Three days, three vibes, waterfront party
Dundee’s waterfront is getting loud again.
Discovery Festival returns to Slessor Gardens from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026, turning the space beside V&A Dundee into a three-day, sun-chasing music weekender with something different each day; indie anthems, 80s gold, and pure pop joy.
It’s one of those weekends where you can come for one day… or go full “see you Monday” and do the lot.
The line-up (by day)
Friday 24 July – Indie night
The Libertines
plus Lottery Winners and Reverend & The Makers
Gates: 16:00
Finish: around 22:30
Saturday 25 July – 80s Calling!
Tony Hadley
Marc Almond
Level 42
Haircut One Hundred
Hue & Cry
Jaki Graham
Gates: 12:00
Finish: around 22:30
Sunday 26 July – Pop day
Five
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
The Wanted 2.0
The Amy Winehouse Band
Roisin McCarney
Gates: 12:00
Finish: around 22:30
Why this one’s a great Dundee festival
There’s something class about a city-centre festival you can walk to. Slessor Gardens is five minutes from Dundee Train Station, right on the waterfront, surrounded by places for pre-gig food, a coffee, or a “how are we dressing for this?” emergency shop.
It’s a proper “big atmosphere, no camping mud” setup a festival weekend without needing a rucksack the size of a fridge.
Before you go: the useful stuff (so you don’t get binned at the gate)
Entry rules (the big one)
- No re-entry (unless security allows it in an emergency)
Food & drink
- No outside food or drink
- Exception: medical needs with a doctor’s note
- Free water available at bars + refill stations
- You can bring an empty water bottle up to 500ml
What you can bring
- Small folding camping chairs (must be out of the bag for inspection; there’s a designated area)
- Small umbrellas in standing areas (but you’ll need to put them down during the show)
- A small bag up to A4 size (approx 21×30cm)
What to leave at home
- Blankets and gazebos
- Alcohol
- Glass containers (including perfume/aftershave)
- Professional cameras / audio recording gear
- Bags larger than A4
Cashless site
- It’s card / mobile payments only no cash
Accessibility
Accessible tickets are available via Ticketmaster and Eventim, with accessible toilets and a viewing area (with seating).
Getting there (easy)
- Train: Dundee Station is a 5-minute walk
- Parking:
- Greenmarket Car Park (central, multi-storey)
- Yeaman Shore Car Park (smaller, nearby)
Quick event details
Discovery Festival Dundee
📍 Slessor Gardens, Dundee DD1 3DP
📅 Fri 24 – Sun 26 July 2026
⏰ Gates: Fri 16:00 / Sat 12:00 / Sun 12:00
🎤 Finish: around 22:30 daily
🎟️ Tickets: “Buy Tickets” via the festival’s ticket links / agents
