Every two years, there is a change of pace in Moray when the autumn sets in. Forres starts to put on a different kind of energy, with its streets and cafés growing more animated and the town’s creative side making itself known in every corner. All of this is centred on the Findhorn Bay Festival, an arts and culture extravaganza that has earned its place as one of the most looked-forward-to items on the local calendar. Returning in 2026, the festival will once again put on a colourful show of performances, exhibitions and community events for audiences from all over Scotland and further afield.
For anyone wanting to make time in Moray, this is the occasion to do it. The festival is more than something to put in for a couple of hours; it turns Forres and the environs into a destination in their own right. Be it for the theatre, music or the general buzz of a town in celebration mode, it is ample reason to book a room and stay put.
A festival with character
What gives Findhorn Bay Festival its appeal is its sense of place. You will not find the same detachment from the surroundings that can be the case with some of the larger metropolitan arts festivals. This is an event with its roots firmly in the identity of Forres and the wider Moray community, one that puts on display the area’s coastal scenery, creative past and tradition of getting involved.
It is what draws visitors in. They are not here merely to take in some culture but to see the town come together around it. The programme has an element of discovery to it, with venues running the gamut from well-known public halls to unassuming pop-up spots. One might be in a theatre for a performance and the next moment in an outdoor installation or a small venue with a more intimate feel.
2026: What is on offer
The festival has made a name for itself with quality curation and an open door policy. An eclectic mix is the norm, with live music, dance, spoken word and visual art all in evidence, alongside family affairs and site-specific work. It is designed for the casual visitor as much as the regulars. There is no need to structure the day around a headline act; the festival is there to be dipped into at your leisure.
Overnight guests will appreciate that sort of flexibility. To have a proper itinerary without the hassle of transport or missing out on the evening shows, staying in or near Forres makes sense. It is a way to make the trip more of a break and less of a chore.
Making Forres your base
During the festival, having accommodation in the town is a matter of convenience as much as comfort. It allows for a slower pace, whether that means savouring a meal in a local café or putting in some time at the coast or heritage sites between acts. For those coming from a distance, Moray is best explored without being in a hurry and the festival is the ideal cultural focal point for a longer visit. If 2026 plans are in the making, it would be wise to put down a booking for the dates around the festival early on.
In the end, Findhorn Bay Festival is about giving people a good reason to be in Forres, not just to pass through. There is a lot to be said for the town’s long history and the community spirit that runs through it. Visitors who make time to explore will find Forres has much to offer.
The area is well regarded for its independent businesses, attractive setting and the fact that some of Moray’s finest landscapes are easy to get to. It is a place where one can be in the thick of festival crowds and then in peaceful surroundings within minutes; that sort of balance is hard to come by. By day there is the energy of the festival, and in the evening you can retreat to something more sedate.
Locals and those putting up at nearby accommodation will tell you the festival is but one element of a far more rewarding visit. A typical itinerary may see you strolling the town in the morning before a matinee, with dinner at a local restaurant and an evening event to follow. The following day might mean a detour into the countryside or a trip out to Findhorn and the coast. In short, the festival is the centrepiece of a wider escape.
A cultural highlight for the whole family
Part of what draws people to the Findhorn Bay Festival is that it does not put off different age groups. While some cultural events seem to have a limited audience, this one has a wider appeal. Families tend to like the way it mixes open-air activity and workshops with performances that will hold the interest of both children and adults.
It is a sensible way to plan a holiday. There is no need to put on separate entertainments for everyone when the festival provides an inclusive experience. And with the right accommodation in Forres or the vicinity, parents can put together a less hurried schedule with some downtime in between. For a multi-generational party, the programme has something for the grandparents as well as the younger ones, all while sharing in the event. Such a mix of accessibility and cultural substance is why the festival has such a devoted following.
Why book early
Given the 2026 return is coming up, it is wise to look after your accommodation plans in good time. An arts event puts a strain on the local room stock and the most convenient spots do not last. To be close to the venues and dining without paying a premium, booking ahead is the way to go.
Reserving early also affords you the flexibility to build your trip around the programme once it comes out. Whether you are thinking of a weekend, or want to extend your stay in Moray mid-week, having your lodging in order makes for a less stressful and more celebratory affair for couples, families and friends alike. You can make the festival a proper highlight of the year rather than scrambling for a room when the details are made public.
More than a festival
Do not let the fact that the Findhorn Bay Festival is based mostly in Forres limit your view of it. It is an entry point to the coastal character and cultural life of Moray. The region is ripe for sightseeing should you wish to pair the two.
After a day of installations and performances, there is a particular satisfaction in getting back to a comfortable room in a town that gives you equal measure of nature and culture. First-time visitors often remark on the impression Moray leaves them with for that very reason.
Make your plans for 2026
The festival is a celebration of the place and its people, not merely Forres’ annual party. As we look to an exciting 2026 edition, it is a good moment to consider where you will be staying.
An overnight is the best way to take in everything the town has to give and avoid the rush home. Put your name down for accommodation now and arrange your schedule around the dates. When the festival comes to town in 2026, Forres will be alive with it. One has to wonder if you will be on hand for it.
The full line-up can be found at findhornbayfestival.com