Music and celebrations are at the very heart of Scotland. Whether it’s the stirring sound of traditional bagpipes, or the thumping beat of headline acts at a rock festival, this is a nation that loves to celebrate. From the Edinburgh International Festival to Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, tune in to Scotland’s best festivals.
For a truly memorable experience, head to one of Scotland’s unique music festivals. There’s always a party in this northern nation, whether it’s celebrating Hogmanay, or the Edinburgh International Festival. Music has long been a part of Scotland’s heritage, from its famous bagpipes to its Celtic heart. It hosts diverse and dynamic festivals all year round, including ones held in unforgettable locations, such as the magical Kelburn Garden Party in the grounds of a painted 13th century castle and the Tiree Music Festival on a tiny unspoilt Hebridean island. So pack your bag, grab your ticket and enjoy the tunes.
1 – 24 August 2025
Edinburgh is synonymous with its world-famous festival in August, which hosts performances from the classical world, as well as opera, traditional and contemporary music. Running alongside it is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where you can catch cutting-edge musical acts as well as theatre and comedy.
11 – 13 July 2025
A relative newbie on the festival scene, TRNSMT has fast become a must-do Scottish music festival, with fans coming from all over the world to party over three days in July. Held at Glasgow Green, the line-up includes a mix of indie, rock and pop, with this year’s headliners including 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro and Snow Patrol.
Bring your dancing shoes for a long weekend of toe-tapping Scottish folk music – with the odd ceilidh thrown in the mix – at the Mull Music Festival.
The tip of northern Scotland comes alive with international musicians for a four-day folk music extravaganza at the Orkney Folk Festival.
World music and art meet insightful discussion and challenging debates at the inspiring Solas Festival, in the stunning Perthshire countryside.
The magical Kelburn Garden Party brings underground sounds and a mix of music genres alongside glen walks, a waterfall pool and pop-up parties.
Taking place in a spectacular location, discover three days of music celebrations at Tiree Music Festival on the unspoilt Hebridean Island.
Scotland loves a good party – join in the celebrations at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival with a huge street carnival.
The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has three days of wacky and exciting attractions, with previous headliners including Van Morrison and Emeli Sande.
Pump up the party at Linlithgow for a full-on two-day celebration in an unmissable location for Party at the Palace.
Celtic music engulfs the city at Celtic Connections, with more than 2,000 artists from all over the world performing concerts, ceilidhs, exhibitions and workshops.
Music is part of Scotland’s soul and as well as the headline events, the nation is home to many unique musical experiences. From its legendary Hogmanay celebrations which kick off the New Year to the Piping Live! festival, here are some ideas on how to party all year round…
Nobody celebrates New Year like the Scots, with their annual Hogmanay parties. In Edinburgh, there’s a parade, street party, ceilidh (traditional Scottish party) and concert.
Famous all over the world, the sights and sounds of the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade every August are unforgettable.
Uniquely Scottish, Burns Night takes place on 25 January, when the life of the nation’s favourite poet is celebrated over Burns Suppers. Expect bagpipes, haggis, songs and poems – and lots of whisky.
This fire festival has to be seen to be believed. Up Helly Aa, which takes place in Shetland in January, involves a torchlit procession of 1,000 costumed men who set fire to a replica Viking ship, then proceed to have a giant party. The largest event is in Lerwick.
There’s nothing more Scottish than the sound of bagpipes and Piping Live! celebrates the sound of the nation over a week-long festival in Glasgow in August. Pipers range from traditional to contemporary.
Another unique event is the Hebridean Celtic Festival, one of Scotland’s flagship festivals which takes place on the island of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, every July.
