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.
Would you like to see your advert here? Let's talk.
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.
May
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sabotage, Aberdeen’s underground queer club night, makes its return this June with its second Pride After-Party. Glasgow DJ duo LEZZER QUEST will headline from midnight to 2am, renowned for their wild, ‘anything goes’ sets. DJ Inner Saboteur will maintain the energy throughout the night.
This Creative Networking Event is designed to strengthen connections across Aberdeen’s creative scene. It features short presentations from diverse artists and professionals, followed by informal networking. It’s a space to share stories, spark new ideas, and explore collaborations.
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.
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.