Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 will run from June 12 to 21, with more than 150 events planned nationwide, including several Glasgow events, in the lead-up to World Refugee Day on Saturday, June 20.
Produced by the Scottish Refugee Council, the festival celebrates art, culture and community by promoting solidarity and connection through music, dance, food, film, art and more.
Refugee Festival Scotland is returning this June (Image: Refugee Festival Scotland)
Sabir Zazai, chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, said: “75 years after the signing of the UN Refugee Convention, standing up for its core principles remains critical.
“At a time when refugee rights are under threat and public debate has become increasingly toxic, Refugee Festival Scotland is a powerful reminder that solidarity matters.
“This festival shows the strength found in welcoming newcomers and highlights Scotland’s commitment to being a place of hope and inclusion for all who seek safety here.”
This year’s programme includes contributions from artists and performers with links to 78 countries and marks the 75th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention.
The majority of the inclusive programme is free to attend.
Refugee Festival Scotland is returning this June (Image: Refugee Festival Scotland)
Mónica Laiseca, Refugee Festival Scotland manager, said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is a festival for everyone.
“This year’s programme brings together artists, communities and audiences from across the country to share culture and time together in meaningful ways, with each event, artist and participant bringing their own perspective to the programme.
“We’re proud to showcase the creativity, resilience and hope that refugees bring to Scotland, and highlight the richness of culture that flourishes when everyone feels they belong.
“In a time when calls for unity and compassion are more important than ever, this festival is a reminder of what we can achieve together.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is returning this June (Image: Refugee Festival Scotland)
The festival will open in Glasgow at The Hidden Gardens with All Water is Connected, a new commission by Scottish-Ghanaian artist Grace Browne.
The piece features sculptural installations made from earth and water.
Film screenings highlighting working-class migratory experiences and solidarity amongst migrant communities will be staged on the Isle of Skye and in Glasgow.
On Sunday, June 14, Queen’s Park Arena will host a Southside Open Air Cinema Day.
Curated by Huss Al-Chokhdar, the event will conclude with an outdoor screening of Everyone to Kenmure Street.
The documentary honours the incredible community protest action that took place just a few streets away.
On World Refugee Day itself, a concert at Tramway will feature Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti performing with the RSNO.
Other events will take place across Scotland.
A Hebridean Refugee Festival in Stornoway will include gatherings, craft sessions, talks and screenings.
When I Grow Up Again, an interactive storytelling performance based on true stories told by Ukrainian refugees, will be staged in Dundee and shared in both English and Ukrainian.
Full programme details are available at refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk.
