18 Must-Do Festivals on Scotland's Islands

Up Helly Aa – 30 January 2024

Twelve fire festivals take place across the Shetland Islands between January and March each year. The main festival takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January and sees a procession of people carrying burning torches through the town, before a replica Viking longship is set alight. Unforgettable!

Shetland Folk Festival – 2 - 5 May 2024

Welcome to the UK’s most northerly folk festival. The festival features an amazing line-up of local and visiting acts that will perform at venues across the Shetland Islands.

Skye Live Festival – May 2024 

Head for Eilean a’ Cheó – the Misty Isle – for a spectacular programme of music, theatre, dance, literature and children’s events, taking place in venues and public spaces around the magical Isle of Skye.

Isle of Arran Mountain Festival – 17 - 20 May 2024

Featuring a packed programme of hill walks, scrambles, mountain running sessions and even night walks, this is the ideal festival for those that love the great outdoors, stunning views and a chance to catch up afterwards over coffee, tea and cake!

Orkney Folk Festival – 23 - 26 May 2024

Celebrations are in order for this year’s Orkney Festival as it celebrates it’s 40th anniversary! Enjoy a musical filled weekend and experience the very best of Orkney’s rich, vibrant folk scene with a whole of musicians set to take centre-stage.

Tiree Music Festival – 12 – 14 July 2024

Delve into a true island festival atmosphere on the glorious Isle of Tiree off Scotland’s west coast. Just imagine picture-perfect white sands, world-famous surfing conditions, lush scenery and landscapes, and add in toe-tapping tunes, and you’ve got yourself and unforgettable island festival experience. It’s no wonder that Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’.

Hebridean Celtic Festival – 17 – 20 July 2023

Set in the magnificent grounds of Lews Castle, overlooking Stornoway Harbour, this is one of the best family-friendly music festivals in Scotland.

Orkney International Science Festival – 7 – 13 September 2023

Join in with music, workshops, talks, performances, exhibitions and more with this set-to-be-magical virtual event. Learn more in this virtual 30th anniversary festival celebration with a special focus on the Year of Coasts & Water.

Viking Week, Orkney – 10 – 17 September 2023 

Celebrate Norse heritage in Orkney with a series of talks, tours and events. Some highlights include a guided archaeology tour of Birsay and Orphir, and a Viking walking tour of Kirkwall to learn about the harbour ad old shoreline where Norse traders would have operated.

Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival – 15 – 17 September 2023 

Scottish and international musicians join together to present a jam-packed festival in the unique location of Islay. The festival features a taste of Islay, so watch out for hand-dived scallops, crabs, chocolates, homebaking and of course, whisky.

Jura Music Festival – 22 – 24 September 2023

Home to more deer than people, the Isle of Jura is a true gem! Experience a range of music genres and performers at the Jura Music Festival this September!

Isle of Mull Car Rally – 12 – 15 October 2023

If motor racing is your thing then you won’t want to miss the Beatson’s Building Supplies Isle of Mull Car Rally. This thrilling race will see a host of crews pit themselves against the Hebridean island’s legendary twisting roads.

Tiree Wave Classic – 14 – 20 October 2023

This thrilling festival is the longest-running professional windsurfing event in the world, but there’s plenty for spectators to do too. Try surfing, paddle boarding or windsurfing, spend some time in the event village and the nightlife is brilliant.