What's On Aberdeen: Your Guide to Cultural Events

Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong returns to the stage in 2024 to mark 30 years since the novel’s release. This powerful tale follows Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman whose passionate affair with Isabelle Azaire in pre-war France is torn apart by the horrors of the First World War.

Celebrate 15 years of Class*Act Drama with their whole-school musical theatre show, Raise You Up! Featuring songs from beloved musicals and movies, these talented pupils will have you clapping, dancing, and singing along in no time. Don’t miss this uplifting anniversary performance!

Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s celebrated crime writing festival, is gearing up for its thrilling ninth edition from February 20-23, promising an exhilarating lineup of literary luminaries and unique experiences. The 2025 event again underscores Aberdeen’s reputation as a haven for crime fiction enthusiasts, blending traditional Scottish storytelling with a modern twist.

Deemouth Artists Studio’s 2025 Workshop Weekender is on it's way and you’re invited! With workshops led by our talented resident artists, you can try something new or build on your skills. From quick two-hour sessions to full-day deep dives, there’s loads to choose from. Check out what’s on and grab your spot!

The PoPieronie String Quartet from Żywiec will perform at this year’s Polish-Scottish Mini Festival. Blending traditional highland songs with original compositions, their music draws from Polish, Slovak, and Hungarian cultures. With roots in folk, jazz, and classical music, the quartet celebrates highlander traditions and has earned acclaim at prestigious folk festivals.

Poetry in the Park takes place on the last Sunday of every month in the beautiful Union Terrace Gardens, near Common Sense Café. This open mic event welcomes everyone, offering a unique mix of community and creativity. Share your own work or just enjoy an afternoon of spoken word in a scenic spot.

Join the Belmont Cinema crew at Granite Noir for a night of horror with author Anna Bogutskaya and a screening of Censor, chaired by Kirsty Logan. In Feeding the Monster, Bogutskaya explores horror’s growing presence in pop culture, challenging the idea that horror fans are anything but passionate. The discussion is followed by a screening of the British psychological horror Censor.

Join author and award-winning comedian Alasdair Beckett-King at Granite Noir for a fun, interactive detective masterclass with Montgomery Bonbon, the world’s finest sleuth. Perfect for ages 8–12, this session teaches you how to walk, talk, and detect like a pro. Adults over 12? You’ll need a child’s permission to attend!

SOLD OUT: With the 3rd millennium nearly 2.5% complete, satirical comedian Andy Zaltzman embarks on his biggest stand-up tour yet, dissecting the state of Planet Earth and its most puzzling species—the human race. Known for his sharp wit as chair of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Andy tackles life’s biggest questions—What? Who? Where? And Why?—in a show packed with his award-winning, inventive comedy.

Get ready for a feast as Aberdeen Restaurant Week returns, celebrating the city’s vibrant food scene. With over 60 restaurants, cafes, and bars offering special menus from £5, it’s the perfect chance to try new flavours or revisit old favourites—without breaking the bank. From hearty Scottish classics to bold international dishes, there’s something for everyone!

Jenny Eclair is bringing her latest show, Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live!, to Aberdeen. Inspired by her hilarious memoir, it’s a no-holds-barred dive into her colourful life and four decades in comedy. From cider-soaked drama school days to winning the Perrier Award, Eclair’s chaotic, inspiring journey promises an evening of laughter.

LIMITED TICKETS: Fresh from Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own, and Have I Got News For You, Maisie Adam is back on tour with her show Appraisal. Five years into her comedy career, it’s time for a performance review—will she prove why she’s an award-winning act, or face “organisational restructure”? Join her to find out!

Fiona Soe Paing’s electro alt-folk fuses her Scottish/Burmese heritage, electronic roots, and North-East Scotland’s ballad traditions into a captivating soundscape. Silvery electronics, haunting vocals, and natural sounds combine with Isla Goldie’s evocative visuals to create an immersive experience. Praised as “sublimely powerful,” it reimagines ancient stories, offering a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes.

Outer Spaces presents IN OUR SPACES, an exhibition exploring mental health through collaboration and creativity. Featuring work by local artists Kirsty Russel, Maria Muruaga, and Lauren McLaughlin, the show stems from workshops where participants shared stories and reflected on mental health through art.

This exhibition by members of the Royal Photographic Society in Scotland features a stunning selection of prints, highlighting diverse photographic styles and the exceptional talent in Scotland. Free to visit, the exhibition runs throughout February.

Discover a fresh take on art at Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol. Explore how 20th-century modern art found its way onto clothing and home decor, with works by legends like Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, Matisse, and Zandra Rhodes. It’s where art meets everyday life

Bob Bain, an Aberdeen artist and printmaker was a true romanticist. His work captures an emotional response to nature’s moods, blending personal narrative with a printed medium. This exhibition brings his works together in their entirety for the first time, offering a chance to explore his profound artistic vision and reflect on the world he left behind.

Reja Gildea's stunning collage work is coming to the Bonnymuir Green Café! After wowing audiences at last year’s Open Art Exhibition, Reja was inspired to develop an entire show. Her exhibition, Dreamland, showcases a collection of her captivating and imaginative collages, offering visitors a glimpse into her creative world.

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.

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.

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.

March

Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe, and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd are bringing the Here Comes the Guillotine podcast to Aberdeen for a night of sharp, unpredictable comedy. From true crime theories to obscure cinema and offbeat political quips, expect irreverent laughs and plenty of thought-provoking ramblings.

Aberdeen’s alt/noisey band Moody Moody are known for their unique blend of shoegaze, dream pop, and indie sounds. With Levi, Jack, Marc, and Phil at the helm, their music delivers a moody yet captivating vibe that lingers long after the last note. Catch them headlining live at Krakatoa, supported by the equally talented Sonnet and Moon Cadets.

Root System are a high-energy ska/punk/dance band guaranteed to get the crowd buzzing. With catchy tunes and an electric live presence, this four-piece features brothers Kev Fek (vocals), Ronnie (guitar/vocals), Handsome Dan (bass), and their close mate Ryan (drums). Expect a sound that gets everyone moving.

Deadfire, Aberdeen’s wild drunk’n’rollers, are pure, old-school rock chaos. With sleazy, hard-hitting riffs and a raw energy that’s impossible to ignore. Frontman Charlie leads the charge, with Rich’s gritty guitar, Oi’s thundering bass, and Tunk’s pounding drums delivering a show that’s all swagger and pure adrenaline.

Monza Express are a five-piece guitar band from Aberdeen, Scotland, blending a variety of influences to craft their sound. Formed in late 2017, the lineup features Fraser Bateman (vocals/rhythm guitar), Greg Burgess (bass), Kris Fraser (keyboard), Shaun Reid (lead guitar), and David ‘Deco’ Smith (drums).

Bring your poems, prose, stories, or comedy to the latest Speakin’ Weird night. This open, welcoming space is perfect for sharing your work or enjoying others’. Hosted by Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, it’s a great way to connect with Aberdeen’s thriving spoken-word scene.

April

Tickets are now live for Dee to the Sea, Greyhope Bay’s 31.5km fundraiser walk from Banchory to Torry Battery. This scenic challenge supports Greyhope Bay’s work connecting people with the coastline and local communities.

LIMITED TICKETS: Fierce Beer hosts the Aberdeen Beer Festival at the Music Hall, bringing together twelve incredible guest breweries alongside their own award-winning creations. With two sessions filled with stunning flavours, it’s a must-visit event for craft beer enthusiasts in the heart of Aberdeen.

Future

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.