Shetland’s year in events: always a good time to visit

Fire Festivals*

• Scalloway Fire Festival – 9 January 2026
• Lerwick Up Helly Aa – 27 January 2026
• Lerwick Junior Up Helly Aa – 27 January 2026
• Nesting & Girlsta Up Helly Aa – 6 February 2026
• Uyeasound Up Helly Aa – 13 February 2026
• Northmavine Up Helly Aa – 20 February 2026
• Cullivoe Up Helly Aa – 27 February 2026
• Bressay Up Helly Aa – 6 March 2026
• Norwick Up Helly Aa – 7 March 2026
• Walls Junior Up Helly Aa – 2026 date TBC
• South Mainland Up Helly Aa – 13 March 2026
• Delting Up Helly Aa – 20 March 2026

*Some dates may be subject to change.

Up Helly Aa marks the passing of winter and brings the light back into the darkest months. A superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland’s Norse heritage, and a triumphant demonstration of islanders' skills and spirit, our Fire Festivals are unique.

Lerwick Up Helly Aa may not be the first, but it’s certainly the biggest. On the evening of Lerwick Up Helly Aa Day, almost 1,000 disguised torch-bearers, in groups known as ‘squads’, form ranks in the darkened streets of Shetland’s capital and walk through the town.

However, Up Helly Aas and Fire Festivals take place all over the islands, beginning with Scalloway in January and ending with Delting Up Helly Aa in March. Each night is as awe-inspiring as the last, from the dedication and organisation of the guizers to the heat of the flames.

To find out more about the Shetland Fire Festival Season, visit our Up Helly Aa page.

Shetland County Drama Festival

• March 2026

If the fire festivals aren’t dramatic enough for you, Shetland County Drama Festival might be more up your street. Drama groups from different areas in Shetland gather in Lerwick to compete in the competition. A variety of genres abounds, with comedies and dramas, each promising to be as entertaining as the last.

Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year Competition

• April 2026

Shetland is well known for its accomplished fiddle players, and this is no less true in our younger generations. Fiddle players aged 16 or under take part in Shetland’s two-day Young Fiddler competition, with the final decision made at the prize-giving concert on Saturday evening.

Shetland Folk Festival

• 30 April – 3 May 2026

Shetland’s Folk Festival celebrates Shetland’s homegrown talent alongside some of the biggest names in folk music. Throughout Shetland, folk artists of worldwide renown take to the stage and play well into the night. The UK's most northerly folk festival is often regarded as the grandaddy of folk festivals. For performers, locals and visitors alike, the festival's "sessions" are among the best in the world.

Visiting artists are regularly struck by the quantity and quality of local talent and by the warm welcome they receive, staying not in hotels but in the homes of Folk Festival supporters.

Shetland Classic Motor Show

• 6 – 7 June 2026

Shetland Classic Motor Show is a biennial celebration of classic and historic vehicles taking place in Lerwick at the Clickimin Leisure Complex in June 2026. The show brings together enthusiasts and exhibitors from Shetland, across the UK and beyond to display a wide range of classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, bicycles, stationary engines and more, with opportunities for “Cruise in Company” tours around the islands before and after the main weekend. Originally started in 1984, the event has grown into one of Scotland’s premier classic motor shows and offers plenty for both vehicle lovers and visitors to enjoy.

Bergen – Shetland Races

• 17 – 21 June 2026

Between 40 and 60 yachts will compete in the race between Bergen in Norway and Lerwick, Shetland, the biggest race on the North Sea. It’s a test of endurance and navigation, attracting sailors who navigate challenging North Sea conditions. The event honours the WWII Shetland Bus, which used fishing boats to carry resistance fighters and supplies between occupied Norway and the UK.

Find out more about the race and read more about why Shetland is a hot spot for yachts.

Simmer Dim Rally

• 18 – 21 June 2026

Bikers from within the UK and beyond will make their way up to Shetland in June for the most northerly motorcycle rally in the UK. The Simmer Dim Rally is famous for its atmosphere. See the Simmer Dim Facebook page for more details on how to get tickets for the event.

Shetland Pride Festival

• 13 June 2026

Shetland Pride is an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, diversity and inclusion, bringing together local communities and visitors in a welcoming and supportive environment. Taking place on 13 June 2026, the event features a range of social, cultural and educational activities, including marches, performances and talks. Shetland Pride aims to promote visibility, equality and acceptance, celebrating love and identity while fostering understanding and connection across the islands. Visit the website for more details.

Mid-Summer Carnival

• June 2026

The annual Mid-Summer Carnival is a fantastic evening of fun which raises money for good causes. The streets of Lerwick became a sea of colour and festivity as floats and people in fancy dress make their way through the streets of Lerwick.

UnstFest

• 20 – 26 July 2026

UnstFest is a much-loved annual community festival held on the island of Unst, celebrating local culture, creativity, and island life. The festival brings residents and visitors together for a lively programme of events that often includes live music, workshops, family activities, food, storytelling, and performances, showcasing the talents and traditions of the island. See the UnstFest Facebook page for more details.

Shetland Agricultural Shows

• Voe Show - 1 August 2026
• Walls Show - 8 of August 2026
• Cunningsburgh Show - 12 August 2026
• Unst Show - 30 August 2026
• Yell Show - 5 September 2026

If you’re looking for a great day out for all ages, the Shetland Agricultural Shows offer a wonderful celebration of rural life and community. They take place at various locations throughout the isles, each providing a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, alongside traditional competitions showcasing the best local livestock and produce, including vegetables, baking, knitting and crafts. Each show has its own character, making them popular events for both locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye on local news sites for dates and further details on individual shows.

Shetland Fiddle Week

• 3 – 8 August 2026

Shetland’s fiddle tradition stretches back hundreds of years, shaped by influences from across the North Atlantic. Its distinctive reels, jigs, waltzes and slow airs have been passed down through generations and are now recognised and performed by traditional musicians around the world.

Shetland Fiddle Week celebrates this rich musical heritage through a week-long programme of fiddle classes suitable for all abilities. Organised by Shetland fiddlers Jenna Reid and Lynda Anderson, the week focuses on teaching the unique Shetland fiddle style and repertoire. Alongside classes, a series of concerts and informal sessions take place throughout the week, offering plenty of opportunities to hear the music come alive. For more information, visit the Shetland Fiddle Week website.

Rising North Music Festival

• 13 – 16 August 2026

Rising North celebrates Shetland’s world-renowned musical talent while offering something refreshingly different on the islands’ busy events calendar. First established by a committee of local musicians and music lovers, the festival continues into 2026 as a distinctive gathering that brings people together through heavier sounds from both local and national artists.

Designed to fill a unique niche in Shetland’s cultural life, Rising North is a must-attend event for anyone who enjoys a proper “spree” and an energetic, community-driven music festival experience. Tickets sell out quickly, so keep an eye on the website for details.

Shetland Wool Week

• 27 September - 3 October 2026

If you love all things knitting, a visit to Shetland Wool Week in 2026 is an unmissable experience. Deeply rooted in Shetland’s world-famous Fair Isle knitting tradition and renowned Shetland wool, the festival celebrates centuries of skill passed down through generations of island knitters who continue to share their knowledge, creativity and expertise.

Shetland Wool Week is a week-long celebration of wool and making, bringing together knitters and textile enthusiasts from around the world. The programme includes workshops and events focused on knitting, lace-making, crocheting, spinning, dyeing and even sheep rearing, all inspired by Shetland’s unique textile heritage. Due to its international popularity, accommodation fills quickly, so early booking is strongly recommended. For help finding accommodation in 2026, visit stay.shetland.org.

Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival

• 8 – 13 October 2026

Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival returns in 2026 as a key event in Shetland’s traditional music calendar. Complementing the work of the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club, the festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious celebrations of accordion and fiddle music in Scotland. Over the festival weekend, more than 60 musicians take part, including full six-piece Scottish dance bands, smaller ensembles and solo performers, alongside many local musicians and groups. A programme of concerts, dances, and events takes place at venues across the isles, attracting audiences, dancers and visitors from around the country.

For full programme details and ticket information, visit the festival website.

Craft Fair

• November 2026 (date TBC)

The annual Craft Fair is organised by Shetland Arts & Crafts Association and illustrates the range and depth of artistic talent and craft skills that are so evident in the islands. Inspired by Shetland's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture, Shetland’s arts and crafts producers offer a diverse collection that includes knitwear and textiles, furniture, jewellery, fashion and home accessories, gifts and fine art.

The islands' traditional designs of knitwear, handed down through generations, are prominent, but there are also examples of modern, original textile designs by accomplished local makers.

Festive events

• 2026 date TBC

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Shetland without a pantomime, and it is hoped the much-loved festive tradition will be back in its traditional home in 2026. The Garrison Theatre in Lerwick has long hosted the annual pantomime, staged by Shetland’s local theatre groups, but the 2025 production was sadly cancelled due to essential repairs to the building. With those works underway, there is optimism that audiences will once again be able to enjoy a full festive run in 2026, complete with heroes, villains, dames, slapstick comedy, sweeties, and the inevitable cries of “Oh, no he didn’t!”.

If you’re looking for even more seasonal cheer, Lerwick’s annual Lerwick Christmas Parade is another festive highlight. The event, organised by Living Lerwick, sees Santa arrive by the Lerwick Lifeboat before joining a parade through the town, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Hogmanay at Mareel

• 31 December 2026 (event TBC)

The end of the year at Mareel is often marked with a special New Year’s Eve celebration showcasing Shetland’s rich musical talent. For 2026, audiences can expect a programme designed to help ring in the New Year, with live music and/or DJ-led entertainment creating an opportunity to celebrate locally as the bells approach. Event formats can vary from year to year, but Mareel’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are consistently popular, so booking is recommended once details are announced.

This packed list doesn't even include the various classes, pop-up shops, open mic nights and celebrations that happen throughout Shetland all year. From January to December, there is never a bad time to visit Shetland.