visit during the summer months for the world-renowned Edinburgh Festivals that see a range of global talent grace Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and vibrant venues.
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh's festival season transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of creativity, packed full of unforgettable experiences.
Scottish music festivals
Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.
Authentic Scottish events, culture & traditions
Hear the pipes, feel the beats, join the dance, feel the heat and taste the whisky. Take part in real Scottish traditions and experience.
Get into the festive spirit
The winter festivities bring a blanket of warming events, glowing markets, the time to coorie in, and family experiences in the cities and beyond. Ring in the bells on Hogmanay, celebrate Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, and join in sparkling festive events dotted across the country.
Burns Night in Scotland
Raise a whisky to Robert Burns and experience a night filled with Scottish traditions such as haggis, poetry, music, storytelling and celebration.
Christmas events and winter festivals in Scotland
Enjoy glittering city lights and the smell of spice in the air. Be part of Scotland’s community at these Christmas events and festivals.
Edinburgh Christmas markets and winter festivals
Wrap up warm, head out to see the sparkling city lights and get into the festive spirit at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, events and festivals.
Hogmanay & New Year breaks in Scotland
Celebrate New Year with passion and spectacle in Scotland. From torchlight processions and street parties to Auld Lang Syne sung from the heart.
More events and festivals across Scotland
Highland Games
Running from May to September, these fantastic outdoor gatherings feature a mix of heavy athletics, dance and music events and are typically held in towns and villages across Scotland. They are a blend of ancient clan traditions and athletic events that are deeply rooted in historical Highland life. Here are a few events to add to your itinerary for 2027:
The Braemar Gathering, Aberdeenshire – often visited by the Royal family, this spectacular event hosts massed pipe bands, elite heavyweight events, and Highland dancing against a beautiful scenic backdrop.
Ceres Highland Games, Fife – dating back to as early as 1314, it is recorded as Scotland’s oldest Highland Games event.
Atholl Gathering, Perthshire – hosted in front of Blair Atholl Castle in May, this event holds a strong historical element and is home to the Atholl Highlanders – the last private army in Europe.
Stirling Highland Games – home of the signature strength event, the Stirling Stones, this heavy-stone lifting challenge is a unique competition which you can’t find anywhere else.
Discover more about Highland games and gathering in Scotland
Sport in Scotland
Scotland is the birthplace of many exciting sports and has inspired a strong sense of identity, community, and tradition. From golf and curling to rugby sevens, these sports play an important part in Scotland’s heritage. Our dramatic landscapes have also shaped many other outdoor sporting events too, including mountain biking and sailing.
Today, Scotland’s national pride still shines through at many sporting events, from The Open Championship held at St Andrews (11-18 July 2027), to the Commonwealth Games and the Six Nations, uniting people across the country through shared celebrations.
2027 well see Scotland take centre stage as the Tour de France arrives for its Grand Départ – the iconic opening of the world’s greatest cycling race.
Pipe band marching at Ballater Highland Games
Highland Dancers
Tug of war at the Braemar Gathering
The Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian
© European Tour Group
The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
© Glasgow 2026
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
© 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
Sporting events across Scotland
Scotland’s patriotic spirit can be seen across the sporting world – roaring rugby, the golfing greats teeing off against dramatic backdrops, cycling events taking place in global venues and amongst iconic landscapes – sporting events in Scotland are truly unmatched!
Scottish Rugby
Find international or local rugby matches across the country and get a real taste of Scottish sportsmanship.
Curling
Find out more about the sport of curling and how you can be part of the action.
Golf competitions in Scotland
See world-class golfing action between April and October and watch the best in the game.
Cycling events
Take part in some of Scotland’s biggest cycling events or cheer on cyclists as they journey to the finish line.
Scotland's calendar of events
Autumn
The darker nights may be looming, but the fun doesn’t stop here in Scotland.
Cairnie Fruit Pumpkin Festival in Fife, throughout October – pick your own pumpkin this spooky season. You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 20,000 pumpkins to choose from.
The Big Hoolie in St Andrews, 28 November 2026 – celebrate our patron saint St Andrew with parades, fireworks and ceilidhs galore.
The Dundee Hooley, November 2026 – this free family event showcases street theatre, live music, lantern making workshops and face painting.
Cairnie Fruit Farm
Winter
With the end of the year approaching and the start of a brand-new one, Scotland is set to make it as magical as possible.
Winterstorm, Troon, 26–28 November 2026 – Warm up at WinterStorm! A four-day rock festival in Troon, bringing together legendary and emerging bands across different rock genres.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals, November 2026 to January 2027 – offers fairground rides, ice rinks and artisan gifts to buy Christmas presents for loved ones.
1872 Cup in Edinburgh, 27 December 2026 – head to Scottish Gas Murrayfield for one of Scottish rugby’s biggest rivalries as Edinburgh and Glasgow battle it out for the historic trophy in a thrilling clash of skill, passion and pride.
Winterlight, in Stirling, 27 – 31 December 2026 – a spectacular winter festival that will light up your December evenings with live music, featuring some of the biggest acts in Scottish music.
Irn Bru Carnival in Glasgow, 18 December to 10 January 2027 – Europe’s largest indoor funfair. You’ll find everything from rides, rollercoasters and food stalls for a festive family day out.
Up Helly Aa in Shetland, January 2027 – celebrating the very best of Norse-Scottish history with a torchlit procession.
SPECTRA in Aberdeen, February 2027 – this spectacular festival focuses on light, art and creativity where you’ll be in awe with lots of architectural illusions across the city.
Dundee Science Festival, February 2027 – discover the wonders of science, festival, fantastic activities and scientific demonstrations.
Fife Whisky Festival, 26-28 February 2027 – taste the best of Fife’s whisky, enjoy live music and soak up a lively festival atmosphere.
Granite Noir, February 2027 – dive into the dark and thrilling world of crime fiction where suspense and intrigue are guaranteed.
SPECTRA
Spring
Spring in Scotland brings beautiful longer days and lighter nights.
StAnza in St Andrews, March 2027 – poetry festival with readings and workshops.
Edinburgh Science Festival, 3-18 April 2027 – 117 events across 25 venues with lots of interactive hands-on activities, workshops and shows
Glasgow Coffee Festival, April 2027 – celebrating speciality coffees with tastings and barista workshops.
Paisley Food & Drink Festival, April 2027 – street food from local traders and live music.
Shetland Folk Festival, April - May 2027 – four days of lively traditional music, dance and workshops.
Arran Rock ‘n’ Blues Festival, 30 April - 2 May 2027 – see the beautiful Isle of Arran turned into a buzzing mix of live music and laid-back seaside festival energy.
Culture Night Stirling, May 2027 - celebrate the city's thriving culture scene, with music, arts, crafts, dance and more.
Edinburgh Tartan Parade, May 2027 – witness a flurry of pipes, drums, and tartan-clad marches.
A young girl taking part in a fun experiment at Edinburgh Science Festival
© Edinburgh Science / Hope Holmes
Summer
Summer offers a wave of excitement with music festivals, agricultural shows and more.
Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, 17 - 20 June 2027 – say hello to the animals, taste the finest regional produce, and see huge agricultural machinery up close.
East Neuk Festival in Fife, 30 June - 4 July 2027 - see the world’s top artists while experiencing the local charm of its coastal villages.
Pittenweem Arts Festival in Fife, 31 July - 7 August 2027 – witness vibrant art pieces come to life across the nooks and crannies of the East Neuk in Fife.
Pride Edinburgh, June 2027 – a festival which honours LGBTQ+ and their contributions to Scottish culture.
Scone Palace International Horse Trials in Perthshire, August 2027 – watch top riders compete in thrilling equestrian events, alongside family entertainment, shopping and food.
Tiree Music Festival
© Kevin Kerr