If there’s one thing Dundee knows how to do, it’s reinvent itself without losing that grit-and-graft backbone. And now, it’s getting something it’s been missing for far too long: a proper large-scale whisky festival right in the city centre.
On Saturday 13th June 2026, Dundee’s Whisky Festival lands in the iconic Caird Hall, bang in the middle of City Square, turning one of Dundee’s most historic venues into a full-on celebration of Scotland’s national drink (and the people behind it).
Run by Slanj Events the team behind established festivals in Edinburgh and Clackmannanshire this is their newest festival, and their first time bringing the experience to Dundee. Last year their Edinburgh festival welcomed over 1,200 attendees, and Dundee’s about to get that same buzz… with its own flavour.
Why Dundee? A city of grit, graft & grain
Dundee’s roots run deep from medieval trade to industrial muscle, earning the nickname Juteopolis thanks to its powerhouse history in textiles, shipbuilding, and marmalade (aye, really). It’s a city built on hard work, bold ideas, and a bit of mischief which is honestly not a bad description of a good dram either.
It’s also a city on the rise. Culture, creativity, waterfront transformation, and a growing appetite for big events Dundee’s got the energy for it. And with brilliant travel links (airport, direct rail routes, and easy access from across Scotland and beyond), it makes perfect sense as the home for the next big whisky gathering.
What to expect on the day
This isn’t just a room with bottles (though… there will be plenty of bottles). Dundee’s Whisky Festival is built as a full experience whisky, heritage, craft, music, art, chat, and discovery.
When you arrive, you’ll get:
- A complimentary branded Glencairn glass
- A glass holder lanyard
- And the freedom to wander, sample, and explore at your own pace
Then it’s time to dive in:
- Sample hundreds of whiskies from Scotland and beyond (no extra cost for samples)
- Meet distilleries and bottlers and hear the stories behind the drams
- Explore a whisky heritage exhibition with pieces dating back to the early 1700s
- Watch a live coopering demonstration delivered by the skilled team at Cambus (DIAGEO)
- Enjoy live acoustic music, art installations, and live painting
- Grab a bite from the Caird Hall team and keep yourself right
- Visit the fully stocked bar
- Shop bottles via the on-site retailer Woodwinters Wines & Whiskies
- Feel good doing it: the event supports My Name’s Doddie Foundation (charity partner)
Whether you’re the sort who can name every Speyside distillery in your sleep, or you’re just starting to figure out what you actually like, this is designed to be friendly, welcoming, and packed with things to discover.
Choose your session
There are two sessions on the day, each offering a 3.5-hour immersive festival experience:
- Session 1: 12:00 – 15:30
- Session 2: 16:30 – 20:00
Perfect if you’re making a day of it in Dundee lunch and drams, or a late afternoon wander into evening.
Getting here is easy
Dundee is one of the easiest Scottish cities to get in and out of ideal for visitors and exhibitors alike. You’ve got:
- Dundee Airport
- Direct rail links from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth, and London via the East Coast Main Line
- City-centre venue location Caird Hall is right in City Square, so you’re not trekking across town
Tickets + info
Dundee’s Whisky Festival
📍 Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee
📅 Saturday 13th June 2026
🎟️ Tickets: www.slanjevents.co.uk
Bring your pals, bring your curiosity, and bring an appetite for trying something new. Dundee’s Whisky Festival is shaping up to be one of those “remember that day?” kind of events dram in hand, good chat all round.
Slàinte!