Radar: Porty Festival 2026

The Porty Festival is back for the May Bank Holiday weekend – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2026. Expect ticketed headline acts, free community events, and the usual buzz along Portobello’s promenade.

It’s become a proper fixture in the Edinburgh spring calendar, pulling people down to the coast right as the weather starts to turn. Portobello Town Hall anchors the big performances, with the wider weekend shining a light on local artists and businesses.

Portobello Town Hall and the Promenade host a fabulous line-up

Music is centred at Portobello Town Hall, with Saturday 2nd May headlined by folk rock band Mànran. Tickets are through Humanitix, with a cut of the fees going to charity.

Away from the ticketed stages, the promenade and beach are packed with free stuff. There’s a Makers’ Market, a vintage clothing pop-up, and the always-entertaining community dog show. Feeling brave? The Dip and Sip wild swimming event gets things going in the Firth of Forth, usually followed by a well-earned drink at one of the shoreline bars.

Things to do in Portobello

Portobello has a feel all of its own – more seaside town than city suburb. You can get there on the 26 or 49 bus, or cycle in along the coastal path if the weather plays ball.

For food, the Espy (that’s a 13-year-old review!) and the Rusty Seagull (3 months)are great for a pint and some people-watching. Civerinos Slice serves New York-style pizza and is always busy on sunny days. If the seafront kiosks have a queue, there are plenty of spots on the sand to sit with something from a nearby cafe.

Getting there is easy enough, but it’ll be busy. Trains to Brunstane or Edinburgh Waverley are worth booking ahead. The 26 and 49 buses run along the coast and are usually fine.

For your Radar

The Porty Festival is one of those weekends that just works. Good music, a beach, and a community that clearly loves putting it on. First weekend of May – worth the trip.

Quick Links

• Porty Festival
• Manran