Celtic Connections

For 2026, Celtic Connections returns to Glasgow from 15 January through 1 February. This vibrant multi-week festival turns the city into a hub of music and culture, celebrating Celtic roots and global sounds. Each winter, musicians and audiences from around the world gather in Glasgow for lively performances of traditional Scottish and Irish folk, heartfelt ballads, and exciting new music that bridges genres. With hundreds of shows across dozens of venues, Celtic Connections has become one of Europe’s largest winter music festivals. As soon as the first guitar strum or fiddle note sounds, the city’s streets and venues come alive with a festive, welcoming atmosphere that sweeps visitors into the heart of Scottish culture.

Across Glasgow, a variety of venues host the events. Grand concert halls like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and refurbished cathedrals host headline performances, while legendary dance venues like the Barrowland Ballroom showcase high-energy bands that have crowds on their feet for hours. Intimate theatres, arts centres and pubs offer late-night folk sessions and storytelling evenings. The musical styles span a wide range: from soaring Gaelic choirs and lively fiddle and pipe tunes to blues, jazz, Americana, even electronic and reggae-inspired sounds, all connected through a Celtic lens. Traditional ceilidh dances (with live bands) invite everyone onto the dance floor for fun, and many evenings end with spontaneous sing-alongs in the city’s cosy pubs.

Celtic Connections is known for its warm community vibe. Attendees and musicians mingle freely. Locals and visitors often greet each other like old friends. It’s common to see festival-goers linking arm-in-arm for a quick ceilidh or gathering around an open piano in a bar for an impromptu session. Some concerts feature one-off star collaborations: legendary Scottish musicians might join American folk artists on the same stage, creating once-in-a-lifetime performances. The festival also spotlights emerging talent, giving younger bands and soloists a chance to shine before new audiences. These moments of surprise and spontaneity, such as a fiddler playing on a subway platform or a busker joining a pub session, make Celtic Connections a truly immersive experience.

Since its launch in 1994, Celtic Connections has steadily grown into a world-class festival. It was founded to celebrate Celtic music and bring warmth to the chilly January nights, and over the years it has drawn performers from Scotland, Ireland, North America, Africa and beyond. Each year’s lineup includes standout highlights: ambitious musical collaborations, symphonic arrangements of folk classics, and special tributes to icons like Robert Burns or legendary Irish artists. The festival is produced by Glasgow Life, the city’s cultural organization, and regularly attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Its success has made winter in Glasgow a time when music and joy light up the city.

Attending Celtic Connections is more than just seeing concerts; it’s a journey through musical heritage and friendship. You might find yourself learning a new dance step at a ceilidh, picking up a folk tune during a workshop, or simply savoring hearty Scottish cuisine between shows. The city is at its most festive: pubs, cafes and galleries all join in the celebration. Whether you stay for a single night or the full festival, Celtic Connections 2026 promises an uplifting, unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Glasgow’s warmest winter tradition. It’s a musical adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come.