Dive into Summer Fun with Aberdeen's July Event Guide

July in Aberdeen bursts with events from wildlife photography to the first birthday of Sabotage and a sea-themed festival.

Dive into Summer Fun with Aberdeen's July Event Guide
The excellent THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW exhibition by David Bellingham Photo by Chris Sansbury / POST

Hey you,

July in Aberdeen is shaping up to be an action-packed month full of awesome events for all ages and interests. At POST, we're here to guide you through the highlights. We've got your back when you're deciding how to make the most of the summer.

We start with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery, showcasing the natural world through stunning photography from the 6th of July. On the 13th, explore your artistic side at the Drawing Beasts workshop at the Art Gallery, or dance the night away at Sabotage’s First Birthday Party at The Tunnels.

Mid-month, dive into the Aberdeen Festival of the Sea, which celebrates the city’s maritime heritage with events across multiple venues from the 15th to the 28th. Following close behind is the Aberdeen Fringe Festival, beginning on the 19th, featuring a vibrant mix of music, comedy, and art.

Why not wrap up the month with the Workshop Weekender at Deemouth Artist Studios starting on the 26th, where you can get your hands stuck into various creative workshops.

Oh, before we crack on with the month ahead, you have until Sunday 7th July at midday to get in your application to speak at this year's TEDx Aberdeen event. Aberdeen's cultural community has loads of great stories to tell and it would be ace to see the sector represented this year.

Thank you for your continued support. It's your enthusiasm and feedback that keep POST thriving. If you'd like to help us keep bringing you the best of Aberdeen's cultural scene, consider upgrading to a paid subscription for just £3 per month. Your support makes all of this possible.

Stick with us throughout the month for more. We keep our events list up to date here, and all the latest news is right here.


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What's on in July?

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

From Sat 6 July - Aberdeen Art Gallery

Starting 6th July, explore the natural world at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery. You'll have the chance to see the world’s most astonishing creatures and the unique challenges they face, all presented through captivating photography.

Now in its 59th year, this renowned competition has drawn nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries, showcasing the talents of both amateur and professional photographers.

Like a Daydream Daytime Sessions

Sat 6 July - Drummonds

DJ Yogi’s next daytime session of Like a Daydream at Drummonds in Aberdeen is set for Saturday, 6th July, starting at 2pm. This session, he's teaming up with DJ Nisbé to bring you more Shoegaze and Dream Pop delights. They might even drop some tracks from his new project.

Enjoy a dreamy afternoon of music with free entry—perfect for unwinding and experiencing some great tunes.

Climate Camp Scotland

From Wed 10 July - Aberdeen

Climate Camp Scotland is taking place around Aberdeen this July. The camp is a community-driven space for living, learning, and strategising against fossil fuel profiteering. Given that Aberdeen is known as Europe's Oil and Gas Capital, it’s a pivotal location for this action.

Pedalo with The Sun Day and Moody Moody

Thu 11 July - The Tunnels

Pedalo, rising stars on the Glasgow music scene, are embarking on their first Scottish tour and will be playing at The Tunnels. They'll be joined by local favourites, The Sun Day and Moody Moody.

After spending the last few years refining their dreamy yet addictive sound, Pedalo's debut tour is the perfect warm-up for the summer festival season.

Drawing Beasts with Sadie Main

Sat 13 July - Aberdeen Art Gallery

Join Peacock at Aberdeen Art Gallery's learning space for the 'Drawing Beasts' event, led by local artist Sadie Main. Inspired by Sadie’s collaboration with printmaker Jonathan Comerford, this unique workshop focuses on drawing animals, including the mythical unicorn.

The session is suitable for adults and young adults, drawing inspiration from Sadie’s artistic practice and the work displayed in the New Aberdeen Bestiary exhibition in Gallery 16.

Sabotage First Birthday Party

Sat 13 July - The Tunnels

Sabotage is Aberdeen's premier underground queer party, spotlighting queer DJs, performers, and artists. Everyone is invited to celebrate the one-year anniversary.

Following the success of the Pride after-party, the event will once again feature a cabaret preceding the club night. The headline DJ, Zak from Bolton, along with guest cabaret host Mystika Glamoor, co-owners of Edinburgh's award-winning sober queer space, Kweer Kafe, will be leading the festivities.

The Gaslight Project

Sat 13 July - The Blue Lamp

With their new single just released, The Gaslight Project are playing a live gig at The Blue Lamp. They'll be rocking the stage with support from The Rarely Social, Cadheart, No Cluü, and Poür Me.

Hailing from Aberdeen, The Gaslight Project is a four-piece Alternative Rock band that blends metalcore breakdowns with heavy rock and pop punk, creating a great sound.

Aberdeen Festival of the Sea

From Mon 15 July - Venues Across Aberdeen

As anticipation grows for The Tall Ships Race's return to Aberdeen next year, there is increasing interest in the city’s relationship with the sea. Aberdeen is set to celebrate its rich maritime heritage and future with the debut of the Festival of the Sea.

This city-wide event, running from 15th to 28th July, promises a packed schedule of activities across multiple venues. The festival will deepen the connection between Aberdeen and its coastal environment, showcasing both historical and contemporary maritime elements.

Aberdeen Fringe Festival

From Fri 19 July - Shiprow

The Aberdeen Fringe is back this July, showcasing a vibrant mix of local and international talent. This year, the festival is more accessible than ever with daily access tickets and free entry for kids.

Spanning more venues and offering a broader array of entertainment options—from bands and DJs to theatre, comedy, and art—the festival will host over 150 shows across three days. It's shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of music, comedy and culture.

Between Two Elements

Until Sun 21 July - Suttie Arts Space

There are just a few weeks left to catch 'Between Two Elements' at the Suttie Arts Space.

This exhibition features works by Moira Downie from Moray School of Art and Esther Helfer from Gray's School of Art. Both artists were selected for GHAT’s annual Degree Show Graduate Exhibition Award, showcasing their significant talents and fresh perspectives in the art world.

Workshop Weekender

From Fri 26 July - Deemouth Artist Studios

Deemouth Artist Studios host its first-ever Workshop Weekender in the heart of Torry. Hosted at the Deemouth Business Centre, this event will feature a series of creative workshops led by the talented studio residents.

Having long served as a sanctuary for artists, designers, and makers, the studios are extending their creative spirit to the wider community. The Workshop Weekender offers a variety of sessions, ranging from brief two-hour introductions to immersive full-weekend experiences.

Magma

Every Sunday - Krakatoa

Join MAGMA at Krakatoa every Sunday for Aberdeen's dedicated weekly event supporting young and emerging musicians. MAGMA offers a comprehensive space for networking, performances, and workshops, utilising the venue's main room, AV production suite, and conference room.

The MAGMA project is actively fostering and expanding Aberdeen's music scene, providing a vital platform for new talent.


Aberdeen New Music
All the latest musical releases from Aberdeen bands, singers and producers. Wrap your ears round this.

Until Next Month

As we head into July, don't forget to visit The Belmont Cinema's crowdfunder page. For many years, The Belmont Cinema was a beloved spot in Aberdeen, creating a community feel and delighting moviegoers with its diverse film selections. Although it's been closed since 2022, with your support, we can ensure a bright future for this cherished independent cinema in Aberdeen.

See you next month,

C+K

Video by Dusty McDonald