Whisky Festivals in Scotland: the Best of 2025, and Looking Ahead to 2026

From lesser-known hidden gems to the ones you definitely would've heard of, Scotland is the home of unique and unmissable festivals that put good whisky, good food, and good times at the centre of it all.

There's a reason people can't keep away. Visiting Scotland - be it a superb summer holiday or a winter wonderland wish come true - is always full of promise.

Each year, people from all over the world are invited in to the heart and hearth of local whisky distilleries, small town traditions, and full-blown city-wide celebrations where you're welcome to join in with the singing and the Highland flinging - and your reward could just be an excellent dram followed by some local delicacies.

Looking to plan a return visit or finally make that trip you've always dreamed of? Here's a look at some of the best whisky festivals upcoming, and other cultural highlights in the calendar, so you can plan accordingly...

*Malts.com is a Diageo website. Some of the distilleries and brands featured in this article are not affiliated or associated with Diageo.

The Hebridean Whisky Festival is perhaps something of a misnomer. It's not just a festival. It's an island-hopping, multi-distillery-visiting marathon of flavour, discovery and adventure.

A sensory journey throughout the single malt Scotches of the Hebridean Whisky Trail, whisky lovers are encouraged to visit different distilleries along the route, with each one hosting immersive and inspired events.

Hebridean Whisky Festival 2025 dates and locations

• 4 September - Talisker: Opening the festival is the Isle of Skye's rugged, sea-soaked wonder, Talisker. From meeting the malts masters and Talisker tastemakers to a packed roster of incredible events, including a Talisker x Chocolates of Glenshiel experience, a behind the scenes tour and tasting and more, you'll start as you mean to go on with these unmissable opportunities. Full information and tickets available to book now.

• 5 September - Torabhaig: Staying on the fabled Isle of Skye now, the second day of events will take place at Torabhaig Distillery. Want to get the most out of your time on the Isle of Skye? Ocean advocate and Skye resident Katie Tunn shares her insider tips for what not to miss on the incomparable isle.

• 6 September - Ise of Raasay: Situated between the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland, the Isle of Raasay is home to the Raasay distillery. Taking place between 10am and 6pm, this day of the festival includes exclusive festival bottlings and even a bake off challenge. Tickets and more information online.

• 9 September - Isle of Tiree: Joining the festival for the first time is the Isle of Tiree distillery. Book tickets online.

• 11 September - Benbecula: Found on the Isle of Benbecula, guests will sample this maritime malt, meet master distiller Brendan McCarron and more.

• 12 September - North Uist: Special whisky cocktails and a look at a green-approach to whisky making are some highlights from the North Uist distillery, also on the Isle of Benbecula.

• 13 September - Isle of Harris: The Hebridean Whisky Festival Finale this year will be hosted by the Isle of Harris Distillery. For full information and tickets for the last few days of events, keep checking online.

Often dubbed the hidden treasure of Islay, Caol Ila is about to take centre stage and not be so hidden.

Taking place between 19th and 21st September, the Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival promises to be a sensory sensation. World-class jazz will thrill the ears and get people moving while exceptional whisky will bring a different definition to enjoying a symphony of notes.

Across three days on Islay, with 21 concerts taking place, discover intimate venues, explore the distillery and surrounding spaces and get the chance to own a limited-edition Caol Ila bottling created especially for the festival.

The full programme and tickets are available to buy now.

• Whisky Week, Aberdeen: 21st-30th August - Sip your way through Aberdeen's best sups bars during Whisky Week. With your wristband, enjoy unique drams from £5 or less at over 15 venues in the city plus access to exclusive tastings, guided tours, and whisky‑fuelled experiences. Brands taking part or featured include The Singleton and Mortlach. More information and how to buy a wristband online.

• Whisky Week, Glasgow: 28th August-7th September - One of Scotland's most vibrant cities, experience the best of Glasgow and enjoy whisky week. Full information and tickets online.

• Whisky Week, Edinburgh: 4th-14th September - Scotland's capital city meets Scotland's biggest export for one exciting week this September. More information and tickets online.

Of course, if you're in Edinburgh, you can't miss a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street. From world-class tours, expert-led tastings and exceptional cocktails, this is a whisky paradise. But there's even something to do for the whisky-cautious. With rooftop bars and unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle, it's truly a highlight of the city.

While not whisky-specific, there's always a likelihood that one can find an exquisite dram and incredible food pairings across other key highlights of the Scottish cultural calendar.

September

The Highland Games

When one thinks of Scotland, the first association that may spring to mind - other than whisky and kilts, of course - is the traditional Highland Games. With a history dating back centuries, the storied tradition feature classic Highland sports such as the caber toss, tug o' war and the hammer throw.

While there's not just one Highland Games, and indeed they take place at various locations throughout the months, there are some distinct ones to consider attending.

For almost 200 years, the Braemar Gathering has been a highlight of the sporting calendar in Scotland. Nestled beneath bucolic, heather-strewn mountains, it is the most prominent and well-attended Highland games in the world, drawing vast crowds from across the globe.

Visit Scotland has more information and details on how to attend.

Argyll Food Festival

The Argyll Food Festival will take place at The Corran Halls in Oban on September 27-28th.

Meet local artisan food and drink producers, discover their goods and then consider paying a visit to the iconic Oban Distillery.

November

Ballater Winter Festival, 29 November 2025

Each year, the Ballater Winter Festival brings the community together to celebrate the magic of Christmas, as well as celebrating local cuisine and exceptional drinks. Come, get Christmassy and then pay a visit to the nearby Royal Lochnagar distillery for a truly magical memory.

St Andrew's Day

The Patron Saint of Scotland, St Andrew's Day is celebrated on November 30. Keep checking back as we bring you the latest updates on planned events and celebrations.

December

Festive events and highlights

Each year, distilleries tend to go all out to make a Scottish winter a true whisky wonderland.

Keep checking back as we bring you the latest updates.