Where history, myth and imagination take root.
In Stirling, the unicorn has always walked alongside the city—etched into stone, woven into glass, carved into wood, and carried through centuries of story. Forest of the Unicorn draws on this enduring presence, inviting audiences into a place where legend and landscape meet, and where this ancient national symbol leads us through mystical lands and layers of time.
Forest of the Unicorn is an invitation to rediscover the power of myth, to connect us to place, and to one another through music, art, song, story, poetry, performance and more.
Culture Night Stirling 2026 brought culture, creativity, and connection as the city and surrounding areas came alive with this year’s theme, ‘Carnival of the Wolf’. With 40+ free events across 25+ venues, Stirling was transformed into a vibrant celebration from the city-centre out to nearby rural areas. Music, performance, and creativity flowed through streets, venues, and unexpected spaces, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Relive the best moments from the night in this highlights video!
Have your say! Your feedback will help us shape next year’s even – Complete Culture Night Stirling Survey!
From 6pm on Friday 1st May, Culture Night Stirling unfolded across the city and surrounding areas under this year’s theme, ‘Carnival of the Wolf’. Events popped up all over – music, art, crafts, literature, dance, drama, comedy, food, digital media and more. It was a night to celebrate who we are: creative, diverse, welcoming, and fiercely proud of our city’s culture.
At Tolbooth and The Albert Halls, we were excited to play our part in Culture Night Stirling and delighted to host a selection of this year’s events.
A FREE* invitation to explore, connect and experience culture across Stirling.
Culture Night Stirling is delivered by Stirling Council in partnership with Scene Stirling
The 2026 programme for Culture Night Stirling landed, and we were thrilled to announce that Stirling-born, internationally acclaimed producer & DJ Sam Gellaitry headlined the Tolbooth on Friday 1st May with a FREE show.
In 2023, Sam released UNDER THE ILLUSION and embarked on its accompanying world tour, with stops in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Sydney and more. Throughout his career, Sam collaborated with the likes of PinkPantheress, Kaytranada and more.
From Stirling to stages across the world, and performing for free* as part of Culture Night Stirling, we couldn’t have been prouder to welcome Sam Gellaitry back to his hometown at the Tolbooth.
With support from Lucky Babe, Brody James and Gerry Dewar.
Fatherson headlined The Albert Halls on Friday 1st May with a FREE show as part of Culture Night Stirling.
Formed in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Fatherson immediately captured hearts with their raw, honest alternative-rock sound. At their shows, rooms echoed with lyrics sung back en masse by adoring fans.
Having toured with Lewis Capaldi, and performed alongside Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro, Idlewild, Augustines, Enter Shikari, Amber Run, Twin Atlantic and more, we were thrilled to have Fatherson perform at The Albert Halls as part of Culture Night Stirling. It was a FREE* show not to be missed.
With Katie Gregson-MacLeod + support from Corin
Tolbooth Voices: Alternative Choir Live Performance – Colessio, 7pm-8:30pm
Tolbooth Voices is an exciting adult choir based at the historic Tolbooth Music & Arts venue in the heart of Stirling. Having performed at various events across Stirling over the years including Stirling Castle’s Great Hall for Stirling 900, the group are preparing for an Alternative Choir Live Performance for Culture Night Stirling.
Tolbooth Drummers – Foot of King Street, 6pm-6:15pm and Outside The Albert Halls, 6:45pm-7pm
Tolbooth Drummers are a community performance drumming group based at Stirling’s historic Tolbooth Music & Arts venue. Under the guidance of experienced tutor Sam Ward-Hardy, this ensemble created a unique, exciting and mystical performance, drawing inspiration from this year’s Culture Night theme, ‘Carnival of the Wolf,’ rooted in Stirling’s rich and ancient folklore. The drum pieces have been collaboratively composed by the tutor and the group and incorporate a diverse mix of styles, conjuring an unforgettable and powerful musical experience.
CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING - Ancient myth, mesmeric imagery and dreamlike soundscapes open a liminal space where Norse gods, Irish shapeshifters and Siberian wolf-children traverse moors and mountains.
CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING - HEADLINER: From Stirling to across the world, and free* as part of Culture Night Stirling, we couldn’t be prouder to have Sam Gellaitry at Tolbooth performing in his hometown.
CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING - Fatherson + Katie Gregson-MacLeod - Formed in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Fatherson immediately captured hearts with their raw, honest alternative-rock sound.
CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING - Get ready to give your old shoes a whole new lease of life. We’re bringing a wee bit of shimmer and shine to Culture Night Stirling with this shoe upcycling workshop inspired by Marcie K Design’s viral Shiny Shoe Workshop
