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15 great events to look forward to in Tayside, Fife and Stirling this summer

A host of exciting events are coming to the region in the months ahead.

Crowds enjoying Heartland Festival in Pitlochry. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.
Crowds enjoying Heartland Festival in Pitlochry. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.

A host of big events are set to take place across Tayside, Fife and Stirling this summer.

From new live music festivals to long-running shows, the region will once again boast some of the country’s best entertainment in the coming months.

Hundreds of smaller community events will take place, but here are some of the bigger events to look forward to as the warmer months arrive.

Fife Show, near Cupar

The Fife Show returns in May. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Where? Kinloss, near Cupar

When? May 24

What? One of Scotland’s premier agricultural shows returns for 2025.

Thousands of people will once again enjoy a host of activities like livestock shows, funfair rides and competitions.

Bruce Festival, Dunfermline

The Bruce Festival in Dunfermline is taking place again
The Bruce Festival returns to Dunfermline. Image: Visit Dunfermline

Where? Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

When? May 31-June 1

What? About 20,000 are expected to attend as the event returns for 2025.

The festival includes jousting, mock battles, falconry, medieval crafts and storytelling, along with a kids’ medieval arena where youngsters can learn the ancient art of stone-lifting and practice medieval skills.

Patter at the Palace, Scone

Scone Palace is the venue for Patter at the Palace. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Where? Scone Palace

When? June 27-29

What? A new three-day comedy festival will arrive in Perthshire in June, with some of the biggest names on the TV comedy scene making an appearance.

Perthshire farmer Jim Smith, who turned his hand to stand-up, will be joined by the likes of Dylan Moran, Ed Bryne, Susie McCabe, Russell Kane and Milton Jones.

Heartland Festival, Pitlochry

Crowds go wild for Skerryvore at the Heartland Festival last year. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Where? Pitlochry Recreation Ground

When? June 28-29

What? The two-day Heartland Festival will be returning to Pitlochry after a successful first year.

Acts including Skerryvore and Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx Bankd will perform on two stages across Saturday and Sunday.

Big Summer Spectacular, Stirling

Monster trucks will appear at the Big Summer Spectacular in Stirling. Image: Adventure Events

Where? City Park, Stirling

When? June 28-29

What? Described as “Stirling’s biggest ever funfair”, about 5,000 tickets are up for grabs for the event.

Attractions will include a monster truck show and theatrical giant dinosaurs along with popular funfair rides.

Scottish Game Fair, Scone

A pipe band performs at the 2024 Scottish Game Fair. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Where? Scone Palace

When? July 4-6

What? One of the major events in the calendar returns to Perthshire for three days, celebrating conservation and the countryside.

A host of events are planned across the weekend, showcasing the best of what those who work and live in the countryside have to offer.

doof in the Park, Dundee

Hannah Laing at DDE.
Hannah Laing performing at Dundee Dance Event this year. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Where? Camperdown Park, Dundee

When? July 5

What? Dundonian DJ Hannah Laing is bringing a new dance music festival to her home city in July.

Thousands of people will attend the sold-out doof in the Park with Hannah featuring as a headline act.

Slessor Gardens concerts, Dundee

The Human League will headline 80s Calling! at Dundee’s Slessor Gardens. Image: Liz Hobbs Group

Where? Slessor Gardens, Dundee

When? July 26-28

What? Dundee will be the place to go for music-lovers this summer with three big gigs being held at the Waterfront venue.

On Friday July 26 is 80s Calling! starring the likes of The Human League, ABC, The Christians, Big Country, Toyah, Altered Images and T’Pau.

The following night, Ocean Colour Scene headline Discovery Festival with The Fratellis, White Lies and Cammy Barnes also performing.

Then on the Sunday, Welsh legend Tom Jones rounds off the weekend.

Camperdown Park events, Dundee

Revellers enjoying the Sausage and Cider Festival during a previous visit to Dundee. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Where? Camperdown Park, Dundee

When? August 15-17

What? Camperdown Park is set to host three events over the same weekend in August.

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience will kick off the events on August 15 with a 26-piece live orchestra.

The next day will see the Sausage and Cider Festival return to the city with a headline performance by Scouting for Girls, along with appearances by several tribute acts and Barrioke – hosted by former Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson.

The weekend will conclude with the new Summer in Nashville event.

Stirling Highland Games

Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle. Image: Finn Nixon/DC Thomson

Where? Stirling Sports Village

When? August 16

What? The Stirling Highland Games and International Gathering will bring plenty of colour and noise when it returns to the city in August.

Since 1818, the annual event has hosted crowds of up to 8,000.

Those going should keep an eye out for competitors taking part in the Bruce Challenge, which will see them attempt to carry the 164.5kg Stirling Stones.

Balloons and Tunes Scotland, Errol

Music tribute acts will take to the stage at Balloons and Tunes Scotland in Perthshire
Balloons and Tunes is coming to Perthshire this year. Image: Balloons and Tunes UK/Facebook

Where? Errol Showground

When? August 29-31

What? This new event for 2025 will bring a host of family activities to the Carse of Gowrie.

Balloons and Tunes attendees will be able to enjoy a night-time balloon ‘sky safari’, stunt shows and performances from tribute music acts.

The full line-up for Balloons and Tunes Scotland was revealed earlier this year.

What else is going on?

Some of the other events being held across the region this summer include the Scone Palace Garden Fair, the Atholl Gathering, the summer-long Burntisland Fairground, several agricultural shows, the ever-popular Dundee Westfest, Rockore in Fife, the inaugural Dundee Music Festival, Pride events in Dundee, Angus, Perth, Fife and Stirling, Lammas Market in St Andrews and the Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis.

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