Looking for the best music festivals in Scotland in 2024!? Look no further, because I’m here to help!
Who doesn’t love Scotland? Or Scots in general? Scotland really has so much to offer any traveller. Vibrant major cities broken up by rolling green hills steeped in history and shrouded in lore. Friendly locals always up for a chat. Top shelf whiskey. Charming and often confusing regional accents. Castles. Calvin Harris. J.K Rowling. Braveheart. Billy Connolly. Breezy national dress for men. I digress.
You know what else Scotland has in spades? Music festivals! In fact, there’s so many Scottish festivals spanning the country and its isles, I had to narrow down my shortlist that just kept wildly growing. Those Scots really know how to party, whether it’s to electronic, pop, rock, folk, jazz or – you guessed it – bagpipes.
These 18+ music festivals in Scotland will be sure to inspire your next wee trip to this bonnie nation. I’ll stop now….
The 15 Best Music Festivals in Scotland in 2024
1) TRNSMT Festival 2024
One of the biggest and best Scottish music festivals | Photo via TRANSMT Facebook
When: July 12-14, 2024
Where: Glasgow Green, Glasgow, Scotland
“TRNSMT is a Scottish rock and indie music festival on Glasgow Green, in the city’s east end. Started as a replacement for T in the Park, the city centre bash includes all the revelry of a traditional music festival, but also gives festival-goers the chance to explore the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cultural attractions. Bringing one of the biggest productions and most stacked lineups to the country, TRNSMT festival should not be missed!”
2) Tiree Music Festival 2024
One of the most unique Festivals in Scotland | Photo via Facebook
When: July 12-14 2024
Where: Tiree, Scotland
http://tireemusicfestival.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival/
“Tiree Music Festival CIC is more than a music festival. It is a true island adventure to one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. Think picture-perfect white sands. World-famous surf. Deserted roads lined with lush greenery and wild flowers. Not forgetting more sunshine than practically anywhere else in the UK.”
3) Terminal V 2024
The Ultimate Scotland Music Festival For Techno Fans
When: April 13-14, 2024
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/terminalvfest/
Scotland’s largest electronic music festival!
4) Glasgow Summer Sessions 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: August, 2024
Where: Bellahousten Park, Glasgow, Scotland
“Glasgow Summer Sessions is an outdoor summer concert series in the city’s Bellahouston Park, attracting around 100,000 people each year for its lineup of rock, indie, dance and hip-hop stars.”
5) Killin Music Festival
Photo via Facebook
When: June 20-22, 2025 (2024 hiatus)
Where: Killin, Perthshire, Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/killinmusicfest/
“Killin Music Festival delivers a weekend packed from start to finish with top-of-their-game artists, supported by a festival fringe featuring bar sessions, workshops, kids activities, competitions and even a pipe band! Killin Music Fest was named ‘Best Scottish Annual Music Festival‘ in the Media Innovator Awards 2020, and ‘Annual Music Festival of the Year‘ in the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2020. The festival was also a finalist for Event of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2017, and a finalist for Best New Festival in the 2016 UK Festival Awards!”
6) Knockengorroch Festival 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: May 23-26, 2024
Where: Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland
https://www.knockengorroch.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Knockengorroch/
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! If you prefer a bigger festival in a smaller pot you are a Knockengorrocher!
“Join us in celebrating 25 years of Knockengorroch beside the glittering Water of Deugh beneath the broad shoulders of southwest Scotland’s great mountain peaks to celebrate some of the finest music from the Celtic diaspora and everywhere in-between.”
Expect a silent disco, a Celtic fire show spectacular, cabaret, comedy, cocktails, real ale, global food, stalls, camping, dance, heritage and arts workshops, a healing area, session villages, open fires, star gazing, showers, and more.
7) Eden Festival 2024
Photo via Eden Festival
When: June 13-16, 2024
Where: Raehills Meadows, Moffat, Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/theedenfestival/events
“Eden Festival is a truly energetic, vibrant & Independent boutique festival showcasing new music & electrifying performances! Set in the stunning Raehills Meadows and hosting 13 different stages, kids arena, circus tent, drive-in cinema, comedy, cabaret and workshops, as well as a feast of performers, artworks, games and much, much more… It is not just music that Eden Festival plays host to but the art is essential in creating its immersive atmosphere. Every year artists get involved in the festival to build, plant, carve, sculpt, grow and mould different areas or exhibitions on the site. So why not come and see what all the fuss is about and what makes Eden Festival stand out in the festival calendar.”
8) Edinburgh International Festival 2024
Photo via Edinburgh International Festival
When: August 2-25, 2024
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
“The Edinburgh International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood, the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and leaders from the City of Edinburgh. It was established in 1947 as a world class cultural event to bring together audiences and artists from around the world, and over 70 years has gone from strength to strength.
For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations. The International Festival presents a programme featuring the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre. Our impact extends beyond the annual programme: our community learning and engagement and professional development programmes run throughout the year, reaching the widest possible audiences and contributing to the cultural and social life of Edinburgh and Scotland.”
9) Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: July 25-27, 2024
Where: Inverness, Scotland
http://tartanheartfestival.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/belladrum
Homegrown in the Highlands
“Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a Scottish music and arts festival at the beautiful Belladrum House and Estate near Inverness. But the fun doesn’t stop at the music, with Belladrum Tartan Heart also showcasing a huge range of other activities and performances for all ages, including comedy and cabaret, talks, debates and films, and arts, crafts and circus skills.”
10) Let’s Rock Scotland Festival 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: June 24-25, 2024
Where: Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/letsrockscotland
Lets Rock – The Scotland’s biggest Retro Festival at multiple locations in 2024. Bringing family fun to a town near you!
“Let’s Rock is an annual family-friendly, 1980s-oriented music festival held throughout the United Kingdom.”
11) Orkney Folk Festival 2024
Photo via Orkney Folk Festival
When: May 23-26, 2024
Where: Orkney, Scotland
https://www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival
“From small beginnings in 1982, the Orkney Folk Festival has grown to become one of the most prolific and special throughout Scotland, the UK and further afield. One of the most important characteristics of the first festival that stands true today is the balance of visiting and local artistes. Whilst the festival has become a sought-after stage amongst artists worldwide – and has been a four-day home for many, over the years – it is equally, if not more so, the local, Orcadian acts that make the festival what it is and keep the crowds coming.”
12) Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2024
Easily one of the coolest festivals in Scotland | Photo via Facebook
When: August 2-24, 2024
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
“The Edinburgh Tattoo is a spectacular like no other. A kaleidoscope of music, dance and entertainment. All set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. See your evening burst into life with a colourful blend of Scottish pipe and drum bands, highland dancers and performers from across the world. Bigger, better and more technically thrilling than ever before. A unique mix of military tradition and global cultures. This really is an experience for the senses. Your seat is waiting.”
13) Riverside Festival Glasgow 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: May 25-26, 2024
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
https://www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com
https://www.facebook.com/riversidefestivalglasgow/
Scotland’s premiere electronic music event, taking place annually in the grounds of the Riverside Museum!
“The Riverside Festival Glasgow, brings together some of the biggest and most sought after DJs!”
14) Shetland Folk Festival 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: May 2-5, 2024
Where: Shetland, Scotland
https://www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/ShetlandFolkFestival
The Shetland Folk Festival is the UK’s most northerly folk festival, and it is regarded as a prestigious event for performers, locals and visitors alike.
“Organised by a voluntary committee (and run by an even bigger pool of volunteers) the Festival prides itself in reaching out to even the most far flung areas of Shetland. Concerts are organised throughout the isles, consisting of some of the best International, British and Shetland music that the world has to offer. In fact, visiting artistes are regularly dumbfounded by the quantity and quality of local musicians that our remote isles have to offer.”
15) Party at the Palace 2024
Photo via Facebook
When: August 10-11, 2024
Where: Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland
http://www.partyatthepalace.co.uk
“Party at The Palace is a 2-day boutique music festival set next to the loch facing the historic Linlithgow Palace. Just 20 minutes from Edinburgh and a half-hour from Glasgow it will provide plenty of live music and activities to keep everyone entertained. Previous performers include Scottish band Texas, Mel C and Kaiser Chiefs.”
16) Scottish Electronic Music Conference
When: June, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/ScottishElectronicMusicCon/
Scotland’s first-ever Electronic Music Conference will bring more than 100 industry insiders, speakers and experts to The Corn Exchange, Edinburgh for two days of essential seminars, workshops, product showcases and plenty more that promise to bring the whole industry together for two unmissable days of knowledge sharing and networking.
17) Solas Festival 2024
Credit: @skaisteklaniute
When: June 14-16, 2024
Where: Perrol Park, Perthshire, Scotland
https://www.solasfestival.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/SolasFestival
“Solas Festival – Scotland’s midsummer festival – has been running since 2009. The all-age, weekend-long celebration of music and the arts is designed to entertain, inspire and challenge. Our programme makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum. The festival offers a broad, inclusive, creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment; everyone is welcome.
“Each year Solas Festival creates a temporary community, gathering together a diverse mix of folk for a relaxed weekend where all can thrive and have a ball. In recent years we have welcomed performers from Ghana, Palestine and Canada, Syrian refugees from Glasgow, music from Nashville, and we have sung, danced, yoga-ed and explored the woods together.”
18) Callander Jazz & Blues Festival 2024
Credit: Callander Jazz & Blues Festival
When: October 3-6, 2024
Where: Ullapool, Scotland
https://www.callanderjazzandblues.com
https://www.facebook.com/CallanderJazzAndBluesFestival
“The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is the largest rural Jazz & Blues festival in Scotland and is firmly established on the UK festival map. First held back in 2006, the festival has grown every year, with this year’s event featuring 60 gigs across 10 venues, performing live jazz, blues, swing & rock over 4 days. From solo artists to big bands, over 150 musicians ensure a long weekend of great music in the autumn splendour of the Trossachs. Come and join us for a fantastic long weekend of fun and music in the beautiful setting of Callander, situated only 16 miles from Stirling and the M9 on the main A84 trunk road at the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.”
19) Piping Live! Festival 2024
When: August 10-18, 2024
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
“Piping Live! Is an annual week-long celebration of bagpipes from across the world, embracing Scotland’s heritage and that of piping cultures from around the globe. Based in Glasgow city centre, it is now celebrating its 20th edition, having been delivered in-person and online continuously since August 2004. The festival coincides with the World Pipe Band Championships, held annually on Glasgow Green and run by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and Glasgow Life.”
20) Rewind Scotland 2024
When: July 19-21, 2024
Where: Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotlnad
https://scotland.rewindfestival.com
“The Rewind Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Temple Island Meadows, Remenham, Berkshire near Henley-on-Thames, England, Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire, England, and Scone Palace, Perthshire in Scotland. It was first held in August 2009. Originally called “80s Rewind Festival”, it showcases bands and solo artists that had success in the 1980s and as such is also known as the 80’s Rewind Festival.”
21) Hebridean Celtic Festival 2024
When: July 17-20, 2024
Where: Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland
“The Hebridean Celtic Festival or HebCelt is an international Scottish music festival, which takes place annually in Stornoway on Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Headliners to date include Runrig, Van Morrison, Deacon Blue, The Fratellis, The Levellers and KT Tunstall.”
22) FLY Open Air Festival 2024
When: May, 2024
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
https://www.flyflyfly.co.uk/open-air
“Fly Open Air is a unique and exhilarating two-day EDM festival held annually in the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Usually taking place in May, this festival attracts a considerable number of visitors with its outstanding line-up and mesmerizing location at the picturesque Lews Castle grounds. Bringing together EDM, house, and techno, Fly Open Air boasts top-tier acts and a carefully curated selection of local talent. Past years have featured renowned artists like Peggy Gou, Maceo Plex, Denis Sulta, and more. The festival’s duration adds a sense of urgency, creating a truly unforgettable experience.”
What is the biggest music festival in Scotland?
When is the Edinburgh Tattoo?
What is the best music festival in the Scottish highlands?
Am I missing any epic music festivals in Scotland 2024?
I’m always looking for awesome events, concerts, and festivals to add to these lists, so if you know of any Scottish festivals – feel free to shoot me an email and let me know!
Looking for more epic festivals around the world…?
I’ve written about some of the biggest and best parties, so check out some of these articles below and start planning your next big international trip!
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- Tomorrowland 2018 Festival Review | The Story of Planaxis
Thanks so much for reading my guide!
If you’re not already, make sure to follow along on my travels on Instagram & Facebook ! I’m always going to different festivals and parties around the world, and love documenting the experience on social-media.
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