22 Scottish Music Festivals in 2026

15 January - 1 February 2026

This popular Glasgow music festival needs no introduction, Celtic Connections brings Scottish culture and trad music to the heart of Glasgow for over 2 weeks. Previous artists who have graced the stage include The Twilight Sad, Dàimh, Anna Meredith, Karan Casey, CARA, and many more. The festival has a community for those under 26 where you can also sign up for the under 26 newsletter for discounts and updates.

23 – 26 April 2026

Get ready for a weekend of soulful Scottish music, with folk-rock groups, Scottish dance bands, traditional musicians and singers, all taking place on the stunning Isle of Mull on the west coast. Good news, most of the events are usually free. Book Mull accommodation now for 2026.

30 April - 3 May 2026

After celebrating over 40 years of performances, the Shetland Folk Festival will welcome a talented range of some of the best international, British and Shetland musicians. Get ready to have your toes tapping!

1 - 3 May 2026

Join a celebration of Scotland’s traditional music and song at Girvan Traditional Folk Festival.Taking place across a range of venues, it features everything from concerts and open sessions to workshops, a ceilidh and even storytelling. This family-friendly event is sure to be a hit!

1 - 3 May 2026

A popular addition to the Angus events scene, Bonfest celebrates famed musician, Bon Scott, with a weekend full of music, performances and a toe-tapping good time. 

2 – 3 May 2026

Don't miss one of the most exciting events on the west coast this year! Returning to Ayr Beach for its fourth year, Pavilion Festival is promising to be bigger than ever. This popular seaside festival will be filled with unforgettable experiences, from a host of world-class electronic talent to exciting pop-ups and secret bars hidden across the site. The line-up includes Ewan McVicar, MK, Carl Cox, as well as an outstanding selection of rising starts and homegrown talent.  

21 - 24 May 2026

Watch Stromness come alive with fantastic artists and musicians during Orkney Folk Festival. The festival prides itself on being a family-friendly event and offers reduced ticket prices for children under 16.

22 - 31 May 2026

The renowned Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle) is back for 2026 and is bringing together people with a wealth of music, song, and dance; all washed down with a dram or two of Islay whisky.

19 – 21 June 2026

Running for over a decade, the Solas Festival celebrates Scotland’s midsummer with a weekend of arts and music from a range of performers who in previous years, have been from as far afield as Canada, Ghana and Nashville.

26 - 28 June 2026

The Heartland Festival returns to Pitlochry with a vibrant lineup of Scottish and international music acts across two days. It offers a joyful celebration of live performance, family-friendly vibes, and an idyllic summer atmosphere in the Perthshire Highlands.

1- 5 July 2026

Over in the Kingdom of Fife, delve into the world of live music at the East Neuk Festival. Taking place in Crail, Anstruther, Kilrenny, St Monans and St Andrews in some extraordinary venues which in previous years have included churches, halls, and an ex-nuclear bunker, to caves, an RAF base, a Scout hall, stately homes and gardens. It’s set to be something special!

2 - 6 July 2026

Set across seven unique stages, get ready to encounter dance music, folk, plenty of funk and disco, jungle, alt-pop experimental excursions, jazz and blues, intriguing global sounds and more. With the wacky backdrop of the graffiti-covered Kelburn Castle, get set for some mind-expanding music.

10 - 12 July 2026

Take a trip out to the islands for Tiree Music Festival. Not just popular amongst surfers, Tiree hosts this eclectic festival each year which sees incredible artists perform. Previous years have featured Skipinnish, Talisk, Elephant Sessions, Rhuvaal and many more.

Founded by Skerryvore’s Daniel Gillespie and Tiree local Stewart MacLennan, the festival encompasses all the culture of this little Hebridean island, also known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’. Come along to see what all the fuss is about!

11 – 14 July 2026

Kickstart your summer festival of fun at The Eden Festival. You’ll find a variety of live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children’s area, fun, games and much more!

15 - 18 July 2026

This multi-award winning music festival takes place on the stunning Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and is a celebration of Gaelic culture and language. Promoting the island’s heritage, history and traditional music, the festival takes place at a purpose-built venue featuring three stages on the Lews Castle Green which offers free standing concerts for up to 5,000 people. 

17 – 26 July 2026

The Edinburgh Summer Festivals are renowned worldwide and feature an eclectic mix of art, music, performance, song, dance and more that takes over the city each year. The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival was founded in 1978 and is one of seven events that make up the Edinburgh Festivals. Now one of the largest and most respected jazz and blues festivals in Europe, the event showcases 130 concerts, taking place in theatres, parks and clubs all over the city.

30 July - 1 August 2026

In the heart of the Highlands, get your toes tapping to a range of Scottish and international artists, musicians and performers during this 3-day summer festival. Headline acts at last year's event included Texas, Supergrass and Paul Heaton, with performances from Natasha Beddingfield, Skippinish, Tide Lines, Gabrielle Aplin, and many more.

10 – 17 August 2026

Explore the best of Scottish pipe bands and solo pipers at one of Glasgow’s most popular events. Piping Live! is a real show stopper to look forward to each year and is a great choice if you’re looking to tap into Scotland’s cultural side.

9 - 20 September 2026

Head to the picturesque East Lothian to hear beautiful classical music played in atmospheric venues such as historic churches, parishes and kirks.

Dates TBC

After a 30-year break, Lochaber Live returns for a second time to the rustic location of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Boasting an exceptional range of musical talent which last year included Tide Lines, Mànran, Wolfstone, Dàimh, Shooglenifty, Sharon Shannon Trio, Hò-rò, Little Win, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and more, the 2026 lineup is expected to be equally spectacular; all set to play to thousands on An Aird shinty field.

Year-round 2025-26

Each year, Absolute Classics Festival brings exciting classical music to Dumfries and Galloway. This includes a 4-day summer festival and a winter series that runs from August to March.

TBC 2026

This favourite in the music festival world returns to Campbeltown with its exciting programme of performances, heritage trail walks, pipe bands, folk nights, concerts, ceilidhs and more. Join in with toe-tapping tunes, fascinating stories, memorable songs and incredible chorus singing at the Gaelic Concert, or explore the Heritage Trail Walks, and Young Folk Night.

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