Scottish Music Festivals

19 January – 5 February 2023

This popular Glasgow music festival needs no introduction, Celtic Connections brings Scottish culture and trad music to the heart of Glasgow for over 2 weeks. 2023’s line-up will see an array of unmatched talent grace the stage with artists including The Twilight Sad, Dàimh, Anna Meredith, Karan Casey, CARA, and many more.

20 – 23 April 2023

Get ready for a weekend of soulful Scottish music, with folk-rock groups, Scottish dance bands, traditional musicians and singers, all taking place on the stunning Isle of Mull on the west coast. All the events are usually free, and details on the line-up, programme and more will be released soon.

27 – 30 April 2023

After celebrating 40 years of performances, the Shetland Folk Festival will welcome a talented range of some of the best international, British and Shetland musicians. Get ready to have your toes tapping!

Visit Shetland

25 – 27 May 2023

A brand-new festival for 2023, the Isle of Lewis is set to bring some of the biggest names in rock to the island, including Pretenders, Primal Scream and a UK festival headline exclusive from John Fogerty. Head to Stornoway to join in three days of legendary music that will see international acts alongside Scottish talent, at a music extravaganza suitable for everyone and the first major rock and pop event to grace the island.

Visit the Outer Hebrides

25 – 28 May 2023

Watch Stromness come alive with fantastic artists and musicians during Orkney Folk Festival. Stay tuned for more details.

Explore Orkney

26 May – 3 June 2023

The renowned Islay Festival is back for 2023 and is bringing with it a wealth of music, song, dancing, chatting, meeting new people and savouring a dram or two of Islay whisky along the way, all across 9 eventful days.

8 – 11 June 2023

Last year saw over 250 acts performing across 10 different stages, with a variety of live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children’s area, fun, games and much more!

Visit Dumfries & Galloway

16 – 18 June 2023

Running for over a decade, the Solas Festival celebrates Scotland’s midsummer with a weekend of arts and music from a range of performers who in previous years, have been from far afield as Canada, Ghana and Nashville. Keep an eye open for more details about the 2023 festival.

28 June – 2 July 2023

Over in the Kingdom of Fife, delve into the world of live music at the East Neuk Festival. Founded almost 20 years ago, the festival takes place in Crail, Anstruther, Kilrenny, St Monans and St Andrews in a range of quirky and atmospheric venues, from churches, halls, and an ex-nuclear bunker, to caves, an RAF base, a Scout hall, stately homes and gardens. It’s set to be something special!

30 June – 3 July 2023

With this year’s festival set across 7 unique stages, get ready to encounter dance music, folk, plenty of funk and disco, jungle, alt-pop experimental excursions, jazz and blues, intriguing global sounds and more. With the wacky backdrop of graffiti-covered Kelburn Castle, get set for some mind-expanding music.

Explore Ayrshire

7 – 9 July 2023

Take a trip out to the islands for Tiree Music Festival. Not just popular amongst surfers, Tiree hosts this eclectic festival each year which sees incredible artists perform. Previous years have featured Skipinnish, Talisk, Elephant Sessions, Rhuvaal and many more.

Founded by Skerryvore’s Daniel Gillespie and Tiree local Stewart MacLennan, the festival encompasses all the culture of this little Hebridean island, also known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’. Come along to see what all the fuss is about!

12 – 15 July 2023

This multi-award winning music festival takes place on the stunning Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and is a celebration of Gaelic culture and language. Promoting the island’s heritage, history and traditional music, the festival takes place at a purpose-built venue featuring three stages on the Lews Castle Green which offers free standing concerts for up to 5000 people.

14 – 23 July 2023

The Edinburgh Summer Festivals are renowned worldwide and feature an eclectic mix of art, music, performance, song, dance and more that takes over the city each year. The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival was founded in 1978 and is one of seven events that make up the Edinburgh Festivals. Now one of the largest and most respected jazz and blues festivals in Europe, the event showcases 130 concerts, taking place in theatres, parks and clubs all over the city.

21 – 23 July 2023

Rewind to the 80s with this jumping festival of popular songs and well-known tunes. Treat yourself to some luxury and unusual accommodation too, with boutique camping, campervans and caravans, and even a luxury loo pass.

The line-up will be announced soon, so keep checking back for more information.

21 – 23 July 2023

A great festival for music enthusiasts and families alike, this festival features five unique stages with dozens of artists showcasing their voices, skills, talents and more. It is set to be a spectacle of colour and sound across the three days.

24 July 2023

Let’s Rock Scotland is back for 2023 with a vibrant line-up of singers, musicians and bands for all you rock enthusiasts out there! 2023’s line-up so far includes Slim Jim Phantom, Betty Boo, Roland Gift, Junior Giscombe and Janet Kay, to name a few. Stay tuned for more performers being announced soon.

28 – 30 July 2023

Bute Fest brings a weekend of non-stop live music, perfect for a day out with family and friends. Taking places at the stunning Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute, it is set to be packed full of Scottish spirit, cracking bands, delicious food & drink and exciting entertainment suitable for everyone.

27 – 29 July 2023

In the heart of the Highlands, get your toes tapping to a range of Scottish and international artists, musicians and performers during this 3-day summer festival. Details for 2023 have yet to be announced, but with previous line-ups, the festival has seen the likes of Birdy, Gerry Cinnamon, Professor Green and Paloma Faith, to name a few, this one is set to be unmissable too! Stay tuned for more information.

9 – 13 August 2023

This favourite in the music festival world returns to Campbeltown with its exciting programme of performances, heritage trail walks, pipe bands, folk nights, concerts, ceilidhs and more. Join in with toe-tapping tunes, fascinating stories, memorable songs and incredible chorus singing at the Gaelic Concert, or explore the Heritage Trail Walks, and Young Folk Night.

Explore ArgylL & The Isles

August 2023

Explore the best of Scotland pipe bands and solo pipers at one of Glasgow’s most popular events. Piping Live! is a real show stopper to look forward to each year and is a great choice if you’re looking to tap into Scotland’s cultural side. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon.