Coming up in this guide: bagpipes, other obnoxious loud noises, making things explode, running around a big lake, and the 21 best events and festivals in Scotland.
I’ve spent a big ol’ chunk of my life adventuring around Scotland.
(and presumably, since you’re reading this, you want to do the same).
… as we’ve already covered in a lot of detail here at Travelness, the nation is home to hikes, hills, islands, beaches, road trips, long-distance adventures, and loads more.
But the nation is also (and you know this already, since you’ve Googled ‘events & festivals in Scotland’), home to some hefty annual excitement. So in this guide, I’ve covered them all. Expect artsy stuff, kooky fun, science experiments, stuff you’ve heard of, and stuff you haven’t.
Today, Travelness is taking you to the 21 best events and festivals in Scotland. Pack some face paint and come join the fun!
1. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- Date/Period: just under 4 weeks, every August
- Location: all over central Edinburgh
The most famous festival in Scotland by a long way (and the biggest arts festival on the planet!), the Edinburgh Fringe is gigantic.
A big ol’ celebration of theater, stand-up comedy, improv comedy, and other live performances, you can’t really understand the scale of the thing until you’ve visited for yourself (and in my early 20s, I used to visit every year).
In 2019, the festival featured “more than 59,600 performances of 3,841 different shows in 322 venues.” And, no, you haven’t read those stats wrong.
During Fringe season, even walking around the city is like experiencing a show (you’ll see street performers, live music, big crowds, costume characters, and ten million flier distributors).
… and whatever you watch, you’ll find small names, local stuff, and new shows from big names (famous people who’ve performed at the Fringe Festival include Stewart Lee, Billy Conolly, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.)
And get this: loads of Fringe events are free (though post-show donations are appreciated). So, even though it’s one of the most famous events on the planet, it’s a good budget pick. Highly recommended!
2. Highland Games
- Date/Period: various (usually from May until September) each year
- Location: various—all over Scotland, and even in some other countries
As I already told you in our big guide to Scotland’s Highland Games, these famous events are “a sports-based excuse to celebrate the history, heritage, and traditions of Scotland and its people.”
The largest of them all is the Braemar Gathering, which takes place in Cairngorms National Park (the biggest national park in the UK). Like most of the other Highland Games events, it lasts one day, and features a load of sport, music, and food.
… but no matter which Highland Games you visit, you’ll see similar stuff.
The biggest sports-based Highland Games events are caber tossing (that’s throwing a log), sheaf tossing (that’s throwing a straw-stuffed bag), the hammer throw, and the tug of war.
Other Highland Games highlights might include family activities, livestock shows, dances, arts and crafts, loads of tasty food, and big tasty piles of haggis. They’re always welcoming events, and everyone is always super friendly (no matter whether you’re Scottish or not).
If you want to see a Highland Games, here’s my top tip: head to Scotland in July or August, then use a website like this one to check which events are happening. The bigger events are more spectacular, the smaller events are more charming and traditional (and arguably better).
3. Hogmanay
- Date/Period: 31st December
- Location: all over Scotland
Hogmanay* is just the Scottish version of New Year’s.
(*No, no one really knows where the ‘Hogmanay’ name comes from, but that’s what people call the celebration anyway).
In many ways, Hogmanay is pretty similar to New Year celebrations across the western world (expect drinking, dancing, fireworks, late nights, busy parties, busy streets, and people hanging around with their families and friends).
But it also has some unique features. Depending on where you go, you might see bonfires, traditional Scottish dances, torchlit processions, and traditional food. Eats and treats include black buns (which are basically just fruit cakes), neeps and tatties (that’s Scottish for ‘turnips and potatoes’), shortbread (a buttery crumbly biscuit), and haggis (which you all already know about).
… and at midnight, no matter where you are, everyone will sing Auld Lang Syne, an iconic song probably written by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (who even has his own special day, and who I’ll be mentioning again pretty soon).
If you want to see the biggest celebrations, go to Edinburgh. If you want to see something a bit more local and traditional, head as far north as you can, or go to a little Scottish island.
4. Up Helly Aa
- Date/Period: the last Tuesday in January
- Location: the town of Lerwick, on the island of Shetland
Is this the weirdest of all the Scottish festivals? Probably.
The oddly named Up Helly Aa is remote, rural, and mysterious. It takes place in Lerwick, which sits 123 miles (200 km) from the northernmost part of the Scottish mainland.
Originating in the 1880s, the festival lasts 24 hours, it’s managed completely by volunteers, and it’s linked to the island’s Viking history. Highlights include Viking dress, big squads of cosplayers, a torchlit procession, and the burning of a Viking-style longship. Basically, you can expect lots of fire and song, and a whole load of atmosphere.
… and, in short, it’s like visiting a festival hundreds of years ago.
5. Shetland Folk Festival
- Date/Period: varies, but it’s usually 4 days in spring
- Location: across Shetland
Another Shetland offering, this remote musical event is known for being the UK’s northernmost folk festival (a niche category, I know).
Because Shetland has a small population (less than 25,000 people live across the entirety of the 100 islands), the festival places a big focus on its homely and welcoming vibe. Visiting artists stay with music-loving volunteers, instead of in hotels or hostels.
Typical highlights of the festival include intimate gigs in age-old pubs, some hyper-local artists, and names from around the globe. You’ll also find workshops, impromptu jams and sessions, and informal small-scale gigs in tiny venues. A lovely way to spend a few days.
6. Burns Night
- Date/Period: 25th January
- Location: around all of Scotland
This event is held in honor of Robert Burns, a Scottish poet who lived from 1759 until 1796.
Broadly acknowledged as the national poet of Scotland, local people love the guy.
There’s no one way Burns Night is celebrated. But on the evening of Burns Night, you’ll find various events dotted around various parts of Scotland. Potential happenings include poetry readings (obviously), live music, dancing, special meals, concerts, and more. Again, check a site like this one to see what’s happening wherever you are.
Some Scottish people don’t celebrate Burns Night at all. Others just celebrate with family or friends, by having a dinner or some drinks or whatever.
… I once went to an impromptu Burns Night in London, at the home of one of my Scottish friends. We ate Scottish food, and we read some poems. The reason I’m telling you this is to stress that Burns Night celebrations can happen anywhere (and in any way).
7. National Tartan Day
- Date/Period: April 6th
- Location: mainly USA and Canada
This isn’t really a well-known event in Scotland.
… but because it’s about Scotland, I thought I’d add it to this list.
(That’s just the sort of journalistic man I am).
This event is for people in Canada and the USA to celebrate their Scottish history and heritage (if they or their family have any Scottish history or heritage).
Events include dancing, music, and traditional food… but they’re only held in areas where there are large groups of Scottish people (or large groups of people with Scottish heritage). The most well-known National Tartan Day event is the annual New York City Tartan Day Parade.
Argentina (along with the USA and Canada) also celebrates the day on April 6th.
Australia and New Zealand also celebrate a National Tartan Day each year, but they host it on July 1st.
8. St. Andrew’s Day
- Date/Period: November 30th
- Location: across Scotland (and some other countries)
St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. And this annual event (as you probably worked out for yourself) celebrates the guy.
Because St. Andrew is also the patron saint of many other countries (including Russia, Ukraine, and Romania), the day is acknowledged in many places across the world. In Romania, the day (November 30th, just like in Scotland) is a public holiday.
It’s not a huge occasion in Scotland, but you’ll find pubs and restaurants offering live music, special menus, and themed quizzes. If you do want to celebrate the day in any real way, head to the town of St. Andrews (which, obviously, is named after the guy). There, you’ll find week-long celebrations.
Just in case you’re wondering exactly who Saint Andrew was, here’s a quick introduction: previously a fisherman, he was the first of Jesus’ apostles, and is most well known for being baptized by John the Baptist. He officially became the patron Saint of Scotland in 1320. Scotland’s national flag, largely known as ‘The Saltire,’ is also known as ‘Saint Andrew’s Cross.’
9. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- Date/Period: 3 weeks in August
- Location: an outdoor area of Edinburgh Castle
Not in any way related to getting inky pictures drawn all over your skin, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is actually a big musical event.
Here, the musical performances are mostly related to military traditions and military history. Expect pipers, drums, marching, drills, display teams, and performances from both British and international military bands.
… but, now, because it’s such a big event (with over 200,000 spectators per year!), some of the performances aren’t related to military stuff.
With a variety of performances over almost the entirety of August, it’s one of Edinburgh’s biggest events (and pretty much runs in parallel with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). If you like unusual music events (or things other people might describe as ‘epic’), you’ll love it.
10. Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
- Date/Period: for 9 days, between May and June
- Location: various venues across Edinburgh
If you’re traveling with kids, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is (obviously) the Scottish festival for you.
Occurring each year since 1990, it’s one of the most innovative children’s festivals on the planet. Offering a big entertaining combo of theater, music, dance, and other performances, it features kid-friendly names from both Scotland and abroad.
You’ll find events in both big venues (like large theaters, and the National Museum of Scotland), and small venues (like community centers and little theaters). Wherever you see performances, there’s always a big focus on interaction and inclusivity.
Every year, over 10,000 people attend the festival. Highly recommended.
11. Edinburgh Science Festival
- Date/Period: 2 weeks around Easter
- Location: various venues across Edinburgh
One of the biggest science festivals in Europe, the Edinburgh Science Festival dominates loads of the city’s biggest spaces.
… venues include museums, galleries, public spaces (like parks and promenades), and even online stuff. And some of the most well-known venues are Edinburgh Zoo*, the National Museum of Scotland, and the city’s Royal Botanic Garden.
Some events are geared toward adults (themes include climate change, mental health, and scientist-led panel chats), while some are geared toward children (themes include experiments, fossils, and toys).
… and there are also lots of chats and events focused on the development of modern science and technology.
This year, some of the highlights included Lego sessions, interactive science workshops, and lessons on deep fakes.
*For more animal adventures, here’s our guide to the best zoos in the UK. And here are the best aquariums in the UK.
12. Royal Highland Show
- Date/Period: 4 days in June
- Location: Ingliston, Edinburgh
A big ol’ celebration of rural life, the Royal Highland Show celebrates farming, food, and local animals.
Highlights include animal parades, prizewinning cattle, lots of big tractors, locally sourced eats and treats, live music (including Scottish folk and Irish folk), showjumping, ax throwing, forestry displays, sheep shearing, big horses, and souvenir sections.
Basically, if it’s connected to Scottish rural heritage, you’ll see it celebrated at this festival.
A good choice for people who like outdoor fun and long-standing traditions. And in my opinion, one of Scotland’s most interesting festivals.
13. Celtic Connections
- Date/Period: for 2.5 weeks, across January and February
- Location: across Glasgow
Calling itself the “UK’s premier celebration of Celtic music,” Celtic Connections serves up a load of Gaelic music, folk music, and Ceilidh dancing (and other unrelated offerings, like indie and Americana).
It hits up some of the biggest venues in Glasgow*, including The Barrowland Ballroom, the Old Fruitmarket, the city’s Royal Concert Hall, and lots of pubs and breweries.
It started in 1994, and it’s been bringing Glasgow more and more performances every year. Now, it features over 300 separate events, including (in addition to the live performances, obviously), talks, workshops, late-night sessions, and ask-the-artist events.
Big appearances in the past have come from names like Bob Geldof, Sinead O’Connor, Billy Bragg, and Snow Patrol.
If you’re interested in Scottish artists and Scottish music, you’ll love it.
*For more on Glasgow, get yourself over to our guides on where to stay in Glasgow, and whether or not the city is safe.
14. Kelburn Garden Party
- Date/Period: three days in summer, usually late June or early July
- Location: close to Largs, near the southern part of Scotland’s west coast
Probably the best music festival in Scotland, the massive independent funfest of Kelburn Garden Party is way more interesting than a standard music festival.
It’s also pretty massive: set across 7 stages (some of them hidden away inside the forest), it’s a hippy hideout, with loads of unusual events and performers. There’s always a big focus on inclusivity and diversity… and unlike most music festivals, you don’t just get music here. Weirder attractions include yoga classes, mindfulness events, and strange little chillout spaces.
The official website refers to the event as “a cultural safari for the mind, body and soul,” which is all a bit pretentious in my opinion. That’s the sort of vibe you can expect.
15. Piping Live
- Date/Period: one week in August
- Location: various venues across Glasgow
Another slice of traditional-music fun, Piping Live dominates Glasgow for the week it visits the city. Hosting various events in various venues, you can expect traditional performances, traditional-with-a-twist performances, and some surprisingly unique and innovative stuff.
(… all with a focus on pipes and piping, obviously).
Other highlights include chats, book readings, and late-night sessions. It’s been serving up wind-powered fun since 2003.
The festival coincides with the World Pipe Band Championships, which are held on Glasgow Green and are managed and operated by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.
16. Edinburgh International Festival
- Date/Period: three weeks in August
- Location: across various venues in Edinburgh
Founded in 1947, Edinburgh International Festival is a popular combo of dance, theater, song, comedy, contemporary performance, and more.
Although it runs in parallel with the Fringe Festival (and although it’s pretty similar to the Fringe Festival), these two events are not the same.
While anyone can theoretically perform at the Fringe, The Edinburgh International Festival is curated (and therefore has a much smaller program). There are around 300 different performances per year, and the focus (of course) is ensuring these performances come from as many people and places as possible.
In short, if you’re interested in international art, focus on the international festival. If you’re not too bothered about where your art comes from, just visit events from them both.
17. Edinburgh International Film Festival
- Date/Period: one week in Edinburgh
- Location: various venues across Edinburgh
You don’t need to be a total genius to work out what this festival is.
Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world’s oldest continually-running film festival. It serves up a juicy combo of both local and international films in a wide range of genres and styles. Expect long-form stuff, short films, documentaries, narrative-driven movies, strange films, and everything in between.
You can also expect some premieres. Some movies that have had their premiere at the festival include Blade Runner, Alien, The Usual Suspects, and Amelie.
Although the focus here is (of course) on cinema, other offerings include theater, dance, and music.
18. TRNSMT
- Date/Period: usually three days in July, every year
- Location: Glasgow Green, in Glasgow
Pronounced “transmit,” this is one of Scotland’s largest music festivals—if you want to see big names (well, what hipsters would consider to be big names), this is the Scottish music festival for you.
Previous headliners have included Pulp, Sam Fender, Stormzy, Radiohead, and The Killers. At present, each year’s festival includes three days and four stages (though there have been some 5-day versions in the past).
TRNSMT has been taking place since 2017, and around 120,000 people attend the festival every year. If you’ve ever been to any major UK music festival, you know what to expect here. If you haven’t, get ready for lots of bars, lots of rain, lots of noisy people, and lots of fun.
19. Mull Music Festival
- Date/Period: one long weekend, every April
- Location: The Isle of Mull
Another island-based slice of musical mayhem, Mull Music Festival hits The Isle of Mull every year (the Isle of Mull sits off the west coast of the central part of Scotland).
Another rural event, it mainly features small Scottish names (though you might find some international artists too). Most music is pretty traditional, featuring fiddles, ceilidh bands, and accordions.
All the gigs are small and intimate, taking place in hotels and bars (and none of the events are ticketed). If you like small, homely, and informal, you’ll love this.
20. The Loch Ness Marathon
- Date/Period: late September or early October
- Location: Loch Ness
One of Scotland’s most famous sporting events, the Loch Ness Marathon offers a bunch of varied races, all (obviously) centered on and around the shores of the famous Loch Ness.
The biggest event (of course) is the marathon itself, a 26-mile (42km) race running from the south shores of Loch Ness, all the way to the north.
Other events include a 5k, a 10k, and a run for kids. It’s a beautiful area, the crowd is always busy (full of positive people), and the organization is excellent. It’s one of the UK’s best long-distance sporting events.
… and if you’re looking for a running event in Scotland, I massively recommend it.
For more fun in and around this area, run over to our guides on 21 strange & fascinating facts about Loch Ness, the most beautiful hikes in and around Inverness, and the 11 best road trips from Inverness.
21. The Common Ridings
- Date/Period: many events, usually between May and August
- Location: throughout many towns in the Scottish borders
For our last entry, we’re getting all niche and unusual.
This bunch of horsey festivals date all the way back to the 13th and 14th centuries when southern-Scottish townspeople would ride their horses around the perimeter of their towns’ territories, to stop people from stealing their land and their cattle.
The modern-day celebrations are of course a bit different from the old days. Now, they include parades, marches, traditional costumes, traditional ceremonies, old-school eats, and loads more horseback fun.
… and some of the bigger events might also include dances, concerts, fancy-dress costumes, and retro ceremonies.
They’re a celebration of Scottish life and Scottish tradition, and that’s exactly how they feel.
Before You Go
Alright, that’s us finished—they’re the best and biggest events and festivals in Scotland.
Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Travelness, and thanks for coming back when you next need travel advice. Enjoy Scotland!
For more information on the nation, get yourself over to our guides on 25 reasons you should visit Scotland, and 18 things you shouldn’t say to a Scottish person (spoiler: please don’t pretend you’re Scottish just cos one of your great-great-great-great grandparents was).
