Step into Perth, Perthshire and Kinross-shire this year, and discover big events, festivals, a great choice of quality, independent shops, restaurants and a whole area brimming with fun for all the family!
This exhibition will bring together never-before-seen treasures and exquisite examples from Perthshire and around the world for the very first time, celebrating the industry and craftspeople that made the region famous.
Whilst most of the larger factories have now been replaced with artisan glassmakers and craftspeople, Perthshire glass remains highly prized worldwide.
With Perth now designated as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art, could this spark a renaissance of glass in the region?
From unique pieces by contemporary glass artists and more traditional manufacturers such as Monart and Perthshire Paperweights, to exquisitely-detailed 19th-century Blaschka sea creature models, Venetian Crystal or Cristallo, and Syrian glass, some of which are almost 2,000 years old!
Visitors will be taken on a dazzling journey linking Perthshire to traditions in Spain, Germany, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and beyond.
Advance tickets for GLASS are available to book now through Perthshire Box Office, and discounted combi tickets with the upcoming Macbeth exhibition at Perth Museum are also available.
Visitors can purchase at Perth Art Gallery on the day of their visit, but advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
What stories can be told through the lens of a magic lantern? – Get a glimpse into the past through portraits, as the Fair Maid’s House in Perth reopens this month, with a fascinating new exhibition of historic glass slide images.
Collated from the archive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS), the exhibition will showcase historic portraits taken across the world, telling a patchwork story of adventure, intrigue and everyday life.
The Fair Maid’s House is the headquarters of RSGS and the oldest secular building in Perth. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott’s popular novel The Fair Maid of Perth, the house is now home to the Society’s collections and features displays on geographical issues, explorers, and the history of the Society.
It also houses the Society’s vast historical collections of maps, diaries, books, photos, and artefacts, all gathered from scientific exploration over the past 150 years.
Visitors will be able to watch the planet from space, see the continents evolve, and learn about the hottest and coldest places on Earth.
They can also explore the rich history of Perth and the Fair Maid’s House and discover the very best of geography and exploration as they investigate the amazing collection of artefacts and books in the Explorers’ Room.
The Fair Maid’s House is located at 15-19 North Port, just behind Perth Concert Hall.
Entry by donation.
There's nothing quite like a day at the races, and the award-winning team behind Perth Racecourse, prides themselves on hosting some of Scotland and the UK's most thrilling horseracing events.
Whether you're watching the action unfold as horses race past the finishing post or feeling the anticipation build among the crowd, you'll experience an electrifying atmosphere enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
There are 13 thrilling fixtures over the 2025 season, kicking off with the three day Perth Festival on 23rd to 25th April.
Renowned for highly competitive jump racing this fantastic day - or days! - out also includes live music entertainment.
Other events include:
Our advice is to be quick - these fantastic events sell out fast. Book your tickets now and enjoy top-class racing, a thrilling atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and the very best in Scottish hospitality.
Famously known as The Scottish Play, the exhibition explores the historical origins of the King of Scotland and the continuing influence that William Shakespeare’s iconic play has had on art, theatre, music, and film.
Macbeth: An Exhibition, will take visitors on a journey through time, connecting the legendary figure to the very landscape of Perthshire.
From the haunting forests of Birnam Wood to the imposing Dunsinane Hill, the exhibition will unveil the deep-rooted connection between this dramatic tale and the region.
Visitors will be invited to uncover the enduring power of Shakespeare’s Macbeth against a backdrop of national identity, monarchy and James VI and I’s fear of witchcraft during his reign.
As well as the enduring influence that William Shakespeare's masterpiece has had on audiences and performers across centuries.
The Perthshire Beer Festival which starts at 12 pm until 9pm, is a well-established festival of fun for the family on the North Inch.
The Rugby Sevens tournament that runs alongside the beer festival will commence at approximately 10:30am. It features Men’s and Women’s teams, who will all be delivering, thrilling, high-energy rugby action
Join in the vibrant atmosphere at Perth’s North Inch, where you can enjoy great live music, a dedicated gin bar, and an incredible selection of craft beer, gin, and cocktails.
Perfect for socialising with friends and family, this festival promises a fantastic day of entertainment, food, and refreshments, lots of family friendly activities on during the event.
The Perthshire Beer Festival is also the club’s biggest fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the development of club facilities-helping to support and grow the game at all levels.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable day of sport, music, and fantastic beverages.
The Etape Caledonia 40-mile route offers an incredible cycling experience through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Starting and finishing in the town of Pitlochry, this closed-road event takes you on a memorable journey past serene lochs, rolling hills, and lush forests.
Key highlights of the route include cycling along the shores of Loch Tummel, with its calm waters and spectacular backdrop of Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains.
While the 40-mile route avoids some of the steeper climbs featured in the full distance, it still offers an enjoyable mix of inclines and rewarding descents, with an approximate elevation gain of 1,200 feet (366 meters).
Perfect for beginners or those seeking a less demanding challenge, this route allows riders to soak in the natural beauty of the Highlands while being part of the electric atmosphere of a major cycling event.
With the safety and thrill of closed roads, the Etape Caledonia 40-mile route is a truly unforgettable ride.
There are other routes of 55 miles or 85 miles available to participate in, find out all the information on link below.
Get ready for a day of pure excitement and glamour at Perth Racecourse! Gather up those girls and get along to the Edinburgh Gin Ladies Day, where the fashion is as fabulous as the racing!
A jam packed day which will be full of memories in the making!
Thrilling Races: Witness the thrill of horse racing with seven exhilarating jump races!
Fashion Extravaganza: Dress to impress and enter the fashion competitions to win incredible prizes! Could you be the Grand Lady of 2025?!
Delicious Food and Drinks: Indulge in delectable treats from a variety of gourmet food vendors and why not splash out on a bottle of fizz from the Pommery Champagne Bar!
Unforgettable Entertainment: Throughout the raceday there will be on stage entertainment, fashion shows and a chat with charity partner Breast Cancer Now! Plus, dance the night away with music after racing with....Denise van Outen!
After all that excitement,(hopefully you bet on a winner!) you can cut a rug on that dancefloor. Who remembers The Big Breakfast? well, the actress and singer Denise van Outen will be joining you to light up the stage after the races!
Get ready to dance the night away as Denise hosts an exclusive after-party, with a spectacular 60-minute set you won’t forget.
Each May, Perth Festival of the Arts becomes the gem in Scotland’s cultural calendar. From 22-31 May 2025, the 10-day arts-packed Festival is set to bring world-class artists to cultural and historic venues across the city, while promoting the best up-and-coming local and Scottish talent.
Featuring big names like Sir Lenny Henry and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, 2025’s programme celebrates a wide range of arts including classical music and opera, jazz and rock music, children’s shows, the visual arts, literature, and comedy.
Tickets are now on sale for the Festival’s first three major shows, with the rest of the programme launching in March.
Curated by Frames Gallery, one of Scotland's largest exhibitions of contemporary art, arTay, has become one of the most highly anticipated and popular events during the Festival.
This is an exciting curated exhibition of established Scottish artists and fresh new talent, woven together in this unmissable pop-up gallery in the outdoor plaza of Perth Concert Hall.
arTay is one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art, displaying over 300 works of art.
The tented gallery features many well-known Scottish artists, as well as those beginning their artistic careers. arTay offers both the curious browser and the serious collector a huge range of paintings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, glass and jewellery.
10am - 5.30pm Thu 22 May
10am - 7.30pm Fri 23 May
10am - 6pm Sat 24 May
12noon - 7.30pm Sun 25 May
Join Perth Festival of the Arts for a glorious evening of classical music’s best-loved repertoire with one of the top orchestras in the Asia-Pacific region.
The orchestra will perform two of the most popular works from the operatic and ballet repertoire including Bizet’s scintillating Carmen Suite and music from perhaps the greatest of all ballets: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
Consistently chart-topping Classic FM’s Hall of Fame,
Vaughan Williams nostalgic masterpiece The Lark Ascending continues the popular programme.
One of the most versatile cellists of the present day Wen-Sinn Yang performs Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Rococo Variations before Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 brings the concert to an energetic close.
Renowned comedian, actor, writer and Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry has had a vibrant career for over 50 years covering every inch of entertainment.
Rising as a cult star on children’s television to becoming one of Britain’s best known performers, Lenny has transformed from a Shakespearean Othello to a harfoot in Amazon's Lord of the Rings, a druid in The Witcher, a grocer in his acclaimed Bush Theatre play and many more.
Offstage, Lenny has become a diversity champion, successful children's author, philanthropist and knight.
In this eclectic evening, Sir Lenny Henry will triumphantly return to stand up and then dive into the details with Fred MacAulay, closing with an audience Q&A.
Over a decade since Lenny's last stand up tour, don't miss this rare chance to see Sir Lenny Henry live!
Join Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack and special guest singer Anna-Jane Casey for a spectacular Perth Festival concert of big band swing, featuring iconic songs from much-loved MGM Musicals and Hollywood's biggest movies.
This extraordinary, hand-picked Brass Orchestra, formed by virtuoso trumpeter Mike Lovatt, explodes with fresh new arrangements and exciting compositions by Colin Skinner.
Packed with orchestral colour, the group features highly acclaimed vocalists, swinging French horns, jazz rhythms section, an array of Latin percussion, timpani, harp, and tubas.
Special guest singer Anna-Jane Casey has 40 years experience in the West End and beyond.
Beginning her career at the age of 16 in the West End production of CATS and starred alongside Sir Ian McKellen in MOTHER GOOSE!
Due to popular demand, Perth’s celebration of all things cocktail will return for a second year.
Whether you like it shaken or stirred, long and tall or in a shot, Perth Cocktail Week has everything you need to swing into the better weather, longer nights and sweet sounds of summer.
Taking part is easy!
Simply buy your Cocktail Week wristband and unlock discounted cocktails in bars and restaurants across the city.
Hundreds of exclusive and signature cocktails starting from £5.
Discounted drinks, food and more in over 30 bars, restaurants and shops across the city.
Unlimited use of your wristband throughout the 10 days.
Come along between 10am and 4pm and join Perth Creative Exchange for their Spring Market & Open Studios event, you will get to enjoy a fantastic diversity of creative talent all under the one roof.
You'll find paintings, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, woodcraft, illustration, feltwork, textiles, glassware and more!
So get shoping with your local professional creatives for all your Spring gift needs – it’s a great opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers at the market, visit working studios with demos, and see the tenants' exhibitions.
After a busy day shopping or browsing you can finish up with a delicious cuppa & cake from the pop-up cafe.
Entry is free.
Mark your calendars because the Scone Palace Garden Fair, proudly sponsored by Dobbies Garden Centres, is back for its fourth year, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever!
Join us on the stunning lawns of historic Scone Palace to celebrate the very best of Scottish gardening.
Discover a fantastic selection of top nurseries, garden centres, makers, and societies, all showcasing their expertise and passion for plants.
Be inspired by expert talks and demonstrations, including appearances by the beloved Beechgrove Garden team, and marvel at the creativity of the Scottish Garden Design Competition, returning once again to wow visitors.
New for 2025: We want to inspire the next generation of gardeners, with a range of exciting activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for nature.
Plus, children under 16 enjoy free entry, making it a perfect family day out!
This hugely popular, free event held on Tay Street on Saturday the 31st from 10am to 3pm, is loved by young and old alike as it captures the spirit of motoring through the ages.
From the classic cars proudly displayed by individual collectors, to car clubs from across Scotland, military enthusiasts’ vehicles, and Perth’s own vintage lorry replica from JA Duncan contractors.
With well over 60 vehicles on display we can guarantee plenty of expert knowledge on hand, and a few stories about the life of these amazing antiques.
Chat to owners and collectors, many of whom will be delighted to offer you a seat behind the wheel and a look under the bonnet, run your hands over the leather, and soak up the history of the very best in Scottish and British transport.
Catch the free vintage buses from 9.45 on Mill Street to Perth Airport to view Morris Leslie's private car collection on both Saturday and Sunday 1st June between 10am and 3pm.
Entry fees: adult(16+)£10
children (5 -15) £5
under 5's FREE
Family Entry (2 adults and up to 3 children) £25
Due to the nature of the premises where the cars are stored it is not possible for wheelchair users or children in buggies to view all of the private collection.
Celebrating it's 28th year in Scotland and Potfest's 13th year at Scone – the Crowning Place of Scottish kings.
Held under large marquees across the Palace lawns, you will personally get to meet the 90 studio ceramics artists taking part in this years Potfest.
You'll be able to chat to the makers, discover what fuels their passion for clay, and buy directly from those creative minds.
So why not spend a full day? you can soak up all things clay at this Scottish celebration of ceramics, and if you need a break from the glorious ceramic items, you can wander around Scone Palace Gardens to recharge those shopping batteries.(bring a wee picnic)
Potfest ticket includes access to Scone Palace grounds and gardens.
Top up tickets for access into the Palace are available at the ticket kiosk.
Experience the thrill of the Perth Gold Cup, sponsored by bet365.
Join Perth Racecourse for one of the most prestigious events in the British horse racing calendar. The Perth Gold Cup, sponsored by bet365.
This promises to be a day of exhilarating racing, delicious food, and live music.
Why You Should Attend:
A Generous Prize Pot: With a total prize fund of £100,000, including two cracking races between Silver and Gold! Each attracting top-class UK and Irish horses competing for the precious metals:
bet365 Perth Gold Cup Handicap Steeple Chase £34,000
bet365 Silver Cup Handicap Steeple Chase £20,000
A Historic Race: The Perth Gold Cup, first run in 1825, is a time-honored tradition with a rich history.
Unforgettable Atmosphere: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and live music from Carbon Copy!
Solas Festival - Scotland’s midsummer festival - has been running since 2009.
The all-age, weekend-long celebration of music and the arts is designed to entertain, inspire and challenge.
Our programme makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum.
The festival offers a broad, inclusive, creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment; everyone is welcome.
In recent years they have welcomed performers from Ghana, Palestine and Canada, Syrian refugees from Glasgow and music from Nashville.
This summer, the stunning grounds of Scone Palace will transform into Scotland’s comedy hotspot as Patter at the Palace takes over from June 27th to 29th, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, this three-day comedy extravaganza promises non-stop laughter, mouth-watering street food, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Bringing together an unbeatable line-up of some of the biggest names in comedy!
Patter at the Palace will be headlined by the hilarious Milton Jones, quick-witted Russell Kane, Scottish farming funny man Jim Smith, beloved stand-up veteran Ed Byrne, and the razor- sharp, absurdist genius Dylan Moran.
Whether you're a fan of observational comedy, dry wit, or belly-laugh-inducing absurdity, this festival will have something for every sense of humour.
Back for a second year, this family friendly festival in the heart of Scotland showcases the best Scottish talent on the music scene whilst raising money for local charities.
The Heartland Festival 2025 is shaping up to be another amazing weekend of live music!
With another strong lineup for 2025 that includes Skerryvore, Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx Band, The Eves, and Roisin McCarney.
The Main Stage lineup is now complete.
Camping options are available, with reserved allocation and discounted rates at two campsites in the local area, Grandtully Station Campsite and Aberfeldy Caravan Park.
Perth loves a party and this glorious celebration of world music, dance and culture is the perfect way to welcome in the summer.
Everything kicks off with a colourful parade from Thimblerow to the North Inch where a day of song, dance and fun awaits you.
Live Music Stage – bringing Scottish and international talent to Perth
Dance displays – From local dance schools and visiting dance troups
Mela Market - Shop with local artisans and find out about community support services
Food and Drink - street food vendors offering up a taste of India, China, and much more.
Grab your friends and family, bring your deckchair or blanket, and dust off your dancing shoes.
This is an event not to be missed!
Come and celebrate the very best of the outdoors with The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, as it returns to the stunning setting of Scone Palace.
Enjoy three braw days at The GWCT Scottish Game Fair – a true celebration of Scotland’s rich countryside heritage!
Highlights include gundog displays, terrier racing, equestrian skills, Highland ponies, and there is also plenty to keep the youngsters entertained, they can meet with miniature Shetland ponies, cuddle puppies and take cookery lessons.( those pesky kids get to have all the fun!)
Choose from one day entry, two or three day or why not make it a short break and camp? (more details on booking site)
This event includes everything from fishing to falconry, shooting to off road driving plus an array of delicious food and drink producers.
There really is something for everyone.
This fantastic two day agricultural event, showcases the best in class of livestock, horses and ponies, food and drink, and local arts and crafts, from Perthshire and beyond.
The Perth Show has been run by Perthshire Agricultural Society for 158 years, and has been held on the South Inch for almost every year for the last 113!
This fab location gives us locals and visitors a perfect opportunity to experience farming life right on our doorstep, and who can resist fantastic shopping and eating opportunities from the variety of stall holders!
Who doesn't love a chance to get up close and personal to beautiful Clydesdale horses,or bonnie Highland cows?
There is a variety of events on to keep the whole family entertained, show jumping, vintage tractors and machinery, a range of children's activities and don't forget, fantastic local food and drink producers.
Lots of stalls offering up brilliant gift ideas, from tartan and tweed accessories to upcycled jewellery and photographic prints there is sure to be the perfect gift for everyone.
This fantastic, free event brings the electric atmosphere of a Tattoo-style arena event to Perth city centre.
The parade will set off at noon from the Thimblerow Car Park on Paul Street and make its 30-minute journey to North Inch, culminating in an arena performance of invited acts and massed bands which commences at 1pm.
There will also be a fringe area for other supporting displays of militaria and vehicles.
Offering families the chance to see military and civilian bands from across Scotland in a dazzling parade through the streets towards the North Inch, the City of Perth Salute is not to be missed.
Wander around North Inch Park or bring a blanket and soak up the atmosphere of the Salute Fringe.
A fantastic collection of Scottish Military vehicles will also be on display, along with WWII reenactors, Militaria, along with both the Mela and Salute Markets.
Pack a picnic or whet your appetite with one of our street food vendors.
Sounds like a perfect family day out!
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials event will be held in the historic and picturesque Parklands of Scone Palace and the adjacent Perth Racecourse, offering a stunning setting for what is certain to become, a world class event.
Expect to see the high standards you would expect at an equestrian show of this nature, with arena eventing, competitions, pony clubs and so much more.
As well as this, a fantastic shopping village, wide and varied food and drink offer, and activities galore make it an excellent day our for all of the family.
This new event replaces the Blair Castle International Horse Trials.
2025 is a milestone year for Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, with Perth Theatre turning 125 and Perth Concert Hall reaching 20. To celebrate these birthdays, we’re throwing a street party!
Taking place across three live stages, stretching from Perth Theatre Courtyard to Perth Concert Hall Plaza, the outdoor spectacular will programme classical, contemporary, musical theatre and trad stars alongside much-loved local groups and societies.
Cutting-edge projections and special effects will envelop audiences by animating the surrounding buildings and structures, and the show will culminate in a dazzling pyrotechnic display.
To ensure a proper street party experience, food stalls will also be on site and a bar service will be available from both venues.
For younger audiences, our Learning & Engagement team will provide a programme of free daytime activities and workshops, plus performances from our award-winning Gig On A Truck and new Perth Theatre Pop-ups.
FREE daytime shows and activities: 12:00 – 16:00
Evening performances: Doors 18:30
The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular immersive art experience like no other.
Perfect for the whole family to enjoy and an outstanding evening out, it takes place in the beautiful Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire.
Delighting visitors for over two decades, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show has welcomed more than 800,000 visitors from all over the world to this stunning Scottish location.
Dazzling visuals are choregraphed to an original music score, the innovative design will keep you mesmorised, while you walk through the natural beauty of Faskally Wood.
Simply put, a magical experience for all!( plus, you'll get some steps in)
Come along between 10-4 and join Perth Creative Exchange for their Winter Market & Open Studios event to see a fantastic diversity of creative talent all under one roof.
You'll find paintings, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, woodcraft, illustration, feltwork, textiles, glassware and more!
Shop with your local professional creatives for all your Christmas gift needs – it’s a great opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers at the market, visit working studios with demos, and see the tenants' exhibition.
Finish up with a delicious cuppa & cake from the pop-up cafe.
Entry is free.
More details to follow.
The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy and kingdom. A king-making stone, it was used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs at Scone, 3 miles upriver of Perth on the River Tay.
Its first documented use was in 1249 for the inauguration of the boy-king, Alexander III.
Taken as war loot by King Edward I of England fifty years after Alexander became king, the Stone was carried to Westminster Abbey in London; a symbol of Edward’s victory and his perceived right to rule.
Returning home to Perthshire for the first time in 700 years, this iconic artefact is still used to crown kings and queens of the United Kingdom today, including the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Visitors will be taken on a 10-minute immersive journey through the Stone's long and mysterious history before being provided with an up-close encounter with the impressive object itself.
Tickets are free and can be acquired from the Box Office. Tickets are timed at 10-minute intervals. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot.
A limited number of tickets are also available to book in-person at the Museum on the day of your visit, on a first come, first served basis.
The following venues offer a year round selection of events, shows, and days and nights out.
If you're travelling from further afield, why not make a short break or holiday of it and book into one of our fantastic hotels, guest houses or glamping pods!
Check out more ideas for a fantastic Perthshire break here:
- Quirky Accommodation in Perthshire >
- Spa Breaks and Hot Tub Hideaways >
- City Centre Restaurants >
- Think Big Perthshire Activities >
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for full updates on all of the events and festivals listed below, and the new ones yet to come.