World Refugee Day on Saturday 20 June, is the perfect moment to come together in celebration of community and creativity. With 74 events taking place across the country in the final weekend of Refugee Festival Scotland, there’s loads to enjoy. Here are just a few of them:

1. The Big Community Drama Drop‑In (with lunch!)

When: Friday 19 June, 12–2:30pm 

Where: Citizens Theatre, Glasgow 

Head to the Citizens for this upbeat and lively drama workshop focusing on the theme of Courage. No experience necessary, just bring your sense of adventure. This is your chance to explore your interest in performance and creative arts, and creativity.

2. Rhythms of Place: Talking Drums at Newbattle Abbey

When: Friday 19 June, 1–3pm 

Where: Newbattle Abbey, Dalkieth

A free, family-friendly outdoor event set in the historic grounds of Newbattle Abbey College. Led by Nigerian performers, it brings talking drum performance, rhythm and storytelling together to explore how cultures carry history, memory and identity through sound.

3. Two places at Once

When: Friday 19 June, 6:30–9pm 

Where: An Crùbh, Sleat, Skye

Two screenings exploring the themes of class solidarity and migration through short films: The Old Oak and The Magnolia Grows at Night. These films look at the nature of care work, to the thorny contradictions of two communities learning to live together in a derelict and abandoned town.

4. A Warm Welcome: Dundee’s Celebration for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

When: Saturday 20 June, 12–4pm 

Where: Wellgate Centre, Dundee 

A joyful family‑friendly fun day with food, music, arts activities, loose parts play, face-painting, football, community stalls and much more!

5. New Scots Extravaganza

When:  Saturday 20 June, 2–3.30pm 

Where: Norton Park Conference Centre, Edinburgh 

A vibrant multicultural performance celebrating global stories and shared experiences. Artists from Ukrainian, Syrian, African, Indian and other communities present both traditional pieces and collaborative performances, where cultures meet and create something new together.  

6. Let’s celebrate

When: Saturday 20 June, 4–7pm 

Where: The Y Centre, Perth 

A gathering to celebrate the diversity in the Perth & Kinross community by sharing music, dance and food. This free event offers a programme of performance and interactive activities together with a light meal. All are welcome including families, and people from across the community. 

7. Solstice Gathering 

When: Sunday 21 June, 12–3pm 

Where: The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow 

A relaxed picnic and creative afternoon with artist-led workshops, movement sessions and interactive activities.

8. Braver than Borders 

When: Sunday 21 June, 11-4pm 

Where: Unit 23, The Paisley Centre, Paisley 

A multi-disciplinary group exhibition exploring the theme of ‘Courage’ with works from refugee artists across Renfrewshire.

9. When I grow up again

When: Sunday 21 June, 5pm–6:30pm  

Where: Westgait Church, Dundee 

A one-hour interactive storytelling performance incorporating eight tales told by Ukrainian refugees – four adults and four children. The stories explore their experiences of war, forced displacement, migration, adaptating to life in a new country, humour as resilience, and shared humanity.

Check out the full festival programme to see what else is happening near you.

Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery