Summer in the northeast of Scotland is something special. Long light evenings, dramatic coastlines, and welcoming communities come together to create a festival season full of character.
From lively harbour celebrations to toe-tapping music weekends, there’s no better time to experience the relaxing atmosphere of the Mearns in South Aberdeenshire and beyond. We would like to recommend just a hand full of our fantastic festivals to plan your trip around this summer. You can get loads more on the VisitAberdeenshire “what’s on” guide.
Stonehaven Folk Music Festival
📍 Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
📅 10–12 July 2026
One of the northeast’s most established festivals, this much-loved event blends traditional Scottish music with contemporary folk influences across venues throughout the town.
Who’s performing (2026):
The line-up is shaping up with a strong mix of respected folk names and emerging talent. Confirmed artists include:
- Breabach (a major name in modern Scottish folk)
- John McCusker & Friends
- Capstan Quartet
- Beth Malcolm
- Cahalen Morrison
Alongside headline concerts, there are 60+ fringe events, meaning you’ll hear everything from intimate acoustic sets to lively pub sessions.
What makes it special:
It’s not just about the headline acts—this is a festival where you’ll stumble across incredible musicians in cosy pubs, join in workshops, or even dance at the famous Aqua Ceilidh in the open air outdoor swimming pool.
Where to stay:
Stonehaven offers a great mix of cosy B&Bs, seaside guesthouses and small hotels, but early booking is recommended as places will book up quickly. There are also several farm stay cottages in the nearby area if you don’t mind staying a little more rural.
Where to eat:
Enjoy fresh seafood along the harbour—look out for local haddock, Cullen skink and classic fish and chips.
Make the most of it:
Arrive early and wander between venues—some of the best moments happen in spontaneous pub sessions. Take time to explore the coastal paths or visit Dunnottar Castle for iconic views.
Montrose Music Festival (MoFest)
📍 Montrose, Angus
📅 29–31 May 2026
Kicking off the summer season, MoFest transforms Montrose into one big live music venue.
Who’s performing:
Rather than big headline acts, this festival is all about volume and variety:
- 50–100+ acts across 15+ venues
- A mix of rock, indie, folk, acoustic and punk
- Strong focus on local and Scottish talent
You might catch everything from established local favourites to brand-new artists playing their first festival slot.
What makes it special:
It’s one of Scotland’s longest-running free music festivals, with gigs happening everywhere—from pubs and cafés to outdoor stages.
Where to stay:
Montrose has a range of hotels and guesthouses, many within walking distance of the town centre and beach. It is also on the main eastcoast train line so it would be easy to commute to Montrose. The station is only a 10 minute walk to the center of town.
Where to eat:
Enjoy local Angus produce—think steak, seafood, and hearty Scottish dishes in relaxed surroundings.
Make the most of it:
Hop between venues and discover new artists. Combine your visit with time at Montrose Basin or a walk along the beach for a perfect balance of music and nature.
Johnshaven Fish Festival
📍 Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire
📅 Saturday the 8th of August 2026
A true highlight of the Mearns, this harbour festival is as much about community as it is about food.
Who’s performing:
Line-ups change each year, but typically include:
- Local and regional bands playing blues, rock and Scottish favourites
- Pipe bands parading through the village
- Acts like The Killing Tide and other Scottish live bands in recent editions
What makes it special:
It’s a full-on seaside celebration—expect live music on outdoor stages, raft races in the harbour, traditional dancing, and thousands of visitors enjoying the atmosphere.
Where to stay:
Stay nearby in Johnshaven or the surrounding Mearns villages for a quieter, authentic coastal experience. There are several caravan and campsites available along the coastline between Arbroath and Stonehaven.
Where to eat:
This is the place to sample the freshest seafood imaginable—lobster, crab, and locally landed fish straight from the North Sea.
Make the most of it:
Go hungry and arrive early. Chat with locals, try something new, and enjoy the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Pair your visit with a coastal walk along this lesser-known stretch of Scotland.
Summer’s End Festival
📍 Brechin, Angus
📅 14–16 August 2026
A newer addition to the festival scene, Summer’s End brings a bigger, high-energy music experience to Angus. With multiple stages, international headliners, local acts, and even craft beer and comedy, it’s a full weekend of entertainment.
Who’s performing (2026):
Expect a mix of global names and Scottish favourites, including:
- UB40
- Rag’n’Bone Man
- Bonnie Tyler
- The Jacksons
- Pixie Lott
- The Feeling
- Susan Boyle
- Skerryvore
- Red Hot Chilli Pipers
With over 40–60 artists across three stages, there’s everything from pop and indie to electronic and traditional Scottish sounds.
What makes it special:
It’s designed as a full festival experience—multiple stages, food vendors, craft drinks, and even comedy and family-friendly spaces.
Where to stay:
Look for accommodation in Brechin, Montrose, or nearby countryside retreats for a mix of festival buzz and rural calm. Consider booking early as this event will like draw good crowds.
Make the most of it:
Plan your weekend in advance. With so many big names, you’ll want to map out who you want to see—but leave room for discovering something unexpected.
Make It More Than a Festival Trip
While the music and celebrations are a huge draw, they’re only part of the story. The northeast of Scotland offers so much more—especially when you take the time to explore between festival days.
Link your festival visit with:
- Coastal drives through the marvelous mearns in Aberdeenshire
- Castle visits and cliff-top walks
- Local food stops showcasing fresh seafood and Angus produce
- Visit farmshop and farm experiences in the area
- Small towns and villages full of character and stories
Each of these festivals gives you a different window into the region—but together, they create a summer experience that’s rich, welcoming, and full of discovery.
