Arcadia Scotland

August is one of the most culturally enriching and exciting months of the year in Scotland. Exhibitions, performances, acts and celebrations bring performers and audiences from around the world, and our cities come alive with excitement and creative energy.

While Edinburgh is perhaps most famous for its Fringe Festival, which spans almost the entire month of August and features over 3000 acts, there are numerous other festivals which offer a variety of unique events and experiences.  We've compiled some information on these various festivals for you and hope that you'll make it to at least a few events while you're in Scotland!

Aberdeen

energetica summer festival

Through 28 august, various venues

A celebration of Scotland natural beauty and wildlife, the Energetica Festival offers a wide range of activities, including nature walks, wildlife spotting and the exploration of hidden castle gardens. Many of the events are free and offer the opportunity to explore the beautiful stretch of Scotland between Aberdeen and Peterhead.

Aberdeen international youth festival

29 july-6 august, various venues

Having begun in 1973, AIYF boasts performances from people up to the age of 25, across a range of arts. With opportunities to see jazz, opera, theatre, dance, contemporary music, among other styles, in some of Aberdeen's most heralded venues, this is the place to be!

Edinburgh

Edinburgh international festival

5-29 august, various venues

One of the highlights of the month of August in Edinburgh, EIF hosts some of the world's best musicians, dancers and performers in iconic buildings throughout the city.  A true celebration of artistic creativity and virtuosity, EIF is not one to miss!

foodies festival

5-7 august, Inverleith park

Located just next to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in lovely Inverleith Park, the Foodies Festival brings together top chefs from across Scotland.  Sample food from some of Scotland's best restaurants for a fraction of the cost and enjoy Scottish contemporary cooking at its finest!

Glasgow

Junkyard festival

1-7 august, bell street

A celebration of urbanity and Glasgow's thriving music scene, the Junkyard Festival showcases some of Glasgow's top performers and highlight's the city's thriving art scene. 

merchant city festival

1-7 august, merchant city

If you find yourself wandering around Glasgow's cultural quarter, the Merchant City Festival cannot be missed.  With street performances, craft stalls, art, vintage clothing and bites to eat, there is something for everyone at the carnival of a festival.

St Andrews and nearby

st Andrews photography festival

throughout august, various venues

Making its debut on the festival scene, the St Andrews Photography Festival promises to be an interesting celebration of history and the art of photography. Showcasing St Andrews' contributions towards the development of photography, events throughout the month of August will highlight Scottish images and ingenuity.

Arbroath sea festival

13-14 august, abroath harbour

Just a short way from St Andrews, Arbroath Seafest celebrates the town's maritime history, with offerings that include traditional crafts, fishing displays, live music and all the smoked fish you can stomach!

Stirling

the trossarchs Beer festival

26-31 august, the lade inn, callandar

While this festival should be enjoyed in moderation, it offers the opportunity learn about an important part of Scottish culture: beer. With over 160 Scottish real ales, live music and good food, this event promises to be a good one!

exchange festival

1-9 august, Macrobert center, university of stirling

Put on by the National Theatre of Scotland, Exchange gives young performers the chance to learn and participate in theatre with the support of a professional team.  Guaranteed to provide performances you won't see anywhere else, Exchange is an interesting and exciting event for emerging thespians!