Your ultimate guide to Dundee Dance Event 2025

Scotland’s biggest free dance music festival is back this weekend — and here’s everything you need to know.

What is Dundee Dance Event?

The Dundee Dance Event (DDE) is a citywide celebration of electronic music and DJ culture, returning for its 27th year on Sunday, May 4, 2025. What started in 1998 as a grassroots platform for local DJs has grown into Scotland’s largest free dance music festival, drawing thousands of partygoers and music lovers from across the country.

With around 200 DJs spinning across 30 venues throughout Dundee, it’s become a legendary day-long party — a staple in the city’s cultural calendar.

Where is it happening?

From pubs to beer gardens to basements, DDE takes over every corner of Dundee’s city centre. Entry to all official venues is free from 2:30pm to midnight — just turn up and dance.

Here are the participating venues in alphabetical order:

• Abandon Ship

• Afrobeats

• Bird & Bear

• Black Mamba

• Braes & Braes Basement

• Bush Bar

• Captain’s Cabin

• DDE Car Park

• Dubliner

• Firewater

• Giddy Goose & Giddy Goose Basement

• Groucho’s

• Hidden

• LIVEHOUSE Dundee

• Market

• Nether Inn

• Nola

• O’Marley’s

• Pasha

• Rewind

• Salty Dog

• St Andrews Brewing Co.

• Temple Lane

• Tinsmith

• Top Dog

• West House

You can also use the official DDE app to track who’s playing where and when. It’s your digital map to the madness.

Who is performing?

The 2025 lineup features 200+ DJs, including established names and rising local talent, spinning everything from house and techno to afrobeat and disco.

The DDE Closing Party at LIVEHOUSE Dundee will feature an exciting lineup of performers, including Billy Morris, Chico, Jack Low, Kintra, Van Damn, and Mike McDonald.

How much does it cost?

Most venues are completely free to enter from 2:30pm until midnight. That’s right: free music, free dancing, free good vibes all day long.

The closing party at LIVEHOUSE is a ticketed event however:

• General Admission: £18 (+ booking fee)

• Student Tickets: £15 (+ booking fee)

You can grab tickets via the official website or ticket platforms — don’t wait too long, this one’s likely to sell out.

So when does it all kick off?

On Sunday 4 May 2025, the event will commence at 2:30pm across all venues. The closing party at LIVEHOUSE Dundee takes place from 9pm into the early hours of Monday morning.

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DDE isn’t just a party — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and creativity. It raises thousands for local charities, and creates memories that last long after the last track fades out.

Whether you're a die-hard raver, a local looking for a great day out, or just curious about the scene — Dundee Dance Event is a must-experience.