9 Summer event & festival finds in Scotland

When? 2 July – 23 August 2025 

The Highlands are getting ready to turn up the volume this summer. Under Canvas at Eden Court is back for 2025 with a brand-new line up throughout July and August. With performances taking place from Wednesday to Sunday, get ready to dance to the funky beat with music ranging from folk, trad and jazz to indie, contemporary and much more. 

When? 11 – 13 July 2025 

July brings music to everyone’s ears amongst locals and visitors alike to the shores of Tiree. Founded by Skerryvore’s Daniel Gillespie and Tiree local Stewart MacLennan, the festival has gone from strength to strength and has played host to acts including Skipinnish, Talisk, Elephant Sessions and Rhuvaal. We’ve even got the facts to prove it with the festival taking home several accolades from The Scottish Thistle Awards and Scot Trad Music Awards. It’s not just the musical performances that will blow you away, the island’s picture-perfect white sands are also a magical bonus. 

Keep your eyes peeled on who will be taking centre-stage at this year’s summer festival.

When? 18 – 27 July 2025

Calling all foodies! Enjoy the best street food at the Edinburgh Food Festival in George Square Gardens this summer.

The Edinburgh Food Festival is the city’s largest free-to-enter food festival and comes with a smorgasbord of stalls and street food to try out, bringing a delectable palette of dishes and specialities from a range of vendors.

Enjoy select favourites or treat your tastebuds to something new. There will also be meet-the-producer events and chef demos, so make sure to pop in and you won’t be disappointed.

When? 19 – 22 July 2025

Don’t miss Aberdeen Tall Ships Races, an exciting maritime spectacle on the shores of Aberdeen. This four-day free, family-friendly festival is the largest of its kind in Europe and it is the first time the races will be visiting Aberdeen since 1997.

See beautiful ships from around the globe take part in competitive races, as well as shoreside festivities and celebrations including a packed programme of events, music, a street food market, and a funfair. The open-air gigs will be headlined by Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, Ministry of Sound Classical, and Tide Lines.

There will also be public access onto ships, crew parades, Red Arrows, awards, fireworks and much more.

When? 31 July – 2 August 2025 

This loved family-friendly favourite of the Scottish music festival scene is back with music, theatre, and spoken word events.

Set in the heart of the picturesque Highlands, just a stone’s throw away from Inverness, get your toes tapping to a range of Scottish and international artists, musicians, and performers during this three-day summer festival. You are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind and immersive adventure for visitors of all ages.

Headline acts for 2025 are Texas, Supergrass and Paul Heaton, with performances from The Pigeon Detectives, Beluga Lagoon, Peter Capaldi, and many more.

When? 1 – 10 August 2025 

Looking to escape the city centre but still enjoy the buzz of festival life? We’ve got you covered! The Fringe is also setting up a base by the sea in the picturesque town of North Berwick in East Lothian, just a short train ride from Edinburgh. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of AIR’s iconic debut album MOON SAFARI with their four-hour setlist and step back in time with Hot Dub Time Machine and listen to different genres of music throughout the decades. If you’re looking for a comedy fix, get ready to laugh with Alan Davies or enjoy the timeless classic soundtrack of James Bond beautifully performed by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. We’ve only scratched the surface but make sure to check out their website to see what’s on this August.

When? 2 – 3 August 2025

With a weekend of live entertainment and music, Party at the Place is prepared to wow music fans. A mix of well-known and local musical acts and performers combine at this family-friendly music festival that is set picturesquely overlooking the magnificent Linlithgow Palace. 

Party at the Place brings a weekend of live music and entertainment with rock and pop acts, DJs and some of Scotland’s best bands. Shed Seven, Happy Mondays, Sister Sledge, Heather Small, Urban Cookie Collective, and numerous other performers are on the busy line-up, while comedians Bruce Fummey, George Zach and others will be entertaining at the Comedy Tent.

Expect lots of kids’ activities and rides too, as well as a food market and more.

When? 9 – 10 August 2025

Held at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland’s premium country and sporting events show is back this summer. A celebration of all things countryside living and family life, feel part of the action and get stuck into a range of activities. Watch majestic Birds of Prey take to the skies at the falconry display, enjoy mouth-watering food and drink demonstrations and see daring motorbike stunts that will make your jaw drop. 

When? 12 – 14 September 2025

Join in the three-day Stranraer Oyster Festival and get ready for your seafood fix! Celebrating Scotland’s last remaining wild and native oyster bed, this unique event highlights the area’s unique coastal heritage, its culture, its people, and its wealth of local produce.

There will be celebrity chef demonstrations, oyster shucking competitions, live music, extreme pond dipping, dozens of food and craft stalls, and a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment.

The festival’s star attraction is, of course, the enormous oyster bar stocked with highly sought-after native oysters, all freshly caught from Loch Ryan.