Stonehaven Folk Festival

Stonehaven Folk Festival returns from 10–12 July 2026, welcoming music lovers to the picturesque harbour town of Stonehaven for a weekend celebrating the very best of traditional and contemporary folk music. One of Scotland's longest-running folk festivals, the event has earned a reputation for its warm atmosphere, outstanding musicians and community spirit, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The festival brings together internationally respected performers, rising stars and local talent across a programme packed with concerts, workshops, informal sessions and family-friendly activities. From intimate acoustic performances and lively ceilidhs to late-night pub sessions and open-air entertainment, there's something for every generation of folk music fan.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Aberdeenshire's coastline, Stonehaven Folk Festival offers far more than great music. Visitors can explore the historic harbour, discover independent cafés and restaurants, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that has made the festival a highlight of Scotland's summer events calendar for more than three decades.

Music

The festival features a rich mix of Scottish ballads, Celtic reels and contemporary folk music performed by top Scottish artists. Main concerts take place at Stonehaven Town Hall, while local pubs and cafes offer informal jam sessions and sing-alongs.

Workshops and Dance

Daytime workshops welcome all ages to learn Celtic harp, bodhrán drumming and Gaelic step-dancing. Lively ceilidh dances, including a special under-18 ceilidh, encourage everyone to join in.

Community and Atmosphere

Stonehaven Folk Festival is a warm, welcoming event where locals and visitors mix freely. The compact town centre hosts craft stalls, shops and late-night music sessions, creating a vibrant and friendly festival vibe.

Location

The festival’s coastal setting offers stunning views of Stonehaven Harbour and nearby Dunnottar Castle, blending live music with beautiful seaside surroundings for a unique experience.

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!

Why Visit Stonehaven Folk Festival?

Stonehaven Folk Festival offers a unique festival experience where music and community take centre stage. Rather than focusing solely on headline concerts, the festival fills the town with live performances, workshops, storytelling, singarounds and traditional music sessions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to become part of the celebration.

One of the festival's greatest strengths is its intimate setting. Many events take place within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the programme while enjoying Stonehaven's beautiful harbour and coastal scenery. Whether you're a lifelong folk enthusiast or discovering Scottish traditional music for the first time, the festival provides an authentic experience that's both relaxed and inspiring.