27 Most Famous Festivals In Scotland

Scotland is enriched with diverse cultures and architectural marvels that are well-preserved for posterity. From Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, to the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew, Scotland is filled with unique attractions catering to the interests of everyone. 

Apart from the tourist destinations, travellers also love to engage with major local festivals and dive deeper into the culture and heritage of the location. Because festivals play a vital role in fostering the social and cultural bond with the community.

It is easy for us humans to forget about the community around us and just go on with life. Human nature is to learn about new things, but we often overlook the gateway to that. This is where festivals come in handy to enhance the overall travel experience. 

Be it a food-focused festival or a music festival, you can live moments in both by interacting with the world even deeper than traditional tourism. Start by planning your festival itinerary with different festivals that you can visit, transportation and all the travel essentials. 

Most importantly, you must consider the transportation option as travelling back and forth can be a hassle around Scotland. For a festival group travel, you can consider Scotland minibus hire for smooth and hassle-free transportation all across the country. Firstly, these drivers are locals and familiar with the nooks and crannies of the cities, secondly, minibus hire services offer a personalised quote that suits your budget. 

We bring you the most famous festivals in Scotland that run year-round. 

Scotland Festivals in January

While festivals run year-round in Scotland, most tourists prefer to engage with them in specific months each year. Another reason is that most festivals are sorted into seasons to help them accurately represent the social heritage. 

• Celtic Connections

Festival Date: January 16th 2025 - February 2025.

Location: 427, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. 

Being one of the major music festivals right at the start of the year, Celtic Connection is a breathtaking experience. The festival mostly runs for the complete month of January, featuring some of the amazing adrenaline-rushed music performances. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Ultimate Music Festival of the Year featuring multiple genres.
• Collaboration with Notable artists.
• Ideal experience for music enthusiasts.

• Burns Night

Dates: January 25th, 2025

Location: Burns Cottage, Alloway. 

Scotland is home to the history of numerous famous writers and artists. From Walter Scott, and James Matthew Barrie, to Ian Abbot and Thomas Campbell, Scotland tells a lot of stories about its writers and poets. One such poet is Robert Burns, who has a whole night dedicated to himself known as “Burns Night.” 

Why You Should Visit:

• Experience the rich Scottish culture with the poetry of Robert Burns. 
• Enjoy suppers of Robert Burns on his birthday, January 25th. 
• Engaging Festival for Family and Friends. 

Scotland Festivals in February, March & April

• Up Helly Aa

Dates: January 2025 - March 2025

Location: Lerwick, Shetland.

While this festival runs from January till the end of March, you can always catch up in February for an ultimate welcome to the spring season. For those uninitiated, Up Helly Aa is a Viking-focused festival, enriched with numerous costumes, performances, fairs and parades. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Various Activities for All-Age groups to enjoy.
• Diverse Food and Culture Exhibitions.
• Annual Fire Festival.

• Fort William Mountain Festival

Dates: February 15, 2025 - February 18, 2025

Location: Fort William Scotland.

Individuals seeking some thrill across the massive landscape of Scotland must surely visit the Fort William Mountain Festival. The festival runs throughout February, making it an ideal time for a mountain-themed festival. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Perfect Outdoor Festival in Scotland.
• Various Short Films on Mountain Heroes. 
• Numerous Workshops and Exhibitions.

• StAnza Poetry Festival

Dates: March 2025

Location: St Andrews.

Poetry has always been dearest to the Scottish nation. That is why Scotland hosts a poetry festival every year in March for performances, workshops and challenges. These festivals are a unique twist to busy lives and allow freedom to explore different resources and learn poetry. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Perfect festival to welcome spring in Scotland.
• Engaging programs and events for poetry fans.
• Reading and Creative Writing sessions.
• Volunteering Opportunities.

• Scottish Vegan Festival

Dates: April 2025

Location: Assembly Room, Edinburgh.

Being one of the major events in Edinburgh during April, the Scottish Vegan Festival is known for inviting vegan enthusiasts. Not just vegans, but everyone is welcomed to learn about the animal rescue charity events and vegan initiatives. The Festival also hosts different cafes and gift sections to enjoy different meals and purchase vegan products. 

Why You Should Visit:

• A perfect event for vegan enthusiasts.
• All-vegan food and products showcase.
• Animal Rescue Events and Workshops.
• All the profits are sent out to charity, one step closer to a good cause.

• Edinburgh Science Festival

Dates: March 30, 2025 - April 14, 2025

Location: Edinburgh, and venues include:

1. City Art Centre.
2. Dynamic Earth.
3. Edinburgh Zoo.
4. National Museum of Scotland.
5. Royal Botanic Garden

Apart from the vegan festival, if you are still in Edinburgh, then you must surely visit Edinburgh Science Festival. Being one of the major hubs for science exhibitions and workshops, the festival is a perfect destination for all age groups. Edinburgh Science Festival is an ideal location for a fun learning experience while offering a major opportunity for bright minds to showcase their creativity. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Fun activities and learning opportunities for kids and young minds.
• Variety of Galleries, Events, Workshops and Museums. 
• Engaging in discussion on some of the major issues that the world is facing right now.
• Variety of Food and Drinks cafes nearby to cater to quick refreshment needs.

• Melrose Rugby Sevens

Dates: April 11, - 13 2025

Location: The Greenyards - Melrose, Scotland.

After a good creative learning experience, there is always a time for some sports entertainment. Melrose Rugby Sevens is an ultimate dive into the annual rugby scene in Scotland, supported by fans since 1883. The annual competition is a great escape for Scottish people and reinforces culture within the country. 

Why You Should Visit:

• An inspiring Annual Rugby event.
• A great sports event in the middle of the expansive landscape of The Greenyards, Melrose.
• Inspirational Women Rugby Tournament.
• Fun activities for kids and teenagers.
• Availability of cafes and drink bars.

• Mull Music Festival

Dates: April 24 - 27, 2025

Location: Tobermory - Isle of Mull, Scotland.

As summer approaches, the festival scene also warms up with a variety of outdoor events. It brings us to the Mull Music Festival right in the heart of the Isle of Mull, an island in Scotland. 

The festival is a perfect way to spend your weekend with loved ones and friends. With music artists from a variety of genres like rock, pop and especially Scottish music, Mull Music Festival makes up the perfect getaway destination. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Perfect Music Festival on an Island.
• Free Music Festival.
• Fantastic Delicacies to enjoy with friends and family.
• Opportunity to travel to the Island on a ferry. 
• Breathtaking dancing and music activities. 

Scotland Festivals in May, June & July

After harsh weather, May, June and July are a lot warmer and calmer than winter. The landscape starts to dry up with the maximum daytime temperatures increasing up to an average of 17 degrees. At the same time, it is a perfect time to visit and explore Scotland. 

• Shetland Folk Festival

Dates: May 2 - 5, 2024

Location: Lerwick - Shetland, Scotland.

One must not miss out on the folk festivals across Scotland, and Shetland is the most important one for May. Shetland Folk Festival delivers an ideal all-night experience to festival goers with a variety of music events and interactive activities. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Fully Volunteered Organised Event. 
• Workshops for the Young Generation.
• Family-Friendly Event. 
• Local and Visiting Musicians. 
• Tea and Snack Cafes. 

• Orkney Nature and Folk Festival

Dates for Orkney Nature Festival: May 16 - 19, 2025

Dates for Orkney Folk Festival: May 23 - 26, 2025

Location for Orkney Nature Festival: All Across Orkney.

Location for Orkney Folk Festival: Stromness, Orkney.

Connecting with nature always promotes healthy results and combining it with the culture-enriched folklore of Scotland will elevate your experience. Orkney Nature and Folk are two separate festivals, with both connecting the visitors with the beautiful natural habitat of Scotland. 

Orkney Nature focuses more on activities related to connecting with wildlife, their behavioural examination and different initiatives to rescue and protect wildlife. Orkney Folk Festival highlights Scotland's traditional values, culture and folk music. In short, festivals are good for both worlds, offering a variety of activities to push outdoor exploration for all-age groups. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Ideal for Music Fans and Folk Festivals.
• A family-friendly destination with refreshment corners. 
• Guided Tours for Nature Exploration. 
• Productive Workshops.
• Cruises to explore the wide landscapes and natural habitats. 

• Spirit Of Speyside Whiskey Festival

Dates: April 30 - May 5, 2025

Location: Speyside, Northeastern Corner of Scotland. 

Scotland festival list will be incomplete without a mention of the Whiskey. That is because there are two things Scottish people love the most: writing and whiskey. Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival is a major event in May every year that starts the summer celebrations with a pint of whiskey. 

From diverse music events to whiskey tasting and open distillery tours, the Spirit of Speyside festival is a must-visit if you are seeking prolific adventure across Scotland. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Get to taste one of the finest whiskey products.
• Vibrant music festivals showcasing Scottish culture. 
• 6-Days tour of more than 50 open distilleries.
• Opportunity to learn from the professionals in distilleries. 

• Royal Highland Show

Dates: June 20 - 23, 2024. 

Location: Ingliston, Edinburgh

You will also have the opportunity to connect with a Royal and more countryside experience with this Royal Highland Show. With the summer in full swing, the Royal Highland Show is the epitome of Scottish culture and traditional values with livestock and agriculture. 

Royal Highland Show is an all-rounder festival that meets the exploration needs of everyone. From livestock exhibitions, and competitions to delicious foods and cooking lessons, the Royal Highland Festival has something for all age groups. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Family Friendly Festival with a lot of Exploratory activities.
• Biggest Agricultural exhibitions and training hub. 
• Cattle parade with unique breeds. 
• Opportunity to learn from professional farmers.
• Folk Music Events. 

• Scottish Traditional Boat Festivals

Dates: June 22 - 23, 2024

Location: The Salmon Bothy - Links Road, Portsoy.

It is another traditional festival that is coming within the dates of the Royal High Show, but it is a must-visit for coastal-area exploration. The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival is an extravaganza of entertainment in the coastal areas of Portsoy. 

Why You Should Visit: 

• Perfect time of the year to visit Portsoy and explore the traditional boats.
• Music Festivals for quality entertainment. 
• Food and Drink cafes for family and friends.
• Craft and gift shop to purchase a souvenir to remember forever. 

• Kelburn Garden Party

Dates: July 5 - 8, 2024

Location: Kelburn Castle - Kelburn Estate, Fairlie.

Scotland is not short of festivals and music concerts; you may come across them in every city or village. Kelburn Garden Party is also one of the major festival events in Kelburn Castle and is surrounded by lush greenery. 

It is a centre of attention for music and party enthusiasts seeking a thrilling escape from a busy life. Plus, the castle sets the stage for a unique experience because of the destination and stages. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Perfect for teens, exploring new destinations. 
• A great lush greenery escape with diverse music concerts. 
• Campsites are available for group hangouts. 
• Family-friendly attractions are also available. 

• The 152nd Open At Royal Troon

Dates: July 14 - 21, 2024

Location: Royal Troon, Ayrshire. 

The 152nd Open is a prominent golf tournament in Scotland that attracts a plethora of visitors each year. The main aspect that makes it the best golf tournament is the setting between the bushy landscapes of Royal Troon at Ayrshire. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Amazing views for a golf game. 
• Chance to see the big players in golf. 
• Availability of Accommodation to enjoy your perfect stay. 

Scotland Festivals in August, September & October

As the year moves leaps towards fall, the festival activity strengthens in Scotland, with a central focus on traditional values and culture. Plus, since August is the ideal time to visit Scotland, there are various festivals and events scheduled throughout the month for the tourists and locals. 

• Piping Live

Dates: August 10 - 18, 2024 

Locations: City-Wide Glasgow.

Tourists and local visitors must not miss out on the bagpiping events across the country. Being a national musical instrument of Scotland, bagpipes are a prime representation of Scottish culture and historical references to war times. 

Piping Live is a yearly festival of bagpiping competitions and music concerts that allow visitors to enjoy the backdrop of the culture-enriched instrument. Plus, it is a learning experience for teens and kids. 

Why You Should Visit:

• One of the major events in Glasgow. 
• The festival is organised and fully funded by a professional team. 
• The collective Piping Live event is a must-see for first-time visitors. 

• Mull of Kintyre and Arts Festival

Date: August 21 - 25, 2024

Location: Campbeltown. 

Mull of Kintyre and Arts is an all-rounder festival that runs city-wide in Campbeltown. The main reason it is highly praised is that it offers music events, activities and above all adrenaline-filled artists. 

The festival runs for a long weekend, thus offering a variety of events and activities. 

Why You Should Visit:

• 30 years of history for culture and English heritage with festivals. 
• Diverse genres of Music Festivals.
• Concerts of Famous English Artists.
• Bag Piping Event. 
• Family-Friendly Entertainment. 

• Cowal Highland Gathering

Date: August 29 - 31, 2024

Location: Dunoon, Argyll.

Cowal Highland Gathering qualifies for a perfect family day out in the vast outskirts of Dunoon, Argyll. Being one of the famous festivals in Scotland, the Cowal Highland festival is a pioneer in celebrating sports, English heritage and rich culture. Plus, the event primarily revolves around family-focused events and performances every year. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Family-focused events and sports.
• Dancing Events for Kids and Families.
• Athletics and Pipe Events. 
• Classic Car Meet.

• Largs Viking Festival

Date: August 30 - September 8 2024

Location: Coastal Town of Largs, Scotland. 

Largs Viking Festival is never an exception if you are seeking a perfect destination for entertainment and history. The event commences from the end of August till the first week of September. Plus, the light summer weather makes up for a perfect exploration destination in Scotland. 

Largs Viking Festival is known for its accurate depiction of Viking culture, with fire displays and festivals, Viking-themed markets, and workshops. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Ideal Family-friendly destination with lots to learn about Vikings. 
• Incredible display of fireworks. 
• Kids and teen-focused plays and shows. 
• A Viking village with a marketplace. 

• The Braemar Gathering

Date: First Friday of September every year. 

Location: The Princess of Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar. 

Among various festivals, The Braemar Gathering is the largest festival attracting both tourists and local visitors. With the prime focus on the Highland Games, the festival comprises major events and activities. Plus, the festival has its roots in the Royal family: the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Variety of Sports events to enjoy.
• Chance to see the thrilling sports of Heavy stone lifting, Tug O War, Dancing, and Hill Race. 
• Amusing Exhibitions and Galleries. 
• Junior Highland Events. 

• The Royal National Mod

Dates: October 11 - 19, 2024

Location: Oban, Scotland. 

The Royal National Mod is true to the core festival representing Scottish culture and heritage since 1892. The festival focuses on helping individuals learn the Gaelic language and rich culture. While most never pay attention to its offerings of Scottish Gaelic history and literature, the festival is a great source of entertainment and educational information. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Learn all the aspects of Gaelic historical influence, language and literature. 
• Enjoy the traditional Highland Dance and Choir Songs. 
• Tons of learning opportunities for Scotland’s culture and Gaelic language.

• Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Date: October 18 - 31, 2024

Location: Edinburgh.

There is nothing better than listening to unique and thrilling stories from famous storytellers. Especially if you are visiting for the first time, listening to the stories allows you to learn about the culture and heritage indirectly. Storytelling is a calming experience after a good exploration of the highlands and landscapes and aids in empathy building with the culture. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Incredible Storytellers with diverse stories. 
• Unique stories with each performance. 
• Family-Friendly Outdoor Events. 
• Culture and Language stories with unique approaches. 

Scotland Festivals in November & December

As the winter approaches, there is no shortage of good festivals and their unique offerings. 

• St Andrew’s Day

Date: November 30, 2024

Location: Nationwide, Scotland. 

November 30th is the public holiday and national event dedicated to St Andrew in Scotland. On this day, the country hosts a variety of events and festivals for the celebration of St Andrew. The event commences with diverse food and drinks, making it a good culture-riched festival to enjoy for everyone. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Ultimate Feast Day, allows you to dive into the historical advent of Scotland. 
• The festival is celebrated with a feast including diverse foods, drinks and Ceilidh dance. 
• A major opportunity to learn about Scotland’s patron St Andrew. 

• Book Week

Dates: November 18 - 24, 2024

Location: Nationwide, Scotland. 

Being one of the famous festivals in Scotland and the Scottish nation’s interest, Book Week is a major opportunity for bookworms. The festival is celebrated every year to welcome winter and allows book writers and readers to learn empathy with the culture and its diverse aspects. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Opportunity to learn about the creative and motivational writing styles of writers. 
• Get to know about reading opportunities from experienced writers. 
• Chance to connect with an ever-growing community of readers and writers. 
• Engaging books for all age groups. 

• Hogmanay

Date: December 31, 2024 - January 2, 2025

Location: Nationwide, Scotland. 

Hogmanay is a notable festival marking the end of the year and is also celebrated as New Year's Eve. With the festival’s roots back with Vikings, Hogmanay is a three-day celebration of Scottish people that involves feasts, songs, dances and an ultimate Viking-themed fireworks performance. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Country-wide celebrations with fireworks, festivities, feasts and gatherings. 
• Viking-themed events in major cities and the capital, Edinburgh. 
• No matter where you are, each location will host a unique Hogmanay event. 
• Viking Torchlight Parade. 

• Hoolie in the Hydro

Dates: December 7, 2024

Location: OVO Hydro, Glasgow.

When the winters are in full swing and Christmas is right around the corner, most tourists seek adventurous and thrilling festivals across Scotland. Hoolie in the Hydro qualifies for offering a thrilling musical, writer interviews, and performance of world-famous artists. Although the events run year-long, Hoolie in the Hydro is a must-visit at the end of the year. 

Why You Should Visit:

• Major Music Festival in Scotland during winters. 
• Iconic and Breathtaking venue of OVO Hydro in Glasgow. 
• No limitation of Age, fun entertainment for everyone. 
• One of the record-breaking music performances in the history of the UK. 

Final Words

Scotland is known for its diverse offering of festivals and productive activities. Plus, the country welcomes everyone around the globe to join this festival and gives freedom to pursue their passion in their own way. 

With the year-round festivals and events, it might sound difficult to settle for a single one. However, with the right destination and passion for the culture, you can make an informed decision and make the most out of your festival experience. 

With a transportation service like Scotland minibus hire, you can travel across the country and reach your destination of festivals or events with ease.