Timing your visit to Scotland with one of the country’s many folk festivals is a great way to guarantee an authentic Scottish experience. And for us Scots? It’s the perfect excuse to explore a new and unfamiliar area.
Where is it all happening? Where should I be and when? Don’t worry! I have it covered… This list of folk festivals in Scotland in 2024 has everything from the lively ceilidhs to the more intimate island sessions and plenty in between! No tourist traps, only pure, unfiltered celebrations shared with the friendly locals. Just don’t go out and borrow a kilt for the occasion… There’s a time and a place, you know?
List Of Upcoming Folk Festivals In Scotland
Celtic Connections
- Where: Glasgow
- When: 18th January – 4th February 2024
Celtic Connections transforms Glasgow into a mosaic of melody with its annual folk, roots and world music festival. For 18 days, over 2100 musicians from across the globe will come together, bringing the city to life. Within Donald Shaw’s programme of more than 300 events through multiple genres of music, you can expect concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops and free events. Late in the evening, the legendary Festival Club features spontaneous sessions and unexpected collaborations, some of which you’ll never get the chance to see again.
Tickets and info: Celtic Connections
Glenfarg Folk Feast
- Where: Glenfarg (Perth and Kinross)
- When: 20th April 2024
Make your way to Perth and Kinross this spring for the Glenfarg Folk Feast, a one-day celebration hosted by Glenfarg Folk Club, one of the country’s premier folk clubs. Here, you can experience a day of traditional and contemporary folk music from home and abroad performed in a welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This year’s programme will include a Singaround, an Original (and funny) Song Competition with the theme ‘Childhood Memories’, and performances by Plaidsong, Anthony John Clarke & Julia Porter, and Karine Polwart.
Tickets and info: Glenfarg Folk Feast
Loch Shiel Festival
- Where: Glenfinnan (Scottish Highlands)
- When: 1st May – 5th May 2024
Unfolding every late April or early May, the Loch Shiel Festival has become a beacon of chamber music excellence in Scotland. Amidst the beauty of one of Scotland’s longest lochs, the communities around the area gather to enjoy the music and share good times. The festival’s main anchor rests in Glenfinnan, home of the famous railway viaduct featured in Harry Potter. Beyond Glenfinnan, the Loch Shiel Festival extends its melody across venues in the surrounding areas, including Strontian, Glenuig, Roshven, Acharacle, Glenborrodale and Kinlochmoidart.
Tickets and info: Loch Shiel Festival
Shetland Folk Festival
- Where: Shetland Islands
- When: 2nd May – 5th May 2024
The UK’s most northerly folk festival is returning for its 42nd edition! Regarded as a prestigious event for performers, locals and visitors alike, the Shetland Folk Festival promises a whirlwind of music, community, and cultural immersion. Driven by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Shetland Folk Festival takes pride in spreading to even the farthest-flung parts of Shetland, with internationally renowned artists, beloved British acts, and the best of the isle’s local talent. Be prepared to be amazed by the sheer depth and passion of Shetland’s musical heritage!
Tickets and info: Shetland Folk Festival
Edinburgh Tradfest
- Where: Edinburgh
- When: 3rd May – 13th May 2024
Immerse yourself in 11 days of foot-stomping rhythms and melodies at Edinburgh Tradfest, kicking off in May! Taking place at various locations across the city, and with a line-up featuring Alice Howe & Freebo, Julie Fowlis, Martin Simpson, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Rachel Newton and Valtos, with many more yet to be announced, Edinburgh Tradfest guarantees an unforgettable journey into the heart of folk music.
Tickets and info: Edinburgh Tradfest
Skye Live
- Where: Portree (Isle of Skye)
- When: 9th May – 11th May 2024
What could be better than taking in the views of the incredible Cuillin Ridge and The Old Man of Storr? Here’s a hint… It involves music. Skye Live Festival provides the tunes in one of the most beautiful festival sites on the planet. Am Meall (known locally as The Lump) in Portree, Isle of Skye, will host the likes of Beinn Lee, Beth Malcolm, Ceilear Ceilidh Trail, Croft No. Five, Dallahan, Fras, HEISK, Holy Fool, Josie Duncan, Liv Dawn, Malin Makes Music, Niteworks, Peatbog Faeries and Skerryvore.
Tickets and info: Skye Live
Looking for music festivals?
Family-Friendly Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
Orkney Folk Festival
- Where: Orkney Islands
- When: 23rd May – 26th May 2024
The Orkney Folk Festival is one of the best folk festivals in Scotland. For over three decades, this cherished event has welcomed artists to the stage and guests to awe with amazement. Now that’s experience! Created from a vision of reviving tourism and the local folk spirit, the Orkney Folk Festival has blossomed, becoming an unmissable mark on the island’s and Scottish folk calendars. Lose yourself in the magic of the Orkney Folk Festival, align your visit with the celebration dates and make the isles your temporary home for four unforgettable days.
Tickets and info: Orkney Folk Festival
Arran Folk Festival
- Where: Isle of Arran (North Ayrshire)
- When: 7th June – 9th June 2024
The Isle of Arran is the place to be in June… The Arran Folk Festival is back and bringing its beats to Brodick! If your time in Scotland is short, yet you’re hoping to catch a folk festival during your trip, this is one. Scotland In Miniature has the best of all things Scottish, including, of course, festivals! The event will see free-to-attend afternoon sessions, evening concerts, late-night sessions, and workshops. The Arran Folk Festival has become a high point on the island’s tourism calendar. You’d be a fool to miss it.
Tickets and info: Arran Folk Festival
Looking for more festivals in Ayrshire?
Stonehaven Folk Festival
- Where: Stonehaven (Aberdeenshire)
- When: 11th July – 14th July 2024
Just 15 miles from Aberdeen sits the picturesque Stonehaven. And for four days in July comes Stonehaven Folk Festival, a musical celebration packed full of concerts, informal sessions, singarounds, workshops and ceilidhs, many of which are free! This year’s programme promises a diverse range of traditional and contemporary folk music and song featuring local and international artists such as Cherish The Ladies, Saltfishforty, Karine Polwart, Stolen Notes and Charlie McKerron & Friends. Beyond the music, World Paper-n-Comb Championships and an Aqua Ceilidh are on the schedule!
Tickets and info: Stonehaven Folk Festival
Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival
- Where: Newton Stewart (Dumfries and Galloway)
- When: 12th July – 14th July 2024
Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival will be in its 10th year. An incredible achievement! The event will showcase some of the most respected musicians across traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. There will be concert performances, music and art workshops, tune and song sessions, pipe bands and dancing, all within the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway. Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival state that this year is shaping up to be the biggest yet, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Tickets and info: Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival
Tiree Music Festival
- Where: Tiree (Argyll and Bute)
- When: 12th July – 14th July 2024
Surf isn’t all that Tiree is famous for! The ‘Hawaii of the North’ is also a world-class festival destination with picture-perfect sands and deserted roads. Tiree Music Festival (TMF) isn’t about the crowds. It’s about introducing Scotland’s sunshine paradise to guests from far and wide. The Hebridean island’s TMF has produced consecutive sell-outs through the years and has a maximum capacity of only 2000, ensuring the festival remains small and intimate, just as originally intended. Although the full line-up has yet to be announced, if you’re interested in this island adventure, I suggest you grab tickets before they’re gone!
Tickets and info: Tiree Music Festival
HebCelt
- Where: Stornoway (Isle of Lewis)
- When: 17th July – 20th July 2024
For over two decades, the multi-award-winning Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) has lit up the island of Lewis, the heartland of the Gaelic language and culture. The festival is described as a homecoming for islanders reunited and a hand of friendship extended to visitors. Mixing the best local talent with leading Scottish, UK, and world artists while protecting and promoting the island’s heritage, HebCelt guarantees a memory that will stay with you long after the last melody fades.
Tickets and info: HebCelt
Speyfest
- Where: Fochabers (Moray)
- When: 19th July – 21st July 2024
Bringing the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music to Moray, Speyfest offers a lively mix of concerts, ceilidhs and stomps, with the likes of Tide Lines, Skerryvore, Trail West and Tour Bus Fortune. But that’s not all! You can also expect music and singing workshops, a non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service, a family day on Sunday, a craft fair, and a vibrant food & drink fair, which includes gin tastings. This summer, dive into a feast of tradition and innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this gathering!
Tickets and info: Speyfest
Fresh Ayr Folk Fest
- Where: Ayr (South Ayrshire)
- When: 9th August – 11th August 2024
With all of these established folk festivals in Scotland already listed, it’s refreshing to see a newcomer! Fresh Ayr Folk Fest is a shiny new music festival to add to your list. Set in Ayrshire, here you will see some world-class talent who have sold out stages across the country and beyond, headlining events such as Celtic Connections. While Fresh Ayr Folk Fest hasn’t been around for nearly as long as the others, know it won’t disappoint. Ayrshire knows how to party.
Tickets and info: Fresh Ayr Folk Fest
Piping Live!
- Where: Glasgow
- When: 10th August – 18th August 2024
Piping Live! isn’t really a folk festival, but it’s still worth mentioning since bagpipes are a big part of Scotland’s musical heritage. The Glasgow-based event is an annual week-long celebration of piping cultures from around the globe coinciding with the World Pipe Band Championships, held on Glasgow Green. Whether you love bagpipes or hate them, they’re distinctively Scottish and essential for an authentic experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Tickets and info: Piping Live!
Mull of Kintyre Music Festival
- Where: Campbeltown (Argyll and Bute)
- When: 21st August – 25th August 2024
The iconic Mull of Kintyre Music Festival in Campbeltown has been running for over 30 years! This festival is set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Kintyre, showcasing everything from traditional Scottish and Pan-Irish folk music to contemporary rock and pop. The Mull of Kintyre Music Festival’s weekend of music, community, and coastal bliss has pulled music lovers in for decades. Although 2024’s line-up has yet to be announced, expect great things! The booming atmosphere and breathtaking views will make this one to remember!
Tickets and info: Mull of Kintyre Music Festival
Ceòl Cholasa
- Where: Colonsay (Argyll and Bute)
- When: 19th September – 22nd September 2024
Colonsay, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, is home to just over 100 people. Amazing. Yet this doesn’t stop the island from hosting Ceòl Cholasa. A festival which brings the hottest names in the traditional music scene! This one isn’t a big outdoor camping festival, with mud and drunks. It’s a small, intimate festival with a maximum capacity of only 250. Such a limited attendance lets you get up close and personal with your favourite artists and not worry about the behaviour of boozed-up punters. Sounds to me like the perfect festival and a decent excuse for an island getaway!
Tickets and info: Ceòl Cholasa
And there you have it! That’s it for my list of folk festivals in Scotland in 2024. I hope that you found this blog post helpful. As many events have yet to be confirmed, I’ll do my best to keep this page up to date with the latest offerings. If there’s anything you feel should be included in this list or if you notice outdated information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Which folk festivals in Scotland are you most excited about in 2024? Have you attended any of the events in previous years? Let me know in the comments below!
Does your 2024 festival calendar look a little empty? Here are more festivals in Scotland you may be interested in:
Art Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
Beer Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
Film Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
Food Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
Literature Festivals In Scotland You Need To Attend 2024
2 Comments
Brian
June 15, 2024 at 11:09 amThe Randan Festival in Portmahomack on July 8th should be on your list of folk festivals. Don’t you think?
Craig Swain
June 18, 2024 at 1:11 pmHi Brian,
I can’t find any information online about the Randan Festival… Is there an official website or Facebook page?