OFFICIAL VENUES
Margate Soul Weekender is more than a single stage. For one weekend each summer, the music flows across the town. From iconic soul spaces and large-scale live arenas to beachside gatherings and late-night dancefloors, each venue brings its own character to the Margate Soul Weekender experience.
Together, they create a town-wide celebration of music, culture and community on the Kent coast. Whether you're discovering a new artist at The Drill Shed, dancing until the early hours at Neon, enjoying sunset sessions by the sea or reconnecting with friends at Olby's Soul Café, every venue plays a part in the story.
Buy Tickets Olby's Soul Café has been part of the Margate soul story from the very beginning. For many festival-goers, it remains the spiritual home of Margate Soul Weekender. Across three distinct spaces, Olby's hosts an eclectic mix of live music, DJ sessions, intimate performances and late-night celebrations throughout the weekend.
Drill Shed: 8 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Margate Station: 10 mins walk (0.5 miles)
Developed by MSW, The Drill Shed represents the next chapter in the festival's story. As Margate's newest large-scale live music venue, it provides a spectacular setting for headline performances, major productions and unforgettable live moments. Purpose-built for large audiences while maintaining the atmosphere and energy that defines the Weekender, The Drill Shed has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting live music spaces on the Kent coast.
Drill Shed: 1 min walk (59 m)
Margate Station: 18 mins walk (0.9 miles)
Seaside sunsets, Balearic rhythms and laid-back coastal vibes. Home to Balearic Boutique throughout the weekend, blending beach culture with soulful soundscapes.
Drill Shed: 11 mins walk (0.5 miles)
Margate Station: 7 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Neon becomes the home of Bobby & Steve's legendary Margate Soul Weekender sessions. Known for deep house, soulful grooves, uplifting vocals and serious dance floor energy, Neon delivers some of the most anticipated late-night moments of the weekend. - When the main stages close, the party continues here.
Drill Shed: 1 min walk (111 m)
Margate Station: 16 mins walk (0.8 miles)
Olby's Soul Café: The Heartbeat of Margate Soul Weekender
The Drill Shed: Home of the Biggest Sounds of the Weekend
Margate Beach Club: Soul by the Sea
Neon: Late-Night Soulful House and Club Culture
The spiritual home of the festival's street celebrations, bringing carnival energy, community spirit and soul to the heart of Margate.
Drill Shed: 8 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Margate Station: 10 mins walk (0.5 miles)
A celebration of classic soul, funk, disco and groove, hosted in one of Margate's most-loved independent venues.
Drill Shed: 8 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Margate Station: 10 mins walk (0.5 miles)
An open-air gathering point dedicated to feel-good disco, dance-floor classics and the sounds that bring people together.
Drill Shed: 8 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Margate Station: 9 mins walk (0.5 miles)
Showcasing local talent, community groups, emerging artists and special guest performances throughout the weekend.
Drill Shed: 8 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Margate Station: 9 mins walk (0.4 miles)
Barnacles: The Original Carnival Corner
The Wig & Pen: Boogie, Funk & Soul Stage
Duke Street: Disco Corner
The Piazza: Community Stage
A relaxed coastal setting bringing daytime energy, DJs and open-air social vibes to the Margate Soul Weekender experience.
Drill Shed: 18 mins walk (0.9 miles)
Margate Station: 1 min walk (75 m)
A much-loved local spot supporting the wider MSW atmosphere with great music, drinks and community spirit across the weekend.
Drill Shed: 10 mins walk (0.5 miles)
Margate Station: 7 mins walk (0.4 miles)
An intimate independent venue adding underground flavour and late-night character to the wider Margate Soul Festival town programme.
Drill Shed: 1 min walk (33 m)
Margate Station: 17 mins walk (0.8 miles)
The Sun Deck
The Lighthouse Bar
Bar Nothing