Stonehaven Folk Festival
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10 July - 12 July 2026
For over 35 years, the Stonehaven Folk Festival has been an annual celebration of traditional music set against the scenic coastal backdrop of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. From Friday July 10 through Sunday July 12, 2026, the harbour town will come alive with the stirring sounds of fiddles, guitars, bagpipes and soulful voices. Nestled on the North Sea in historic Kincardineshire, Stonehaven provides an idyllic setting for this family-friendly festival. Over three days, audiences of all ages will enjoy a rich mix of traditional Scottish ballads, energetic Celtic reels and contemporary folk tunes. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these vibrant sounds for the first time, Stonehaven Folk Festival promises a weekend of music, dance and community spirit.
Each day of the festival brings a variety of events. The historic Stonehaven Town Hall (on Allardice Street) is the hub for headline concerts, showcasing top Scottish folk musicians and special guest acts. Lively ceilidh dances will get everyone on their feet, with live bands playing traditional reels and Gaelic tunes while dancers join in circles. During the afternoons, workshops are offered for all ages – you might learn to pluck a clarsach (Celtic harp), keep time on a bodhrán drum, or even try a bit of Gaelic step-dancing. In between the big concerts, pop into pubs and cafes for spontaneous sing-alongs and informal jam sessions. It’s common to find musicians and festival-goers forming circles wherever the music flows freely.
The festival is truly a community affair. People of all ages share smiles as they tap along to their favourite folk songs. It’s not uncommon to see grandparents clapping to beloved ballads while grandchildren skip around the ceilidh floor – in fact, there’s even a special under-18 ceilidh so young dancers can shine in the spotlight. Local volunteers and performers treat visitors like old friends from the moment they arrive, making the vibe warm and welcoming. The compact town centre means you can easily wander between venues to browse craft stalls, shops and cafes between sets. Everywhere you go – from the Arts Centre to the harbour pier – the atmosphere is full of music and laughter.
Breathtaking scenery accompanies every performance. Take a break from the tunes to explore Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour or the nearby ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched on a cliff – they make a perfect backdrop and a peaceful respite from the festival buzz. Back in town, cosy cafes and pubs turn into late-night jam venues, where musicians and audience members continue the revelry long after the evening shows end. The mix of live folk music with Stonehaven’s seaside charm makes this festival a truly special and unforgettable experience.
Whether you come with friends or on your own, Stonehaven Folk Festival is all about making memories together. Many daytime workshops, street concerts and pub sessions are free for anyone to join, so it’s easy to wander in and start tapping your foot. For the main evening concerts and ceilidhs, tickets are available online or at the Town Hall box office. We hope you’ll be there to sing along, raise a glass and share a smile – after all, what’s a folk festival without good songs and great company? See you in Stonehaven this July!
Stonehaven is easy to reach by both rail and public transport. The town’s railway station (Stonehaven, STN) on Station Road is about a 10-minute walk from the festival venues. ScotRail trains run frequently from Aberdeen (journey ~15–20 minutes) and connect Stonehaven with Dundee, Inverness and beyond via Aberdeen. Regular Stagecoach buses (routes 8, X7 and others) link Stonehaven with Aberdeen city centre (Union Square) roughly every 30–45 minutes, or you can catch local coastal services. Once you arrive, most festival sites are within easy walking distance of one another around the town centre and harbour.
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is the nearest airport, just under 15 miles (24 km) north of Stonehaven. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi for the roughly 20–30 minute drive into town. If you prefer public transport, an airport bus or tram can get you to Aberdeen city centre where you can catch a train or coach to Stonehaven (the train is only about 15 minutes). Many travellers also fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh and take a direct train to Aberdeen, changing to the local service south to Stonehaven.
By car, Stonehaven sits at the intersection of the A90 and A92 roads, just south of Aberdeen. From Aberdeen follow the A90 south and take the exit to Stonehaven. From the south (Dundee or Edinburgh), you can take the A90 northbound (through Dundee) or a coastal scenic route on the A92 (meeting the A90 just north of Stonehaven). The trip from Aberdeen usually takes about 30 minutes. Parking is available around the town (try the public car parks off Allardice Street or near the harbour), but spaces can fill up quickly on festival weekends. Some visitors choose to park in Crombie or outside town and walk or take a short taxi ride in, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way.
Stonehaven and the surrounding area offer a variety of accommodations. Options include comfortable B&Bs, guesthouses and inns (many within walking distance of the festival venues) as well as self-catering cottages and campgrounds. Families often enjoy the seaside charm of local hotels or the unique character of rural guest lodges nearby. Because July is a busy tourist season, it’s wise to book as early as possible. If Stonehaven lodgings fill up, the city of Aberdeen is only about 30 minutes away by train or car and offers a broader selection of hotels, apartments and B&Bs.
Once in Stonehaven, you’ll find walking is the easiest way to get around. Most festival venues, shops and eateries are clustered in the compact town centre. The main festival hub is the Stonehaven Town Hall at 36 Allardice Street (postcode AB39 2BU), which also houses the information office. Local taxis and buses run through the evenings if you need a later ride. Finally, remember that summer weather in Scotland can be changeable – bring layers and a waterproof jacket so you’ll stay comfortable even if a sudden rain shower comes along. Follow these travel tips and you’ll be all set to enjoy a fantastic festival weekend in Stonehaven!
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, AB392BU
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