The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Events & festivals in Scotland

Events in Scotland have the power to amaze and inspire you. Our atmospheric crowds, iconic venues and picture-perfect landscapes play host to everything from concerts to sporting tournaments. Choose from small cultural events throughout the year to one of our big annual festivals.

Unmissable events in Scotland

These world-leading events promise authentic experiences and seriously good times.

What's on this year – an annual Scottish events calendar

Get the most out of Scotland each season, from natural highlights and awesome activities to resolutely Scottish traditions and kick-ass events.

8 Magical sound and light shows in Scotland

Explore events across Scotland that celebrate sound, light and more during the darker autumnal and winter months.

Spectacular autumn events in Scotland

Check out the exciting line-up of autumn events in Scotland for 2025, from Halloween thrills to dazzling sound and lights shows and more.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover the curious happenings taking place across Scotland this Halloween season and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

St Andrew's Day

Celebrate our patron saint with events across Scotland in November and experience rich Scottish traditions, from ceilidhs to music sessions.

Winter festivals

Experience Scotland at the most wonderful time of the year at dazzling, heart-warming winter festivals held across the country.

Scotland’s rich cultural festivals and traditions

Celtic Connections Opening Night: Celebrating Glasgow 850

Discover cultural events

Discover authentic events and festivals celebrating culture and traditions in Scotland. From folk music gatherings and world-renowned whisky festivals to Celtic Connections, Burns Night, and the fiery spectacle of Up Helly Aa, there is always something stirring the soul and igniting the spirit that brings people together across the seasons.

Scotland's calendar of events

As the seasons unfold, discover a calendar filled with natural splendour, outdoor adventures, Highland games, fantastic music, whisky, arts festivals and more. Are you ready for it? Get your tickets now!

Paisley Halloween Parade and flying witches
© Renfrewshire Council / Kieran Chambers

Autumn

The fun doesn't stop when the darker nights arrive. Scotland's festivals run all year round with some spectacular autumn events.

Winter

Be dazzled by the magic of Scottish festivals this winter as we gear up for Hogmanay, and another New Year.

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, home to Scottish rugby.

Highland Dancer; The Ballater Highland Games
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Summer

We're bringing the heat with our sizzling lineup of summer events and concerts in Scotland.

The summer sees the most packed months for events in Scotland – particularly around music, Highland games and regional events such as on the islands, or the Common Ridings in the Scottish Borders.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The 2026 Commonwealth Games
© Glasgow 2026

23 July – 2 August 2026

Uniting over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports, the 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring 11 unmissable days of world-class action to the heart of Glasgow – be part of the excitement!

Find what inspires you

Toe-tapping music

Sample the sounds of Scotland at a unique music event with everything from folk to rock, in huge stadiums or on a quiet island in the summer sun.

Find out more

The Edinburgh International Book Festival
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Captivating book festivals

Enjoy new and old stories at one of our many book festivals and events.

Find out more about Scottish writers & literature

Topping and Company Bookshop
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Spoken word poetry events

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a complete beginner, let your creativity flow at an open-mic event through the art of poetry.

Immersive spectator sports

Rugby in Scotland

Nothing beats the atmosphere of a fast-paced rugby game! Find out where you can see the sport in action.

Scottish Motor Racing Club

Find out more about motor racing in Scotland and how to get involved.

Horse Racing

Find race course and racing events in Scotland.

Curling

Find out more about the sport of curling and how you can get involved.

Shinty

Learn more about shinty, a sport which is at the heart of many communities across the Highlands.

Want to know more about thrilling events in Scotland?

Whether you're looking for accessible events, family-friendly fun, or cultural deep dives, Scotland’s calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences.

9 Iconic events & the history behind them

Learn about the unusual stories behind iconic Scottish events. Including Burns Night, the Six Nations, Largs Viking Festival, and more!

Accessible theatre events

Search for accessible theatre events in Scotland.

Submit an event

Find all the information you need on how to submit an event to display on VisitScotland's event pages online.

The Kelpies in Helix Park
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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.

Find out more about our Scottish Thistle Award winners

Find experiences

Search a wide range of accommodation, events, food & drink options and things to do from indoor and outdoor attractions to activities, tours and more.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Things to do

Join our newsletter clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter