The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings people together to celebrate whisky in the place where it’s made. Over six days, events take place across the region – in distilleries, villages and venues that capture the true character of Speyside.
If you’re planning your first visit, or returning to explore somewhere new, here’s how it all works and what to expect.
- What to Expect
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival isn’t one big event in one place. It’s a collection of experiences hosted by distilleries, local businesses and communities across Speyside.
Each event is ticketed separately, so you can plan your own route and choose what interests you most – from whisky tastings and distillery tours to food pairings, music, walks and local crafts.
- When and Where
The Festival takes place over the May Day holiday weekend each year. In 2026 the Festival runs from Wednesday 29 April to Monday 4 May.
Events take place right across Speyside, from coastal towns such as Buckie to whisky centres like Dufftown, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Elgin and Keith, reaching up towards the Cairngorms.
Speyside covers around 50 miles, so plan a little extra travel time between towns and enjoy the scenery along the way.
- Booking Tickets
Each event has its own ticket – there’s no overall Festival pass.
The 2026 Festival programme will be published on Wednesday 18 February, with tickets available from Tuesday 24 February.
To make booking simple:
Create a free account on the Festival ticket site.
Use the ‘favourite’ option to save the events that catch your eye.
When tickets open, you can book directly from your shortlist.
- Getting to Speyside
Speyside is easy to reach by train from Aberdeen or Inverness, with stations at Elgin and Keith.
Once here, local buses, taxis and the Keith & Dufftown Railway can help you get around.
If you’re driving, plan your routes ahead and allow time between events – the roads are scenic but winding, and part of the enjoyment is the journey itself.
Click on these links for more information on Getting Here or Getting Around Speyside.
- Where to Stay
Accommodation fills quickly for Festival week, so early booking is recommended.
You’ll find everything from country cottages and B&Bs to hotels, castles and self-catering properties. Towns outside central Speyside often have more availability and are within easy reach.
Visit our Accommodation Listings for inspiration on where to stay.
- Accessibility and Responsible Travel
Many Festival venues are rural, so accessibility varies. Each event listing includes details on accessibility, travel information and who you can contact for more information.
We encourage responsible enjoyment of whisky – plan your travel between tastings, use shared or public transport where you can, and support local businesses along the way.
Please remember that Scotland’s drink-drive laws are strict, and rural roads in Speyside can be narrow and winding. Take care when travelling between towns, and plan transport in advance where possible. Many distilleries and event hosts offer drivers drams, allowing you to take your drams away to enjoy later. Information on Drivers Drams will be included on each event listing.
- First-Time Visitors
You don’t need to be a whisky expert to enjoy the Festival. It’s open to everyone, whether you’re discovering Speyside for the first time or returning for another visit.
Some events sell out quickly, so having a shortlist before tickets open helps. Others remain available closer to the Festival, so there’s always something to experience.
Join our mailing list for updates.
- Useful Tips
Book taxis in advance, especially in smaller towns.
Wi-Fi and mobile signal can be limited in rural areas - download what you need in advance.
Carry a card and some cash.
Spring weather can be very changeable - layers and waterproofs are useful!
