SPECTRA
Winter
Castle of Light, Edinburgh: late November to early January, date TBC – step into a world of wonder and admire how Edinburgh Castle’s iconic walls are illuminated with colourful projections.
Celtic Connections, Glasgow: date TBC – experience the sounds of traditional and contemporary Celtic music and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Celtic heritage.
Granite Noir, Aberdeen: 17 January – 22 February – dive into the dark and thrilling world of crime fiction where suspense and intrigue are guaranteed.
Big Burns Supper, Dumfries: around 25 January – celebrate Scotland’s national poet and enjoy lively music, traditional poetry and dance.
Up Helly Aa, Shetland: throughout January to March – local communities light up the islands with torch-lit processions and fiery events, celebrating centuries of history and heritage.
SPECTRA, Aberdeen 5 – 8 February – don’t miss this spectacular festival of light, art and creativity! From glowing blooms to architectural illusions and more.
Dundee Science Festival: 7 – 22 February – discover the wonders of science, fantastic activities and scientific demonstrations during this amazing festival.
Fife Whisky Festival: 27 February – 1 March – taste the best of Fife’s whisky, enjoy live music and soak up a lively festival atmosphere.
Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway
Spring
Borders Art Fair, Kelso: 13 – 15 March – this vibrant art fair brings together talented local artists, makers and designers.
StAnza, St Andrews: 13 – 15 March – Scotland's leading international poetry festival offers a packed weekend of readings, workshops, open mics, exhibitions and more.
Shetland Folk Festival: 30 April – 3 May – get ready to have your toes tapping! Expect four days of lively traditional music, dance, workshops, and more at the UK’s most northerly folk festival.
Culture Night Stirling: 1 May – experience a diverse mix of music, dance, and comedy inside the historic Stirling Castle.
Girvan Traditional Folk Festival: 1 – 3 May – enjoy traditional music gatherings at this family-friendly event, with everything from concerts to workshops, a ceilidh and storytelling.
Arran Rock & Blues Festival: 1 – 3 May – see the beautiful island of Arran turned into a buzzing mix of live music and laid-back seaside festival energy.
Spring Fling Open Studios, Dumfries & Galloway: 23 – 25 May – this much-loved annual arts and craft festival sees artists open their studios to the public.
Edinburgh International Children's Festival: 30 May – 7 June – experience world-class theatre, dance, and storytelling from imaginative performers.
Tiree Music Festival
© Kevin Kerr
Summer
Glasgow Mela: June, dates TBC – taking place at Kelvingrove Park, join in Scotland’s largest South Asian festival, featuring multicultural music, dance, food and arts.
East Neuk Festival, Fife: 1 – 5 July – from jazz and folk to experimental sounds by some of the world’s top artists, experience the charming coastal villages in Fife.
Tiree Music Festival: 10 – 12 July – experience unforgettable live music alongside the island’s breathtaking coastal scenery.
HebCelt, Outer Hebrides: 15 – 18 July – soak up the atmosphere with Celtic music and culture from traditional and contemporary artists.
Speyfest, Moray: 24 – 26 July – three days of live performances transform Fochabers into a lively tented village celebrating music, culture and community spirit.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Inverness: 30 July – 1 August – one of Scotland’s most loved music and arts festivals, featuring live performances, craft stalls and family-friendly fun.
Piping Live!, Glasgow: 9 – 14 August – enjoy the world’s largest annual celebration of bagpipe music, with pipers from around the world.
Cowal Highland Gathering, Dunoon: 27 – 29 August – be part of one of the most famous Highland games, with exciting sports, piping and traditional culture events.
Highland dancing at The Braemar Gathering
Autumn
The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight: 4 – 5 September – watch the skies dazzle with spectacular aerial displays and a host of family-friendly activities.
Braemar Gathering, Royal Deeside: 5 September – experience the sound of bagpipes and lively dancing at these thrilling traditional games.
Orkney Storytelling Festival: date TBC – immerse yourself in the island’s myths and legends with captivating stories, performances, workshops and events.
Stranraer Oyster Festival: 11 – 13 September – dive into a seafood feast and celebrate local oysters with a packed line-up of fun events.
Wigtown Book Festival: 25 September – 4 October – Scotland’s National Book Town comes alive with stories, talks and readings.
The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry: 8 October – 8 November – this autumn classic transforms Faskally Woods into a magical light and sound spectacle, perfect for the whole family.
Royal National Mòd, Glasgow: 9 – 17 October – a vibrant week celebrating Gaelic culture with music, drama, Highland dance, literature and traditional sports.
Doors Open Days, across Scotland: every weekend in September – discover Scotland’s heritage with free access to stunning buildings that are usually off-limits to the public.
