Stirling Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Stirling, Scotland, UK)

Stirling has a busy calendar of interesting events and popular Scottish festivals. Summer is when most of the action happens here, especially outdoor concerts and music festivals, which seem to be particularly hot options in this part of Scotland.

Worth looking out for are the Burns' Night haggis feasts each January, the Doune and Dunblane Fling at the end of May, and the hugely popular Stirling Highland Games in July. Of course, with both Glasgow and Edinburgh just an hour away, you can easily enjoy their expansive list of things to do throughout the year without much trouble.

Stirling Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Near Year's Day - January 1st, the city sees in the new year with a midnight fireworks display, live music, parties, drinking, and more drinking. The pubs in town are the best places to mingle with the locals, but popular spots like Stirling Castle also hold special events to mark the new year
• Celtic Connections - mid- to late January, an extravaganza of Celtic music, traditions and culture, based in nearby Glasgow
• Burns' Night - January 25th, once a year on this night, the whole of Scotland honours its much-loved 'son', Robbie / Rabbie Burns, a world-famous Scottish poet. Those attending a traditional Burns Night supper can expect bagpipes, a haggis cutting ceremony, potatoes (tatties) and turnips (neeps), followed by poetry reading and the singing of Auld Lang Syne, written by Burns in 1788

February

• Glasgow Film Festival - a great way to liven up from the winter gloom is with some of the freshest cinema on the circuit. Every year the nearby city of Glasgow plays host to some of the finest filmmakers in the UK and around the world, who showcase their latest works here. This is a great chance to see some amazing independent films, and the city is buzzing during this week with celebrities
• Six Nations Rugby Tournament - February to March, with important home games played at the Murrayfield sports stadium in Edinburgh

March

• Whuppity Scourie - March 1st, held in the nearby Scottish town of Lanark, just over an hour to the south, where locals try their best to shake off any winter blues via a series of fun activities
• The Blend - mid-March, featuring the best in traditional Scottish music, when renowned young musicians come to the city for four days of music. This popular yearly event celebrates 'roots' music and the traditional sounds of Scotland. Expect some of the finest fiddlers and pipers around to be in attendance
• Celtic New Year - a serious celebration for traditionally inclined Scots, held annually on March 25th

April

• Rugby Sevens - early April, a seven-a-side rugby competition based in Galashiels and Melrose
• Glasgow Art Fair - the biggest art happening in Glasgow, making this the ideal time to come to the city if you want to see what's going on in the world of Scottish art. Glasgow is less than an hour away and so it is easy to pop down to the Art Fair for a day of creative immersion
• Beltane Fire Festival - late April, based in Edinburgh, this is a feast of enjoyable pagan rituals and activities, with literally thousands of people descending upon Carlton Hill for the fun

May

• May Day - early May, the people of Stirling get the first Monday off at the beginning of the month to say goodbye to the long grey Scottish winter and gear up for a killer summer season. Being a national holiday, nearly everyone is off work, meaning more crowds at the main attractions
• Doune and Dunblane Fling - late May, Doune Castle turns into a music festival arena as a dozen bands from around the UK come to this scenic place to turn you on to their indie sounds. This event blends traditional-styled Scottish music with other completely random new bands. The line up is always eclectic and guarantees good music
• Scottish FA Cup Final - held at Hampden Park in Glasgow, this is the top Scottish football tournament
• Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May, another bank holiday in Scotland, held at the end of the month of May each year

June

• Scottsland - June to September, the cultural and natural heritage of the region is showcased in more than 40 special events taking place between June and September each summer. From film fests to music concerts, there's a packed calendar of fun things to do. Check with the tourist information centre for the exact schedule
• Doune the Rabbit Hole - mid-June, the small hamlet of Doune comes alive with some of the best bands in Scotland. Slated as a two-day tea party in the countryside around Doune Castle, this is a great event at which to meet locals and soak in the cool indie sounds of Scotland
• West End Festival - a two-week music fest which has become one of Scotland's biggest and best, held in Glasgow
• Glasgow Jazz Festival - late June, an increasingly popular jazz fest with free concerts staged all over the city, with some of the best free gigs based at George Square
• Royal Highland Show - late June, a national agricultural show based in Edinburgh

July

• Stirling Highland Games - mid-July, one of the highlights of the summer calendar, this is an annual gathering of people who love the traditions of the Highlands. Competitive games, live music, food and other interesting activities are on hand for the thousands of spectators who come to take a step back in time

August

• August Bank Holiday - first Monday in August, this is a national holiday in Scotland only and not the rest of the UK
• Edinburgh International Book Festival - mid- to late August, a literary treat held in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square and known to attract many prominent writers
• Edinburgh International Film Festival - mid- to late August, boasting a diverse selection of international movies, screened at various cinemas and venues around central Edinburgh
• Edinburgh International Festival / Fringe - lasting three weeks, the wonderful city of Edinburgh hosts a wealth of special events to showcase Scottish culture, history and cuisine. The iconic Scottish capital is just a short drive from Stirling, making it easy to visit for a day of global fun
• World Pipe Band Championships - with some 100 different bagpipe bands performing in Glasgow
• Kirkintilloch Canal Festival - late August, a variety of family entertainment, set along the banks of this famous canal for two days. Themed boat rides along the canal, a waterside circus, craft markets and fun fairs are all on offer

September

• Off the Page in Stirling - mid-September, this important literary gathering brings many of the best writers and poets from across Scotland and the UK, coming to share their love of the written word. Workshops, readings and fun storytelling events are scheduled over the weekend
• East Dunbartonshire Walking Festival - mid-September, if you love walking or just want to see more of the beautiful Scottish countryside, this walking fest helps you get to the best spots. Walks cover scenic places like Kilpatrick and Kelvin Valley, and can be guided or done at your leisure

October

• Callander Jazz and Blues Festival - early October, amazing jazz and blues bands from around the UK and the world converge on the charming town of Callander for three days of hot jazz music. More than 50 live performances take place at some 20+ venues around the town, attracting Scotland's finest jazz and blues musicians
• Reloaded Fest - early October, the Tolbooth Stand hosts around 15 different bands on three stages at this popular local music fest. Some of the region's best bands come to this trendy part of Stirling to rock out. If you want to hear the hippest, latest sounds from Scotland, this is the place
• RACMSA Rally of Scotland - mid-October, this international road rally involves three days of driving competitions in Stirling and the surrounding countryside. The RACMSA Rally is the biggest road race in Scotland and a big deal for auto lovers in the area. If you are a fan of cars and racing, you won't want to miss this event

November

• Bonfire Night - early November, bonfires and firework displays remember Guy Fawkes and his failure when he attempted to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London at the beginning of the 17th century, with his many barrels of gunpowder
• St. Andrew's Day - November 30th, a fantastic eclectic schedule of ceilidhs (folk music, dancing and storytelling), Scottish bands, literary events, talks and workshops, held at venues around Stirling and the district. This is a comprehensive festival, so there will surely be a few events that will interest you

December

• Christmas Day - December 25th, the city dresses itself up in all its finery for the Christmas holidays. Attractions like the castle, the Old Bridge, the Church of the Holy Rude and other prominent spots are draped in lights. Special choir concerts and additional Yuletide-themed events are planned at central venues, so check with your hotel to find out what's going on
• Hogmanay - December 31st, the city's biggest Hogmanay celebration, taking places at Stirling Castle. Traditional bag piping courtesy of the Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band highlights a night of fireworks, music, drinking and plenty of fun