The Dunfermline Bruce Festival Returns to Dunfermline

The Dunfermline Bruce Festival is back — bigger and better than ever

Already one of Scotland's most popular free events, the Dunfermline Bruce Festival returns to Pittencrieff Park on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026 with a host of new attractions joining the much-loved jousting, mock battles, artisan markets, stone-lifting demonstrations, kids' funfair and medieval crafts.

This year, King Robert the Bruce and his royal court will be joined by other major figures from the city's rich history: Saint Margaret, King Malcolm Canmore, and of course the world's most famous industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.

Kicking off the festivities will be a formal launch procession from the Louise Carnegie Gates to the main arena, led by Dunfermline's own pipes and drums of the Royal Burgh.

What's new in 2026

Big Wheel with a view. A funfair-style big wheel stationed near the Andrew Carnegie Statue offers spectacular views of the Glen and the city.
Expanded Kids Zone. Youngsters can enjoy funfair and play activities including the School for Squires, teaching agility, strength, and horsemanship.
Community Arena. A new dedicated space for 25 community groups to meet thousands of visitors, promote their services, and recruit new members and volunteers. Scouts, Dunfermline City Brass Band, local photographers, and the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum are already on board.
Live Scottish music evenings. A Music Zone hosts Scottish acts both evenings, with support bands from 4.15pm, Sub Highlighters at 6.15pm, and headline act Highlighter closing the show at 8.45pm.
Folk Stage. A dedicated folk stage running all day alongside choirs, local artists, and drummers on the small stage at 30-minute intervals.

About the festival

The Dunfermline Bruce Festival is a free, family event set in the stunning surroundings of Pittencrieff Park. At its heart are the spectacular jousting and mock battle displays by Les-Amis — the displays that have made it one of the standout events in Scotland's calendar. This year's expanded programme, spanning four arenas across the park, promises an even richer experience for first-time visitors and returning fans alike.

The Dunfermline Bruce Festival runs across four distinct arenas: the Medieval Arena with jousting and battle displays; the Magical Medieval Arena and Kids Zone; the Community Arena at the Louise Carnegie Gates; and the evening Music Zone. All-day activities include the re-enactment village, storytellers, the children's craft tent, falconry, artisan market, food stalls, and the beer tent.

With thanks to our sponsors: EventScotland, Fife Council, and the Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, whose support has helped make this event possible.

Plan your journey

Getting to the festival

By bus

Free vintage shuttle buses running all day from Leys Park car park KY12 7AB
Free vintage bus from Halbeath Park & Ride KY11 7EJ — departing 9.45am and 10.45am, returning 3.15pm and 4.15pm
Buses from all directions to Dunfermline Bus Station KY12 7BB, then a 10-minute walk to Pittencrieff Park main entrance via High Street

By train

Trains to Dunfermline City Rail Station KY12 7HT, then a 10-minute walk to Pittencrieff Park south entrance on Forth Street KY12 7PN

By car

Limited parking and disabled parking at Pittencrieff Park north entrance on Pittencrieff Street KY12 8AN
Overflow parking at Berrylaw Place KY12 8AG, plus a 5-minute walk to the park

Full programme

Running times

Four arenas packed with action across both days.

Arena 1

Medieval Arena

Event	Saturday	Sunday
Opening Ceremony / Pipe Band Parade	10.30–10.45am	11.00–11.20am
Pipe Band / Brass Band	11.00–11.30am	11.30am–12.10pm
Les-Amis Jousting	11.40am–12.10pm	12.15–12.45pm
Battle in Arena 2	12.15–12.45pm	1.00–1.30pm
Battle in Arena 2	1.00–1.30pm	1.35–2.05pm
Brass Band	1.35–2.05pm	2.15–2.45pm
Les-Amis Jousting	2.15–2.45pm	3.00–3.30pm
Battle in Arena 2	3.00–3.30pm	3.40–4.10pm
Falconry	3.40–4.10pm	4.15–4.45pm
Closing Ceremony	4.15–4.45pm	4.50–5.00pm
MC Announcements	6 × 10 minutes throughout the day

All day: Re-enactment Village · Storytellers (5 × 45 min) · Squires Training · Children's Craft Tent · Dunfermline Photo Club · Peacock Stand · Carnegie Birthplace Historic Treasure Hunt · Historic Enactment Actors · Artisan Market · Beer Tent · Food Stalls

Arena 2

Magical Medieval Arena & Kids Zone

Event	Saturday	Sunday
Jester Show	11.00–11.30am & 2.15–2.45pm	11.30am–12.10pm & 3.00–3.30pm
Re-Enactment Battle with Kids	12.15–12.45pm	1.00–1.30pm
Re-Enactment Battle	1.00–1.30pm	1.35–2.05pm
Re-Enactment Battle	3.00–3.30pm	3.40–4.10pm

All day: Stocks · Face in hole photos · Face Painting · Bouncy Castle & Fairground · Medieval Music · Small Stage — Choirs / Local Folk Artists / Drummers every 30 min · Daytime Beer Tent

Arena 3

Community Arena — Louise Carnegie Gates

Event	Times
Stone Lifting Competition	10.30–11.00am · 12.15–12.45pm · 1.15–2.00pm · 3.30–4.15pm
Local Musical Artists — Louise Carnegie Gates Stage	11.30am–12.00pm · 2.00–2.30pm

All day: 25 Community Stalls · Fun Fair · Big Wheel at the Andrew Carnegie Statue

Arena 4

Music Zone — Evening (Both Days)

Event	Time
Bar opens	2.00pm
Support Bands	4.15–6.45pm
Sub Highlighters	6.15–8.45pm
Highlighter (headline act)	8.45–10.00pm

Find your way around

Festival map & site index

Pittencrieff Park is laid out across four arenas. Use the map and index below to plan your day.

Festival site map — Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

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