What's On Aberdeen: Your Guide to Cultural Events
The ultimate resource for discovering everything cultural in Aberdeen, from local events to creative happenings.
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 highlights Aberdeen’s creative scene, from theatre and music to visual arts. We focus on showcasing the city’s unique talent and supporting local voices.
Through stories, artist profiles, and event coverage, we’re here to share what makes Aberdeen vibrant. Sign up for free or support us and go ad-free for just £3 a month.
June
The acclaimed West End revival of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe arrives in Aberdeen this June. With inventive staging and a fresh take on the classic story, it brings C.S. Lewis’s icy world to life for a new generation.
This high-energy dance showcase features Just Dance pupils of all ages, from preschool mini movers to dazzling adult tap dancers. Together, they create a fantastic journey filled with rhythm, skill, and lots of fun. It’s a celebration of dance and dedication.
Aberdeen’s top spoken word performers go head-to-head in this live poetry slam, part of a national series with a £3,000 grand prize. The audience decides who goes through, so expect big energy, sharp words and surprises on stage.
Cheish Merryweather, research psychologist and psychopathy expert, brings her gripping new show MURDER:STAGED to the stage. With a live psychopath test and a deep dive into five types of stagers—The Planner, The Creator, The Cleaner, The Concealer, and The Inflictor—it’s a night of forensics, real-life case studies, and crime scene walk-throughs.
Rhod Gilbert returns to the stage with his latest stand-up show, packed with sharp wit and darkly funny tales. From life’s lemons to its grapefruits, he finds humour in the everyday struggles we all face. Known for his clever observations and personal storytelling, Rhod brings his signature style to this new tour.
Barvale Nights celebrates Roma culture in Scotland with a mix of heartfelt ballads and lively dance tunes. It’s a bold, beautiful showcase of Roma talent. The Ando Glaso Collective brings together master musicians from Romanian, Polish, Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian Roma communities. Their music blends authentic Gypsy traditions with personal heritage.
A new show opens at Castlegate Gallery this Saturday, bringing together work from 13 artists including Frances Walker, Rita Kermack and Graham Fowler. It’s a lovely mix of styles and voices, and a great excuse to swing by Justice Street for a look.
One of Scotland’s biggest rap showcases returns to Aberdeen for a high-energy night at Tunnels. Featuring FER4Z, Dermot, Stunna, Symi and Kuama, Heatwave III brings together bold sounds and standout talent from across the scene.
A unique mural co-created by Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng and young people from displaced backgrounds tells a story of hope and resilience. Through workshops, these young artists shared their experiences and creativity, resulting in a powerful communal piece. Cheng’s distinctive style brings their voices to life.
Kooperator hosts a new exhibition showcasing early career printmakers based in Aberdeen. Bringing together fresh perspectives and techniques, the show offers a glimpse into the city’s emerging print scene. The opening night is informal and BYOB, with the exhibition open on selected dates through July.
A free family celebration in the heart of Aberdeen, with food vendors, stalls, bouncy castles and kids’ activities. Hosted by local mosques and community groups, Eid on the Terrace brings people together for a joyful afternoon in the park.
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling thriller, this tense play follows Rachel as she’s drawn into a complex missing person case. Layer by layer, the story unfolds with gripping twists and suspense. A night at the theatre that keeps you on edge and guessing, it’s a sharp, atmospheric adaptation that captures the novel’s chilling sense of uncertainty.
The UK’s leading vocal harmony quartet, G4, brings an evening of musical theatre magic to the stage. From soaring ballads to bold anthems, G4’s signature sound brings new life to classics from Les Mis, Phantom, Jersey Boys, and more. A night of powerhouse vocals, unforgettable melodies, and pure musical joy.
Phoenix Youth Theatre brings Annie to the stage, a cheerful musical that’s great for the whole family. It features memorable songs that stay with you long after the final curtain. The story follows themes of hope and resilience, showing how believing in a better future can make all the difference.
ACE Voices and Ferryhill Community Centre are launching a new intergenerational choir for the Tall Ships. Open to all ages, the project includes July rehearsals and performances during the festival. The information evening is a chance to find out more in a relaxed setting—no singing experience needed.
Rob Beckett returns with a new tour, bringing his signature style to tales of family life, modern absurdities, and the odd hilarity of hotel buffets. With sharp observations and plenty of laughs, it’s a show packed with stories that feel all too familiar. Beckett’s warm, cheeky charm makes for a great night out.
Hazlehead Park hosts the first Granite City Festival Weekender, bringing three days of music, dancing and family-friendly energy. Expect a mix of house, techno, live acts and local talent across the weekend.
Belmont Community Cinema launches a free summer film series at Cowdray Hall, each film linked by a love of the sea. From high-seas drama to mythical monsters, the season opens with Master and Commander, followed by cult classics through July and August.
Fairytales get a playful remix in Tales Upon A Time, a new family show from Munelle School of Performing Arts. With runaway princesses, cheeky villains and musical twists, it’s a fast-paced adventure full of laughs for kids and grown-ups alike.
Aberdeen City Orchestra brings an exciting mix of iconic film scores and classical favourites to the stage. From the tension of Psycho to the adventure of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, it’s a night of drama and storytelling. Perfect for film fans and classical music lovers alike.
Peacock is showcasing Pat Douthwaite’s Apples Kabuki suite of lithographs, on display together for the first time since 1988. These vivid prints are a striking blend of movement and bold character, capturing Douthwaite’s expressive take on Japanese Kabuki theatre.
Join a night of questions, games and good humour in support of Aberdeen’s only grassroots arts venue. Teams of up to six can compete, or solo quizzers can be matched on the night. Expect prizes, raffles and fundraising fun in the Café Bar.
Dod Dow’s journey as an artist began at Gray’s School of Art and has grown into a career spanning over 25 years. Best known for his powerful sports portraiture, his work has struck a chord with many. Dod’s focus has recently shifted to a more personal style. It’s a return to the joy of making art for its own sake.
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.
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.
A new display at Aberdeen Art Gallery features Robert Gordon Nicol’s photographs of harbour life from 1800 to 1960. Capturing daily work around the port, it’s a timely look back ahead of this summer’s Tall Ships.
Aberdeen Art Gallery presents All Fired Up, a major display of over 170 studio ceramics from the Sandy Dunbar collection. Alongside works by renowned potters, visitors can get hands-on with selected pieces to explore different techniques and forms.
Weekly
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.
This group is perfect for anyone wanting to practice English while meeting people from different cultures and making new friends. Each week features a new conversation topic, guest speakers, or language games designed to build confidence in a relaxed, friendly setting.
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.
Would you like to see your message here? Let's talk.
POST highlights Aberdeen’s creative scene, from theatre and music to visual arts. We focus on showcasing the city’s unique talent and supporting local voices.
Through stories, artist profiles, and event coverage, we’re here to share what makes Aberdeen vibrant. Sign up for free or support us and go ad-free for just £3 a month.
Future
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.
Aberdeen Arts Centre and Surge are running free workshops for anyone curious about outdoor performance. Open to all experience levels, the sessions offer a chance to learn street theatre skills in a playful and supportive setting, with the option to perform during the Tall Ships weekend.
Drummonds is hosting a full weekend of live music for the Tall Ships Races, 18–20 July. With sets from Randolph’s Leap, The Planet Hour, The Lorelei, The Killing Tide and The Deadly Winters, it’s a great way to enjoy the buzz in town. And yep, it’s free.
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.
Artist Emma Wilson leads a relaxed watercolour session. Learn simple techniques, then create your own piece inspired by the sheds or sea views. A gentle, creative way to build confidence and enjoy some time with a brush in hand.
The Sun Day headline The Tunnels on Friday 1 August with support from The Rooks and Delirium. Early bird tickets are live, so grab them while you can. This one’s looking like a big step for one of Aberdeen’s rising bands.
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.
Nuart Aberdeen returns to its spring roots in April 2026, after a year-long break. Expect fresh murals, big names and that familiar festival buzz as artists take to the city’s walls once again.