Festivals are deeply ingrained in Scottish culture, with something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. Whether you’re into music, art, theatre, dance, the great outdoors, books, comedy, film, science, food and drink or family events, Scotland is the perfect stage for brand new experiences in 2026, including many that are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.

Whether you’re an audience member, a performer, a spectator or a participant, we’ve rounded up a broad range of festivals to consider, all taking place this year. With many hundreds more on offer, be sure to check out our Guide To Scotland’s Festivals and the VisitScotland site for even more inspiration.

The beautiful town of Melrose is the location for Borders Book Festival (11–14 June). Taking place across numerous venues, the programme features a diverse range of authors and speakers covering the latest fiction, current affairs, history and much more, including health and wellbeing sessions. Wigtown Book Festival (25 September–4 October) is another firm favourite with literature fans, taking place in Scotland's National Book Town; across 10 days, readers and collectors can get their fill in a town that’s world famous for its bookshops.

Nestled within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Killin Music Fest (June) celebrates Scottish music, culture and tradition with a programme of local, national and international music. On the west coast, Kelburn Garden Party (2 – 6 July) is a music and arts festival set in the beautiful surroundings of a 13th century castle that’s renowned for its beautifully painted façade. TRNSMT (19–21 June) takes over Glasgow Green with sets from Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi and many others. It’s been running since 2017 and has firmly established itself as one of the country’s biggest music festivals.

There’s plenty more music in the calendar with Back Doune The Rabbit Hole (17–19 July) headlined by Ash, Alabama 3 and Huey Morgan, once again offering the perfect combination of great tunes and family-friendly atmosphere. The Highlands will again be alive with the sound of music at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (30 July–1 August) returning with James, The Human League and Callum Beatie on the line-up, while The Gathering (30 May) offers more Scottish fare with Skerryvore headlining. And don’t miss Awakening The Festival (14 June) in Falkirk: Scotland’s only music festival aimed exclusively at people with disabilities giving everyone the chance to enjoy some fantastic sounds this summer.

Dundee Pride (June) aims to take a positive stance against discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, with a march from Steeple Church to Slessor Gardens. The city centre will host a fun and inclusive event with celebrations going on into the night. Pipes fill the air across Glasgow for Piping Live! (9–14 August). Centred at the National Piping Centre, the event leads up to the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green. More traditional Scottish music can be heard at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (24–28 June) in Aberdeen.

In Dunoon, around 20,000 people will descend on the Cowal Highland Gathering (27–29 August). Expect entertainment from world-class pipers, dancers and athletes all taking part in the world’s largest Highland Games. The Argyllshire Gathering (August) offers a slice of history, having been founded in 1871 and now regarded as a forerunner to the Highland Games as we know them today.

For more Scottish history, join the celebrations of Robert the Bruce at the Dunfermline Bruce Festival (30 & 31 May) or join the festivities in Robert Burns' one-time hometown for the Mauchline Holy Fair (30 May).

Scottish agricultural history is also covered with the likes of the Marymass Festival (13–24 August) as well as the Canine And Clydesdale Weekend (15 & 16 August) and the World Sheepdog Trials (16–20 September) in the Scottish Borders. And Scotland’s annual celebration of Gaelic culture returns in 2026 as Glasgow hosts the Royal National Mòd (9-17 October) with a packed programme of music, dance, competition and much more.

Sports fans have a spectacular year ahead, with Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2026 (23 July–2 August) returning 12 years after it last dazzled the city and permanently transformed much of its landscape. Expect excitement, tears and an amazing atmosphere all taking place in some of the city’s most iconic locations. North Berwick’s Renaissance Club is the setting for this year’s Genesis Scottish Open (8–12 July), at which the world’s top golfers will be hoping to increase their ranking points. The local fan zone will provide spectators with plenty of great food and drink from nearby suppliers. The golfing action continues with the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open (23–26 July) at Dundonald and the ISPS Handa Senior Open (23–26 July) at Gleneagles. Out on the gravelly hills around Gatehouse Of Fleet, The Gralloch UCI Gravel World Series (15-17 May) is a tough one-day cycling event. Its undulating course is set in the stunning surrounds of Galloway Forest Park. Towards the end of the year, the cycling action continues as international cyclo-cross returns to Great Britain with Glasgow hosting a round of the 2026-27 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup (13 December) in Kelvingrove Park.

Elsewhere, the competition is causing ripples in the water with Round The World Clipper Yacht Race (10–19 July) stopping off in Oban with plenty of entertainment on dry land too, and The World Stone Skimming Championships (5 September) returns to Easdale Island.

Families searching for inclusive activities have much to choose from. WILDHOOD Festival (5–7 June) is Scotland’s award-winning children’s festival. This magical event takes place in 30 acres of parkland and woodland, and this year’s theme is ‘celebrating Scotland’. Glasgow International (5–21 June) is a biennial art festival (now in its 11th edition), showcasing projects by local and international artists. The event also celebrates Glasgow as a vibrant centre for artistic production, presentation and culture. The cultural celebrations continue in Orkney with the famous St Magnus Festival (19–28 June) while Stirling is set for its Culture Night (1 May). Taking place in the picturesque East Neuk Of Fife, Pittenweem Arts Festival (1–8 August) is an amazing chance to get up close and personal with artists. with events taking place in the most unusual locations, including folk’s front rooms and garages. Winner of Best Large Festival at the Scottish Events Awards, Findhorn Bay Arts Festival (24 September–4 October) is a multi-arts celebration encompassing music, theatre, dance, film, art and more, now in its sixth iteration.

Scottish food and drink is also front and centre throughout 2026 with the likes of Paisley Food And Drink Festival (24 & 25 April) showcasing the best street food in the area; Spirit Of Speyside (29 April–4 May) serving up the best drams across the region, and the Hebridean Whisky Festival (5–12 September) returning in the Autumn.

Last but certainly not least, Edinburgh is the home of 11 major festivals. Most of these take place in the summer and it’s easy to combine one visit with a multitude of events. This year’s highlights include Edinburgh Science Festival (4–19 April), Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (30 May–7 June), Edinburgh Jazz And Blues Festival (17–26 July), Edinburgh International Festival (7–30 August), Edinburgh Military Tattoo (7–29 August), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (7–31 August), Edinburgh International Film Festival (13–19 August), Edinburgh Art Festival (14–30 August), Edinburgh International Book Festival (15–30 August) and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (21–31 October).

So, whatever your passion, Scotland has an event for you in 2026 and beyond.

Find out more about world-class events taking place across the country inside The List’s Guide To Scotland’s Festivals and on the VisitScotland.com site.