19 events to look forward to in 2019 in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
29 January 2019
It’s a crazy thought that January is almost over. And we know that 2019 will pass pretty quickly too, so we’re giving you 19 of our 2019 event highlights you need to get in your calendar before the opportunity passes you by:
1. Aberdeen Restaurant Week [4 – 10 February 2019]
Here’s an event to really make your mouth water, Aberdeen Restaurant Week. Over 35 restaurants have joined together to offer lunch for £10 and dinner for £20 for one week. Whether you fancy trying something local, Scottish, Mexican, Italian or street food – there is something to tickle your taste buds. Check out the full list of participating restaurants.
2. Granite Noir [22 – 24 February 2019]
Aberdeen’s very own crime writing festival, Granite Noir is back! This festival is a must for book lovers and not for the easily spooked. Headliners include Stuart McBride and Susan Calman. Click here to view the festival programme.
3. Aberdeen Jazz Festival [21 – 31 March 2019]
The Granite City comes alive with the sound of Aberdeen Jazz Festival. Confirmed acts in Nubiyan Twist and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Don’t miss ‘Jazz on The Green’, a free event, on Sunday 24 March for a great outdoor music party.
4. Nuart Festival [18 – 21 April 2019]
Adding some colour to your calendar is Nuart Aberdeen with a splash of creativity and lots of excitement. The multi-award winning street-art festival will return in 2019 to add to our already impressive collection of street-art.
5. Tour Series [TBC May 2019]
Cheer on the elite cyclists as they race through Aberdeen’s city centre. Last year’s event started and finished on Union Street and crowds gathered under a clear and bright blue sky. Hopefully this year will be the same for the Tour Series.
6. Inspired Nights Festival [18 – 27 May 2019]
What better time to explore Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife than with Inspired Nights, a food, drink and cocktail festival that brings together local bars, restaurants and people for tastings, brand parties, master classes and even a Night Market. Click here to find out more here.
7. May Festival [24 – 26 May 2019]
Taking place at the historic and beautiful University of Aberdeen, May Festival is a family friendly event offering over 120 events that focus around literature, music, film, science, sport and more. This year the festival will welcome famous faces and we are eagerly awaiting the announcement.
8. Taste of Grampian [1 June 2019]
Don’t miss Scotland’s biggest one-day food and drink festival, Taste of Grampian. Expect exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, tasting, live music and celebrity chefs.
9. Highland Games [Various Dates from 1 June – 7 September]
A true Scottish experience is not complete without a trip to the Highland Games. We’re lucky that we have over 10 taking place in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire including the legendary Lonach Highland Gathering and Games and Braemar Highland Gathering – attended by the British Royal Family.
10. Look Again Festival [6 – 9 June 2019]
A chance to see our city through fresh eyes. In 2018, three iconic locations: Marischal College, Broad Street and the Castlegate came alive with art, performances and playable structures (and there was even a special festival flavour of ice-cream created by Mackie’s). We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Look Again Festival in 2019.
11. Scottish Traditional Boat Festival [22 – 23 June 2019]
Frequently ranked amongst the best festivals in Scotland, the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (STBF) has taken place in Portsoy for the past 26 years. A lively programme of seafaring activities, music, children’s entertainment and plenty of local food and drink.
12. Techfest [24 August – 21 September]
Our annual festival of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), Techfest, is back this summer exploring the science behind almost anything and everything! Questions at the ready…
13. Great Aberdeen Run [25 August 2019]
Now is your chance to make sure 2019 doesn’t run away with you. Half marathon, 10k, family mile or business challenge? There’s still 6 months to train for the event – 2019 can be your year to do something Great. Sign up here today.
14. NEOS [14 – 23 September 2019]
Visit the artists, makers and designers of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire at one of the UK’s largest open studio events, North East Open Studios (NEOS). Visitors can enjoy workshops and get a chance to see for themselves the passion behind art. You never know it could spark an interest you never knew you had. Are you the next Da Vinci in the making?
15. True North [September 2019 – (Exact dates TBC)]
Enjoy live music from famous as well as upcoming signer songwriters at True North. The festival has its own Fringe programme and there’s also the chance to try it for yourself at workshops. Keep an eye out for the festival line-up announcements.
16. Aberdeen Comedy Festival [3 – 13 October 2019]
Laughter is the best medicine and you’re in for a treat as some of the hottest comedians perform at Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Acts already announced include Ben Elton and Daniel Sloss, click here to find out more.
17. DanceLive [17 – 27 October 2019]
Expect the unexpected with DanceLive contemporary dance festival. This festival will challenge everything you think you know about dance and movement. DanceLive is where art meets the real world.
18. SoundFestival [23 October – 3 November 2019]
Come along for the ride as you witness a journey of musical discoveries at soundfestival. Acts confirmed for 2019 so far include Christopher Redgate and James Turnbull as well as Diotima Quartet and Red Note Ensemble. Full line-up to be announced throughout 2019.
19. Winter Events [November – December 2019 (Exact dates TBC)]
We love the festive period in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Aberdeen Christmas Village will be back this Winter and is expected to be bigger and even better. For Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), the epic Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony and Aberdeen Hogmanay celebrations are sure to end 2019 on a high.
This is just scratching the surface for the events that are coming in 2019. Check out our What's On calendar for more events in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.