What’s on this June

As summer arrives in the South of Scotland, the landscape is transformed by long, golden days and a vibrant calendar of events with something for everyone to enjoy.

From the adrenaline-fuelled pageantry of the historic Common Ridings to the serene beauty of off-grid retreats and world-class performances, June 2026 offers an unforgettable month if you choose to visit the South of Scotland.  

Whether you are exploring the heritage-rich streets of the Scottish Borders or the stunning coastlines of Dumfries and Galloway, this month is a celebration of local tradition, creativity, and the great outdoors and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Tradition in Motion: The Common Ridings

June is defined by our Border Common Ridings in the South of Scotland, a series of spectacular equestrian traditions that date back centuries. These events commemorate the era when our Border towns had to protect their land and boundaries from raiders, a history kept alive today through immense community effort and pageantry.

The season is a whirlwind of activity, starting with the Hawick Common-Riding (5th–6th June), which is famed as the first of the season and celebrates the 1514 capture of an English flag.

Following this, the Selkirk Common Riding on the 12th of June provides a deeply moving tribute to those lost at the Battle of Flodden.

Other highlights include the Lockerbie Gala & Riding of the Marches on the 13th, the Peebles Beltane Festival (14th–20th June), which blends boundary riding with a traditional fair, and the Melrose Festival (14th–20th June) featuring the crowning of the festival queen.

Dumfries showcases its own civic pride on the 20th June with Guid Nychburris, a day-long celebration with a massive parade and a traditional charter ceremony, concluding with the Braw Lads Gathering in Galashiels on the 27th, where riders assemble early in the morning to receive the flag in a display of local passion.

Arts, Exhibitions, Literary and Cultural Experiences

The South of Scotland is a hub of creative expression this month.

Borders Book Festival from 11^th – 14^th June is where words come alive this month, there are more than 100 events for all ages, along with personalities from sport, music and entertainment and a host of health and wellbeing sessions. Their family friendly site is free to explore where you can enjoy local artisan food and drink and browse the bookshop and marketplace while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Scottish Borders.

The Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival continues until the 13^th June, bringing a vibrant programme of theatre, music, spoken word and outdoor arts to towns across D&G.

In Galashiels, the Old Gala House is a key destination, featuring three major exhibitions from the 13th: Gala Rugby: A Sporting Legacy, the dementia-friendly Heart for Art group exhibition, and the vivid, tactile expressionist felt art of Marnie Collins in The Exuberance Collection.

Hawick is equally busy, with artist Richard Goldsworthy’s Grounded in Time exhibition opening on the 30th of May to explore natural materials, while the Royal Scottish Academy’s landmark exhibition, Past, Present, Future, begins on the 27th. For a touch of literary social history, Selkirk hosts Rantin’ Rovin’ Romantics on the 1st of June, focusing on the life of Marilyn Monroe.

Wellness, Nature & Outdoor Exploration

If you are looking to escape the rush of everyday life, June provides the perfect setting in the South of Scotland for a total reset.

Traquair House in Innerleithen hosts a series of immersive sessions throughout the month, including the Nature Rituals and Sauna session on the 5th, and an Outdoor Soundbath combined with a sauna on the 12th.

Those seeking deeper restoration can also join the Foundations of Natural Intelligence retreat at Chisholme House in Roberton, beginning on the 27th of June, which offers an off-grid experience focused on meditation and contemplation in the remote southern hills.

Garden enthusiasts can enjoy a rare treat this month with the Orroland Estate Garden Open Day on the 21st, offering access to a private coastal estate near Kirkcudbright, and the exclusive June Walled Garden Tour at Floors Castle in Kelso on the 24th.

Additionally, the Summer Solstice celebration at Crawick Multiverse (20th–21st June) offers a chance to experience the longest day of the year in one of Scotland’s most unique art-landscapes.

Live Music, Comedy & Performance

The stage is set for a month of incredible variety in the South of Scotland.  

From the Mochara Duo (5th June) in Parton, Castle Douglas and Beat the Drum: The Runrig Experience (11th June) at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries.

To the Steampunk Weekend in Kirkcudbright on 6^th and 7^th June with stalls, a grande parade for adults and kids with a prize for the best dressed.

And the immersive family adventure Rabbie, Tam and The Ghosts of The Globe Inn in Dumfries.

For a truly unique experience at The Vault Arts Centre, don’t miss Beth Blade and the Beautiful Disasters in Newton Stewart on the 6^th, to Dragged Up + Alex Rex on Saturday 20^th June and Ivory Cutlery in Newton Stewart on the 21st, a visual performance inspired by the songs of Ivor Cutler, or King Arthur and the Holy Fail performed by the outdoor specialists, and the soulful Pippa Blundell part of the Everywhere at Once initiative run by the National Lottery and Music Venue Trust in Newton Stewart on the 27th.

The Three Inch Fools, in Kelso on the 28th. To top it off, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood brings his live show to Langholm on the 24th, promising an evening of songs and stories that you won’t want to miss.

Music fans can also look forward to a Meat Loaf tribute concert in Dumfries (26th June).

There are so many more events to explore in the South of Scotland this month, visit our full what’s on guide to plan your perfect day in the South of Scotland.

Inspired to come and stay? Here’s some accommodation ideas…

Blog
Rural Escapes in the South of Scotland
Blog
Camping delights in the South of Scotland
Blog
Luxurious stays in Southern Scotland