The Scottish summer may be drawing to a close but that doesn’t mean the end of the country’s fabulous range of festivals and events. Scotland is the perfect stage for things to do this autumn and winter, with a wide variety of exciting events taking place across the country, including many that are supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland. From cultural celebrations to unforgettable musical performances and exciting sporting occasions this September and beyond, there’s so much more to come.

The Edinburgh Festivals may have packed up for another year but there’s plenty more going on across the rest of the country. Nairn Book And Arts Festival 2025 (until 7 September) is an annual celebration of literature, art, music and drama set in the beautiful seaside town. Bibliophiles can also look forward to Wigtown Book Festival (26 September – 5 October) for a ten-day celebration with more than 200 events. In Aberdeen, Granite Noir (February 2026) celebrates its 10th birthday. Expect bestselling authors, crime experts and special events all taking place in the historic, atmospheric and quirky Granite City.

It’s a busy time for sports fans. Salomon Skyline Scotland (20 September) is a world-class mountain/trail running event attracting more than 2000 participants to Nevis Range, Fort William. There are challenges for all abilities, from competition newbies to elite athletes. Motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to the McRae Rally Challenge (20 & 21 September) at Knockhill Racing Circuit, an event commemorating Colin McRae becoming the youngest ever World Rally Champion. Cycling is well served with Tour O The Borders 2025 (7 September). Described as the most beautiful closed road sportive in the UK, the route takes in the Devil’s Beeftub, Moffat Dale and Grey Mare’s Tail. The event also includes the Wee Touro, a brand-new, free-to-enter 30k ride that’s ideal for amateur cyclists. Clans @ The Croft (25 October) is the UK’s only team-based mountain bike enduro event, and it features blind stages packed with obstacles like jumps, roots and rock slabs. The event will be supported with an events village, after-party and ceilidh. Watersports fans can look forward to the Tiree Wave Classic (11 – 17 October), the longest-running professional windsurfing event in the world. On a calmer note, The World Stone Skimming Championships (6 September) will play host to around 350 competitors on Easdale Island near Oban.

There's plenty for the whole family to see and do up at the Orkney International Science Festival (4 – 10 September) which has a packed programme of talks, workshops, activities, music, films, family events and more, all bringing to life the wonderful world of science and exploring how it interacts with broader culture.

If you’re looking to broaden your cultural horizons then why not take in a music festival? Winterstorm (27 – 29 November) is a heavy metal, hard rock and blues festival situated beside the Firth Of Clyde in Troon. The festival is celebrating ‘The Spirit Of ‘80’ and features Californian rockers Ugly Kid Joe and British Lion, featuring Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris. This year, Lochaber plays host to Royal National Mòd (10 – 18 October), Scotland’s annual celebration of the Gaelic language and culture. Expect much music, poetry, dance and more, accompanied by delicious food and drink. The Big Hoolie (29 November) is the perfect way to celebrate St Andrew’s Day in its namesake town. There’s an outdoor ceilidh, live entertainment, stalls and fireworks display on West Sands Beach. And why not bring in the New Year at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (29 December 2025 – 1 January 2026) with headliners Wet Leg, plus traditional torchlight procession, The Night Afore concert with Scottish acts Peat And Diesel and accordion supremo and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist RuMac. Then there’s the Street Party and Auld Lang Syne singalong beneath the fireworks at midnight. And you could always celebrate Burns Night in style during Big Burns Supper (15 – 25 January 2026), a festival that toasts The Scottish Bard with a fantastic programme of comedy and cabaret in Dumfries.

Families seeking out illumination events to enthral the kids (and parents too) can look forward to The Enchanted Forest (2 October – 2 November), Pitlochry’s much-loved annual light show. On the west coast, Oban Winter Festival (14 November – 21 December) is a Highland celebration with festive music, markets and general holiday cheer. It features a packed programme including the Winter Woods illuminations, the Haggis Festival at Oban Distillery and a must-see finale concert featuring world-class Scottish musicians. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Castle is lit up once again for Castle Of Light: Fire And Ice (21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026).

Other highlights over the coming months include Vogrie Pogrie (12 – 15 September) in Vogrie Country Park, Midlothian; Stranraer Oyster Festival (12 – 14 September); Orkney Storytelling Festival (23 – 26 October) across Orkney; Paisley Halloween Festival (24 – 25 October); The Festival Of Small Halls 2025 – Closing Ceilidh (29 November) on the Isle Of Skye; and Glasgow Film Festival (25 February – 8 March 2026).

So, whatever you fancy doing or seeing, Scotland is the perfect place to be.

Find out more about events taking place across the country on the VisitScotland site.