This corner of Scotland is alive with a rich culture and an energetic festival and event scene. See live acts, including musicians, dancers, comedians and more at Aberdeen's various venues. Experience our renowned Highland Games during the summer months including the famous Braemar Highland Gathering. And there are plenty of festivals to choose from too, celebrating a range of themes including food, drinks, arts, winter, comedy, dance and local heritage.
Top tip - make sure to check out Visit Aberdeenshire - What's On for full event listings.
Featured event
Spectra 2024
In February 2024 Look Again at Gray’s School of Art produced ‘Northern Lights’ as part of SPECTRA, commissioning eleven local artists to deliver a specially created augmented reality wonderland. SPECTRA is an annual event that invites you to embark on a captivating journey through Aberdeen’s historic cityscape as artists takeover the Aberdeen City Centre for four nights.
Our highlights
Here are some of our regular event and festival highlights:
January
A celebratory meal for Scotland's finest poet, Rabbie Burns. It includes an address to a haggis, the ‘Immortal Memory’ and a toast to the lassies, usually with a wee dram of whisky.
February
Scotland's award-winning festival of light sees Aberdeen's city centre bathed in colour and light with a radiant array of artwork and installations.
Fan of crime fiction? This festival is inspired by crime fiction in all its form and invites you to a full line up of live events and exhibitions throughout Aberdeen city centre.
Watch as crews from RGU and University of Aberdeen race a 3.5km course through the city, running from the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club.
Indulge in delicious food across our city centre during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, with unique and value-for-money foodie menus created exclusively for this Week.
March
Meet your heroes! At Comic Con, you will find like-minded pop culture fans and exciting names from movies, TV, streaming, gaming, anime and sports entertainment.
Feel the festival energy at this jazz festival with live events covering everything from raucous blues-rock to sophisticated swing and late-night grooves.
April
Get to know Aberdeen a little better on a self-guided tour made by an experienced and passionate storyteller. You will walk through some of the stories hidden in Aberdeen through the centuries.
Grab your running shoes and get ready to take in incredible views of Balmoral Castle and the regal Balmoral Estate on this 5k or 10k run.
May
An annual highlight in the calendar, celebrating the talents and achievements of our architecture students.
Get ready for incredible views at this walking festival. With easy, medium and strong options, this festival caters for a range of walkers. You will be accompanied by guides with special knowledge of wildlife and local history.
Taking over the streets of Aberdeen's city centre with a colourful celebration of our local LGBT+ community.
June
Join us at this annual exhibition showcasing the exciting and inspiring final year projects of Gray’s School of Art students across a range of disciplines including painting, contemporary art practice, fashion and textiles, communication design three dimensional design and photography.
Watch artists paint the streets of Aberdeen with colourful art creations. If you miss the festival, you can still see the impressive street art throughout the year.
Get a real flavour of Aberdeen at this annual foodie event. Taste our freshest local produce, watch celebrity cooking demonstrations and masterclasses, and enjoy drink tastings.
July
Experience a traditional Highland Games with events taking place across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from June to September. The events feature mass pipe bands, highland dancing, caber toss and hammer throw.
Immerse yourself in local culture and experience some of the best traditional and contemporary folk festival at this music festival.
August
Attend one of Aberdeenshire’s most famous Highland Games celebrations and see the renowned march of the Lonach Highlanders.
September
Your chance to celebrate the start of the new academic year. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends through a range of fun activities.
Dance the night away with Aberdeen's biggest electronic music festival, bringing the best international artists from around the world.
Indulge in delicious food across our city centre during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, with unique and value-for-money foodie menus created exclusively for this Week.
October
Experience Aberdeen’s festival of contemporary dance with a full programme of live dance events and even the opportunity to get involved.
Enjoy a world of new music at this festival taking place in Aberdeenshire, with live performances, workshops and talks.
November
Fireworks displays
Wrap up cosy and enjoy amazing fireworks displays throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
December
Get into the festive spirit with various winter festivals and fairs, taking place across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Visit Aberdeen’s very own Christmas Village with open-air ice skating, food and drink, gift stalls and fairground rides.
Ring in the bells at the famous Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony – cheer at the spectacular sight of people parading down the street swinging fiercely flaming balls around!
Keep up to date with what’s on in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire: