Killin Music Festival – Killin, Scotland 2026
Overview
Tucked away in the heart of Perthshire’s breathtaking Loch Tay, the Killin Music Festival is a hidden gem of Scottish cultural celebration, blending traditional Celtic melodies with contemporary folk and classical influences in a setting that feels like a musical postcard from the Highlands. This annual event transforms the village of Killin—straddling the falls of the Dochart River and shadowed by ancient hills—into a symphony of sound, drawing intimate crowds to venues that echo with fiddles, pipes, and heartfelt vocals. Rooted in community passion, it showcases a mix of local virtuosos and international guests, offering an authentic immersion in Scotland’s living musical heritage amid stunning natural beauty. For more details, visit the official site.
The 2026 edition builds on decades of tradition, promising an expanded program of concerts, workshops, and ceilidhs that capture the spirit of the Perthshire landscape, with themes inspired by lochs, legends, and lyrical wanderings. Attendees can expect a harmonious blend of acoustic intimacy and energetic gatherings, paired with local crafts and feasts that fuel the festive vibe. Whether you’re a purist for Gaelic airs or a newcomer to Highland harmonies, this festival delivers a soul-enriching escape, fostering connections in a village where music flows as freely as the river itself.
Event Highlights
- Evening concerts in historic halls blending Celtic folk with classical interpretations, featuring guest fiddlers and pipe bands that evoke the wild Perthshire moors.
- Interactive workshops on traditional instruments like the clarsach and whistle, open to all ages for hands-on dives into Scottish musical techniques.
- Riverside ceilidhs and pop-up sessions along the Dochart Falls, where locals and visitors join in spontaneous dances and storytelling through song.
About this event
This festival distinguishes itself by marrying Highland serenity with sonic vitality, turning Killin’s riverside venues into a canvas for Celtic expression that honors ancient tunes while embracing modern narratives in a compact, village-wide embrace.
- Curated lineup of 15+ performances over the weekend, from solo harp recitals to ensemble reels, spotlighting Perthshire-born artists and global collaborators.
- Landscape-inspired sets that incorporate natural acoustics, like open-air gigs where echoes from the falls underscore the music.
- Community workshops fostering intergenerational exchange, teaching Gaelic lyrics and composition tied to local folklore.
- Eco-conscious staging with solar-powered amps and ties to conservation efforts for Loch Tay’s pristine environs.
- Family-inclusive elements like youth choirs and free kids’ music circles, nurturing the next wave of Scottish performers.
- After-hours pub sessions extending the festival into Killin’s cozy inns, blending tunes with tales over drams of whisky.
Why Attend
The Killin Music Festival offers a rare communion where Celtic strings resonate with the rush of waterfalls, delivering an intimate Highland serenade that’s as rejuvenating as a lochside dawn. Imagine a fiddler’s reel chasing mist from the hills—it’s invigorating for folk devotees seeking unamplified authenticity, and welcoming for explorers discovering Scotland’s melodic soul in a venue small enough for every face to feel familiar. Workshops spark your inner musician, while ceilidhs forge instant kinships, turning a getaway into a personal ballad. For more details, visit the official site.
Beyond the harmonies, it’s a gateway to Perthshire’s wonders—hiking Breadalbane trails by day, returning for evenings of rhythmic release that echo the land’s wild heart. In a noisy world, this event recaptures music’s quiet power to heal and unite, leaving you with refrains that linger like Highland heather and memories as enduring as the glen.
Date & Duration
- Dates: June 19 – 22, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- Primary venue: Killin Village Hall, a community hub with warm acoustics perfect for folk gatherings, hosting main concerts and workshops.
- Additional venues: McLaren Hall for ceilidhs and the riverside green for outdoor sessions, creating a walkable festival trail.
- Main address: Killin, Perthshire, FK21 8SL, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official website and select partners, with limited on-site sales to maintain intimacy.
- Admission is paid for concerts, with some workshops and sessions free to encourage community involvement.
- Pricing in USD: Single-day passes from $25 (early bird) to $40 (at door); full festival $90–$120; family bundles $200 for four.
- Special seating or VIP options include reserved hall seats with artist dinners and priority workshop access.
- Minimum ticket pricing: $25 per person for single-day general entry.
- Maximum ticket pricing: $120 for full-weekend VIP passes including meet-and-greets.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: office@killinmusicfestival.com (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: +44 7717 130333 (English/Scottish support available).
- Website: https://killinmusicfest.com
- Social Media: @KillinMusicFest (Facebook).
- Key Staff: Not specified; direct queries to the general email.
- Press/Volunteers: Email office@killinmusicfestival.com for media or volunteer opportunities (stage setup, workshop facilitation—TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Glasgow Airport (GLA), 2-hour drive via A82; Edinburgh (EDI), 2.5 hours north through Stirling.
- Public transport: ScotRail trains to Crianlarich (then buses via Loch Tay Timetable 57 to Killin, total 3 hours from Glasgow); seasonal ferries across Loch Tay.
- Parking: Village lots at Breadalbane Park (free for ticket holders, $2–4/day otherwise); shuttle from rail stops.
- Driving: A85 from Stirling (1.5 hours, winding through Glen Dochart); scenic with EV chargers in Callander.
- Cycling/Walking: Rob Roy Way trail access; bike racks at venues and pedestrian paths along the falls.
Accommodation Options
- B&Bs and guesthouses: Scenic stays like The Old Smiddy ($90–130/night, riverside with breakfast) or Killin Hotel ($110–160, central with loch views).
- Self-catering: Cottages via VisitScotland.com ($140–220/night for 4–6, equipped for family festivals).
- Camping: Nearby Loch Tay sites ($50–80/night, glamping pods with fire pits and trail proximity).
- Hotels: Comfortable options like The Courtyard ($100–150/night, boutique with spa, short walk to hall).
- Booking tips: Platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb; early June bookings essential, bundle with boat tours for loch exploration.
Reviews
- Fiddles over the falls were magical—intimate sets that captured the Highland soul!
- Workshops ignited my love for Celtic tunes; Killin’s charm made it unforgettable.
- Family bliss with ceilidhs and hikes—music that dances in your heart long after.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
What makes the Killin Music Festival unique among Highland events?
Its riverside intimacy in a tiny Perthshire village sets it apart, hosting 1,500+ across cozy halls and greens for unfiltered Celtic folk and classical hybrids, unlike grander gatherings. The 2026 lineup likely echoes past blends of local pipes and global guests, with workshops weaving in Dochart lore—creating a participatory haven where tunes mirror the loch's calm, fostering deep, personal connections amid nature's embrace.
Is the festival family-friendly and accessible for music novices?
Yes, with all-ages programming and free kids' circles, it welcomes families through short, fun sessions and gentle workshops that introduce folk without intimidation. Beginners benefit from host-guided intros and inclusive dances, while the compact site eases wandering—attendees praise how it sparks joy for all, turning first-timers into enthusiasts in a safe, scenic Highland hug.
How does the event handle June's Scottish weather?
Combining indoor halls with covered riverside stages, it navigates summer showers via poncho provisions and indoor pivots, letting sunny spells shine for open-air reels. Organizers monitor via app for real-time shifts, and Killin's glen shelter aids; fans adore how a light mist enhances the Celtic mood, with tea tents keeping the vibe warm and welcoming.
What health and safety protocols are anticipated for 2026?
Per Scottish standards, expect hand sanitizers at entries, optional masking indoors, and contactless ticketing for effortless security, with spaced seating and on-site medics. Accessibility includes ramps for halls, audio aids for sets, and BSL requests—email ahead for custom support, celebrated for seamless measures that let melodies flow freely for everyone.
Can I volunteer or contribute to the festival's program?
Indeed, with roles for 40+ volunteers in sound tech, ceilidh calling, or workshop aid—sign up via email for free entry, meals, and artist chats. Musicians apply for open slots, with small fees for features; training covers logistics and local customs, making it a joyful entry to Perthshire's pulse—many return to help craft the festival's harmonious heartbeat.




