Agnes Obel
The Danish singer-songwriter has been enchanting and haunting listeners in equal doses ever since her arrival with the 2010 Philharmonics album. She hasn’t made a record since the pandemic but this live gig will be a neo-classical/pop delight.
Albert Halls, Stirling, Friday 24 July.

Arooj Aftab
Revisiting work from across her stunning back catalogue, the Grammy-winning singer and composer embarks on a tour with the London Contemporary Orchestra led by co-artistic director and principal conductor Robert Ames.
Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Wednesday 24 June.

Back Doune The Rabbit Hole
The boutique Stirlingshire festival returned last year and it’s, well, back again for 2026. More than just a music event, but the sounds look good (if that makes sense) including Ash, Bombskare, Goodbye Mr MacKenzie, Rianne Downey, Alabama 3 and, um, Dick & Dom.
Cardross Estate, Port Of Menteith, Friday 17–Sunday 19 July.

Beach Boys
The one-year anniversary of Brian Wilson’s death will have just passed by the time these California dreamers take to the Edinburgh stage, so emotions will run high. As will the harmonies and glorious sounds (pet and otherwise).
Edinburgh Playhouse, Tuesday 16 June.

Belladrum
The Tartan Heart beats once again in the Highlands. A stellar line-up includes James, Human League, Mika, Symphonic Ibiza, Brooke Combe, Skerryvore and Becky Sikasa.
Belladrum Estate, Kiltarlity, Thursday 30 July–Saturday 1 August.

Big City
Another late-summer delight curated by our post-rock heroes Mogwai features the stirring likes of Super Furry Animals, Spiritualized, Brìghde Chaimbeul and Richard Dawson.
Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Glasgow, Saturday 29 August.

Caribou
Ontario’s Dan Snaith cements his status as an electronica icon with live performances which bolster the sounds he’s concocted, thanks to a masterly four-piece band.
SWG3, Glasgow, Friday 17 July.

Celebrating Nat King Cole
The Down For The Count Swing Orchestra are well up for the challenge of bringing us the smooth sound and lush atmosphere of the talented Mr Cole. Marvin Muoneké takes the vocal duties on one memorable tune after another.
Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Saturday 27 June; City Halls, Glasgow, Sunday 28 June.

Conscious Pilot
An eclectic bunch of venues for the Glasgow-based outfit who are all set to launch their debut album, Human Poultry, which, in the words of their publicity material, is ‘the sad made funny, the mundane turned strange’.
Leith Cricket Club, Edinburgh, Saturday 2 May; Stereo, Glasgow, Friday 22 May; Kelburn Garden Party, Thursday 2–Monday 6 July.

Days Festival
This alternative electronic festival is now on its fourth edition with The Pitt market set to buzz along with the all-day likes of DJ Seinfeld, Helena Hauff, Daniel Avery, Sweely, Papa Nugs and MarcelDune.
The Pitt, Edinburgh, Saturday 30 May.

Discovery Festival
A joyous three-day celebration of nostalgia with Tony Hadley, Hue & Cry and Jaki Graham rubbing shoulders with The Libertines, Level 42 and Five. Plus holy hell will be raised by Reverend & The Makers while Lottery Winners arrive fresh from supporting Robbie Williams.
Slessor Gardens, Dundee, Friday 24–Sunday 26 July.

East Neuk Festival
Musicians from five continents assemble for this year’s Fife fiesta including pianist Fergus McCreadie, harpist Karen Marshalsay and cellist Su-a Lee plus The Tallis Scholars, The Ayoub Sisters and Kolektif Istanbul.
Various venues, East Neuk, Wednesday 1–Sunday 5 July.

Eden Festival
South Scotland’s family-friendly celebration of music and culture hosts no fewer than 250 acts across its stages. Julian Marley, Malin Lewis, Gnoss, Vieux Farka Touré, Kirsteen Harvey and Kai Reesu will all be in tow.
Raehills Meadows, Moffat, Thursday 11–Sunday 14 June.

Florence + The Machine
On her most recent album, Florence Welch collaborated with Mitski, The National’s Aaron Dessner and Idles’ Mark Bowen. While it seems unlikely any of that lot will show up here, an extraordinary gig will nonetheless occur.
Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh, Monday 24 August.

Geese
Those cool indie Brooklyn cats fronted by Cameron Winter played Barrowlands earlier this year and loved it so much that they’re flying back for two already highly popular nights.
Barrowlands, Glasgow, Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 August.

Glasgow Jazz Festival
Launched in 1987, this festival has proudly boasted star names and rising stars alike, and the 2026 bonanza is no different. Courtney Pine, Fergus McCreadie, Ali Affleck, Mario Biondi, Dave Milligan, Orphy Robinson and Azamiah are among the roll call.
Various venues, Glasgow, Wednesday 10–Sunday 14 June.

Haddstock
The East Lothian town’s bars, cafés, halls and green spaces will be full to the brim of arts and music for this delightfully titled fest’s 2026 version. Corn Exchange houses the headline gig featuring Man Of Moon, Alice Faye and Sarah/Shaun.
Various venues, Haddington, Friday 29–Sunday 31 May.

Heather On The Hill
A bumper line-up has been gathered for this Edinburgh Summer Sessions event. Nathan Evans And The Saint Phnx Band, Brooke Combe, Cammy Barnes and Nati all grace the main stage.
Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh, Saturday 22 August.

Hen Hoose
A short documentary, a talk and a gig make up this happening as the songwriting collective and production house founded by Tamara Schlesinger goes from one strength to another.
Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Thursday 28 May.

Lola Young
This Croydon singer-songwriter has had quite the 12 months having scooped a Grammy, a Brit and an Ivor Novello. She’s also prone to an eye-catching album title. Exhibit A: I’m Only Fucking Myself.
O2 Academy Glasgow, Tuesday 16 June.

Loose Articles
The Manchester punks may well be the only act in this entire list to have made a live appearance on TalkSport (then again, this could be speaking out of turn). Their debut album title says it all better than we ever could: Scream If You Wanna Go Faster.
Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Saturday 23 May.

Melanie C
She probably won’t thank you for calling her Sporty Spice nowadays. And no wonder given she’s carved out a pretty impressive corner in the music market for herself as a solo artist and collaborator.
SWG3, Glasgow, Tuesday 5 May.

Metallica
Heavy riffs and epic grandstanding are assured as Lars, James and co hammer fans with tunes from their 72 Seasons album among many others.
Hampden Park, Glasgow, Thursday 25 June.

Music At Paxton
Angela Hewitt, Chiaroscuro Quartet, Gould Piano Trio, Steven Osborne and Samrat Majumder are just a few of the names attaching themselves to the 20th anniversary of this unique Scottish Borders event.
Paxton House, Paxton, Friday 17–Sunday 26 July.

Naama
Downbeat Magazine said that this New York jazz singer has a voice that ‘drifts onto a pillow of dreams’. That is surely enough of an endorsement to get you along to this Chambers Street institution.
Jazz Bar, Edinburgh, Sunday 28 June.

Party At The Palace
Another fine line-up in a historic setting with Sandi Thom, Rianne Downey, The Bluebells, Liv Dawn and Cast among those giving it their all over a sunny (we can hope) weekend.
The Peel, Linlithgow, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August.

Pitbull
Hard to argue with the title of this Summer Sessions extravaganza: I’m Back. Armando Christian Pérez sure is.
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Wednesday 1 July.

Queen’s Park Spring Weekender
Poignantly, the JD Twitch stage is a fitting new addition to this bank holiday bash run by Melting Pot and Optimo, and which has this lot among its 2026 line-up: Shaun G, Amy Rodgers, Mr Scruff, Bikini Body and Daphni aka the aforementioned Dan Snaith, also known as Caribou.
Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Glasgow, Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 May.

Robyn
You have to wonder why no one has come up with this for an album/tour name  before, but the Swede got there first. It’s Sexistential time folks.
OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Friday 26 June.

Shalamar
With 11 top 40 hits to their name across 50 years of doing their R&B/soul thing, the Shalamar gang are having a party on The Gold Tour. Special guest is Gwen Dickey, vocalist from their illustrious peers, Rose Royce.
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sunday 28 June.

Sparks
There’s no letting up on the rejuvenation of the Mael brothers and they’ll pound around this Big Night At The Bandstand show like there’s barely a tomorrow.
Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, Sunday 14 June.

Sugar
Bob Mould takes his addictive crew onto the Love You Even Still tour with the first new music they’ve released in three decades. Cop a load of Copper Blue and see what all the fuss was about back in the early 90s.
Barrowlands, Glasgow, Tuesday 2 June.

Tae Sup Wi A Fifer
Celebrating ten years of collaborative live experiences, James Yorkston once more sups in some venues which may occasionally be ignored by those on the touring circuit. Among the pals he’ll be hanging out with are indie folk twins The Elidas and Kirsty Newton with Phill Jupitus.
Byre Theatre, St Andrews, Wednesday 20 May; Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, Thursday 21 May; Strathearn Arts, Crieff, Friday 22 May.

Tamikrest
These Saharan rockers hit the road on the back of Assikel, their latest album (which was recorded on analogue tape). If you’d like to know, that album title means ‘voyage’ or ‘journey’.
Stereo, Glasgow, Monday 8 June.

Tom Robinson
The pioneering musician and broadcaster marks half a century in the business with tunes and tales alongside guitarist Adam Phillips who has performed with everyone from Britney to Boyzone and Lionel Richie to Richard Ashcroft.
Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, Thursday 6 August.

Toyah
The 80s punkish icon, actress and Strictly contestant heads out on her Songs And Stories tour so you can expect both of those things being aired on all of these stops.
Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen, Wednesday 10 June; Beacon Arts, Greenock, Thursday 11 June; Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Friday 12 June; Perth Theatre, Sunday 14 June.

White Denim
LA-based James Petralli hails 20 years of his band which has fearlessly stuck garage, soul, jazz fusion, psych and improv into a big musical blender and come out with something all of their own.
The Classic Grand, Glasgow, Sunday 30 August.

Withered Hand
Having brought his long touring schedule with Kathryn Williams to a close, the man also known as Dan Willson strikes out on his own with top tunes and equally fine between-song chatter.
Paisley Arts Centre, Friday 1 May; Tolbooth, Stirling, Saturday 2 May; Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Tuesday 12 May; Green Hotel, Kinross, Friday 26 June; MacArts, Galashiels, Sunday 28 June.

Wolves In The Throne Room
The throne room is probably the last place you’d want your wolf to run amok, but in this instance it’s fine. This Washington black metal band do dark ambient like few others you’ll see this summer.
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, Monday 3 August; St Luke’s, Glasgow, Tuesday 4 August.

Womad
Helmed by Peter Gabriel, the first World Of Music, Arts & Dance event took place in Somerset in 1982 and has since gone, literally, global. This marks the festival’s long-awaited Scottish debut and among those appearing are the Grit Ensemble, Suntou Susso And The Gambian Superstars, Peat & Diesel, King Ayisoba and Talisk.
Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, Friday 3 & Saturday 4 July.

Main picture: Fabio Paiva.

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