Popular Festival returns to Paisley

Renfrewshire’s events programme gets underway next month as the ever-popular Paisley Food and Drink Festival makes its return to the town offering an array of delicious dishes and fantastic entertainment for all.  

The free to attend two-day event, returns on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April in Abbey Close and Bridge Street in Paisley town centre.   

This year’s festival has been supported by funding from EventScotland which has allowed the event programme to be expanded to include a Big Feed Foodie & Makers Market offering a range of artisan products for visitors to buy. 

Renfrewshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) will also be back with their Beer Tent located on Bridge Street for visitors to sample some of the finest ales and craft beers sourced from across Scotland. 

This year will see more than 60 traders offer their wares to attendees with options to suit a range of dietary requirements to make sure everyone can enjoy all the fun of the festival.  

The 2026 festival will see a number of local traders such as Two Towns Down and The Big Slice with the popular bar tent from The Keg located in Abbey Close with a brilliant range of bands playing live music for people to enjoy with a drink and a bite. 

Visitors can expect to see returning festival favourites including Scozzese woodfired pizza, The Wee Tacqueria, Fries Guys and Dirty Bird. While the Fizzbuz prosecco van, Margarita Truck and Caribbean bar, Rum Shack are sure to offer a tasty tipple for the grown-up crowd.  

A new addition to this year’s festival will see a series of tasting sessions take place over the two days run by local business GINstitute for gin enthusiasts to find out more about their favourite tipple.  

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, said: “Events like the Paisley Food and Drink Festival play a vital role in supporting our local communities. They not only deliver economic benefits, but also bring people together to connect, create memories, support local businesses and contribute positively to the wider visitor economy. 

“Supported through our National Events Programme, Paisley Food and Drink Festival is part of Scotland’s diverse portfolio of events and festivals, and it’s great to see the event continue to grow each year, with even more local produce and entertainment on offer for visitors in 2026. 

“By enabling organisers to deliver well-designed and impactful events, we’re helping ensure they continue to make a positive difference. We look forward to another successful weekend for the festival and for Paisley.” 

As part of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) Paisley Takeover, which will take place on the same weekend, a number of acts will perform for visitors adding to the festival vibe with Soul Level Collective, Conscious Route and Kryptik scheduled to perform on the Friday. The SAMA Paisley Takeover will extend into Saturday with a number of acts scheduled to play at The Bungalow and Paisley Arts Centre.  

Renfrewshire Council Events Manager, Pauline Allan, said: “This year’s Paisley Food and Drink Festival looks set to be our biggest yet with an expanded programme offering more for visitors to enjoy. 

“An exciting change for this year will see some of the kids’ programme brought into the Friday night to make sure there’s something to entertain the little ones and make the first night of the festival fun for families too.  

“This is the first major event in our calendar this year and is always a popular one with locals and visitors alike. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to what is sure to be a fantastic weekend filled with food, drink, music and fun.” 

The family programme will also be broadened out for this year’s Paisley Food and Drink Festival with inflatable play areas and free face painting also being available on the Friday so there’s something to keep the little ones entertained while the grown-ups relax.  

On Saturday there will be even more free kids’ activities on offer, many with a sports theme in anticipation of Scotland’s Summer of Sport with keepie-uppie king, Graeme Lightbody showing off his skills to the crowds, sport inspired food workshops and sports themed cabaret circus shows.  

Paisley Food and Drink Festival will take place from 4pm-10pm on Friday 24 April and from 12pm – 9pm on Saturday 25 April. 

To find out more about Paisley Food and Drink Festival 2026 please visit www.paisley.is.  

To book one of the GINstitute tasting sessions visit: www.paisleyginstitute.com/book-online 

For more information on the SAMA Paisley Takeover please visit: www.officialsama.com.