Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom
Events & Festivals in Scotland
We definitely know how to party! Our atmospheric crowds, iconic venues and picture-perfect backdrops play host to world-leading music, cultural, sporting events, and festivals in Scotland. All year round you can explore our mind-boggling diversity of treats, with plenty in store for foodies, whisky aficionados, music enthusiasts, history buffs, cultural admirers, adventurous souls, sport fanatics and everyone in between.
Scotland offers so much choice, from small local events with plenty of spirit to large scale global events. Make sure to check out The List Guide to Scotland's Festivals for 2023 to find out more.
If you'd like to submit an event, you can get your event listed on visitscotland.com for free.
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What to look out for in 2023 and beyond...
Scotland hosts outstanding world-class events every year. Here's just a taste of what's in store...
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
We’ve pulled together a handy guide on dates and times, travel information, accommodation and things to see and do nearby.
Edinburgh Festivals & The Fringe
Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
V&A Tartan Exhibition
A radical new look at one of the world’s best-known textiles
The Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2023
Europe’s largest free, family festival, held every summer, offering an exciting racecourse for a magnificent fleet of participating vessels
World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024
Join in the 19th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships taking place in Glasgow in 2024.
Royal Troon 152nd Open 2024
Join in one of golf's most prestigious events as Scotland plays host for the tenth time.
AIG Women's Open 2024
Returning to the prestigious Old Course in St Andrews after 11 years, get ready for an unmissable golfing championships.
Fantastic Arts & Culture Events in Scotland in 2023
Scotland is the perfect stage for all kinds of events, including music, theatre, dance, art and comedy festivals.
17 must-do festivals on Scotland's Islands
Explore cultural events and take part in a unique experience on Scotland’s islands.
Ceilidhs
Dance the night away to traditional Scottish folk music with your friends and family.
Authentic Scottish Events, Culture & Traditions
Experience authentic Scottish culture and traditions at events including Celtic music festivals, Highland games and whisky events.
V&A Tartan Exhibition
A radical new look at one of the world’s best-known textiles
Murrayfield Stadium, home to Scottish rugby
Sporting Events in Scotland
On the sporting side, our country hosts some thrilling adventure races, rugby, surfing and cycling events in the run up to the 2023 Cycling World Championships, the biggest cycling event ever.
The Kelpies in Helix Park
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Our award winners
The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise and champion the very best of Scottish tourism, hospitality and events.
These visitor experiences and events industries were praised for delivering world-class events and providing unforgettable, quality and authentic experiences to their visitors in a positive and environmentally friendly way. They also continue to work alongside many local communities and businesses.
Spring Events
Kickstart the New Year in style! From Easter to landscape and garden events, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Easter Events
Spring has sprung in Scotland! Find exciting Easter events for an unforgettable break.
Scottish Snowdrop Festival
Runs from late January to March. Spring is on the way!
Join the Summer Events
We're bringing the heat with our sizzling lineup of summer events and concerts in Scotland.
Edinburgh Festivals & The Fringe
Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Scottish Music Festivals
Find out more about music festivals throughout the year including summer festivals, celebrating traditional music, pop, rock and alternative genres.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
See one of the greatest spectacles on earth, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Autumn Events
The fun doesn't stop when the darker nights loom in. Scotland's festivals run all year round and some say the winter events are even better!
Halloween Events in Scotland
Enjoy spooky festivals, haunting events and an intriguing insight into this annual celebration.
The Scottish Tree Festival
See Scotland's trees in all their autumn glory!
Enchanting sound and light shows
Scotland knows how to add some extra sparkle into the darker months. Enjoy a selection of some of the best light shows across the country.
Spark-tacular Bonfire Night Firework Displays
Enjoy an autumn night-time spectacle with a fireworks display.
Castle of Light
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Winter Festivities
Be dazzled by the magic of Scottish festivals this winter.
Dancers perform at Edinburgh International Festival
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Accessible Performances
Whether you enjoy music concerts or ballets, Scotland has a range of accessible concert halls and theatres where you can take in a performance.
Venues may include relaxed performances, audio described, British Sign Language or captions.
