8-10 May 2026
Join us for three magical days of traditional folk music, community celebrations, and unforgettable performances in the picturesque village of Moniaive.
Experience incredible performances from renowned folk artists and emerging talents across multiple stages.
Set in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Moniaive offers stunning scenery and warm Scottish hospitality.
A true community festival featuring local talent, family activities, craft fairs, and village celebrations.
The MFF committee wishes to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this year’s festival a success. It was, perhaps, the best festival yet!
It was wonderful to welcome young and old from far and wide, festival regulars and new faces, to enjoy new venues, new festival field events and a fine range of musical acts.
It is always a challenge for a group of volunteers to plan and manage a festival in a small rural community and we thank all attendees for their part in making the weekend a success. We also thank all the community groups and businesses who contributed and the local residents for their support and understanding across the weekend.
The continuing success of the festival relies on your generous donations and if you haven’t managed to donate yet, you still can! Just click here. We are already planning next year’s event so please do fill in this feedback form and let us know your thoughts on how the festival was for you and what we can do to improve things.
See you next year for the best festival yet!
The Moniaive Folk Festival Committee
News and announcements from the festival team.
20 April 2026
There will be an information point in the field behind The George all weekend – come here if you have any questions or want to hand in your donations for the weekend.
In the Institute, which is on Chapel Street, over the weekend you will find in the hall upstairs (lift access available)
Friday: Open Stage 4pm-7pm (no need to book, first come first served), then 7pm- midnight session space. The bar will be open and the pop up café 5-10pm.
Saturday: 12pm-4pm Open Stage and then 4pm – midnight, session space – bar open 12pm to midnight, and café open 5-10pm. There will also be the craft fair downstairs on the Saturday daytime only.
19 April 2026
Yes, believe it or not our tiny village has a High Street! That’s where you will find Watson’s (the shop), the George, the Masonic (venues), and it’s where the parade will come along from its meeting place at the village car park. Also on High Street is the Hive which is a shop and art gallery run by the local development trust, the Moniaive Initiative. Pop in for a new outfit, a book, or browse the latest exhibition by local artists.
18 April 2026
Rachel, Julian and the team at the George will be serving drinks and food, providing session space and hosting a stage at the back of the café, with daytime programming by Up Yer Airts, a local organisation led by young people, empowering young people to curate vibrant cultural events and refine their craft as arts and creative industry professionals in Dumfries and Galloway.
Please keep the main bar space clear for quick service – sessions are welcome in the café and riverside room.
on the High Street
Garden marquee
We're delighted to revisit our partnership with Up Yer Airts - who once again are programming the daytime acts at the George.
back again at the George
Fri & Sat: Afternoons
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Friday & Saturday: Fri 4-7pm Sat 12-4pm
High Street
Saturday: 16:00 - 16:30
St Ninian's Church
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 - 15:00
Camping field
Saturday & Sunday: All day
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Friday & Saturday: Fri 7 - 12 & Sat 4 - 12
The George
All weekend: Afternoon & Evening
Can I get in for free? We'd prefer you didn't! We want our festival to get better every year. For that to happen we need you to contribute donations. You can use cash or card to make a donation. Donation points will be clearly marked. There will also be volunteers with yellow donation buckets walking around collecting donations for the festival.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times and cleaned up after. You may be the best dog owner in the world, but plenty of folk don't like dogs running wild so please, keep them on a lead. Keep in mind that not all indoor venues will allow dogs
Can I play my own music and instruments? Of course! But no amplified or loud music on the campsite after midnight please.
Is there an open stage? Yes, there will be an open stage in the Glencairn Memorial Institute this year. This will be run on a first come first served basis and limited to one slot per person/act to allow as many people the opportunity to play as possible.
Is there an ATM in the village? No. The nearest ATM is in Thornhill which is approximately 9 miles from Moniaive.
Where can I get fuel? In the village, Dalwhat Garage sells fuel. They're open Mon–Fri from 7:30am–6pm. Closed on Saturday & Sunday.
Are caravans and camper vans allowed? Yes, but please try to keep to the top end of the field. If you are arriving on Friday, please avoid doing so between 3–4pm as the village gets busy with school traffic. Our streets are small and congestion doesn't take long to build up!
Can I just camp? Yes, and please donate accordingly.
What facilities are there in the camping field? There will be toilets, hand sanitising points, cold water supply & black water disposal.
Moniaive is located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
By Car: Accessible from A76 and A702
Parking: Car parks throughout the village
Public Transport: Limited bus services