There’s nothing quite like Scotland in summer. The vibes are unmatched, and whilst you might not be guaranteed daily sun (where are you in the UK?), you at least won’t be submerged in grey and rain 24/7. Well, we hope you won’t, and you’re unlucky if you are.
Instead, what you should see is Scotland in its natural beauty. Everything is so green and fresh, and every city and town comes alive with events and activities to do.
Without a doubt, some of the best things to do in summer are the festivals. You’ve got everything from music festivals to traditional folk festivals, and each of them delivers a unique experience. There really is something for everyone to do.
TRNSMT Festival
Most people have heard of TRNSMT Festival. Held annually in Glasgow Green, Glasgow, it’s one of the most iconic rock, indie, pop, and electronic music festivals of the year, attracting over 50,000 people per day, with total weekend attendance often reaching 120,000 to 150,000. It’s a massive event with an even bigger reputation for being so much fun.
The 2026 event will run from the 19th to the 21st of June, with a 1-day ticket starting from £82.56 and a 3-day ticket from £235.
It is a non-camping festival, so we would recommend looking at Scottish motorhomes from Ariescape and staying nearby. One of the nearest parks is Strathclyde Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, and you can take your motorhome to the event on the day and leave it there.
They’ve already announced some of the lineup, including the three main headliners: Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian and Scots superstar Lewis Capaldi. You’ve also got:
- Wolf Alice
- Sonny Fodera
- Amy Macdonald
- Dylan John Thomas
- Nile Rodgers & Chic
- The Snuts
- The Fratellis
- The Last Dinner Party
- Skye Newman
And so many more. To see who is performing on which day, have a look at the full line-up on the TRNSMT Festival website. Across the weekend, you can also enjoy 50+ food vendors and 20+ bars, funfair rides and VIP areas.
Edinburgh Festivals
There are multiple Edinburgh Festivals throughout the summer, but here are some of our favourites.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: 7th to 31st of August 2026
The three-week events are hosted across Edinburgh, Scotland, and include hundreds of venues that bring diverse performances, theatre, and street entertainment to the city. It’s the world’s largest arts and media festival, and we definitely recommend going if you’re in Scotland around the time it’s on.
There are literally thousands of performances, so which one you select depends on the day you’re there and what you’re most interested in. Ticketed performances generally range from £5 to £15, with some top-tier tickets reaching around £20.
Edinburgh International Festival: 7th to 30th August 2026
The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) is another annual three-week performing arts festival held in August in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It is similar to the Fringe Festival and showcases top-tier music, theatre, opera, and dance. Every year, internationally renowned artists head to Edinburgh to put on a show.
The prices for tickets are so varied. You can generally find 50,000 seats priced at £30 or less, and some options are £10 per ticket depending on the performance. Prices can fluctuate based on demand, and 50% discounts are available for under-18s and specific concession groups.
Orkney Folk Festival: 21st to 24th of May, 2026
This one is right around the corner, and what better place to be than Orkney?
Orkney Folk Festival takes place in Stromness, Orkney, and it’s easily one of Scotland’s most intimate and traditional music festivals. Individual concert tickets are around £10 to £30, with festival passes available depending on the package, plus discounts for children and families.
You can expect around 50+ global acts, with a mix of Scottish folk, international artists, and local Orcadian talent performing in smaller venues like halls, pubs, and community spaces.
There are also workshops, ceilidhs, and plenty of family-friendly events throughout.
And when you’re not at a show, you’ve got the rest of Orkney to explore, from the coastline and landscapes to historic spots like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, along with plenty of chances for wildlife spotting and coastal walks.
It’s a great festival to put on your list if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional. And, yes, technically May isn’t in the summer, but it’s still a great festival to see.
What’s not to love about Scotland in summer? Everything about it is amazing, and the festivals only make it better. You’ve got plenty of options on the list, so which festival would you most like to see?