The calendar year is packed with lots of events throughout Scotland. Events can be incorporated as a unique add-on to itineraries where possible, or indeed may even be the whole reason for your client’s trip to Scotland.
Not all of these events work with travel trade or will be of interest to your clients, but it is worth being aware of the increase in demand for capacity around these times.
2026
January 2026
- Celtic Connections (Glasgow, 15 Jan–1 Feb)
- Burns Night (across Scotland, 25 Jan 2026)
- Up Helly Aa (Shetland, 27 Jan 2026)
February 2026
- Celtic Connections (Glasgow, 15 Jan–1 Feb)
- Fort William Mountain Festival (12-15 Feb)
- Glasgow Film Festival (25 Feb–8 Mar)
- Six Nations Rugby (Edinburgh, Feb – Mar)
- Fife Whisky Festival (Cupar, 27 Feb–1 Mar)
March 2026
- Six Nations Rugby (Edinburgh, Feb – Mar)
- Fife Whisky Festival (Cupar, 27 Feb–1 Mar)
- Inverness Half Marathon (8 March 2026)
- Glasgow International Comedy Festival (11-29 March 2026)
- Aberdeen Jazz Festival (12–22 Mar)
- Country 2 Country (Glasgow, 13-15 March 2026)
- Comic Con (Aberdeen, 14-15 March 2026)
April 2026
- Edinburgh International Science Festival (21 March–5 April 2026)
- Edinburgh International Harp Festival (10–14 April 2026)
- Terminal V (Edinburgh, 18–19 April 2026)
- Mull Music Festival (23-26 Apr)
- Stirling Whisky Festival (25 April 2026)
- Etape Loch Ness – 66 mile cycle (26 April 2026)
- Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (29 Apr–4 May)
- Beltane Fire Festival (Edinburgh, 30 April 2026)
- Shetland Folk Festival (30 Apr–3 May)
May 2026
- Shetland Folk Festival (30 Apr–3 May)
- Girvan Traditional Folk Festival (1–3 May)
- Culture Night Stirling (1 May 2026)
- Tradfest (Edinburgh, 1–11 May)
- Ultra X Scotland (Inverness, 2–3 May)
- Edinburgh Tartan Parade (9 May)
- Gourock Highland Games (10 May)
- Orkney Folk Festival (21–24 May)
- Islay Festival of Music & Malt (22–31 May)
- Scottish Cup Final (Glasgow, 23 May)
- Edinburgh Marathon Festival (23-24 May)
- Atholl Gathering (24 May)
- The Gathering Inverness (30 May)
- Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (30 May–7 June 2026)
June 2026
- Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (30 May–7 June 2026)
- Borders Book Festival (11–14 Jun)
- Shetland Noir (11–14 Jun)
- Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (12–14 Jun)
- Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh, 18-21 June)
- TRNSMT (19–21 Jun)
- World Agritourism Conference (Aberdeen, 23-25 June)
July 2026
- Luss Highland Games (4 Jul)
- Forres Highland Games (4 Jul)
- ROW Clipper Race 2026 (Oban, 10–13 Jul & 19 Jul)
- Inverness Highland Games (11 July)
- Hebcelt Festival (Stornoway 15–18 July 2026)
- Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (17–26 July)
- Back Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival (Stirling, 17-19 July 2026)
- Mull Highland Games (23 Jul)
- 2026 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, 23 July–2 August 2026)
- Discovery Music Festival (Dundee 24–26 Jul)
- Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (Nr Inverness 30 Jul–1 Aug)
- Fringe by the Sea (North Berwick, 31 Jul–9 Aug)
August 2026
- 2026 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, 23 July–2 August 2026)
- Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (Nr Inverness 30 Jul–1 Aug)
- Fringe by the Sea (North Berwick, 31 Jul–9 Aug)
- Newtonmore Highland Games (1 Aug)
- Bridge of Allan Highland Games (2 Aug)
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo (7–29 Aug)
- Edinburgh International Festival (7–30 August)
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival (7–31 Aug)
- Brodick Highland Games (8 Aug)
- Inverkeithing Highland Games (8 Aug)
- Piping Live (Glasgow, 10–17 Aug)
- Ballater Highland Games (13 Aug)
- Stirling Highland Games (15 Aug)
- World Pipe Band Championship (Glasgow, 15-16 August 2026)
- Edinburgh International Book Festival (15–30 Aug)
- Crieff Highland Games (16 Aug)
- Glen Urquhart Highland Games (22 Aug)
- Cowal Gathering (27–29 Aug)
- Birnham Highland Games (29 August)
- Stirling Pride (29 August)
- Largs Viking Festival (30 Aug–7 Sept)
September 2026
- Largs Viking Festival (30 Aug–7 Sept)
- International Ayr Show Festival of Flight (4–5 Sept)
- Braemar Gathering (5 Sept)
- Stranraer Oyster Festival (11–13 Sept)
- Pitlochry Highland Games (12 Sep)
- Bloody Scotland (Stirling 18–20 Sept)
- Wigton Book Festival (25 Sept–4 Oct)
- Loch Ness Marathon (27 Sept)
October 2026
- Enchanted Forest (Pitlochry, 8 Oct–8 Nov)
- The Royal National Mòd (Glasgow 9–17 Oct)
- William Wallace Running Festival (10 October 2026)
- Aberdeen Comedy Festival (19 Oct–4 Nov)
- Comic Con Scotland (Edinburgh, 24-25 Oct)
- Samhuinn Fire Festival (Edinburgh, 31 Oct)
And beyond…
- UEFA EURO 2028 (Glasgow, summer 2028)
Events in Scotland FAQs
Why should I build events into my Scotland itineraries?
Scotland’s calendar is packed with world-class festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting spectacles. These events create unique, time-sensitive reasons for clients to travel, adding exclusivity and excitement to their trip.
How do events add value for my clients?
Events offer authentic experiences that immerse visitors in Scottish culture, whether it’s the thrill of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the charm of Highland games, or the creativity of the Edinburgh Festival. They turn a standard itinerary into a memorable story.
Are events suitable for all types of clients?
Absolutely. From whisky enthusiasts attending the Spirit of Speyside Festival to music lovers at Celtic Connections, there’s something for every interest. Events can be tailored to FIT, groups, or niche markets like foodies and adventure seekers.
Do events impact travel planning?
Yes. Popular events drive demand for accommodation and transport, so early booking is essential. Advising clients to plan ahead ensures they secure the best options and avoid disappointment.
Can events be the main reason for visiting Scotland?
Definitely. Many clients travel specifically for iconic events like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay or the Royal Highland Show. Positioning these as the centrepiece of an itinerary can be a strong selling point.
How can I use events to upsell?
Events create opportunities for premium experiences: VIP tickets, behind-the-scenes tours, or themed excursions. These add-ons increase revenue while delivering exceptional value to your clients.