Our Festivals
We curate and produce an exciting series of annual festivals helping Aberdeen be a year round festival city!
From crime writing to cracking comedy, we’ve got something going on all year round to keep you engaged and entertained. Check out our festivals below and look forward to their return every year!
Our Festivals
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Delve
Delve is an eclectic weekend of music, spoken word, workshops and discussions providing opportunities for artists to curate their own line-up and audiences to experience something new. This years guest curator is Rachel Sermanni, who welcomes us into the realms of Dream and Play.
Delve is our invitation for you to dive in, look beneath the surface and find your next favourite act!
24 – 25 January 2025
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Granite Noir
Aberdeen’s Crime Writing Festival
Granite Noir is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction in all its forms, by the fantastic contribution that Scottish writers make, by our love affair with Nordic Noir, on the page and on screen, and most of all inspired by Aberdeen, which is the perfect backdrop for the festival – steeped in history, atmospheric, quirky and with a strong sense of place.
DARE TO BE THERE
February 2026
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Light The Blue
Light the Blue is our multi-artform festival created for young people, by young people. Taking place in June across various city venues, Light the Blue is an electrifying line up of theatre, dance, music, film, circus and more.
It provides a stage for families, teenagers and emerging artists. The festival showcases the stunning young talent we have in the region and beyond and offers the chance to take those first steps into the world of performing arts.
June 2026
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International Season
Welcome to Aberdeen Performing Arts International Season, a ground-breaking series of performances from some of the most innovative and cutting edge performers from around the world.
The International Season marks a significant milestone in the cultural calendar in the North-East of Scotland and will bring world-class entertainment to the region while promoting sustainable touring to the companies coming to Scotland.
With circus, acrobatics, comedy and family events on offer last season, audiences saw some of the highest quality performances and received unparalleled experiences.
July – September 2025
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Aberdeen Comedy Festival
Let’s get Ha Ha H-Aberdeen laughing!
The Aberdeen Comedy Festival is here for 2025, bringing the finest comedians to the Granite City for two weeks that will hit you right in the funny bone. From leading names to rising stars, household favourites to local heroes, from stand-up to improv, we’ll show you that laughter really is the best medicine…no prescription needed!
This festival is supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
22 September – 5 October 2025
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Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival
Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival is a multi-artform celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Aberdeen and beyond.
Join us for four days celebrating queer creativity!
With a fabulous mix of cabaret, comedy, music, panel discussions, workshops and a community open stage there is something for everyone to enjoy.
6 – 9 November 2025
Support Us
If you have a little extra and would like to support the work we do here at Aberdeen Performing Arts, then consider donating to us directly.
Your donation can help develop local talent, provide opportunities to those who don’t have the chance to join in or assist in producing unique performances.
