Including Edinburgh International Film Festival, Cymera, West End Festival and Glasgow Jazz Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Opening galas, closing events, retrospectives, guest stars, premieres and themed strands: it's the recipe for a perfect film festival and the Edinburgh lot know how to do this kind of thing with their eyes wide shut. Spain has emerged as a major theme at this year's EIFF while Boyz in the Wood kicks things off and Mrs Lowry & Son brings the curtain down. Just before it all gets rolling, there's a special screening of Toy Story 4 while St Andrew Square Garden once again opens its gates to a series of open-air screenings.
Various venues, Edinburgh, Wed 19–Sun 30 Jun.
Southern Exposure
Taking the musical action indoors won't blunt the effect of Southern Exposure unduly, especially with a bill featuring the likes of Bossy Love, Carla J Easton, Be Charlotte, Meursault and Pictish Trail.
Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Jun.
Architecture Fringe
With a 'provocation' on In Real Life, this year's series of contributor-led projects and events has plenty to say (across the entire nation) about where our built environment is headed.
Various venues, nationwide, Fri 7–Sun 23 Jun.
The Duchess [of Malfi]
Having adapted Aeschylus and Ionesco in recent times, Zinnie Harris turns her attention to the John Webster play about female agency, power structures and family relationships.
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 8 Jun.
Ballet Black
Celebrating their 18th year, Ballet Black are back in town (ahead of an Edinburgh Fringe appearance no less) with a triple bill of works choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, Martin Lawrance and Sophie Laplane.
King's Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun.
Cymera
An exciting new sci-fi, fantasy and horror book festival with open mic business, a ceilidh, quiz and authors such as Lari Don, PM Freestone, Ken MacLeod, Ever Dundas and David Quantick.
The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Fri 7–Sun 9 Jun.
Glasgow Jazz Festival
Another excellent line-up for Glasgow's jazz fans to lap up including Ruby Turner, Fergus McCreadie, David McAlmont, Madison McFerrin, Mulati Astatke and Haftor Medbøe.
Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 19–Sun 23 Jun.
Killing Eve
Phoebe Waller-Bridge can do little wrong at the moment, and she's back as executive producer on series two of the show which had folk salivating last year. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer return to lock deadly horns.
BBC iPlayer, Sat 8 Jun.
Wallace & Gromit's Musical Marvels
A real treat for fans of the dynamic Aardman duo with a live orchestral accompaniment to a selection of Wallace & Gromit's many daft but beloved adventures.
Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun; Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sun 9 Jun.
West End Festival Guided Walks
(Chosen by author Anne Donovan)
A highlight of the West End Festival is its programme of guided walks, where experts in local history and architecture take you round an area and focus on significant buildings, architects or some aspect of the landscape. A previous stand-out for me was one on industrial architecture, something I knew little about. There's a great selection to choose from and I'm especially looking forward to a walk round the wonderful architecture of Govan, including the Pearce Institute and Govan Parish Church. The Women of Maryhill walk also looks fascinating (and is free); it explores the history of Maryhill women and the places they lived and worked. There are also some great free talks in Hillhead Library throughout the festival, something for everyone.
Anne Donovan, Scottish Writers Centre, Glasgow, Tue 4 Jun; West End Festival, Glasgow, until Sun 30 Jun.