The best music festivals in Scotland

Is that the sound of bagpipes? No, so you might want to get that checked out. 

But if you are here then you most likely do want to hear the sound of bagpipes. From the place that gave us Braveheat to David Tennant, Scotland is a pretty iconic place to be. And what’s even more iconic is their massive contribution to festival season each year. From the Highlands to just 30 minutes away from Edinburgh city centre, Scotland has a wide range of music festivals that’ll keep you going this summer. 

However at Skiddle we only provide the best, so of course this will not just be any list, is in fact THE best music festival in Scotland in 2024. Updated, fresh, and ready for your interest. From tartan-clad festies like Knockengorroch  (10 points if you can say that), to a bit more mainstream like TRSMT,  or a techno-y/house vibe like Terminal V; there is something for everyone in here to enjoy.  

So hike up them kilts, and get yourself ready to feast your eyes on the very best Scottish music festivals.

 

 

(Click on the headers or images for FAQs and more information about each festival, and make sure to secure tickets in the boxes below each event.)

 

Knockengorroch Festival

Image: Knockengorroch Festival on Facebook

2024 Lineup: A. Skillz, Banco De Gaia, Bombskare, The Breath, DJ Rap, Ewan Macintyre, Frankie Archer, Jeminma Thewes & LANES and many more

When: Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th May 2024

Where: Knockengorroch in Kirkcudbrightshire

Starting off strong and slightly ancient we head to the southern uplands in River Valley on Knockengorroch Festival. As we all know Scotland loves a bit of history and as it happens so do we. Based in the uplands of Scotland, and enriched with beautiful scenary, Knockengorroch has really made a name for itself. Known as one of the few festivals where you can see the stars and be at one with the stars on stage, Knockengorroch is a Scottish music festival to watch out for. 

After celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, Krockengorroch is ready to make some more noise for 2024, and they've got the perfect lineup to help them do it. With the likes of, A. Skillz, Banco De Gaia, Bombskare, The Breath, DJ Rap and so many more. 

 

For more information on Knockengorroch Festival click - here

 

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FLY Open Air - Summer Warehouse 92'

Image: FLY Open Air on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Ben Helmsley, Chaos in the CBD, Hannah Laing, Interplanetary Criminal, Eliza Rose

When: Saturday 18th May 2024 

Where: TBC 

If you feel like you’re having a spot of Deja Vu, you’re not. Fly Open Air is making its way around our festival list as previously mentioned as one of the best house and techno festivals. However, a festival can have more than one title and this time we’re talking about the Scots. Doused in scenery and of course an incredible castle, Fly Open Air is something to write home about. 

As always Fly Open Air remains a slight mystery to us, but we don’t mind, as they keep their location close to their chest. But if you want to stay on step ahead it'll probably be best to use your best raving shoes.

From, the likes of, Ben Hemsley, Eliza Rose, Hannah Laing, Chaos in the CBD, Interplanetary Criminal, and Hayley Zalassi there is no doubt that whoever they bring on stage this year will bring the ultimate party scenes. The site also holds over 8,000 people, so you can get the festival vibe without losing your mates too often... hopefully. 

 

For more information on FLY Open Air- Summer Warehouse 92' click - here

 

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Terminal V 

Image: Terminal V on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Hannah Laing, 999999999, DAX J, FJAAK, Clara Cuve, Thelma, Black Traffic and many more!

When: Saturday 13th - Sunday 13th April 2024

Where: Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh

Keeping on brand with our vault of festivals that we like to spread around is, one of the best music festivals in Scotland; Terminal V. Back to it’s home of the Royal Highland Festival in Edinburgh, what can we say that we’ve not already said before? Quite a bit actually from the fact that is quite literally one of the best festivals in Scotland. Over 2 days it brings 20,000 people each day to whiteness 80+ acts both international and homegrown on their 5 stages. 

Now time for the big guns, performing at this incredible Scottish festival are the likes of,  Hannah Laing, 999999999, DAX J, FJAAK, Clara Cuve, Thelma, Black Traffic and many more,  all of which are spread across an array of genres. So no matter what you’re looking for it’ll most likely be there ready surrounded by a big production. Of course, if you want to feel more clued up on every single aspect of Terminal V then you can with the help of us. 

 

For more information on Terminal V click- here

 

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Riverside Festival

Image: Riverside Festival on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Maceo Plex, Green Velvet, LF SYSTEM, Mella Dee, Slam, Ben Klock, TAAHLIAH, Eliza Rose, and more

When: Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th May 2024 (Bank Holiday Weekend)

Where: Riverside Museum in Glasgow

Situated in the heart of Glasgow, on the banks of the River Clyde, across from the iconic structure of the Riverside Museum is one of Scotland's most epic Scottish electronic music festivals- Riverside Festival.

The almost-annual, weekend rave spectacle, returns for another year of providing the best techno and electronic music from some of the best artists in the game right now. From Maceo Plex, to iconic  Green Velvet, and LF SYSTEM who had us all bopping out heads over the summer 2022; Mella Dee, Slam, Ben Klock, TAAHLIAH, and Eliza Rose. Plus this is all happening over a bank holiday weekend meaning you can use the whole of money to nurse that hangover. 

So don't miss your chance to witness some real techno magic accompanied by heavy Scottish scenes. 

 

For more information on Riverside Festival click - here

 

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Party at the Palace

Image: Party at the Palace on Facebook

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: August 2024 TBC

Where: Lochside Field Linlithgow in Linlithgow

Linlithgow's award-winning Party at the Palace festival is back in 2024 for their 10th birthday, and the celebrations are going to be big; with another Loch-side party.

Located in the historical grounds of the beautiful Linlithgow Palace, between Edinburgh and Glasgow, as Scottish festivals go, the two-day event is tip-top, attracting a number of household names, emerging talents and local heroes. Whether it's icons like The Charlatans or KT Tunstall who both played back in 2019 or Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Human League or Ocean Colour Scene who played last year. 

Whilst it remains to be seen whether the lineup will be as good this year, but if past lineups are anything to go off, it’s bound to be a belter.

 

For more information on Party at the Palace click - here 

 

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Woodland Dance Project Festival

Image: Woodland Dance Project on Facebook

2024 Lineup: SHY FX, Hamdi, Kevin 373 B2B Crossy, Badger, Refracta, Sinai Sounds, Eletrikal Sounds and more! 

When: Saturday 11th May 2024

Where: Vogrie Country Park in Gorebridge in Edinburgh

There is nothing better than a relaunch, especially when it comes to Scottish music festivals. After a fairly large break from the events scene, Woodland Dance Project is back to bring you an intimate Spring dance. Choosing no other than the breathtaking scenery of Vogrie Country Park, which is also only a 30 minute journey from Edinburgh town (winner), Woodland Dance Project is here to make enough noise to ruffle a couple of leaves. 

With a big lineup in stock, this is a festival that we know will be worth the journey. With names such as SHY FX, Hamdi, Kevin 373 B2B Crossy, Badger, Refracta, Sinai Sounds, Eletrikal Sounds and more in the barrel. So get ready for an extravaganza bursting with colour, magic and dance against a stunning backdrop of nature. 

 

For more information on Woodland Dance Project Festival click - here

 

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The Gathering

 

2024 Lineup: Skerryvore, Trail West, Valtos, Torridon, Croft No.5 and special guest Julie Fowlis; and so many more.

When: Saturday 1st June 2024

Where: Inverness Northern Meeting Park in Inverness

Without fail, The Gathing Festival chooses one day a year to bring you all the best attributes that a Scottish music festival could possibly have. With traditional Celtic music, heavy Highland culture, and food and drink sources exclusively from across the region; The Gathering festival is the epitome of what it feels like to be a true Scotsman. Plus the beauty of welcoming and showcasing homegrown folk talents to thousands of festival goers, it really can't get any better than The Gathering. 

The Gathering festival is on Saturday 1st June and will remain in the wonderful location of Inverness Northern Meeting Park, and if you think it couldn't get any better,  they have a stunning lineup for you to really embrace that Scottish feeling. From Skerryvore, Trail West, Valtos, Torridon, Croft No.5 and special guest Julie Fowlis; and so many more. 

 

For more information on The Gathering click - here

 

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Kelburn Garden Party

Image: Kelburn Garden Party on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Erol Alkan, Prosumer, James Holden, DJ Marky, Bombscare, Tama Sumo, Nubiyan Twist, Rebecca Vastmant and more 

When: Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th July 2024

Where: Kelburn Country Centre in Largs

Interactive art installations, pop-up parties, waterfall plunge pools, workshops, a 13th-century painted castle, The magical Kelburn Garden Party festival is a cultural and artistic safari for the mind, body and soul, featuring a unique programme of music, art and entertainment spread throughout the ancient and spell-binding forest glen and gardens. 

This family-friendly, independent event is bursting at the seams with creativity. Turning its back on the standard idea of what a festival should be, entertainment can be found, seen and heard in the most absurd of environments. 

2024 sees the magical garden party returning for another year, and bringing it with a host of familiar music names - from London-based electronic music and visual art producer, Max Cooper to radio host and British house DJ Paulette, the legendary Ragga Twins with DJ Krucial, East African rising star Kampire and many more.

 

For more information on Kelburn Garden Party click - here

 

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Cultivate Festival 2024

Image: Cultivate on Facebook

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd September 2024 

Where: Secret Venue (TBA) in Aberdeen

Another big one in Scotland, Cultivate is the North East’s biggest electronic music festival bursting with techno, deep house, disco house, tech house, and bass music. The fest brings international artists across indoor and outdoor stages to over 2,500 ravers a day. Smaller than many other fests, it’s perfect for those wanting to rave who don’t like huge crowds that go on further than the eye can see. Because losing your friends in a sea of people while you’ve got double-vision really isn’t the vibe.

Plus Cultivates never disappoints with their lineup, especially after last year when they had  Charlie Sparks, Franck, Hannah Laing, Matt Guy, Testpress, Tibasko, meaning whoever they get on the decks this year, will definitely be ones to look out for. 

 

For more information on Cultivate Festival 2024 click - here

 

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TRNSMT Festival

Image: TRSMT on Facebook

2024 lineup: Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon, Calvin Harris, Garbage, Courteeners, Chase and Status, The Snuts, Rick Astley, Sugababes, Example, Tom Grennan and more

When: Friday 12th - Sunday 14th July 2024

Where: Glasgow Green in Glasgow

TRNSMT has quickly become one of the biggest festivals in the UK scene since its inception in 2017 and has come through once again with an incredible lineup for 2024. You’ve got a fantastic range of old and new with Northen bad boy Liam Gallagher to headline the first day, Gerry Cinamon headlining the next, and then house DJ legend Calvin Harris closing. 

Amongst the rest, there's a whole range of incredible talents such as Rick Astley, Chase & Status, The Snuts, Blossoms and Sugababes to name a few, all acts you’ll see headlining elsewhere. So, get on the phone with your mates and convince them to have a weekend away in Glasgow, you won't regret it.

 

For more information on TRNSMT Festival click - here

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PLTFRM FSTVL: Summer edition 

Image: pltfrm fstvl on Facebook

2024 lineup: TBA

When: Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th June 2024

Where: West Street in Glasgow

After an explosive year in 2023, PLTFRM FSTVL is back with their summer edition ready to show off all the qualities that make a solid techno festival. They return to their home of West Street in Glasglow, under what might seem like an unusual location to some, is actually the beloved famous bridges to spread their musical knowledge that always keeps the crowd going. 

PLTFRM FSTVL lineup is still TBA but after last year having, Clara Curve, Floorplan, Speedy J, Daria Kolosova, DJ Heartstring, Frazi. ER and more on their decks, we're on the edge of our seats waiting for what they have up their sleeves. So don't wait another second longer and get yourself to PLTFRM FSTVL. 

 

For more information on PLTFRM FSTVL click - here

 

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Psych Festival 

Image: Psych Festival on Facebook

2024 lineup: TEMPLES, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, NewDad, The Bug Club, Juniore, Hotwax and more

When: Sunday 1st Setpember 2024

Where: Various Venues in Edinbrugh

Are you ready to get psyched? Though that is not their slogan you can have that one for free, as we round off the last of the best music festivals in Scotland in 2024. Originally starting in Manchester, Psych Fest has duplicated itself and landed in beautiful Edinburgh where it'll hold it's own edition of Psych Festival. Known for those who want to get the very best out a festivals, Psych Festival is limitless with a bunch of options to keep you occupied throughout the day. From art, interesting art, workshops, films and more. 

Plus 60+ live acts including, TEMPLES, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, NewDad, The Bug Club, Juniore, Hotwax and many more to engage in a one-of-a-kind trippy experience. 

 

For more information on Psych Festival click - here

 

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Pavilion Festival 

2024 lineup: Ewan McVicar, Jerome Hill, Optimo, Patrick Topping, Special Request, Stevie Cox and more

When: Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th May 2024 

Where: Low Green in Ayr 

Adding another to the list we've got Pavilion Festival, bought to you by no other than colours and fellow Scottish DJ, Ewan McVicar. Pavilion Festival has become a big name around Scotland gassing up ravers with some insane acts throughout the weekend. And this year they did not disappoint providing an incredible lineup that'll have you wanting more with the likes of, Jerome Hill, Optimo, Patrick Topping, Special Request, Stevie Cox and more on them stages to blast out some heavy tunes. 

Plus if you find yourself getting a bit of FOMO or just want an extra day of raving then look no further, as on Sunday Pavilion will be hosting a STREETrave. Showing love to the roots of raving and celebrating 35 years of consistent raving. So get yourself down to the West of Scotland, we promise you won't regret it. 

 

For more information on Pavilion Festival click - here 

 

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Stereofunk 

2024 lineup: Geroge Bowie, Dave Pearce, Snap!, Vengaboys, Flip N Fill, Dream Frequency, Urban Cookie, Yomanda and more 

When: Saturday 4th May 2024

Where: Chatelherault Country Park in Hamilton, Glasgow

The Scottish are really treating us this year with an abundance of music festivals and it's not stopping anytime soon as we have no other than, Stereofunk on the list of the best music festivals in Scotland. Providing us with all the best of the 90s, Stereofunk is the place to be when you're in the mood for a bit of nostalgia. 

Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Chatelherault Country Park, what better way to enjoy some of the staple artists that brought us some classics. With the likes of  Geroge Bowie, Dave Pearce, Snap!, Vengaboys, Flip N Fill, Dream Frequency, Urban Cookie, Yomanda and more to hit the stages, get ready to have the time of your life!

 

For more information on Stereofunk Festival click - here 

 

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For more Scottish festivals click - here. That way you can stay up to date and find all the latest information on everything music, Highlands and kilts. 

Feeling a different location? No worries because we have a load of festivals from house and techno, to EDM, and trance that all feature an array of locations. Plus if you're looking to go even further we even have some of the best Portugal festivals at the top of our radar!

We have you covered for all festival content so look no further and get partying!

 

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