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Across the UK, summertime means festival season and South Ayrshire always gets in on the act! We’ve compiled a list of our favourite family-friendly, loud and lively, and truly unique festivals coming up in South Ayrshire. Have a look, put the dates in your diary and get set for summer fun!
Experience the vibrant charm of the Festival Of Ballantrae which offers a unique blend of local culture, seaside beauty and authentic Scottish hospitality. Browse top quality local crafts and artisan stalls, indulge in delicious street food and fresh local flavours, enjoy live performances from talented local musicians or unwind with a refreshing drink as you soak up the lively atmosphere.
The Carrick Lowland Gathering is officially opened by the games chieftain who is selected by the Girvan Attractions committee. The gathering takes place in Victory Park at the foot of the hills in Girvan.
The event incorporates the Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway Pipe Band Association Competition, The Highland Heavy Weight Games, The Aileen Robertson School of Highland Dance Competitions, plus Girvan Harriers Club annual Saughill Hill race and a solo piping competition.
There is a wide selection of local organisation and charity stalls who use the event to raise funds and increase the profile of their organisation within the community. There are also funfair rides and a selection of catering facilities which all add up to an entertaining and fun filled day out for people of all ages to enjoy.
Join in the only festival to have the wonderful Ayrshire Epicure tattie at its heart! Girvan Tattie Fest offers loads of fun activities for the kids, with circus skills workshops and shows in the Circus Big Top, outdoor play specialists Undersky, giant kites and Little Peru alpacas. Plus, there are craft stalls, a silent disco and lots more!
Summer fAYRe with Armed Forces and Pipes in the Park takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026 starting at 11.45am with the official Flag Raising Ceremony followed by an afternoon full of exciting and engaging activities and attractions.
This hugely popular family event offers a full afternoon of activities and attractions. There are performances from pipe bands and dance schools, a fun dog show, military village, classic cars and loads of things for the kids to enjoy including a fun fair, alpacas, inflatable assault course and much, more more!
For a fun weekend getaway with foot-stomping fiddle tunes, soulful ballads and infectious grooves, head to Troon for this year’s Fresh Ayr Folk Fest. This hugely popular celebration of music and culture offers three days of Folk, World and Roots music, featuring over 30 top-notch artists from Scotland and beyond. There are also music workshops, lively pub sessions, a festival club and a silent ceilidh – laughter, music and banter guaranteed!
This community music festival brings together local artists, incredible talent and family fun. Taking place in venues across Prestwick Main Street, there’s live music, comedy, kids entertainment, stalls, street food, sunshine energy and late night dancing. Billed as ‘your soundtrack to summer’ it’s definitely one to tune in to!
Join the crew of the Dunure Festival of the Sea to celebrate all things maritime and local seafood at the picturesque Dunure Harbour. There’s a full 10 hours of fun to enjoy at this family-friendly event, with local musicians, fabulous food and refreshments, stalls and much more. And don’t worry if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s freshly baked woodfired pizza and authentic street food on offer too!
Check our website for details on the Auchencruive Hoedown, 6 June; Prestwick Prom, 25 July; Dundonald Highland Games, 1 August and Ayr Flower Show, 14-15 August. Plus, save the date for the International Ayr Show, Festival of Flight, 4-5 September.
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