2024

27 to 29 September

Make a weekend of it.

Dunbar Music Festival brings the community together and welcomes visitors from all over the UK.

Come for the music and enjoy a weekend in and around our beautiful East Lothian harbour town.

  • Gr sits on stage performing to enthusiastic crowd

    Headline acts in small, intimate locations

  • Free gigs all weekend across town

  • Open sessions to get involved in

  • Saxophonist plays in a park

    Family friendly events in Lauderdale Park

  • Teenage rock band perform to an enthusiastic crowd

    Showcase of high school bands

Headliners

  • Karine Polwart and Dave Milligan

    Karine Polwart & Dave Milligan

    Multi-award winning Karine Polwart peforms with accaimed pianist Dave Milligan.

    Karine Polwart details
  • Alex Cornish

    Alex Cornish


    Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Alex showcases tracks from his latest album.

    Alex Cornish details
  • BC Camplight

    BC Camplight (solo)

    Fresh from a summer of festival shows, BC Camplight brings his celebrated act to Dunbar.

    BC Camplight details

Free gigs all weekend

Full programme will be announced in August

Non-stop free music

We have over 40 acts performing across the weekend from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening. You’ve got options across the whole weekend.

Venues range from pubs and hotels, to the local park and a variety of other unlicensed venues.

Check the programme of events

Get involved in open sessions

We’ve got a traditional Scottish session and an open mic session. So if you fancy bringing along an instrument and joining in, consider this our invitation!

Party in Lauderdale Park

Saturday and Sunday afternoons will see open air gigs in Lauderdale Park. Bring the kids to play, grab a coffee from the Wishing Tree cafe and enjoy the outdoor vibes.

Youth band showcase

From late morning until mid afternoon on Saturday we host 8 high school bands in the Parish Hall. Check out tomorrow’s talent today! Organised with the support of East Lothian Council’s ELjam. More about the Youth Showcase

Family ceilidh

We’re bringing back the ceilidh this year, for a family-friendly evening of traditional music and dancing. Get tickets for the ceilidh

Busking bonanza

Dunbar High Street will be alive with the sounds of buskers playing at a variety of pitches up and down the street. More info about busking

Feed your vinyl habit

Our local high street music store, Green Cat Records, will host live music while you browse the racks of vintage vinyl.

An afternoon of jazz

We’ve got a curated jazz session lined up featuring multiple artists with a national profile. A great way to relax on Sunday afternoon.

Visit Belhaven Brewery

Our sponsors at the historic Belhaven Brewery will be opening their doors to welcome visitors to a Saturday gig in their visitor centre bar, The Monks’ Retreat. Get tickets for the gig at Belhaven Brewery