Jumpers at the ready!
Head out into the dark evenings for a fresh slice of Aberdeen culture
Hey you!
Here we are again for another month of culture and events to enjoy in the month ahead. Everything seems to be ramping up again as we head into the Autumn months with three major festivals hitting Aberdeen in October.
From October 18th Aberdeen Cocktail Week features over 30 fantastic venues and a lineup of brand-new cocktail and foodie events. On the 19th, Dancelive kicks off, and Citymoves Dance Agency has curated a vibrant festival of dance, set to captivate audiences in venues across the city. And finally, from the 25th, SoundFestival makes its highly-anticipated return, bringing with it a rich tapestry of new music including classical, jazz, electroacoustic, and sound art.
But we’re not just here for the big events. We love the counter-cultural events that might light up a small venue on a rainy Thursday night to an appreciative audience. That’s where Aberdeen’s cultural scene gets really interesting. And we have plenty of examples of that for you this month too.
As always, if you are hosting an event and want to get the word out, let us know. The easiest way is send us an email to hiya@postabdn.com.
Yours,
Chris & Kevin
What’s on in October
Gag Gog
Until Sun 15 Oct 2023
Look Again Project Space
Explore the latest exhibition by Contemporary Art Practice graduates, Rebecca Rae, Rachael Rutherford, Kate Stewart, Ruth Wilson and more.
This showcase unites a diverse collection of artworks, delving into themes ranging from community dynamics to our relationship with the nonhuman world. It's a chance to engage with up-and-coming artists and their innovative viewpoints.
Don't miss this one. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays until October 15th, hosted at Look Again’s Project Space on St. Andrews Street.
New Aberdeen Bestiary: The Cock
Until Sat 2 Dec 2023
The Worm gallery
The Cock marks the penultimate instalment of the New Aberdeen Bestiary project. Abdulrazaq Awofeso is a sculptor and installation artist who lives and works between Birmingham and Lagos.
This exhibition unveils a collection of artworks conceived during Abdulrazaq Awofeso's residency at Peacock & the Worm.
Awofeso's work intimately weaves tales that hold a universal resonance. The subject, the cock, evokes poignant childhood memories of the artist, from the early morning call to prayer by his father and grandfather to the evening ritual of rounding up the chickens.
Between Worlds
Until 6 Oct 2023
The Courtyard Artspace
Embark on a mesmerising artistic journey at The Courtyard Artspace as they host a new exhibition this week exploring the theme ‘Between Worlds.’
The exhibition features the creative talents of artists including Jenny Hood, Mary Butterworth, Shelagh Swanson, Rita Kermack, Kevin Andrew Morris, Rachel Edmunds and Hannah Cutt.
You’ll find The Courtyard Artspace on Clarence Street down by Waterloo Quay.
Symphony in Grey by Mae Diansangu
Music Hall
Symphony in Grey is a poetic new exhibition at The Music Hall offering a fresh journey through the essence of time and space within Aberdeen.
Renowned spoken word artist Mae Diansangu drew inspiration from the 1999 Lonely Planet guide, which poetically described Aberdeen as "an extraordinary symphony in grey."
Mae’s words invite you to stroll through familiar streets, experiencing the many shades of grey – sometimes cool, but never short on spirit!
Future Sessions
Wed 4 Oct 2023 - 8PM
Drummonds
This month's Future Sessions at Drummonds is set to be a musical treat as always, showcasing the talents of some fantastic Aberdeen bands: Copper Lungs, Low Tide, and Ed Merchant.
Come on down, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere, and experience the best in new music that Aberdeen has to offer. A chance to discover and support local talent while enjoying a night of unforgettable performances.
Jim Smith - The Hills Have Ayes
Fri 6 Oct 2023 - 8pm
Music Hall
Jim Smith, the Perthshire farmer and comedian, is back with a fresh show, offering the usual hilarious insights into Scottish rural life.
With his signature blend of accents and impressions, Jim weaves tales from his evolving world, including engagement, first-time fatherhood, and navigating farming facing the twin perils of Covid and Brexit.
Whether you're a toonser or a teuchter, Jim's humour has something for everyone.
Gary Faulds LIVE: Frontier
Fri 6 Oct 2023
Aberdeen Arts Centre
Following a string of sold-out shows across the country, Scotland’s self-professed boldest, sexiest, funniest, most humble comedian Gary Faulds heads to Aberdeen Arts Centre with his brand new tour show, Frontier.
An action-packed hour of relatable comedy from Gary who just wants to be a better version of himself. But what steps need to be taken for that to happen? How do normal people live the life of these six-pack Spartan gods on Instagram who have never had bad days or bits of doner meat stuck to their teeth?
Terrace Market
8 Oct 2023
Common Sense House and Bar
Get ready for an autumn treat! After a hugely successful first market with over 800 delighted visitors, the Common Sense Terrace Market is back with even more crafters, tasty sauces, and local drinks from Aberdeen and the Shire.
This time, expect a delectable range of homemade treats like cinnamon rolls, scones, brownies, and hearty soups with filled paninis.
Art Pints
Mon 9 Oct 2023 - 6:30 pm
Lemon Tree
Art Pints is a great way to stay in touch with other people in the creative industries. It also gives you a good idea about where peers feel the city’s creative sector is heading.
Enjoy a pint while listening to inspiring speakers from seven of Aberdeen's creative networks. It's a fantastic laid-back gathering for creative minds. Connect and grow.
Hours Presents: ID
Fri 13 Oct 2023 - 7:30 pm
The Cellar
A force to be reckoned with in the Scottish rap scene, ID combines hard-hitting, brutally honest lyrics with an electrifying stage presence.
After years of honing his skills alongside some of Scotland's finest rap artists, Glasgow’s ID is ready to make a name for himself. He’s already dropped two great tracks this year, supported artists like Shogun and Tzusan on their Scottish tour as well and shared the stage with JusHarry & K4CIE at the PITCH Scottish Hip-Hop Showcase.
The Xcerts live
Fri 13 Oct 2023 - 7pm
The Lemon Tree
Anthemic Aberdeen rock trio The Xcerts are back performing in their home town next month in a show at The Lemon Tree that’s not to be missed.
The band have announced a brand new set of headline tour dates that includes a trip home on Friday 13th. Their knack for crafting catchy melodies with emotional depth means you are sure for a great night.
A Play, A Pie and A Pint - The Sheriff of Kalamaki
Tue 17 - Sat 21 Oct 2023 - 1 pm and 6pm
Lemon Tree
Check out ‘The Sheriff of Kalamaki’ this month A Play, A Pie and A Pint returns to the Lemon Tree! This sun-soaked story set in the tourist paradise of Kalamaki, explores the myths we all create about living a "good life."
For Dion, Kalamaki is paradise. He visited thirty years ago and never left. Dion has found his perfect role as "The Sheriff," paid by a local cop to keep an eye on rowdy British tourists and prevent disasters. Dion takes pride in his newfound job. However, when an old acquaintance from Scotland shows up seeking assistance, Dion faces a tough decision.
Aberdeen Cocktail Week
18-24 Oct 3034
Venues Across the City
Aberdeen Cocktail Week is back for 2023! Enjoy the city's biggest cocktail festival yet, featuring over 30 fantastic venues and a lineup of brand-new cocktail and foodie events.
With a Cocktail Week wristband, you'll unlock exclusive access to special menus, crafted just for festival-goers, and get the chance to savour delicious food and cocktail pairings, attend masterclasses, and indulge in tastings from your favourite brands. Don't miss this spirited celebration!
DanceLive 2023
Thu 19 - Sun 22 Oct 2023
Venues Across the City
Citymoves Dance Agency has created a dance festival programme to entertain audiences in venues across the city, including The Lemon Tree, Music Hall, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Anatomy Rooms and the Bon Accord Centre.
A series of free morning workshops and classes will be held in their Schoolhill Studio, led by visiting artists and companies. Over the 4-day festival, they’ll also be screening dance films and documentaries in Cowdray Hall.
SoundFestival
Wed 25 - Sun 29 Oct 2023
Venues Across the City
SoundFestival returns late in the month with its diverse offering of new music, spanning classical, jazz, electroacoustic, and sound art.
The festival is known for commissioning and producing new works each year, many of which go on to tour in the UK and abroad.
This year's edition puts the spotlight on piano and vocals, with exciting instrumental and electroacoustic performances by local and international artists.
Moody Moody Live
28 Oct 2023 - 7:30pm
The Cellar
Catch Moody Moody this month making their live debut at The Cellar. Expect noisy Alt-Indie bangers as they promote their debut EP. Aberdeen Psych-rockers Dead Shadows will kick the evening off, and completing the line-up is DJ Yogi to see out the night on the decks.
There’s a lot of excitement around this gig. It’s expected to be a sell-out, so grab your ticket while you still can.
Sabotage Halloween
Fri 27 Oct 2023 - 8pm (updated date)
Spin Records
DJ Inner Saboteur presents the third edition of SABOTAGE and this time it's a special Halloween treat. The special guest is the sensational Beth Wallace, who'll keep the party going past the witching hour with a high-energy set of infectious house music.
Join the Saboteurs for a thrilling Halloween bash!
Until next time…
We’re getting the warning from Substack that we might get cut off by your email server, so it’s probably time to stop here. You can never say we don’t bring you enough events!
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Love you guys. See you next month x
