Dundee Music Festival 2026: Here is everything you need to know

Dundee is set to come alive with live music this summer as the Dundee Music Festival returns for its second year with more venues, more acts and thousands of people expected to attend across the city.

Taking place on 3 and 4 July, the event has quickly grown into what organisers describe as Scotland’s largest independent music festival and pub crawl.

More than 100 acts are expected to perform across 45 venues, with crowds of over 15,000 people anticipated over the two-day celebration of live music.

The festival will feature everything from local up-and-coming artists and cover bands to DJs and tribute acts, creating a packed weekend of entertainment stretching across Dundee and Broughty Ferry.

Organisers say the event is designed to showcase local talent while also giving a boost to the city’s hospitality industry during the busy summer period.

Festival organiser Scott Townshend said: “We are really looking forward to the second Dundee Music Festival taking place, our launch year was great but this year is going to be off the scale.

We have 45 venues taking part with well over 100 acts lined up to take to the stage over the two days. This event will showcase local talent whilst bringing a well needed boost to the local hospitality economy.”

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend will be the official closing party at Fat Sam’s Live. The event will feature local original band Yakarda opening the show before tribute acts Definitely Oasis and The Complete Stone Roses headline the night alongside local DJs.

Organisers say the closing party is expected to be one of the busiest events of the weekend.

Here is everything you need to know about the Dundee Music Festival 2026.

What is the Dundee Music Festival?

The Dundee Music Festival is a city-wide live music festival and pub crawl featuring more than 100 acts performing across dozens of venues over two days. The event celebrates Dundee’s music scene while bringing together pubs, clubs, bars and entertainment venues from across the city.

The festival launched last year and has expanded significantly for 2026 with more venues and performances added to the programme.

When is it taking place?

The festival takes place across two days:

Friday 3 July and Saturday 4 July

Events and performances will run throughout the day and into the evening at participating venues.

Where is it happening?

The Dundee Music Festival takes place across venues throughout Dundee and even extending into Newport!

Participating venues include:

• The Paddock

• Grouchos

• The Glens

• Douglas Club

• Sandys

• Victoria Bar

• The Dubliner

• Clarks on Lindsey Street

• The Ancrum Arms

• The High Corner

• Vinyls Much Bar

• Riddoch’s

• Number 57

• Molly Malones

• The Market

• The Anchor

• The Ferry Selkie

• The Barnhill Tavern

• The Queen Anne

• The Townhouse

• The Barrelman

• The Bank Bar

• Megans

• Don Padrino

• Chambers East (Teachers Out)

• The Bush Bar

• Caws Bar

• Star & Garter

• The Gaiety

• Malmaison

• West House

• Fat Sam’s Live

• The Queens Hotel (Q Bar)

• Whites Bar

• The Clep Bar

• O’Marleys

• Stobswell Bar

• The Newport Inn

• Shoreline

• Balcony Bar

• Balcony Lounge

• Bruach

• Hawkhill Tavern

• Tay Square Bar (Social)

• Selkie Dundee

• Dukes Corner

What can people expect?

Festivalgoers can expect live music throughout the weekend featuring original artists, tribute acts, DJs and bands playing across a huge variety of venues.

With events spread throughout the city, organisers say the festival is designed to encourage people to explore Dundee’s nightlife, hospitality venues and music scene all in one weekend.

The closing party at Fat Sam’s Live is also expected to be a major attraction, with tribute acts Definitely Oasis and The Complete Stone Roses leading the headline performances.

How many people are expected?

Organisers say they are expecting upwards of 15,000 attendees across the weekend, making it one of the biggest live music events taking place in Dundee this year.

What about tickets?

Some performances and venues may be free to enter, while others may require tickets or advance booking depending on capacity and venue arrangements.

Tickets for the official Dundee Music Festival closing party at Fat Sam’s Live are available online which you can purchase by messaging DMF’s socials.