The inaugural Dundee Food Festival is almost here. Hosted at the city centre and waterfront from 6-7 July, there is something for everyone of all ages.
The Dundee Food Festival is a two-day extravaganza on July 6-7, showcasing the city's local produce and vibrant food scene across venues like V&A Dundee, Discovery Point, City Square, the Waterfront, and Slessor Gardens. Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of events, talks, and activities promoting food consciousness and sustainability, with participating businesses pledging to reduce food waste and support local producers.
This family-friendly affair features food stalls, street performers, live music, and stilt-walking characters, delivered in collaboration with local partners like Dundee City Council, the Eden Project, V&A Dundee, and more. It promises an unforgettable celebration of Dundee’s culinary offerings.
The festival will celebrate Dundee's relationship with food, as well as sustainability.
Here is the ultimate guide on everything to see and do at the festival which is sure to be an exciting experience!
Food Festival Hub
When: 6-7 July | 10am-7pm (6 July); 11am-6pm (7 July)
Where: City Square
The City Square will be home to the Food Festival Hub that will operate throughout the festival. The festival hub will host live music, street performers, and a relaxation area.
Taste delectable street food from nearby vendors, have a drink at the bars, and browse through environmentally friendly markets.
For program details, stop by the Event Information stall.
Check out some of the stalls that will be housed at the festival hub:
Food Festival Bar: Dundee's popular bar, Temple Lane, is hosting a pop-up in City Square, featuring their famous cocktails with local spirits like Lunun Gin, Mond Vodka, and Arbikie. Partnered with 71 Brewing, they will offer a selection of their top draught and canned beers.
City Square Vender Stalls
When: 6-7 July / 10am-7pm (Saturday), 11am-6pm (Sunday)
Where: City Square
Alongside the food festival bar, other venders will be on display in the City Square!
The Barrie Box
Cairn O'Mohr
Fig & Fromage Delicatessen
Oaklié’s Sandwich House
Dough Dough Pizza Co
The Horeb Food Company
Spotlight on Community Food Growing
The Rolling Stove Street Food
The Yard Market Vegan Pop-Up:
The Mobile Teaching Kitchen Initiative
Casa di Gelato Ice Cream Bike
Daily Grind Coffee Co:
Jist Jute
Tayport Distillery
Señor Fried (Sunday only)
Campy Growers (Sunday only)
Music
City Square
Day One (Saturday 6 July)
12.30pm – 1.30pm – Courtney Elena
1.45pm – 2.45pm – Demi McMahon
3.00pm – 4.00pm – Jellyfish (formerly known as Haystack Monolith)
Day Two (Sunday 7 July)
12.30pm – 1.30pm – Dan Richardson
1.45pm – 2.45 pm – Decanted
3.00pm – 4.00pm – Katie Nicol
Slessor Gardens
Day One (Saturday 6 July)
1pm – 2pm – Esperi
2.30pm – 3.30pm – James Liandu
Day Two (Sunday 7 July)
12.45pm – 1.30pm – The BarrowBand
3.00pm – 3.45pm – The BarrowBand
Schedule
Here is the bumper schedule for the Dundee Food Festival in chronological order:
Pollinator Playtime
When: 6 July / 10am - 4pm
Where: Central Library and Broughty Ferry Library
At the Pollinator Play Activity Hubs located in the Central Dundee and Broughty Ferry Libraries, visitors are invited to engage in playful, educational activities aimed at raising awareness about the sources of their food.
Loose Parts Play & Smoothie Bike
When: 6 July / 10am - 2pm
Where: Slessor Gardens
Facilitating interactive and creative play by utilizing safe and recycled materials donated by industries in Dundee that were originally destined for landfill. This allows participants to develop creativity, teamwork, communication, independence, resourcefulness, sustainability, and scientific skills.
Dr Bike, E-Cargo bikes & Crazy Bikes at Dundee Cycle Hub
When: 6 July / 10am-3pm
Where: Dundee Cycle Hub
Dundee Cycle Hub are offering a complimentary Dr Bike service at the hub, along with details about E-Cargo bikes and their Crazy Bike collection.
Dundee Science Centre's STEM Activities, Demos and Make & Takes
When: 6-7 July / 10am-7pm (Saturday), 11am-6pm (Sunday)
Where: Dundee Science Centre
Explore the science behind the food you consume with the guidance of Dundee Science Centre's knowledgeable science communicators during engaging sessions.
Bubbles Fun with Poppy Bubbles
When: 6 July / 10.30am-12.30pm
Where: City Square
Join Poppy Bubbles as she brings an abundance of bubble excitement to the festival! Equipped with her various bubble wands, including the giant one, she will assist children in releasing their excess energy by creating vibrant bubbles.
West End Community Fridge 5th Birthday Celebrations
When: 6 July / 11am-2pm
Where: West End Community Fridge
Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the West End Community Fridge! Enjoy activities like crafting bird feeders, selling cookbooks, and budget-friendly cooking tips from Faith In Community Dundee. Learn about Transition Dundee's efforts to reduce food and clothing waste in the city and at home.
Foodie Folktales with Eden Project
When: 6-7 July / 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1.30pm and 2pm
Where: Slessor Gardens
Come join the Eden Project and local storyteller Cara Silversmith for stories with a culinary theme at the bell tent in Slessor Gardens!
Kids and Family Yoga with Heart Space Yoga
When: 6 July / 11am
Where: Slessor Gardens
Come and participate in a lively Heart Space class designed for children and families. Discover yoga poses, games, and enjoyable family activities to kickstart your day with a burst of energy!
Think and Try, Before you Buy – a workshop to explore Fair Trade
When: 6-7 July / 11am-12pm (Saturday), 3-4pm (Sunday)
Where: Abertay University
Abertay University will be hosting this workshop which will have a casual and engaging atmosphere, delving into the features of a Fairtrade certified product, the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, and the significance of Dundee's designation as a Fairtrade Community.
Eat, Talk, Share with Community, Conversations and Culture at The Keiller Centre
When: 6-7 July / 12pm-5pm (Saturday), 4pm-7pm (Sunday)
Where: The Keiller Centre
The Keiller Centre in Dundee will be hosting its first Tattie Scone Taco Bar with Lindsay Kitchen on Saturday from 12pm to 2pm. Following that, from 2pm to 3pm, there will be a discussion about food and farming with local cookbook publishers Kitchen Press and guests from Palestine, Ukraine, and Syria, highlighting their important roles in culture and the challenges they face during times of conflict. To wrap up the day, from 3pm to 5pm, Lindsay Kitchen will lead a live Banoffee Pie making session and other sweet treats at the Dessert Table.
Kimono Themed Cocktails
When: 6-7 July / 12pm-12am
Where: Malmaison Dundee
Cost: £8
Experience the exclusive Kimono-themed cocktails priced at £8 each, available for you to try. The selection includes the refreshing Roku Gin Sour, the delicate Cherry Blossom, and the classic Suntory Old Fashioned. Allow the talented cocktail mixologists to impress and delight you with their craft.
Sustainable Cocktail Menu at Temple Lan
When: 6-7 July, 1pm-1am (Saturday), 2pm-late (Sunday)
Where: Temple Lane
This popular contemporary bar in Dundee is hosting a weekend of cocktail specials to commemorate the Dundee Food Festival. Operated by local food hero and award-winning Chef Dean Banks, Temple Lane has been warmly embraced as one of the city's most thrilling new venues since its opening in October 2023.
The Future of Food
When: 6 July / 1-2pm
Where: Juniper Auditorium, V&A Dundee
Decoding the secrets of tomorrow's menu through food science is the focus of a series of presentations featuring food scientists, local producers, and forward thinkers. Participants will delve into the ever-evolving field to gain insights into the rise of vegan alternatives and the shift towards more eco-conscious food habits, making it challenging to anticipate future culinary trends.
McManus Creates: Playful Packaging
When: 6 July / 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Where: McManus Galleries
As part of this year’s Dundee Food Festival, join the team at the McManus Galleries for a special session of McManus Creates.
Cocktail Making Classes at Temple Lane
When: 6 July / 2pm, 3:30pm
Where: Temple Lane
Temple Lane will showcase local and sustainable spirits during the festival. Participants can learn about the group's sustainability ethos integrated into their venues, enjoy a welcome drink, and make two cocktails from the signature menu
Wreath Making with Annie's Garden
When: 6 July / 2-4pm
Where: Verdant Works
Join Annie's Garden for a workshop where you can craft a stunning floral wreath with dried flowers that will stand the test of time.
Big Night at Dundee Contemporary Arts
When: 6 July / 6pm
Where: Dundee Contemporary Arts
Join the DCA for a screening of Big Night (1996) in collaboration with Dundee Food Festival.
Rock the Dock and Party at the Point
When: 6 July | 5-7pm
Where: Discovery Point
Tickets: £14.60pp | Buy here
Experience an evening at Discovery Point with sustainable drinks, local toasties, and a special performance by Freddie Mercury. Enjoy DoughBoy IPA brewed with surplus bread, grilled toasties with local ingredients, and learn about sustainable beer production.
Gillian Veal: Tatha Takeover
When: 6 July / 6.30pm - 11pm
Where: Tatha Bar and Restaurant, V&A Dundee
Head over to the Tatha Bar and Restaurant for a feast prepared by local legend Gillian Veal to celebrate the launch of their new book, Cafe Cooking - from The Parlour to Cambo Gardens, featuring an exclusive book signing opportunity!
Food Fun: Art and Heritage
When: 7 July / 10.30am - 4.30pm
Where: Juniper Auditorium, V&A Dundee
Discover a selection of food-related art and design pieces from the University of Dundee Archive and Museum collections, drawing inspiration from the remarkable artwork, illustrations, and packaging designs created by DJCAD alumni.
Tummy Rumble – A Parachute Play Event
When: 7 July / 12-3pm
Where: Slessor Gardens
Attendees are invited to join a complimentary drop-in play event led by artist Katherine Fay Allan. The event will focus on a hand-crafted play parachute showcasing magnified images of microorganisms discovered in the human digestive system.
Trishaw Rides with Cycling Without Age Scotland
When: 7 July / 12-3pm
Where: City Square
Experience the charm of Dundee in an eco-friendly way by taking a leisurely ride in a Trishaw. These specially designed e-bikes offer a delightful way to explore the city, with picturesque views and a refreshing breeze as you journey between Dundee City Square and Slessor Gardens. The Trishaw can accommodate up to 2 passengers, providing a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of Dundee. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, connecting with it in a personal and engaging way. Hop on a Trishaw to discover Dundee's beauty and charm in a whole new light.
Seed Paper Making with City Flowers Garden Studio
When: 7 July / 2-4pm
Where: Verdant Works
Entertaining for all ages, both adults and children can explore the art of paper making with organic or recycled materials, as well as discover information about native blooming plants in the area.
Café Cooking with Gillian Veal
When: 7 July / 4pm
Where: Waterstones Dundee
Following the Tatha takeover on Saturday, make sure to join Gillian Veal at Waterstones for the launch event of Café Cooking, a perfect gathering for fans of the Parlour and Cambo cafés.
Food Sustainability Q&A with Chef Dean Banks
When: 7 July | 4-5pm
Where: Temple Lane Bar
Cost/entry requirement: £5 | All proceeds go to Dundee Community Centre | Over 18s only
Tickets: Find out more
Dean Banks, a finalist in MasterChef will host an exclusive interview. With a strong emphasis on food sustainability and local produce, Chef Banks and his team are dedicated to promoting these values in their venues across Scotland. This interactive Q&A session will offer insights into how sustainability is integrated into his businesses and highlight the local producers he collaborates with.
Layer Cake Decorating Masterclass
When: 7 July / 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Where: Braw Tea Cafe
Join Master-baker Jeni at Braw Tea Cafe for a buttercream masterclass and demo focusing on flavor and style. Enjoy tea/coffee from Modern Standard and a sweet treat from Braw Tea Café. The event supports women in need and is hosted by Bad Girl Bakery's founder, Jeni.
