Rust & Riffs Festival

About Rust & Riffs Festival

Rust & Riffs Festival 2026 marks the first recorded edition at The Hairy Dog, Derby, DE1 1HT, with a music bill rooted in alternative, indie rock, punk, post-punk and rock.

The site is a city-centre grassroots venue rather than a field. The Hairy Dog has operated since 2012, and a 2016 expansion added a ground-level gig room with a new lighting rig and easier access.

Lineup and Programme

The bill leans into guitar music. Announced acts include Yumi And The Weather and The Runnings.

The programme is listed as live music in an all-dayer festival format at The Hairy Dog.

Who Is It For?

The core audience is the alternative live-music crowd, aligned with the venue’s regular mix of rock, punk, metal, indie, alt and electronic fans.

Most Hairy Dog shows are 16+ when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Some events are 18+ only, and photo ID is required under Challenge 25.

The Venue and Site

The Hairy Dog is a 500-capacity, predominantly standing venue in Derby city centre. It has a main gig room, main bar, games room and outdoor area.

Facilities include a cloakroom, box office and on-site ticket sales. Wheelchair-friendly access uses ramps and wide spaces, with an accessible toilet in the main bar area.

Travel Information

The Hairy Dog is on Becket Street in Derby, with Derby railway station about a 15-minute walk away.

• Rail: Derby railway station is the nearest listed station.
• Road: Access routes listed for the venue include M1 junction 25, the A52, A38, A6 and Becket Street.
• Parking: Paid street parking is available on Becket Street, with limited spaces. Nearby public car parks include Bold Lane, Chapel Street and Darwin Place.