Scotland

Glasgow's annual folk, roots and world music festival, Celtic Connections celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe. Info: www.celticconnections.com

Lerwick Up Helly Aa is a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of islanders' skills and spirit, a tradition that originated in the 1880s and is today Europe's largest fire festival. Info: www.uphellyaa.org

Aberdeen's Festival of Light-an exciting mix of installations and artworks to iconic locations across the city — including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal College, and more. Info: www.facebook.com/spectraaberdeen

Fèis Phàislig, Renfrewshire’s celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, will present a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people. The showcase event will take place at the iconic Paisley Town Hall bringing together over 100 performers from the organisation's past and present. Info: www.feisphaislig.com

A programme of inspiring talks, workshops, films and guided outdoor events and adventure inspired workshops that celebrate the spirit of adventure and excellence in the outdoors. Info: www.mountainfestival.co.uk

Inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction in all its forms, by the fantastic contribution that Scottish writers make, by our love affair with Nordic Noir, on the page and on screen, and most of all inspired by Aberdeen, which is the perfect backdrop for the festival – steeped in history, atmospheric, quirky and ... Read more

One of a host of fantastic contest for young pipers aged Under 18 across the country every year. It aims to encourage all young players to compete, with chanter competitions through to Piobaireachd events at the National Piping Centre. Info: www.thepipingcentre.co.uk

Glasgow is home to one of the friendliest and vibrant film festivals in the world. Our wide-ranging programme celebrates the diversity of global filmmaking, offering a fantastic showcase for the best of Scottish cinema alongside films from every corner of the world. Info: www.glasgowfilmfest.org

Come along and enjoy a gloriously unique programme of traditional Scottish music – reels, strathspeys, jigs, marches & slow airs  at Perth Concert Hall.  Info: www.sfo.org.uk

Bringing together home cooks, amateurs, and professional chefs in an epic battle to create the most mouthwatering bowl of Scotland’s iconic Cullen Skink. Info: https://discovercullen.com/events/cullen-skink-world-championships-2026

Scottish talent and emerging comedians from around the world offer a diverse array of comedic styles, including stand-up, improv, sketch, and alternative comedy, at various venues in the funniest city in the world. Info: www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

With a global reputation for hosting an innovative, inspirational festival showcasing poetry from around the world. The festival theme for 2026 is ‘You Are Not Alone’ and with more than 70 poets from 7 countries and over 75 events across three packed days centred around the Byre Theatre, StAnza’s buzzing festival hub. The festival features ... Read more

Fun, friendly and packed with fabulous contemporary visual art – Borders Art Fair returns in 2026 with 80 artists, makers and galleries, making it one of the biggest ever. While many of the exhibitors are from the Borders, others come from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK. Info: www.bordersartfair.com

Scotland’s only silent film festival returns to its historic home, showcasing restored classics, live musical accompaniments and engaging talks, at The Hippodrome. Info: www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/hippfest

A cycle sportive taking place around iconic Loch Ness, offering the chance to cycle 66 miles around the loch on traffic free roads. Info: www.etapelochness.com

From coopering masterclasses and BBQs to wildlife walks, the Dram Train, music events and canoeing down the river whilst stopping for a Speyside malt, the Festival is packed with a range of diverse events. Info: www.spiritofspeyside.com

This exciting event brings together tartans, pipe bands, dancers, musicians, organisations, and individuals from Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, and beyond - to celebrate the country's rich heritage, tartans, culture and inclusivity. Info: www.handupevents.co.uk/tartan-parade-scotland

Clan Chief Andrew Carmichael of Carmichael invites you to the 13th Clan Carmichael International Gathering at the source of the Carmichael name Scotland at the Carmichael Estate, Scottish Borders. Info: www.carmichael.co.uk

Marking its 50th anniversary, Orkney’s iconic midsummer arts festival presents music, theatre, literature, and visual arts in stunning island settings. Info: www.stmagnusfestival.com

Join Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies for a 2-day academic conference; Beyond the Family Tree: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on AI, DNA, Education and Community in Genealogy. Explore a variety of topics, including genetic genealogy, history, and genealogy, with parallel streams featuring keynote presentations and guest lectures—giving you the freedom to choose the sessions that inspire you ... Read more

A weekend of Celtic and Scottish folk music held annually on the Island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. Info: www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk

This internationally renowned event has a unique setting in the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis, the heartland of the Gaelic language and culture. HebCelt mixes the best local talent with leading Scottish, UK and world artists and brings together household names and emerging talent to provide a feast of music to appeal to all ages. ... Read more

Summer School, an action-packed four weeks of dancing in the historic town of St Andrews. Come and join with dancers from around the world and be led by some of the best of Scottish Country Dance teachers and musicians. Not an RSCDS member? No problem, Summer School is open to everyone. Info: www.rscds.org/events/summer-school-2026

Experience the thrill of the world's best athletes competing for gold,  featuring a 10-sport program and approximately 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, at this multi-sport event at venues across Scotland's largest city. Info: www.glasgow2026.com

Speyfest brings the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music to Moray as the local playing fields are transformed into a bustling tented village for the weekend. Info: www.speyfest.com.

Whether you’re reconnecting with fellow Hunters or discovering the rich legacy of the clan for the first time, this special event promises a truly memorable experience at Hunterston Castle. The weekend will be filled with exciting activities for all ages and include the Muirhead Clan. Info: www.clanhunterscotland.com/clan-international-gathering

The Parliament is a world gathering of MacLeods, now held every four years, and centred in our ancestral homelands in Dunvegan, Isle of Skye. The purpose of Parliament is to bring MacLeods together from all over the world. Info: www.clanmacleod.org/parliament

An experience like no other, the 2026 show A Call to Gather will again bring together the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Info: www.edintattoo.co.uk

One of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet. For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. Info: www.edfringe.com

An unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for peoples of all nations. Committed to virtuosity and originality, the International Festival presents some of the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre. Info: www.eif.co.uk

Piping Live! returns in full force to the streets of Glasgow in the run up to the World’s once again as Glasgow hosts the world’s biggest week of piping, which attracts performers and audiences from across the world. Info: www.pipinglive.co.uk

Thousands of pipers and drummers in all grades from across Scotland, the UK and globe compete at the annual competition held at Glasgow Green. Info: www.theworlds.co.uk

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public events. Info: www.edbookfest.co.uk

Celebrate Scotland's sporting heritage and culture in Scotland's ancient capital. Info: www.stirlinghighlandgames.com

Scotland’s only hot air balloon festival fills the skies with colour, featuring funfairs, stalls, classic vehicles, and live music. Free and family-friendly. Info: www.strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk

The new event, which will provide a platform for Gaelic music, language and culture to shine with performances and competitions. The Moray Local Mòd will include singing, piping, clàrsach, fiddle, and more, with the event designed to enable participation from all age and interest groups – including local school children and more experienced Gaelic speakers. ... Read more

Annual ten-day book festival in Scotland's National Book Town and one of the UK's best-loved literary events with over 200 events, including music, theatre, food and visual arts. Info: www.wigtownbookfestival.com

Scotland’s leading Gaelic cultural festival featuring music, competitions, and performances celebrating Gaelic language and heritage. Info: www.ancomunn.co.uk