This is September: Big Weekends and Small Discoveries
From bustling festivals to open doors and studio tours, September delivers.
Look. I know we often open these newsletters, being surprised at how far through the year we are. We do try and avoid making the point, but how the bloody hell are we already in September? Summer is nearly over, and we’re jumping into a jam-packed autumn season with something for everyone.
From small art shows, like Wanderlust at Kooperator Space, to massive festivals like the Aberdeen Comedy Festival, from theatre favourites like The Book of Mormon, to Aberdeen favourites, The Broken Creels at The Blue Lamp, the city’s cultural scene is booming despite the difficulties in some corners.
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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.
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Something we return to often, is the scene’s knack for lifting each other up. In recent years, the Aberdeen Cultural Summit has helped that cohesion along. It’s back this week with a focus on the screen sector and how film and TV activity here can act as a spur for cultural regeneration across the city.
Aberdeen Mela returns this month. It’s reliably one of the best family days out, with music, demonstrations and excellent food. Also back for a second run this year is Aberdeen Restaurant Week(s), a handy way to try the city’s best eating spots without blowing the budget.
The Big Belmont Bash has become a favourite weekend event over the past couple of years. If you haven’t been yet, this edition also lines up with Doors Open Day, a good excuse to head into town and nose around some rarely seen spaces. The following week, North East Open Studios opens more doors across the region, letting you step into the workspaces of artists and makers.
Did we mention it’s a busy month?
Chris & Kevin xx
The Catch Up
Aberdeen-born songwriter Forbes Massie shares a debut shaped by a year of extremes: becoming a dad and losing the grandfather who set him on this path. Forbes got in touch with POST in August and asked if we'd be interested in sharing his story. He’s unsigned, raising kids in Denmark, and honest about uncertainty, grief and starting again, including RAK recordings.
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Wanderlust at kooperator.space invites you to experience Aberdeen differently, from 30 August to 28 September. Artists Olesya Ilenok and Andrey Chugunov use clay, sensors and sound to map the city through touch, data and drift. This is an exhibition that is about much more than viewing. It's a much more tactile experience that sits somewhere between urban archaeology and everyday life.
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The show may now be over but this interview with photographer Lee Garson was a favourite for us in August. We talk about process, ethics and how to honour genuine scenes without intruding. Lee explains why reflections and layering matter, how printing shifted his work, and where to stand to read each image’s small dramas and shared experience.
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Climate Week North East runs from 20 September to 5 October across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The programme mixes bike repairs, beach cleans, clothing swaps, cooking demos, nature walks and garden projects. It opens with Envirolution Aberdeen and closes with The Barn’s Plenty? festival, framing a fortnight built around small, practical actions that feel possible and help build momentum for change.
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What’s on in September
Wanderlust: Aberdeen Through Drift and Mapping
Until 28 Sep | Kooperator Space
As we said above, this exhibition at Kooperator Space rethinks how we experience Aberdeen. It’s really worth checking out.
Wanderlust by Olesya Ilenok and Andrey Chugunov maps the city through clay, sound and instinct, inviting you to feel your way through it rather than just look.
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks
1 - 14 Sep | Venues Across the City
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks celebrates the city’s food scene with specially priced menus across restaurants, cafés and bars. It’s a chance to try new places or head back to old favourites.
Held twice a year, it brings together everything from fine dining to casual bites. Whether you’re after local dishes or global flavours, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Master’s Degree Show
1–10 Sep | Gray’s School of Art
The Gray’s School of Arts Master’s Degree Show offers a wide-ranging look at contemporary art work, from painting and ceramics to performance, fashion and design, all connected by big questions of culture, identity and futures.
Alongside the main exhibition, you’ll also find Graduates in Residence, showcasing new work by recent alumni. A closing event takes place on 10 September, from 5–9pm.
Aberdeen Cultural Summit
3 Sep 2025 | RGU Sir Ian Wood Building
The annual Aberdeen Cultural Summit returns, focusing on “A Shared Vision for Screen North East.” As always, there'll be keynote talks, workshops, and screenings exploring film, TV, and interactive media in the region.
Launched in 2023, the summit brings together universities, colleges, and local stakeholders to shape strategies for a thriving screen sector. This year’s speakers include Eloise Grey, Tiernan Kelly, and David Smith.
The Book of Mormon
3–20 Sep | His Majesty’s Theatre
The multi‑award‑winning musical from the creators of South Park follows two mismatched missionaries sent far from home. Expect sharp humour, big songs and a cheeky take on belief, friendship and culture.
It’s outrageous, fast and irresistibly catchy, with a track record of sold‑out runs and rave reviews. A modern musical phenomenon that still feels dangerous and daft.
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy
4 Sep | Music Hall
Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy reflects on a lifetime of performance, resilience and perspective. He shares the mindset that powered him from local tracks to global stages, and how he’s navigating serious illness with honesty and strength.
It's a night of candid stories and warmth from one of Britain’s most admired athletes in conversation.
Aadal
5 Sep | Aberdeen Arts Centre
Norwegian jazz quartet Aadal blend Scandinavian melancholy with Americana influences. Their atmospheric sound, inspired by Bill Frisell and Bon Iver, creates richly textured, emotive music that balances intimacy with sweeping melodies.
Expect an evocative evening of layered guitar, bass, and percussion, with improvisation woven through. This is jazz reimagined with space, mood, and cinematic flair at its core.
The Big Belmont Bash
6 Sep | Belmont Quarter
Belmont Street, Back Wynd, Gaelic Lane and Little Belmont Street are coming together for a free festival celebrating the area’s history, creativity and community. There’ll be music, games and activities for all ages.
You’ll find live sets from local musicians, DJs, walking tours, talks, and prizes from nearby businesses. It’s all part of Collective on the Cobbles, a group of independent venues working together to bring energy and life into the heart of Aberdeen.
Talk: A Window into The Belmont’s Past and Opening Doors to its Future
6 Sep | The Belmont Cinema
Belmont CEO Matt Buchanan leads audiences into Screen 1 for a special talk. Hear about the cinema’s history, its current progress, and the vision for a truly independent community cinema in Aberdeen.
Part of Doors Open Day, this event blends reflection with forward-looking plans, inviting the public to be part of shaping the Belmont’s future.
Doors Open Day 2025
6–7 Sep | Aberdeen
Step inside buildings across Aberdeen that are usually closed to the public. From historic landmarks to modern spaces, it’s a chance to explore the city’s architecture and stories for free.
You can wander through hidden corners, discover the history behind familiar facades, and see Aberdeen in a new way. Whether you’re into art, history or just curious, there’s something for you.
Aberdeen Mela One World Day
7 Sep | Union Terrace Gardens
Aberdeen Mela One World Day returns to Union Terrace Gardens on Sunday 7 September. This free, family-friendly festival brings music, dance, food and art together to celebrate the North East’s many cultures.
There’ll be loads of live performances, children’s workshops, craft stalls and food from around the world, all in the beautiful Union Terrace Gardens.
Speakin’ Weird
8 Sep | The Blue Lamp
Speakin’ Weird brings together poetry, stories, comedy and more in an open, welcoming space. It’s been a key part of Aberdeen’s spoken word scene for years, and still going strong.
Whether you’re performing or just listening, it’s a relaxed and friendly night where new voices meet regulars. A great way to share your work or soak up something unexpected.
Tom Smith
9 Sep | Lemon Tree
Editors frontman Tom Smith plays an intimate solo set, reworking band favourites and sharing songs from his debut record.
Stripped back and close‑up, his baritone finds new colours in familiar lines. It’s a chance to hear the writing without the noise: melody first, lyric forward, and a room tuned to the quiet parts.
Pirates Love Underpants Live
10 Sep | Aberdeen Arts Centre
This lively family show, based on Claire Freedman and Ben Cort’s hit book, follows pirates hunting for the Pants of Gold. Expect puppetry, songs, and plenty of silliness.
Perfect for all ages, 1 and over, it’s packed with adventure, glitter, and interactive fun. A playful introduction to theatre, sure to delight kids and families alike.
Josie Long: Now Is the Time of Monsters
12 Sep | Lemon Tree
Josie Long returns with a show about wonder, extinction and everyday joy. She riffs on megafauna and hamsters, apocalypse vibes and small delights, finding hope in odd places.
Warmth, curiosity and sharp left turns rather than cynicism. It’s playful, thoughtful stand‑up that treats big subjects lightly without losing their weight.
CJ Wildheart w/ History of Concrete
12 Sep | OGV Podium
Punk-rock icon CJ Wildheart (The Wildhearts, Honeycrack, The Jellys) plays an exclusive Aberdeen warm-up gig before touring with Ricky Warwick.
Raw riffs, high energy, and a rare intimate set. With support from local rockers History of Concrete, this one-off show promises loud guitars, sweat, and no compromise.
Inverted Wonderland
12–13 Sep | Aberdeen Arts Centre
Inverted Wonderland flips the classic Alice story into a circus spectacular. Expect aerial acts, daring acrobatics and a reimagined world where nothing is quite what it seems.
With a playful twist on the familiar tale, this family-friendly show brings characters to life through movement and spectacle. A magical escape into a topsy-turvy adventure.
The Broken Creels
12 Sep | The Blue Lamp
The Broken Creels return to The Blue Lamp with their punchy mix of grit and melody. Their alt-rock set shifts between swaggering noise and stripped-back stillness, always keeping you close.
With roots in the North East and a sound shaped by late nights and long drives, they bring craft, edge and no shortage of volume. Support on the night comes from The Fonsecas.
The Little Kicks
13 Sep | The Lemon Tree
The Little Kicks return home for a special night at the Lemon Tree, sharing new tracks alongside fan favourites. Big choruses, warm synths and sharp songwriting are all part of the plan.
Blending indie rock with electronic touches, they’ve built a loyal following through heartfelt lyrics, tight live sets and a sound that keeps evolving. A welcome home gig from a band still pushing forward.
Son Henry Electric Blues Band
13 Sep 2025 | Krakatoa
Award-winning singer, songwriter and lap steel guitarist Son Henry brings his soulful blend of Roots, Blues and Americana to Aberdeen. His style mixes raw energy with melodic storytelling across slide, dobro and guitar.
With a 30-year career, six albums, and two British Blues Awards, Henry’s music draws from vintage country, folk and blues traditions.
North East Open Studios 2025
13–21 Sep | Various Venues
North East Open Studios is back for nine days of art, craft and connection. Across the region, artists open their doors to share everything from painting and sculpture to jewellery and textiles.
Follow the yellow signs, pick up a guidebook and make your own trail. It’s a relaxed and welcoming way to see creativity in action and meet the people behind the work.
The BookBench Trail – Farewell Weekend Exhibition
20–21 Sep | Music Hall
See all 41 large BookBench sculptures together for the final time, alongside mini benches by local schools, before the charity auction for Clan Cancer Support.
It’s a cheerful, civic snapshot of reading culture and local creativity. Families can browse at their own pace and choose favourites. A warm community send‑off.
Climate Week North East 2025
20 Sep – 5 Oct | Various Venues
Back for its 11th year, Climate Week North East returns with two weeks of events and activities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. From clean-ups and family fun days to workshops and talks, it’s all about local climate action.
This year’s programme starts with Envirolution Aberdeen and ends with the Barn Plenty? Festival. Bike rides, nature walks, upcycling, and more. Small steps that add up to big change.
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
21 Sep | Lemon Tree
Frank Turner brings songs from Undefeated alongside a back catalogue built for festivals, singalongs and sweating it out at the front. Grit, melody and stories that stick long after the lights go up.
It’s folk-punk with purpose, backed by a band who know how to raise the roof. Heartfelt and hard-hitting, this is live music built to bring people together.
Ward Thomas
23 Sep | The Tivoli Theatre
UK country-pop stars Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas return with an intimate acoustic tour. Stripped-back performances bring fresh warmth to songs spanning their career, paired with stories of their journey so far.
From school days writing sessions to topping the UK album charts, the duo have shaped a place for country music in Britain. Harmonies, honesty, and a night of craft and connection.
FINE: Creative Continuum Social
24 Sep | Aberdeen Arts Centre
FINE Social is an easy-going evening for freelancers and creatives to connect. Bring a game, sketchpad, or nothing at all. It’s about chatting, sharing, and taking a break together.
Happening in the Arts Centre Café Bar, the event is free and open to all. No need to book...just turn up, grab a drink and join the mix.
The Flying Pigs: The Fashed and the Furious
24–27 Sep | His Majesty’s Theatre
Aberdeen’s Flying Pigs are back with sketches, songs and familiar faces like Mither & Faither, Hilton John and the Buckie Drifters. It’s Doric, daft and not afraid to go full local.
The show mixes fresh material with crowd favourites, keeping the pace punchy and the laughs coming. If you know, you know. If not, you’ll soon catch up.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
24–27 Sep | Aberdeen Arts Centre
Based on a true story, this bold and uplifting musical follows Jamie New, a teenager with drag queen dreams. It's a show full of catchy songs, heart, and a celebration of identity and resilience.
Presented by Aberdeen’s Leading Lights for their 30th anniversary, the show is filled with colour, humour, and uplifting spirit that has made Jamie a modern classic.
Stuart Mitchell: Tips Not Included
26 Sep | Tivoli Theatre
Stuart Mitchell brings stories from life, work and the internet to the stage with his signature polish. He’s one of those comics who make effort look effortless, keeping punchlines neat.
Online millions meet live craft here, with plenty for first‑timers and long‑time fans. A night of comedic precision, charm and a few sly digs.
Stewart Lee vs The Man‑Wulf
28 Sep | His Majesty’s Theatre
Stewart Lee shares the stage with a snarling alter‑ego from the dark woods of the subconscious, baiting relevance, ego and the state of comedy itself.
It’s meta, muscular and very funny. Lee wrestles with ageing, health and status while the Man‑Wulf howls.
Of course, we can't cover everything that's on in one newsletter, this is always just a tatster of the events we feature on our What's On page, and across social media.
We're going to leave you this month with a video we enjoyed from the team behind Aberdeen Music Week. I really hope the event comes back next year because it seems to have been of real benefit to those who took part.
If we don't see you before, we'll see you next month.
K+C xx
