Celtic Connections

This celebration of folk and traditional music is becoming one of the largest of its kind in the world, drawing musicians from throughout Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as further afield – such as the Basque country and North America.

Burns Night

Naturally, during the celebrations to honor Robert Burns, there’s much toasting with whisky and eating of haggis, the arrival of which is announced by a bagpipe. Held on January 25 each year.

Triptych

As the name implies, this is a contemporary and avant-garde music festival that takes place in three cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. It usually takes place in the last weekend of April.

Beltane Fire Festival

This one celebrates paganism and the alleged arrival of summer on Calton Hill with primal drums and dancing. A bit of nudity is almost guaranteed that takes places on April 30.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

Moved to June from its traditional dates in August, this is the oldest continually running film festival in Europe.

Pride

Scotland’s annual gay celebration alternates between Edinburgh and Glasgow. You’ll see a quirky, boisterous parade through the heart of Glasgow or along Princes Street in Edinburgh. Happens sometime in June.

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival

Of the various events that dominate the Edinburgh social calendar in summer, this one is the first to kick off at end of July into August.

Edinburgh Festival

Scotland’s best-known event is actually a number of festivals in one — Jazz, Book, International, and Fringe — taking place concurrently in the Scottish capital. The Fringe alone encompasses some 1,800 performances. An arts bonanza, it draws major talent from around the world. For more information, visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk. Happens throughout the month of August.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A spectacular every evening at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring precision marching and army bands from across the globe.

International Story Telling Festival

Events at various venues in the capital help to celebrate the oral tradition of Scotland and other nations. Usually occur in the last two weeks of October.

Edinburgh Christmas

The capital gets an early start on the holiday season with outdoor markets and fairground rides. Late November-Christmas.