The forward-thinking festival, which embraces tradition as something alive and constantly evolving, is aiming to build on a buoyant year, with the festival enjoying record ticket sales in 2026 as it welcomed 1,600 artists and saw attendances of 114,000 at 300 events across 25 venues.

Celtic Connections will continue to inspire and push boundaries in 2027, with 18 days of unique events, special collaborations, world premieres, and intimate shows, all celebrating music’s power to transcend borders, cultures, generations and genres.

An incredible wave of music is set to hit the city as the festival readies itself to stage gigs in venues for the first time, like the Tall Ship Glenlee, make a welcome return to spaces like the O2 Academy, continue its pioneering use of Glasgow International Arena – formerly the Emirates Arena – for live music, and fill the city’s best loved venues such as the Old Fruitmarket, SWG3 and Saint Luke’s.

General tickets go on sale at 10am, Thursday 8 October at celticconnections.com for the first shows confirmed for 2027, with new gigs on sale each Thursday in October. Celtic Rovers will have access to 24-hour pre-sale.

Delivered by Glasgow Life – the charity that leads culture, events and active living in Glasgow – the multi-award-winning festival reflects the UNESCO City of Music itself: international, creative, welcoming, packed with personality and proud of its identity.

For 2027, Celtic Connections is embracing its role both as the ultimate winter blues buster, and as a no-brainer budget-friendly January night out. The roll out of New Roots – a £1 membership scheme for under 26s – will allow students and young music lovers to get up to 50% off tickets for selected shows.

Celtic Connections Creative Director Donald Shaw, who will mark 21 years at the helm of the festival, said: “January is all about embracing musical exploration, uncovering something new that takes you by surprise, and getting out and about regardless of the dark nights. This festival believes in great music, excellent company and the power of connection. That spirit of discovery and optimism runs right through the 2027 programme, with artists people will know and love, new names, unique collaborations and shows that simply won’t happen anywhere else. For 18 days, Celtic Connections will be a meeting place for cultures, ideas and a sprinkling of intangible magic, so come and get curious, we promise you won’t regret it.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “Celtic Connections is one of Scotland’s most popular festivals and a shining example of the strength, diversity and global appeal of Glasgow’s iconic music scene. It’s a source of great pride for Glasgow that thousands of visitors make their way to our UNESCO City of Music each year to experience the thrilling sights and sounds of Celtic Connections and be part of the festival’s legendary audiences. We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning festivalgoers to another spectacular celebration of folk, roots and world music in 2027.”