What’s on in May

As May arrives, the South of Scotland truly hits its stride. With longer days and the landscape in full bloom, the region boasts a packed calendar of world-class cycling events, traditional folk music festivals, and unique heritage tours. But that’s not all. Whether you are looking for a great day out in the Scottish Borders or want to immerse yourself in the creative communities of Dumfries and Galloway, this month offers something for every traveller.

From the rugged hills of Newton Stewart to the historic strongholds of the Borderlands, here is your guide to an unforgettable May in the South of Scotland.

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Celebrating The Great Outdoors

May is the ultimate month for outdoor enthusiasts in the South of Scotland, particularly for those on two wheels. The Gralloch, Britain’s premier gravel cycling festival, takes over Gatehouse of Fleet from 15th to 17th May, offering world-class riding through the Galloway Forest. For mountain bikers, the Glentress Seven returns to Peebles on 30th May, while the KM Rally offers a more recreational cycling weekend centered around Penpont from the 22nd.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the 22nd edition Newton Stewart Walking Festival (8th–14th May) provides a week of guided treks through wild hills and rugged coastlines. What better way to discover the gorgeous Galloway Hills and landscape? There is huge variety on offer from easy rambles to walks with wild swims and so many more!

Looking for some great outdoor fun for the kids? Rangers on Safari at Dryburgh Abbey on 31st May is a perfect way to discover the local wildlife along the River Tweed.

The Month for Creativity: Fibre, Fleece and Fine Art

The South of Scotland has a global reputation for textiles, and May celebrates this through several vibrant festivals. Tangled Galashiels Fibre Festival (29th–30th May) is a must-visit for fans of spinning, dyeing, and weaving. In Langholm, the Forgotten Fleece Tales exhibition runs throughout the month, blending art and ecology.

This is also the month to meet local makers and creators: Art lovers can Meet the Artists Joy and Lois Parker in Coldstream on 9th May to explore their latest exhibition. Later in the month, the 24th annual Spring Fling Open Studios Weekend takes place across Dumfries & Galloway. Over 100 artists and makers throw open their doors for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what life as an artist is like. Renowned as the foremost event of its kind in Scotland, Spring Fling embraces everything from paintings, original prints, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, photography and textiles to experimental and installation art. There are colour coded routes mapping out possible itineraries, making this a superb chance to discover and explore the region.

For an extra bank holiday treat, Demijohn’s Big Spring Weekend at Glenlair Steading (22nd–25th May) combines fine art with delicious local food and drink as part of the Spring Fling Open Studios.

Historic Journeys and Heritage Tours

The region’s rich history is brought to life this month through several special events. In Peebles, you can join the Peebles – 900 Years in 90 Minutes tour starting on 17th May to uncover the town’s ancient beginnings. Over in Selkirk, the Victorian May Day Event at Bowhill House and Estate (2nd–5th May) offers a charming throwback to traditional May Fayres. There will be lots of family fun with nostalgic games, curious inventions and themed house tours.

For those interested in industrial heritage, National Mills Weekend on 9th–10th May celebrates the New Abbey Corn Mill, while the Border Abbeys Guided Tour on 16th May provides an intimate look at the area’s medieval ruins. Niche history buffs should visit Canonbie on 16th May for the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets Medical Week, exploring the gruesome but fascinating role of the “Barber” during the Border Reiver era.

Finally, catch a rare glimpse of the Floors Castle Walled Garden before the gates open to the public on 20th May. The early morning tour offers an exclusive, seasonal opportunity to admire the colourful displays and learn about the garden’s story. In May expect a beautiful showcase of peonies and wisteria.

On Stage: Theatre, Film, Live Music and Comedy

First up in May is the Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival in Hawick. Known as the UK’s festival of experimental film and artists’ moving image, this year’s four day event will feature more than 70 films across an international programme of screenings, exhibitions, new commissions and live performances.

Theatre fans will enjoy DunsPlayFest (1st–8th May), which brings brand-new writing to the Borders, or catch a powerful solo retelling of The Bacchae in Melrose on 23rd May. For a laugh, don’t miss Jack Docherty as “The Chief” at the Melrose Corn Exchange on 30th May,

The music scene in May is incredibly diverse, headlined by the 5th Annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival in Newton Stewart. Held at The Vault Arts Centre from 15th to 17th May, it’s an unmissable weekend of local and international artists. This year’s event features a lineup including Jacob Joliff, Stacey Joy, and Taff Rapids, as well as popular local band GallowGrass.

For fans of classic pop and rock, head along to Kelso for the Ready Steady 60’s Show on 8 May. The four-piece live band is dedicated to recreating the high-octane energy of the Mod era and the British Beat Boom. The week after, Paul Young brings his “Songs and Stories” tour to Langholm on 16th May, while Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Cradock performs an intimate set in Melrose on 20th May.

A major highlight for folk-rock fans is Skippinish at Easterbrook Hall on the 22nd of May. Since their debut in 1999, they hve evolved form a ‘tiny acorn into a mighty oak’, becoming a true powerhouse of the Scottish music scene. Also on 22 May, singer-songwriter Chris Bannister brings The Music of John Denver to Langholm with his distinctive vocal style has always led to him being compared to the great American singer, John Denver, so fifteen years ago Chris started performing a show in tribute to one of the best selling artists in the world.

Looking for some high-energy good vibes? The Vibes in the Borders charity music festival in Galashiels’ lineup offers eight top- tier tribute acts covering a wide range of genres.

Immersive Experiences for All Ages and Interests

If you are looking to slow down and savour the region, The Globe Inn in Dumfries offers several refined ways to spend an afternoon. The Cheese and Wine Afternoon and the Whisky Tasting Afternoon provide a chance to rediscover the art of the afternoon in historic settings. For a touch of mystery, join the “Rabbie, Tam and The Ghosts” an atmospheric family adventure in Robert Burns’ favourite haunt.

For something different, nature lovers can participate in the BioBlitz at Caerlaverock Castle, a season-long recording exercise of local flora and fauna. Why not slow down and embrace self-care. The Wild Wellness Pilates & Nutrition Day Retreat at Kailzie Estate on 17th May offers a day of energising Pilates flows, workshops and a wholesome lunch

The Swallow Theatre near Whithorn hosts two unique performances this month: Stitch in Time (6th–7th May) explores the lost knitting songs of the World Wars, while ‘The Punkawallah’s Rope’ on 27 May is a poignant multi-media performance that explores cultural connection. At Barwhillanty Estate, D&G Arts Festival takes over. There will be a a semi-staged concert performance of La Traviata in the Walled Garden. with an option to add to the atmosphere with a themed pre-performance supper.

Finally, the Dumfries Comic Con & Toy Fair on 16th May offers a fantastic, family-friendly day out for film and comic fans.

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