A host of big events are set to take place across Tayside, Fife and Stirling in 2025.
From new live music festivals to long-running shows, the region will once again boast some of the country’s best entertainment this year.
Hundreds of smaller community events will take place over the coming 12 months – but here are some of the bigger events to look forward to in the year ahead.
1. Fife Show, near Cupar
Where? Kinloss, near Cupar
When? May 24
What? One of Scotland’s premier agricultural shows returns for 2025.
Thousands of people will once again enjoy a host of activities like livestock shows, funfair rides and competitions.
2. Patter at the Palace, Scone
Where? Scone Palace
When? June 27-29
What? A new three-day comedy festival will arrive in Perthshire in June, with some of the biggest names on the TV comedy scene making an appearance.
Perthshire farmer Jim Smith, who turned his hand to stand-up, will be joined by the likes of Dylan Moran, Ed Bryne, Susie McCabe, Russell Kane and Milton Jones.
3. Heartland Festival, Pitlochry
Where? Pitlochry Recreation Ground
When? June 28-29
What? The two-day Heartland Festival will be returning to Pitlochry after a successful first year.
Acts including Skerryvore and Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx Bankd will perform on two stages across Saturday and Sunday.
4. doof in the Park, Dundee
Where? Camperdown Park, Dundee
When? July 5
What? Dundonian DJ Hannah Laing is bringing a new dance music festival to her home city in July.
Thousands of people will attend the sold-out doof in the Park with Hannah featuring as a headline act.
Other performers across three stages are still to be announced.
5. 80s Calling! Dundee
Where? Slessor Gardens, Dundee
When? July 26
What? Dundee will be the place to go for lovers of 80s music in July.
Slessor Gardens will host some of the biggest acts from the decade and organisers have encouraged festival goers to “dress your own take on the 80s style”.
The 80s Calling! Dundee line-up includes The Human League, ABC, The Christians, Big Country, Toyah, Altered Images and T’Pau.
6-8. The Ibiza Orchestra Experience, Sausage and Cider Festival and Summer in Nashville, Dundee
Where? Camperdown Park, Dundee
When? August 15-17
What? Camperdown Park is set to host three events over the same weekend in August.
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience will kick off the events on August 15 with a 26-piece live orchestra.
The next day will see the Sausage and Cider Festival return to the city with a headline performance by Scouting for Girls, along with appearances by several tribute acts and Barrioke – hosted by former Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson.
The weekend will conclude with the new Summer in Nashville event.
This will see tributes to the “biggest legends” of country music along with activities such as axe-throwing, rodeo bull rides and line dancing.
9. Stirling Highland Games
Where? Stirling Sports Village
When? August 16
What? The Stirling Highland Games and International Gathering will bring plenty of colour and noise when it returns to the city in August.
Since 1818, the annual event has hosted crowds of up to 8,000.
Those going should keep an eye out for competitors taking part in the Bruce Challenge, which will see them attempt to carry the 164.5kg Stirling Stones.
10. Balloons and Tunes Scotland, Errol
Where? Errol Showground
When? August 29-31
What? This new event for 2025 will bring a host of family activities to the Carse of Gowrie.
Balloons and Tunes attendees will be able to enjoy a night-time balloon ‘sky safari’, stunt shows and performances from tribute music acts.
Organisers have hinted that this could be the only time the UK-wide festival is held in Scotland.
11. The Enchanted Forest, Highland Perthshire
Where? Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry
When? October 2-November 2
What? Visitors will be able to once again enjoy a stunning light and sound show when The Enchanted Forest returns in the autumn.
It will run daily for a month and has been described by organisers as a “kaleidoscope outdoor experience”.
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