What's On Aberdeen: Your Guide to Cultural Events

Aberdeen’s cultural calendar is buzzing, and POST’s What’s On page brings you a snapshot of what’s happening across the city. From live music and theatre to exhibitions and creative gatherings, there’s plenty to explore—whether you’re into big shows, community-led projects, or something a little more offbeat.

Thoughtful exhibitions, bold performances, unexpected venues, and the kind of events that bring folk together. It’s all happening right here—and we’re here to help you find it.

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POST celebrates Aberdeen’s creative scene, spotlighting everything from theatre and music to visual art. Our focus is on showcasing the city’s artistic talent and helping local voices reach new audiences.

We believe creativity is vital to Aberdeen and its communities. Through features, event coverage, and artist profiles, we’re here to support underrepresented voices and share the stories that shape the city.

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May

This exhibition showcases the work of photography students as they wrap up their academic year, featuring a selection of their favourite images. From portraiture to landscapes, the show highlights a range of styles and skills in image capture, editing, and studio practice. On display until 29 May.

Award-winning comedian Rich Hall brings his brand-new show to the Tivoli Theatre this May. With razor-sharp wit, musical mischief, and off-the-cuff genius, he blends smart commentary, unpredictable tangents, and quick-fire laughs in a night that’s anything but idle chat. Expect big laughs and funny tunes.

An immersive dance piece inspired by migration, flight, and the nostalgia of place. Moving through hanging sheets with shifting projections, dancers explore new states of being before returning to where they began, folding memories into the simple act of hanging a shirt.

After more than 30 years at Castlegate Frames on Justice St, Graham is transforming his workshop into a new gallery and arts studio. The first exhibition opens this Saturday, May 3, showcasing works from some brilliant artists. A fresh chapter for a familiar space.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is back in Aberdeen after a smash-hit West End run and a shelf of awards. This bold retelling of Jane Austen’s classic is packed with pop hits, sharp humour, and five women taking on every role. Romance, chaos, and karaoke—what’s not to love?

Legally Blonde hits the stage at the Arts Centre in this lively musical from AEA Productions. Follow Elle Woods—and her trusty pup Bruiser—as she swaps sorority life for Harvard Law to win back her ex. What starts as a mission for love turns into a journey of self-discovery as Elle takes on snobbery, stereotypes, and scandal in pursuit of something bigger. Expect big laughs, catchy tunes, and loads of heart.

Join Wayword for the Aberdeen launch of Heather Parry’s latest novel, Carrion Crow. This powerful gothic tale delves into mother-daughter relationships, sexuality, and class. The event will be chaired by Professor Timothy C. Baker, promising an engaging discussion. Don’t miss this chance to explore a spine-tingling narrative!

Fancy crafting your own gothic tale? Join author Heather Parry for a writing workshop inspired by preview objects from the upcoming Gothic exhibition at Sir Duncan Rice Library. Get spooked, get creative, and maybe enter our new Gothic Story Competition! It's a chance to unleash your inner Edgar Allan Poe.

Andy Bell hits the road this year supporting his new solo album Ten Crowns. Expect a mix of fresh tracks, solo favourites, and plenty of Erasure hits, backed by a live band featuring Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé. A night packed with energy, memories, and new sounds.

Heather Parry shares her writing journey and path to publication in this event for North East writers. Get insider tips on building a successful writing career from the author herself. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your craft, it's a chance to learn from Parry's experience. Don't miss this opportunity to boost your writing ambitions!

Tutti Choir’s Spring Concert is coming up on 7 May at the Great Western Community Centre. With special guest Calum Huggan, it promises to be a warm, music-filled evening. Tickets are £10—email choirtutti@gmail.com to book your spot and be part of a joyful night of community and song.

Nodoka Okisawa leads a concert full of atmosphere with music by Debussy, Rachmaninov, Takemitsu, and Helen Grime. With Håkan Hardenberger on trumpet, expect a night of dreamy melodies, dark journeys, and delicate soundscapes. A rich, thoughtful programme, performed by true masters.

Aberdeen College of Performing Arts brings Hello, Dolly! to life with a joyful journey through 1890s New York. Follow Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker with a knack for stirring up chaos, as she sets her sights on grumpy Horace Vandergelder. Big laughs, classic songs, and plenty of heart.

Andy Thom, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Aberdeen, is making waves with his rich blend of country and Americana. Influenced by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and The Band, Andy’s storytelling lyrics and sold-out shows are earning him a strong place in Scotland’s music scene.

Rachael Rutherford’s work threads together memory, healing, and environmental reflection through the quiet power of textiles. Using fabric donated by friends and family—curtains, bedsheets, old clothes—she pieces together a material portrait of people and places, their histories woven into every frayed edge.

Pixies bring their legendary alt-rock sound to P&J Live. Formed in 1986, they shook up the scene with albums like Surfer Rosa and Bossanova, and hits like Monkey Gone to Heaven. Decades on, they’re still packing out venues, with Paz Lenchantin now on bass. A must-see for fans old and new.

Nun of Your Business is a fast-paced comedy where a petty thief finds unexpected shelter with the riotous sisters of Oor Ladies of Dour Clare’s. With handcuffs, romantic tangles, and nuns who aren't quite what they seem, it’s a chaotic, laugh-out-loud tale of mischief and mayhem.

Anne-Marie Casey’s new adaptation of Little Women brings fresh life to a beloved classic. Follow Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March as they navigate growing up with heart, ambition, and courage during the Civil War era. A story of sisterhood and strength that still speaks loudly today.

An Evening with Louis Theroux comes to the Music Hall this May. After three decades interviewing some of the world’s most controversial and fascinating figures, it’s our turn to ask the questions. Expect candid stories, sharp insights, and a few surprises along the way.

After tearing up the stage at the 2024 AGP Xmas Gig, band-of-brothers Dubinski return to Aberdeen with a live show at Drummonds on Friday 16 May. It’s all in celebration of their new album What Is Your Definition Of Happiness? Known for their raw energy and tight sound, Dubinski bring serious presence to the stage.

Capercaillie celebrate 40 years with a rare national tour, stopping at Aberdeen’s Music Hall. Blending traditional folk, roots, and Gaelic song, they’ve brought Celtic music to the world stage, sold over a million albums, and made history with the first Gaelic single in the UK Top 40.

Aberdeen University Dance Society lifts off this May with a showcase packed full of energy and heart. Expect a mix of dance styles, each piece telling a personal story from the dancers’ journey with AUDS. It’s all about celebration, connection, and plenty of stars taking the stage.

Dive into the depths at Aberdeen Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction?, opening 17 May. Explore centuries-old myths, from krakens to selkies, alongside real marine specimens like a megalodon tooth and narwhal skull. Uncover how folklore, fake news, and science fiction have shaped our understanding of the ocean’s mysteries.

Aberdeen Sinfonietta marks The Tall Ships Races with Far and Away at the Music Hall. Expect Debussy’s Petite Suite, Elgar’s Sea Pictures, and the world premiere of The Coast by Clara-Jane Maunder. A celebration of sea journeys, homecomings, and musical storytelling.

Step into a world of Gothic terror in the latest exhibition from University Collections. Showcasing a rich collection of Gothic novels, the exhibition looks at how fear has been used to thrill and unsettle readers through monsters, villains, and transgressive themes.

Restless Natives rides again, reimagined as a stage musical. Join Ronnie and Will—the Highland Highwaymen—as they charm tourists, dodge the police, and dream of something bigger. A fresh take on a cult Scottish story, full of mischief, heart, and a dash of rebellion.

Aberdeen’s own Ragamuffins mark their 30th anniversary with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Follow Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle on an underwater adventure packed with classic songs and colourful characters. A fun, feel-good show for the whole family to enjoy.

The Badger Parade is back—and this time it’s a Diamond Jubilee lap of honour. Celebrating 60 years of mischief, this show blends surreal nostalgia, daft characters, and proper belly laughs. Old favourites, new bits, and a guest spot for one lucky soul. Absolute chaos.

King Creosote returns to the Tivoli with Any Storm in a Teacup, the follow-up to his 2024 Any Port in a Storm tour. Expect a mix of modular synth, I DES tracks, and classic KC tunes in a show that promises something familiar, something new, and plenty in between.

SOLD OUT: The Selecter, led by iconic frontwoman Pauline Black OBE, bring their legendary 2-Tone sound to the Lemon Tree. With classics like Three Minute Hero and On My Radio, they prove that ska’s energy and message are just as powerful today as they were 40 years ago.

Unleash your inner street artist with Outlines Collective and Grampian Wellbeing Festival. This hands-on workshop blends spray painting with mindful movement—discover how body and mind sync to create bold art. Suitable for ages 12+, all materials provided. Dress for mess! Book now—creativity meets movement under the Aberdeen sky.

Tomasz Karolak brings 50 and what? to the Lemon Tree—a musical stand-up show mixing sharp storytelling with live rock songs. Reflecting on his life as an actor and musician, he offers a funny, no-holds-barred look at the world of showbiz you rarely get to see.

Explore Process, Process, Process at Aberdeen Art Gallery, a behind-the-scenes exhibition that reveals the tools, sketches, and workspaces shaping creativity. Offering a rare glimpse into the artistic journey, it showcases the magic that happens before a masterpiece is complete.

Gray School of Dance marks 40 years with a special edition of their bi-annual choreography competition. Featuring pupil-led choreography, class performances, and a reunion dance with former students from every decade, it’s set to be a real celebration of creativity and community.

National Hero Service lands at the Lemon Tree with laughs, music, and dancing, as Create Aberdeen’s inclusive drama group Va Va Voom take on a Disney villain crime wave. Expect chaos, heroics, and plenty of heart from a cast championing community, creativity, and inclusion.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to His Majesty’s Theatre in a bold new revival. Still thrilling, witty, and full of emotional punch, this groundbreaking version swapped the traditional female swans for a powerful male ensemble—rewriting dance history and captivating audiences worldwide.

AOC Productions brings Anything Goes to the Tivoli this May. Set aboard the SS American, it’s a tale of love, disguises, and plenty of mischief on the high seas. Packed with Cole Porter classics like I Get a Kick Out of You and Anything Goes, it’s full of charm and toe-tapping tunes.

Tutu’s Dance School returns to Aberdeen Arts Centre this May with Reach For Your Dreams. Students aged 2 and up will take to the stage with a mix of ballet, tap, and songs from stage and screen. A heart-warming celebration of dance, music, and young talent.

Lear comes to the Lemon Tree in a powerful new reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Directed by Orla O’Loughlin and led by Ramesh Meyyappan’s visual storytelling, this stripped-back version explores madness, betrayal, and the brutal loss of power with sharp, human insight.

The May Big Belmont Bash is set for Saturday 31 May with a full day of free family fun. Starting at noon, the Belmont Street Festival will feature workshops, games, music, tombolas, and plenty of surprises to kick off a summer of good times and community spirit.

James Grant brings his rich voice, sharp songwriting, and virtuosic guitar work to the Lemon Tree. Blending solo material with Love & Money classics, he moves between pop, folk, soul, and blues—always with heart, soul, and a dry sense of humour. A night of timeless music.

Warhammer fans, the new Hammer-Deen Gaming Club is your spot. Every Thursday from 5:30–9:30 pm at Inchgarth Community Centre, you can roll dice, paint models, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. With full-size tables, plenty of scenery, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s the hub of Aberdeen’s Warhammer scene.

Aberdeen’s biggest open mic night is here, offering a welcoming stage for performers of all levels to share their musical talents. Simply sign up on the night and step into the spotlight. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the local music scene, discover new talent, and enjoy a lively community vibe.

Snug runs every Friday at Arkade Studios Project Space—a cosy spot for grown-ups to unwind, make art, and enjoy a warm drink. Free materials are provided, so you can just drop in and create. On select Fridays, free artist-led workshops run from 10am–12 noon, with limited spaces available.

Nuart tours run every Sunday, with three brilliant routes to choose from. These relaxed, guided walks are perfect for exploring Aberdeen’s growing street art collection, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan. You’ll uncover the stories, artists, and ideas behind the murals that have transformed the city's walls.

Magma provides a free, supportive space for Aberdeen’s budding musicians to thrive. Open to anyone aged 14 and up, this weekly event features performances, workshops, and networking. Whether in the main room or the recording studio, it’s all about fostering local talent and creativity.

Future

Meet the Buchanans offers a sideways look at the making—and making up—of history. Following the first Clan Buchanan Chief’s inauguration in over 300 years, the documentary explores wealth, tradition, and belonging with sharp humour. Screening followed by a Q&A.

Aberdeen Metal Fest returns in 2025 with a massive lineup, headlined by hometown hardcore heroes Bitterwood. They’ll be joined by Catalysis, Atlantic Rift, Hammer, Datura, Horenda, Hyperstasis, Gype, Goodhuman, Wyldkat, Permacrisis, and Earthcaster. A huge day for the city’s heavy scene.

Inspired by the movement and history of Aberdeen Harbour, this writing workshop explores themes of arrival and departure. You’ll learn how to evoke a strong sense of place—real or imagined—while guiding readers through time, anchoring them in the past and imagining what’s to come.

The Tall Ships Race is back in Aberdeen, set to be one of the year’s biggest events. Expect 30-50 spectacular ships, a nautical village, a Union Street crew parade, light shows, parties, and more. With half a million visitors expected, it’s a huge celebration of maritime culture.

The Aberdeen Comedy Festival is back, with more venues across the city buzzing with laughter than ever before. Aberdeen Performing Arts is taking the festival to new heights, cementing the Granite City’s place on Scotland’s comedy circuit. Big names are already being announced, so stay tuned for more!

Ever had a late-night thought that felt brilliant but made no sense in the morning? That’s this show. Sara Pascoe brings her signature mix of hilarity and chaos as she navigates sleepless kids, a messy kitchen, and a husband who “doesn’t want to be in it.” Expect laughs, relatability, and a bit of the absurd.