The cultural scene warms up, with the Aberdeen Jazz Festival leading the charge.
Hey You,
March is here already. Aberdeen is finally shaking off what we can all agree was a miserable winter, and there are green shoots appearing in the gardens. The same could be said of the cultural scene.
The event dominating this month is the Aberdeen Jazz Festival. We've loved watching it grow each year and the 2026 line-up doesn't disappoint. After the closure of The Blue Lamp, organisers went hunting for spaces the festival had overlooked, and they found some unusual ones.
Bon Accord Baths reopens briefly for a Soundbath performance designed around its cathedral-like acoustics. The Victorian Toilets in Union Terrace Gardens host a gig. So do Queens Cross Church, the Tunnels, and the recently opened Encore (previously The Forum) on Skene Terrace. These join familiar spots like Cowdray Hall and the Lemon Tree, but the overall mix feels a wee bit stranger, and still much stronger, than previous years.
This year also sees a Warm Welcome initiative. If you want a free ticket to most events, you email them. No eligibility criteria. No forms. The festival has also distributed over 200 free tickets to charity and community partners across the city, trying to reach people who might not otherwise come across the programme.
Jazz the Day City returns too, with one ticket accessing four venues across a Sunday afternoon. We've added a few individual events below (look for AJF26 in the title), and you can find full listings on the Aberdeen Jazz Festival site.
But there is way more than the Jazz Festival this month. You can catch the tail end of Aberdeen Restaurant Week, PRISM, Essays on Salt: The First Harvest, The Belmont Presents: Little Women, Harbour Film Night: The Golden Spurtle, and Works on Paper: Art and Energy.
Check out the full mix below, find something fun, and go out and support your cultural scene. They need you.
Stay cool.
Chris & Kevin xx
What’s on in March
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks
Until 8 Mar | Various Venues
Ninety restaurants, cafes and bars take part in Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, making it the largest edition yet and the biggest event of its kind in Scotland. Special lunch and dinner menus run from £10 to £30, alongside tasting menus and à la carte options.
The fortnight includes three Secret Suppers where diners won't know the location or menu until the day itself. First-time participants include Maggie's Grill, Madame Mews, The Silver Darling and Wild Goose.
PRISM
Until 15 Mar | Langstane Gallery
An off-site exhibition marking Gray's 140th anniversary, rooted in Aberdeen's legacy of colour research and perception. The artists' collective explores how experience can be broken apart and reassembled through colour, form and material.
All participating artists connect to Gray's as alumni or former staff. The exhibition reflects on how artists teach and how knowledge moves through making. Participating artists host weekly open studio discussions for current Gray's students. Open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Castlegate Gallery Exhibition
Until 21 Mar | Castlegate Gallery
Over 15 artists present work spanning painting, drawing and mixed media. The exhibition brings together a range of artistic styles and approaches across five weeks at the Justice Street gallery.
Work includes landscapes, abstract pieces and much more from established and emerging North East artists. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 12pm and 12.40pm to 3.30pm.
Essays on Salt: The First Harvest
Until 21 Mar | the worm
Désirée Coral's exhibition explores salt through a decolonial lens, connecting Aberdeen's fishing and shipbuilding past to global colonial economies. The artist harvested seawater in St Andrews, letting it evaporate in a greenhouse to replicate pre-industrial Scottish salt production methods.
The work incorporates salt alongside glass, clay, video, photography and objects tied to salt harvesting and trade. Salt appears as both substance and metaphor for knowledge, relationships and labour structures. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 5pm.
Entering the Spotlight Exhibition Launch
3 Mar | Aberdeen Arts Centre
Winners of the Arts Centre's Entering the Spotlight amateur photography competition are unveiled at this launch event. The diverse entries celebrate what community means in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with photographers using literal or metaphorical spotlights to represent local life.
Top three entries in each category (Young People, Adults and NESCol Students) are shared during the informal launch, with judges explaining their choices. The exhibition continues in the Arts Centre's corridor gallery throughout March.
A Giant on the Bridge
4 Mar | The Lemon Tree
Five of Scotland's leading contemporary musicians explore the prison-homecoming journey in unflinching gig-theatre. Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow), Kim Grant (Raveloe), Dave Hook (Solareye, Stanley Odd), Jo Mango and Jill O'Sullivan fuse acoustic songwriting, Scottish hip-hop and original storytelling.
The narrative-gig reveals intimate human experiences of thousands who return home from prison each year to uncertain futures, exploring identity, family, community, systems, restoration and injustice. Devised by Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley with research by Phil Crockett Thomas and the Distant Voices Community.
Introducing Artists' Film from the Collection
4 Mar | Aberdeen Art Gallery
Curator Jessica Barrie introduces the gallery's rich and varied collection of artists' film. The lunchtime session invites views on what audiences would like to see in future 'chapters' of artists' film programming.
A chance to explore work from the AAGM collection and shape future screenings. Pay what you can, running from 12.30pm to 1.15pm.
Christopher MacArthur-Boyd: Howling at the Moon
5 Mar | The Lemon Tree
One of the hottest tickets at the 2025 Fringe, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd's new show of nocturnal stand-up explores neurodivergence, sexuality and lunacy. The comedian hosts the Here Comes The Guillotine podcast alongside Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe.
CMB has previously opened for Kevin Bridges, Shane Gillis, Kerry Godliman, Jason Manford and David Cross. Star of comedy specials Oh No and Scary Times, with appearances on Frankie Boyle's New World Order and Scotland Stands Up.
Sara Pascoe: I Am a Strange Gloop
5 Mar | Music Hall
Sara Pascoe examines the thoughts that feel profound at 3am but fall apart in daylight. The show takes on sleepless nights with kids, domestic chaos and a husband reluctant to feature in her material.
Pascoe's been a regular on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. She's also hosted The Great British Sewing Bee and co-hosts the Weirdos Book Club podcast with Cariad Lloyd.
Polish Scottish Mini Festival & AJF26: Paulina Przybysz and Estuary Trio
7 Mar | The Lemon Tree
The Polish-Scottish Mini Festival and Aberdeen Jazz Festival collaborate for an evening of jazz bringing together Polish and Scottish musical traditions. Paulina Przybysz and Estuary Trio perform in a unique cross-cultural event at The Lemon Tree.
Two festivals, two musical traditions, one stage. A chance to hear how Polish and Scottish jazz meet and merge across a single night.
The Belmont Presents: Little Women
8 Mar | Cowdray Hall
The Belmont Cinema celebrates International Women's Day with a screening of Greta Gerwig's fantastic 2019 adaptation of the classic novel. The March sisters navigate the threshold of womanhood, going through ups and downs as they make important decisions about their futures.
The first pop-up screening of 2026 offers free tickets with donations requested. Proceeds split equally between Grampian Women's Aid and The Belmont Cinema's redevelopment fund.
A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Someone's Knockin' at the Door
10 – 14 Mar | The Lemon Tree
A nostalgia-filled comedy-drama about a bickering couple on a mission to meet Paul McCartney. In 1976, Jack and Kathy set out to find McCartney's house on the Mull of Kintyre, where he was living off-grid after The Beatles broke up.
Fifty years later, they tell their granddaughter the full story of what really happened. Did they meet their idol? Did their relationship survive? Inspired by a true story, Milly Sweeney's witty play explores family, memory, music and chancing your luck.
Roll Up! Roll Up!
10 – 14 Mar | Aberdeen Arts Centre
Aberdeen Scout Gang Show presents a variety performance with a 60-strong cast of Scouts and adult volunteers. The show blends music, sketches and seaside fun with circus thrills, carnival rides and classic pantomime spirit across multiple performances.
Singalong numbers, comedy and family entertainment fill the week. A feel-good celebration for all ages from the Scout Gang Show.
Saint Joan
12 – 14 Mar | The Lemon Tree
A reimagining of George Bernard Shaw's classic play for the 2020s in a stripped-back, close-up staging directed by Stewart Laing, with a film sequence written and directed by Adura Onashile. Based on the true story of a 16-year-old girl who led France to victory in the Hundred Years War.
The production explores power, gender and youth-led change, following someone from a marginalised background impacting international politics. Saint Joan speaks to a new generation challenging authority, reminding us of history's unlikely revolutionaries.
AJF26: In Conversation: Dame Evelyn Glennie and Fiona Stalker
13 Mar | Cowdray Hall
Dame Evelyn Glennie returns to the venue where she gave her first solo performance at age eight, the highest-scoring Grade 1 piano candidate in Aberdeenshire. In conversation with journalist Fiona Stalker, Glennie discusses a career spanning from Ellon Academy to the Royal Albert Hall.
The percussionist holds two Grammy awards, a BAFTA nomination and nearly 4,000 percussion instruments. Since 2021, she has been Chancellor of Robert Gordon University. The event marks Cowdray Hall's centenary and is BSL-interpreted.
The Velvet Room: Feet Don't Fail Me Now (Single Release)
13 Mar | Digital Release
Aberdeen four-piece The Velvet Room release their new single across all streaming platforms. The band balance the elegant indie sound of Arctic Monkeys' AM era with the gritty blues spirit of The Black Keys' El Camino.
Having recently shared stages with The Shambolics, The Capollos, Dubinski and Plasticine, the band have taken Aberdeen by storm with a refreshed lineup and new music. Feet Don't Fail Me Now marks their latest step as they prepare to expand their reach beyond the city.
AJF26: Fine Times: Accident Machine + Roller Disco Death Party
14 Mar | Cheerz
Aberdeen club night Fine Times partners with Aberdeen Jazz Festival for another fringe event, bringing adventurous alternative music to the city. Edinburgh duo Accident Machine blend live percussion, dubbed-out vocals, acid house and improvised sonic textures.
Co-headlining is Glasgow's Roller Disco Death Party, a live electronic duo fusing driving synths with explosive live drums. Inspired by Soulwax, The Chemical Brothers and Justice, their high-impact sets are built for packed rooms and moving bodies. Support from Fine Times DJs.
AJF26: Orquesta Boreal
17 Mar | The Lemon Tree
One of Scotland's most exciting salsa ensembles brings the heat of Latin dance music to Aberdeen. Orquestra Boreal (formerly Latina Turners Orchestra) emerged from a popular residency at The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh and has grown into a standout force.
The full 10-piece band features a horn section and multiple singers for their Aberdeen debut, with special guest Lino Rocha adding flair to an already electric ensemble. Several members perform with renowned Mambo Orchestra International.
AJF26: Dee Don Danube
18 Mar | Encore
A unique collaboration uniting musicians from Aberdeen and its twin city Regensburg in Germany. A highlight of Aberdeen Jazz Festival for many years, the Dee Don Danube project presents original music shaped by shared traditions, new friendships and an open, creative approach to improvisation.
Vocalist AiiTee (blending Afrobeat, Soul, Gospel and R&B) and pianist Neil Birse from Aberdeen join Josef Nitsch and Julius Peter Nitsch from Regensburg. Josef has played with Branford Marsalis and David Liebman, whilst Peter has performed with Nils Landgren and Candy Dulfer. Presented in association with Regensburg Jazz.
Harbour Film Night: The Golden Spurtle
20 Mar | Fittie Community Hall
The Golden Spurtle screens at Fittie Community Hall, following the World Porridge Making Championships in Carrbridge. A warm Scottish documentary about finding meaning in small things as locals and international competitors chase glory with just oats, salt and water.
Harbour Film Night brings community screenings to Footdee, creating film events in the heart of the fishing village.
AJF26: HOURS presents:
21 Mar | Tunnels
HOURS presents their fourth annual session pairing live hip-hop with jazz instrumentation as part of Aberdeen Jazz Festival. The late-night show features the HOURS house quartet alongside Scottish hip-hop, spoken word and Afro-fusion performers including FER4Z and Florence Jack.
The evening follows a set from Scottish Album of the Year winners Kai Reesu. A celebration of Scottish jazz in all its forms, blending live bands with MCs across a night of genre-crossing performances.
AJF26: Matthew Kilner Quintet
21 Mar | Cowdray Hall
Saxophonist Matthew Kilner returns home with a first-rate Scottish ensemble featuring Paul Harrison on piano, Graeme Stephen on guitar, Alyn Cosker on drums and Ali Watson on double bass. A finalist in the 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year, Kilner has quickly become a festival favourite.
His compositions balance energetic improvisation with melodic hooks, shaped by the landscapes and character of the North East. A chance to hear one of Scottish jazz's rising talents on home ground.
Works on Paper: Art and Energy
23 Mar – 14 Mar 2027 | Aberdeen Art Gallery
From pylons to wind turbines, we live in a world shaped by the monumental infrastructure of the energy industry. This selection of drawings, prints and photographs from the collection explores how artists from the 1970s to the present day have creatively engaged with these physical markers.
Work by Sue Jane Taylor, George Mackie, Kate Steenhauer, Donald Addison, Tony Clayden and Fay Godwin appears alongside a new commission by Kate Downie RSA. The second in a series of annual displays highlighting the depth and diversity of AAGM's collection of works on paper. Free admission.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
24 – 28 Mar | His Majesty's Theatre
The first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective sees a young actress suddenly die on stage during a performance. Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on an investigation that takes a darker turn when he and DS Lewis uncover a connection to sinister events in his own past, 25 years earlier.
Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse in an original story written for the stage. ITV's Inspector Morse inspired spin-offs Lewis and Endeavour and was hailed by Radio Times as "The greatest British crime series of all time".
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
25 – 28 Mar | Tivoli Theatre
Senior AYMT welcome a new star to the company as the iconic racing car flies onto the Tivoli stage for the first time. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts restores a broken-down racing car to please his children Jeremy and Jemima, naming it "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" after the noise it makes.
When the evil Baron Bomburst mistakenly kidnaps Grandpa Potts, Chitty reveals her magical powers and transports the family to Vulgaria for a rescue. They must outsmart the Baron, Baroness and the Child Catcher in a world of weird toys, eccentric inventors and hidden children.
Titanic Exhibition
26 Mar – 12 Apr | P&J Live
White Star Heritage brings rare original artefacts from RMS Titanic to Scotland for the first time. The exhibition places personal objects at the centre of the Titanic story, offering direct physical connection to the ship, its passengers and final voyage.
Special exhibits include a rare letter written aboard Titanic by William Henry Harrison, one of the last surviving deckchairs (never before shown in Scotland), the largest surviving piece of the Aft Grand Staircase recovered by SS Minia in 1912, and seabed-recovered decking linked to a lifeboat davit. Some peak sessions already sold out.
Esther and Anu: The Red Tile Project
27 Mar – 5 Apr | Fittie Community Hall
Esther and Anu explore Aberdeen's disappearing material history through an exhibition that questions how a city's character is remembered, forgotten and rediscovered. The project investigates how stories and stereotypes outlast the buildings themselves, shaped by residents, visitors and even those who've only heard of the place.
Viewers are invited to recognise, challenge and add to Aberdeen's material past. Opening night Friday 27 March, 6pm to 9pm, then open daily 11am to 4pm. Free entry.
Loud Poets Aberdeen Slam
27 Mar | The Lemon Tree
The prestigious Loud Poets Slam Series returns for its fourth year as Aberdeen's top poets compete in one of 10 heats across Scotland and England. Expect humour, powerful performances, diverse styles and surprises in this high-energy competitive event for the biggest prize in UK slam poetry.
The winner takes home £200 and qualifies for the 2026 Grand Slam Final in Edinburgh with a £3,000 cash prize. Featuring last year's Aberdeen Champion Mae Diansangu as Sacrificial Poet.
Until next time...
That's it for March. We're looking forward to the return of Nuart Aberdeen next month, so keep an eye out for that.
If you've enjoyed this newsletter, forward it to a friend. And as always, thanks for all your support. It means a lot.
K+C xx
