October's Events Calendar is Bursting with Cultural Highlights
From photography exhibitions to printmaking classes, the October POST newsletter is packed with ways to enjoy Aberdeen's cultural scene.
Hey You,
First off, we're sorry for the delay in getting this newsletter to you—our busy summer months are catching up with us! But we’re here now, and October is packed with so much happening in Aberdeen’s cultural scene that we couldn’t let you miss out. Despite the shorter days and the cooler weather, the city is full of creative energy, and we’re excited to bring you all the latest news.
In particular, we’re loving the diversity of events that showcase Aberdeen’s creative spirit. Mae Diansangu’s poetry book launch promises to be a highlight for literature lovers, while Peacock is hosting an unmissable woodcut workshop with printmaker Sean Starwars. For film buffs, Crow House’s Shorts Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to catch the latest work from local filmmakers.
Of course, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is entering its final stretch at Aberdeen Art Gallery—so if you haven’t had the chance to see these breathtaking images yet, make sure to visit before it closes. It really is a special show. Whether you’re attending a talk, joining a workshop, or simply taking a stroll to soak in the art, October is full of chances to connect with local culture.
No matter what you’re into, this month has something for you. So, get out there, explore, and make the most of everything the city’s cultural scene has to offer! Tag us in you photos and we'll share with the community.
Enjoy 💛
Chris & Kevin xx
What We've Been Writing About
Renelle 893 has teamed up with Aberdeen producer Vagrant Real Estate to drop a fantastic five-track EP titled "Summer Ends When I Say," serving as a refreshing burst of warmth after a gloomy summer. This EP, infused with funk, disco, and soul, offers a nostalgic but fresh take that captures the essence of summer's end.
It's a bold release that skillfully blends genres and showcases both artists impressive talents. Essential for fans of innovative hip-hop.
One of the most anticipated events on the calendar next year are the 2025 Tall Ships Races and it's growing list of fringe events. Thanks to a collaboration with Clan Cancer Support, the city will host the BookBench Trail, a creative art project transforming Aberdeen with beautifully designed sculptures around town.
If you're an artist, you’ll soon have the chance to submit your designs for the Tall Ships Short Story. With over 400,000 visitors expected, this is a brilliant chance to showcase your talent to a huge, diverse audience across the city. We've written about the opportunity this presents for city artists.
TEDxAberdeen returns next month, bringing an exciting lineup of speakers to explore this year’s theme: Identity. For the first time, the event will be hosted at The Music Hall, with 300 tickets available—perfect for anyone keen to join a day filled with thought-provoking ideas and engaging conversations.
Just like official TED events, TEDx talks feature concise, impactful presentations under 18 minutes. What’s unique is the community-driven spirit, with local innovators and experts offering fresh insights into technology, culture, science, and social issues.
Westburn Park has welcomed The Coffee Box, a cosy coffee shop in a refurbished horsebox run by Clan Cancer Support. Open daily from 8 am to 2 pm, it’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee, offering locally roasted brews from LongWalk Coffee and delicious doughnuts from Dough and Co.
What makes it even sweeter? All profits go directly to supporting Clan’s work with those affected by cancer. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely snack, every cup helps fund vital services in the local community.
Aberdeen City Council has put forward a planning application for a £15 million urban park on Queen Street. The aim is to revitalise this central area as part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan. The park will offer outdoor seating, performance spaces, and a terraced garden, providing something for everyone.
Designed with community input, the park will also include a sensory garden and enhanced green spaces, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy nature. It’s set to become a vibrant gathering place where locals and visitors can relax and experience Aberdeen’s culture. We think this will me a meaningful change for the city centre.
What's on in October
Michael Hautemulle: Bodies at Rest Artist Talk
Mon 7 Oct - Arkade Gallery
Michael Hautemulle’s solo exhibition Bodies at Rest presents a thought-provoking exploration of rest in its many forms, from stillness and recovery to stagnation and even death. The exhibition challenges how we perceive and value time, energy, and the human body in relation to work and rest.
The show will be brought to a close on Monday with a talk where Hautemulle will dive deeper into these themes, questioning the fine line between love and labour. This is a fantastic chance to engage with her work before the exhibition wraps up.
People Print Power Community Printing
Ev Thu and Sat - The Print Room
Peacock is hosting it's Community Printmaking Programme at The Print Room every Thursday and Saturday this month. It offers free classes to teach basic printmaking techniques. You can experiment with print editions, etchings, and mono prints, and there’s even a drawing table with supplies for creating bold and colourful artworks.
The programme wraps up with a Community Printmaking Exhibition next month, showcasing the participants’ work. With pop-up events and refreshments, it’s a fantastic chance to celebrate the local community’s creativity. Perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at printmaking.
Mae Diansagu: Bloodsongs Book Launch
Sat 12 October - Music Hall Big Sky Studio
This month the Music Hall Big Sky Studio hosts the launch of Bloodsongs, Mae Diansangu’s powerful debut poetry collection. It'll be an inspiring afternoon filled with songs, stories, and poetry, with performances by Simone Seales and Tawona Sithole.
Mae’s work delves into themes of queer identity, racial struggles, and mythology, blending English and North-east Scots to create a deeply resonant collection. The launch runs from 1-2 pm, with an opportunity to meet Mae and have your copy signed after the performances. A must-attend for lovers of poetry and storytelling.
P.G. Six Live
Sun 13 Oct - Arkade Gallery
Folk musician P.G. Six is set to perform in Aberdeen for the first time at The Anatomy Rooms this month. A key figure in New York's music scene since the mid-90s, Gubler is known for his unique fusion of 60s British folk, country rock, and experimental soundscapes.
Supporting him on this special night will be local favourites, Kitchen Cynics and Margery Daw, making it an evening brimming with incredible musical talent.
Ade Adesina: Dome
Until Thu 17 Oct - RGU Sir Ian Wood Building
This exhibition showcases the work of Aberdeen-based artist Ade Adesina. It invites you to reflect on the future sustainability of Earth's resources through beautifully crafted depictions of natural wonders. It’s a chance to explore important environmental themes in a visually engaging way.
Open until 17th October, Dome encourages you to imagine what the future holds for our planet. This is one we've not had the chance to visit yet so hopefully we'll get down there before it closes.
DanceLive 2024
From Thu 17 Oct - Venues Across Aberdeen
A highlight in the year's calendar, Citymoves again hosts DanceLive from 17th October, offering an exciting mix of live shows, outdoor performances, films, and workshops across Aberdeen.
Over four days, you can enjoy captivating performances from local, national, and international artists at venues like His Majesty’s Theatre, The Art Gallery, The Anatomy Rooms, and Cheers Bar. There’s also a special night time performance and projection parade in the city centre. Morning workshops and classes will be led by visiting artists, giving you the chance to dive deeper into the world of dance.
Shorts Showcase
Sat 19 Oct - Crow House
Crow House and the 48 Hour Film Project are hosting a film night on Saturday, 19th October at Crow House's new base. The event will feature work from North East filmmakers, and offers a great chance to see the local filmmaking talent on display.
After the screenings, you can take part in a Q&A session with the filmmakers, providing insights into their creative process and experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in film and local arts to connect with the community in Aberdeen.
Moira Milne: From the Garden Through the City to the Sea
Until Fri 25 Oct - Bonnymuir Green
Moira Milne, a local Aberdeen artist and retired Art & Design teacher, presents her exhibition From the Garden Through the City to the Sea at Bonnymuir Green until 25th October. A graduate of Gray’s School of Art, Moira draws inspiration from Aberdeen’s landscape, always with an eye towards the sea.
Her work spans multiple mediums, including pen and ink, acrylic, batik, and fabric collage. Moira often incorporates recycled materials with personal significance, creating both 2D and 3D artworks. Be sure to enjoy this exhibition, which blends local scenery with personal creativity, before it closes.
Sean Starwars: Carve Forever Workshop
From Fri 25 Oct - Peacock
Peacock is hosting a woodcut workshop with Sean Starwars from 25th to 27th October. Whether you’re new to printmaking or want to improve your skills, this three-day session is a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from one of the leading figures in the field.
Sean, based in Mississippi, is renowned for his bold, colourful prints that fuse humour and pop culture. As a founding member of the Outlaw Printmakers, his work has made him a standout in contemporary printmaking. Join this exciting workshop and create your own unique prints under Sean’s guidance.
Jenny Hood: Nine
From Sat 26 Oct - Arkade Gallery
Jenny Hood’s solo exhibition 'Nine' opens at Arkade Gallery on 25th October, showcasing over a year’s worth of work. This collection features a mix of darkroom photography, sculpture, and mixed media, all of which reflect the themes that have shaped her recent artistic journey.
Jenny is excited to share this personal and pivotal body of work with visitors. An accompanying event during the exhibition will also be announced soon, offering further insight into her creative process.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Until Sun 27 Oct - Aberdeen Art Gallery
You’ve only got a few days left to catch the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery. This showcase features stunning images that capture the beauty and challenges of wildlife from around the globe.
Now in its 59th year, the prestigious competition received nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries, highlighting work from both amateur and professional photographers. Don’t miss your chance to experience these breathtaking photos before the exhibition closes!
Until Next Month
If you’ve made it to the end of the newsletter, you’re definitely one of us—a true cultural geek! Maybe you have an event of your own coming up? Let us know! We love hearing about what’s happening in Aberdeen’s creative scene, and sharing it with the community.
Just drop us an email at hiya@postabdn.com with all the details, and we’ll help spread the word. Keeping us in the loop means we can support your work and make sure everyone hears about the fantastic things you’re doing.
And don’t forget to check out the website regularly—we’re posting fresh stories every week to keep you inspired.
Catch you next month.
C+K 💛