Things Not Edinburgh: Escaping the Fringe for Arts, Culture and Community

We all love the Fringe (well, mostly all of us). Where else would you be able to hop from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer burlesque show to Mysteries of the Picts performed in a literal sauna?

The Fringe brings the best of art and culture to the capital; some home-grown in Scotland but much flown in from around the world. It quite rightfully takes the spotlight in Scotland’s arts scene every summer. But there’s so much more to see and do across Scotland if you’re not in Edinburgh, or if you need a wee break from the madness.

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LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL

For hundreds of years… ahem, no, 46 years… Largs has paid tribute to its Viking history as the festival commemorates the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and the Norse. Each year, the living history Viking Village opens to the public, offering a glimpse into life in a 13th-century Norse settlement.

Chat with the Vikings about their way of life, learn how they made their clothes, weapons, jewellery, and food, and discover more about their beliefs, crafts, ships, and homeland. A unique way to learn more about how Vikings played a part in Scottish history.

Largs Viking Village, 29th August till 6th September

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BEYOND BORDERS

A weekend-long festival of ideas, music, and culture set against the magnificent backdrop of Traquair House in the Scottish Borders. Beyond Borders combines panel discussions and debates with visual and performing arts, film, spoken word, music, and wellbeing activities including meditation, yoga, walks, and cycle rides.

It’s a thoughtful exploration of some of the most pressing global issues of our time, all in one of Scotland’s most beautiful historic settings. This year’s festival will include big names such as Don McCullin, Lyse Doucet, Nicola Sturgeon, Jenni Fagan, Kojo Koram, Anita Anand, Jeremy Corbyn, Misha Glenny, among many more!

Traquair House, Innerleithen, 29th till 30th August

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PITCH

PITCH is the main event for hip-hop and underground culture in Scotland, and it’s back for its fifth year and counting. Serving as a major networking hub, it brings together artists and music industry professionals from across the UK, Europe, the USA, and Canada. Kofi Stone, one of the UK’s most respected voices in hip-hop, will headline Friday night, bringing his powerful storytelling and blend of jazz, soul, and rap.

You can also expect talks from exciting names in the industry, including Audrey Grey, co-founder of the UK’s first Black music export office, Blackmex, and Chyaro Hylton, a Newcastle-based music industry professional and artist best known as Programme Coordinator at Generator, the North’s leading music development agency.

The pitch-perfect place to gain access to the industry and hear some of the brightest new voices in hip-hop.

Various venues across Glasgow, 2nd till 4th September

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COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Commonwealth Games are back in Glasgow. Low on budget, but high on spirit. Surprised to see us big up a sporting event? The line between art and sport is not as clear-cut as you’d think. The determination, the precision, the passion. The story of a good match can be as immersive as live theatre.

Why do people watch Scottish Football, for example? It’s probably not for the skill on show. Stories are what it’s all about. Glasgow brings unmistakable character to this global moment, again. Our last hosting of the games in 2014 doesn’t seem that long ago. This time it’s a condensed 11-day festival. Three thousand athletes from 74 nations and territories. Ten sports. Four iconic venues. One freshly cleaned city.

The opening ceremony is all well and good, but our musical tastes are probably best reflected at SWG3. Who they got? Hot Chip (DJ Set), Jamz Supernova, Pictish Trail, Auntie Flo, The Bug Club, Both Hands, Capercaillie, and more. But what about the real stars? The dancing Tunnock’s Teacakes from 2014 – will they get dusted off?

Various venues across Glasgow, 23rd July till 2nd August

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COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING

Shot put. Toss the caber. Hammer throw. It’s Scottish sports Xtreme. Held in Dunoon, Argyll, the Cowal Gathering is one of the largest and most spectacular Highland Games in the world.

Nowhere else will you see world-class pipers, Highland dancers, and athletes competing with such vim and vigour. It’s an unbeatable day out, with thousands of visitors flocking each year to soak it all up.

Dunoon, Argyll, 27th till 29th August

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Govanhill International Festival & Carnival

Community-led, anti-racist civic celebration, Govanhill International Festival & Carnival brings together diverse voices across cultures, languages, and generations to nurture a fairer, more connected neighbourhood. One highlight is the Carnival Parade, assembling at Queen’s Park before winding through Govanhill with drums, banners, costumes, brass bands, and community groups, celebrating the people, cultures, and solidarity that shape the area.

The programme also includes Jeremy Corbyn in Conversation with Josie Long, exploring politics, literature, and comedy, as well as the Govanhill Street Music Festival, where parks, courtyards, cafés, shopfronts, and community spaces across the Southside are transformed into a vibrant celebration of grassroots music and culture.

A DAY AT THE COURTYARD

Talking of the Street Music Festival, SNACK’s own festival-within-a-festival, A Day at The Courtyard, is back for 2026 with another lovely day of music and spoken word on 16th August. So far, you’ve got Megalichen (pictured), Susan Bear, Jurnalist (Kai Reesu), Foot & Leg Clinic, and Jill Lorean on the line-up for the Cooperage Courtyard (with our pals at Some Great Reward). Come along. It’ll be great.

Govanhill, 1st till 16th August

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PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL

An excuse, if needed, to explore the stunning coastline of the East Neuk of Fife. Watch the historic fishing village of Pittenweem come to life during its unique arts festival. With more than 190 artists exhibiting across the village, visitors can experience an extraordinary range of work while meeting the artists behind it.

Every year the village becomes a vibrant creative destination, with art appearing in homes, studios, gardens, garages, and a host of unexpected locations. Don’t miss Glasgow-based puppet maker and puppeteer Ella Mackay (pictured) as she joins the festival as an Invited Artist for 2026. Just stunning.

Pittenweem, 1st till 8th August

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Nithraid River Festival

An annual sail and rowing race on the River Nith, featuring live music, local artists, and a lively festival atmosphere at the finish line. The Progress of the Salty Coo procession (yup, you read right) will bring communities together from along the Nith in a march through the town, each with individually designed elements reflecting their relationship with the river.

The day will be buzzing with creative experiences celebrating the River Nith and inspiring new ways to understand, care for, and sustain it.

Mill Green, Dumfries, 15th August