Looking for the best music festivals in Scotland!? 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 music 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….
1) TRNSMT
When: July
Where: Glasgow Green, Glasgow
“TRNSMT is a Scottish rock and indie music festival on Glasgow Green, in the city’s east end. After a thrilling debut in 2017, the festival returned this summer with Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher, Stereophonics, The Killers and Queen + Adam Lambert across two weekends.
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.”
2) Tiree Music Festival
When: July
Where: Tiree
http://tireemusicfestival.co.uk
“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. It’s little wonder that the tiny Hebridean island of Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’.”
3) Loopallu Festival
When: September
Where: Ullapool
“On paper they said it wouldn’t work, a festival in late September in a remote village on the West Coast of Scotland 60 miles from the nearest town, but that was ten years ago. 2018 sees our friendly, small (but we think perfectly formed) festival return to the pier in the centre of Ullapool. Indeed, it feels like we’ve found our spiritual home.
Expect another year of fun regardless of what the weather has to say about it. Another year making new friends, and catching up with old ones. Follow us on social media to see who’s going join the ranks that include Paolo Nutini, Mumford and Sons, Twin Atlantic, The Stranglers, Jake Bugg and Franz Ferdinand who have graced our little stage. You’ll just have to come and see…”
4) Glasgow Summer Sessions
When: August
Where: Bellahousten Park, Glasgow
“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.
The first headliner announced for 2019 is The Cure, who will headline the series on Friday 16th August. This will be the iconic British rock bands first Scottish gig in 27 years, following on from the band’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 2018. They will be joined on the night by Mogwai, The Twilight Sad and The Joy Formidable.”
5) Killin Music Festival
When: June
Where: Killin, Perthshire
https://www.killinmusicfestival.com
“The Killin Music Festival in Central Scotland started in 2016, run by a group of passionate volunteers.
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! Now heading for its fourth year, Killin Music Festival looks to evolve, taking on board feedback from visitors, and by spreading its wings a little further.”
6) Montrose Music Festival
When: May
Where: Montrose
http://montrosemusicfestival.co.uk/wp/
“Montrose Music Festival, or MoFest as it’s become affectionately known, takes place at the end of May each year in Montrose, Angus. Spread over three days, the festival has become a highly anticipated part of the live music scene in Scotland and is widely regarded as the biggest free music festival in Scotland.
Friday night is when MoFest begins, opening with our Headline act which is the only ticketed event of the entire festival. Saturday and Sunday is when you will have the chance to pick from around 200 gigs in over 20 venues across the town so there’s bound to be something to suit your musical taste.”
7) Knockengorroch Festival
When: May & September (two annual festivals)
Where: Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire
https://www.knockengorroch.org.uk
“The festival held at Knockengorroch farm,Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire, in Scotland features musicians from around the world heading for the far flung location.
[In addition] 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.”
8) Eden Festival
When: June
Where: Raehills Meadows, Moffat
“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…
9) Edinburgh International Festival
When: August
Where: Edinburgh
“The Edinburgh International Festival is an annual festival of performing arts in Edinburgh, Scotland, over three weeks in August. By invitation from the Festival Director, the International Festival brings top class performers of music (especially classical music), theatre, opera and dance from around the world to perform. The festival also hosts a series of visual art exhibitions, talks and workshops.”
10) Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
When: August
Where: Inverness
http://tartanheartfestival.co.uk
“Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a Scottish music and arts festival at the beautiful Belladrum House and Estate near Inverness.
2019 sees the festival return for its 16th year in August, when they’ll be joined by the likes of Elbow, Tom Odell, Lewis Capaldi and The Selecter in the Scottish Highlands.
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.”
11) Electric Fields
When: July
Where: Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill
http://electricfieldsfestival.com
“Electric Fields is a Scottish boutique music festival, held each summer at Drumlanrig Castle in Thornhill.
Intimate and eclectic, the three-day affair shows off a lineup that spans the genres and generations, with this year’s edition featuring sets from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Leftfield and Young Fathers.
Electric Fields embrace of all generations is evident in its kids play and craft area, as well as its very own real ale festival – a festival within a festival fit for any ale drinker – and the copious amounts of world cuisine on offer.”
12) Let’s Rock Scotland
When: June
Where: Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh
“Let’s Rock! is an 80s family-friendly festival in locations across the UK, including Scotland, London, Bristol, Leeds, Exeter and Cookham. In association with Absolute Radio, the series showcases a lineup of our favourite 80s artists, such Tony Hadley, Billy Ocean and Marc Almond. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, Let’s Rock! is an action-packed day of 80s madness and family-friendly fun up and down the UK.”
13) Orkney Folk Festival
When: May
Where: Orkney
https://www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
“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.”
14) Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When: August
Where: Edinburgh
“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.”
15) Riverside Festival Glasgow
When: May
Where: Glasgow
https://www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com
“Scotland’s biggest electronic music festival will take place in the grounds of the Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde, bringing together the biggest and best electrical artists and DJs in this unique and iconic location.”
16) Shetland Folk Festival
When: May
Where: Shetland
https://www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
“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.”
17) Groove Loch Ness Festival
When: August
Where: Loch Ness
http://www.groovefestival.co.uk
“Groove Loch Ness is an electronic music festival on the banks of the legendary Loch Ness in the Scottish highlands.
Setting up and plugging in for just one night, Groove Loch Ness bills itself as a “one night, one stage” festival, meaning it pours all its energy into curating the best back to back lineup possible.
Its last edition included sets from Faithless, Skream and Julio Bashmore, who each played out in the incredible highlands setting.”
18) Party at the Palace
When: August
Where: Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow
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.”
Am I Missing any Epic Music Festivals in Scotland…?
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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The 15 Best Music Festivals in Michigan To Experience Before You Die
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Tomorrowland 2018 Festival Review | The Story of Planaxis
Thanks so much for reading everyone!
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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