Dumfries may be a relatively small town but has events and festivals all year-round, guaranteed to enchant the most discerning of visitors.
Big Burns Supper
This fun-packed event is known as the biggest Burns Night celebration in the world and actually spans 11 days and nights of activities. Comedy, music and theatre ensure that there is something to delight all the family, with the majority of events taking place in the town centre. A specially erected “Spiegeltent” is the centre of the festival, capable of holding more than 800 eager spectators. An international cabaret show takes centre stage, but being somewhat risque it is for adults only!
Stranraer Museum
Continuously changing exhibitions attracts many visitors throughout the year, with exciting displays open year-round. As if that wasn’t enough, local artists showcase their favourite pieces in the Ross Gallery, with free admission.
Gracefield Arts Centre
This attractive building is home to a permanent display of over 600 drawings and paintings by many Scottish artists, with links to the Dumfries area. Contemporary exhibitions attract international artists every month, allowing visitors to enjoy their modern art pieces.
Doors Open Days
Taking place in September, this innovative idea allows guests and residents alike to have free access to numerous buildings in Dumfries and throughout Scotland. This popular event has actually taken place for over 30 years, with entrance to the Robert Burns Centre being particularly popular.
Wigtown Book Festival
Literary fans flock in their droves to this popular book festival, which has over 200 individual events, including the chance to meet authors, illustrators and journalists. Wigtown is a particularly picturesque area, the perfect backdrop to this renowned annual festival.
Other recommended events and festivals take place in practically every single month in venues such as the Tolbooth Art Centre, the Castle Douglas Art Gallery, and the Kirkcudbright Art Galleries.