January

Celtic Connections, Glasgow. This celebration of folk and traditional music is becoming one of the largest of its kind in the world, drawing musicians from throughout Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as further afield - such as the Basque country and North America. Call tel. 0141/353-8000. Two weeks toward the end of January.

Burns Night. Naturally, during the celebrations to honor Robert Burns, there's much toasting with whisky and eating of haggis, the arrival of which is announced by a bagpipe. January 25.

February

New Territories, Glasgow. An international festival of performance arts, especially contemporary dance and theater. Early February to mid-March.

March

Glasgow Comedy Festival. Inaugurated in 2003, this festival brings a diverse range of funny men and women to stages around the city. Call tel. 0141/552-2070. Mid-March.

April

Glasgow Art Fair. Galleries from across the U.K. set up stalls in big tents on George Square. First weekend in April.

Glasgow International. A fortnight-long celebration of contemporary visual art at a host of local galleries. Last 2 weeks of April.

Triptych. As the name implies, this is a contemporary and avant-garde music festival that takes place in three cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Last weekend in April.

Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh. This one celebrates paganism and the alleged arrival of summer on Calton Hill with primal drums and dancing. A bit of nudity is almost guaranteed. April 30.

May

Burns an' A' That, Ayr, south of Glasgow. A celebration of the life of Robert Burns with contemporary artists and performers -- mainly musicians. For details, call tel. 0129/229-0300. Late May.

June

Edinburgh International Film Festival. Moved to June from its traditional dates in August, this is the oldest continually running film festival in Europe. tel. 0131/623-8030. Mid-late June.

Royal Highland Show, at the Ingliston Showground, outskirts of Edinburgh. This show is devoted to agriculture and commerce. For details, call tel. 0131/335-6200. Mid- late June.

Pride. Scotland's annual gay celebration alternates between Edinburgh and Glasgow. You'll see a quirky, boisterous parade through the heart of Glasgow or along Princes Street in Edinburgh. Some time in June.

West End Festival, Glasgow. The city's most vibrant neighborhoods throw a party that includes live music, a street parade, and other events. Throughout most of June.

Glasgow International Jazz Festival. Jazz musicians from all over the world come together to perform at various venues around the city. End of June.

July

Glasgow River Festival. A 2-day event with exhibitions, sailings, and other festivities on the River Clyde. Mid-July.

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival. Of the various events that dominate the Edinburgh social calendar in summer, this one is the first to kick off. End of July into August.

August

Edinburgh Festival. Scotland's best-known event is actually a number of festivals in one -- Jazz, Book, International, and Fringe -- taking place concurrently in the Scottish capital. The Fringe alone encompasses some 1,800 performances. An arts bonanza, it draws major talent from around the world. For more information, visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk. Throughout August.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A spectacular every evening at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring precision marching and army bands from across the globe. Call tel. 0870/755-5118. Throughout August.

Piping Live! Glasgow. Bagpipe players and bagpipe bands from around the world gather in the city for a week-long festival that culminates with the World Pipe Band Championships -- an orgy of bagpiping, as up to 1,000 kilted participants strut their stuff. Call tel. 0141/241-4400. Mid-August.

September

Doors Open Day, Edinburgh and Glasgow. One weekend in the month, the public is given unique access to landmark buildings that are normally off limits.

October

Glasgay! Glasgow. One of the U.K.'s largest festivals of gay, lesbian, and transgender culture, with club nights, music, and performance art. Mid-October-mid-November.

International Story Telling Festival, Edinburgh. Events at various venues in the capital help to celebrate the oral tradition of Scotland and other nations. Call tel. 0131/556-9579. Last 2 weeks in October.

November

Edinburgh Christmas. The capital gets an early start on the holiday season with outdoor markets and fairground rides. Late November-Christmas.

Glasgow on Ice. An outdoor ice-skating rink is set up in George Square, along with carnival rides and gift booths. Late November to Christmas Eve.

December

Hogmanay, Edinburgh and Glasgow. New Year's Eve - Hogmanay - is traditionally bigger for the Scots than Christmas. Events in the capital include a torchlight procession, a fire festival along Princes Street, a carnival, and a street theater spectacular. Both cities stage outdoor concerts on Hogmanay. The celebration in Edinburgh begins in the last week of December and continues past New Year's Day.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.