Orkney Folk Festival – Orkney, Scotland 2026

Overview

The Orkney Folk Festival, an award-winning celebration of folk music since 1983, transforms the islands—centered in the harbor town of Stromness—into a vibrant hub of traditional and contemporary sounds, drawing international artists and local Orcadian talents for four days of concerts, ceilidhs, sessions, workshops, and talks. Organized by a dedicated board, committee, and volunteers, it emphasizes hospitality, community support, and musical discovery, attracting nearly 9,000 ticket holders in recent years with a program that caters to all tastes—from acoustic song clubs to energetic dance gigs. As Scotland’s friendliest folk festival, it fosters an inclusive atmosphere where global acts from Canada, the USA, Ireland, Denmark, and beyond join island fiddlers and choirs, all while relying on sponsors, Orkney Friends, and local businesses to keep it sustainable and welcoming.

For 2026, the 43rd edition returns May 21–24, promising another record-breaking weekend of folk fusion amid Orkney’s dramatic landscapes. With a full program yet to be announced, expect a blend of folk, Celtic, and world influences across intimate venues, creating those sun-dappled, session-filled moments that make Stromness sing.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Over 60 acts including folk concerts, ceilidhs, pub sessions, workshops, and talks; past lineups featured artists like Auskerry, Belt Hid Oot, The Brewers, and Broken David, with a mix of global headliners and local Orcadian musicians.
• Special traditions or features: Annual lounge venue at Stromness Community Centre with bar and catering partnerships (e.g., The Orkney Distillery and Beiting and Brew); tradition of blending traditional folk with contemporary twists, such as Nordic influences and energetic stomps; volunteer-driven ethos ensuring a “brilliant weekend of music and fun.”
• Unique attractions for visitors: Island-wide events fostering impromptu sessions in historic pubs; family-friendly workshops and talks blending education with entertainment; the chance to explore Orkney’s Norse heritage through music, all against a backdrop of coastal cliffs and ancient sites.

About this event

• Founded in 1983 as one of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals, evolving into a global gathering with 60+ acts, held in Stromness and across Orkney.
• Organized by a volunteer board and committee, supported by sponsors, Orkney Friends, crews, and local businesses, with no profit motive—all funds reinvest in growth.
• Focuses on entertaining folk from acoustic purism to dance energy, attracting 9,000+ tickets in recent years, with events at pubs, halls, and community centers.
• Emphasizes inclusivity, with workshops and talks catering to all levels, and a tradition of record-breaking attendance and international collaborations.
• Ties to Orkney’s cultural heritage, including Sápmi and Danish influences, while highlighting home-grown talent like Bruce Mainland and Buddy MacDonald.
• Promotes sustainability through community involvement, making it a “must” for folk fans seeking authentic island hospitality.

Why attend

Attending the Orkney Folk Festival means immersing yourself in a tidal wave of tunes where a fiddler’s reel in a Stromness pub spirals into a ceilidh frenzy, blending the raw charm of local Orcadian voices with international folk flair that has you swaying from sunup to sunset—it’s the magical mix of discovering a hidden gem in a workshop or joining a global artist for an impromptu session, all against Orkney’s windswept cliffs that make every harmony feel timeless. With its volunteer soul and record-breaking warmth, it’s a haven for folk purists and newcomers alike, sparking those soul-stirring sing-alongs that echo long after the encore.

Beyond the stages, you’re sustaining Scotland’s northernmost folk beacon, your weekend a quiet cheer for the committee’s dream of blending cultures through song. Whether chasing Celtic cascades or acoustic introspection, the festival’s fusion of intimacy and energy delivers those horizon-hugging highs—perfect for a May migration where the music meets the mist in Orkney’s enchanting isles.

Date & Duration

• Dates: May 21 – May 24, 2026
• Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

• Main venue: Stromness town center, with events in pubs, halls, and the Stromness Community Centre lounge for sessions and catering.
• Additional venues: Island-wide spots across Orkney, including historic sites and community spaces for workshops and talks.
• Main event Google location address: Ferry Terminal Buildings, John Street, Stromness KW16 3AA, Scotland

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online via the official website (orkneyfolkfestival.com); advance booking essential as recent years sold nearly 9,000 tickets, with sales opening on a Thursday.
• Access is paid, with options for individual events or passes to ensure broad participation.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Based on past events, individual tickets range from $15 to $40 USD; weekend passes $76–$95 USD.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $15 USD (for workshops or daytime sessions); maximum $95 USD (weekend pass).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with early bird deals via newsletter signup.
• Special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; general admission with flexible seating; lounge access included in some passes for bar and catering.

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Contact Information

• Email: info@orkneyfolkfestival.com (general inquiries, tickets, and volunteer support).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for responses within 48 hours.
• Website: https://orkneyfolkfestival.com (full program, bookings, and updates).
• Social Media: @orkneyfolkfest (Instagram for photos and teasers); Orkney Folk Festival (Facebook for announcements and community engagement).
• Key Staff: Festival Board and Committee (contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to info@orkneyfolkfestival.com; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Kirkwall Airport (KOI), 20 miles away (30-minute drive via A964); Inverness Airport (INV) for mainland flights, about 140 miles (ferry or flight to Orkney).
• Public transport: Flights from Edinburgh or Aberdeen to Kirkwall (1 hour), then bus/taxi to Stromness (30 minutes); NorthLink ferries from Scrabster to Stromness (90 minutes).
• Driving: Access via A965; free parking near Ferry Terminal; SatNav postcode KW16 3AA.
• Cycling/walking: Stromness’ paths are bike-friendly; racks at venues; Kirkwall bus to town 10-minute walk.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly venues with ramps; taxis from Kirkwall ($40 via apps); contact for priority access.

Accommodation Options

• Budget stays: Premier Inn Stromness (town center, from $80/night, breakfast included); hostels like Stromness YHA ($50/night dorms).
• Mid-range: The Stromness Hotel (harbor view, $100–130/night, family rooms); The Royal Hotel ($110/night, parking).
• Luxury: Hamnavoe House (boutique, $150+/night, spa options); The Foveran ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival packages: Bundled stays via VisitOrkney.com with B&Bs; camping at nearby Scapa Flow ($60/night pitches).
• Booking tips: Book early for May; check orkney.com for deals.

Reviews

• Orkney’s folk odyssey opus—global grooves and island intimacy, a weekend of wandering whimsy that wove our world.
• Stromness’ sonic sanctuary—ceilidh cascades and session serenity, a folk fantasia that fogged our folk souls.
• Festival folk fusion bliss—workshops whispering wisdom, a Highland harmony that haunted our harmonies.