- Arts & Culture
Autumn culture in the North-east
As summer fades and the North-east settles into autumn, the region's cultural calendar doesn't wind down - it shifts gear.
September through November in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is packed with festivals, free events and cultural experiences that make the season genuinely worth planning a visit around. Here's what's on this autumn.
Aberdeen Comedy Festival - 19 September to 4 October
The Aberdeen Comedy Festival returns for 2026 with an extended line-up and even more chances to see your favourite comics across three weekends. Staged across Aberdeen city centre venues - His Majesty's Theatre, the Music Hall, the Lemon Tree and Breakneck Comedy Club - the festival brings leading names, rising stars, stand-up, improv and local heroes to the Granite City. From household favourites to local heroes, from stand-up to improv, Aberdeen gets the best of the best.
Image: Aberdeen Inspired
Doors Open Days - 5 to 6 September (Aberdeen City) and 19 to 20 September (Aberdeenshire)
Doors Open Days is one of Scotland’s largest free festivals, celebrating places and stories - new and old.
In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, it means free access to some of the region's most remarkable and least-accessible buildings - from historic private estates and working heritage sites to architectural gems rarely open to the public. This year's European Heritage Days theme is Heritage at Risk, shining a spotlight on the buildings, landscapes, traditions and skills that are vulnerable, and the efforts being made to protect them for future generations.
Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival - 5 to 8 November
Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival is a bright, bold celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Aberdeen and beyond - a multi-artform festival dedicated to queer creativity and a chance to immerse yourself in a showcase of outstanding artistry. Four days of music, theatre, spoken word, cabaret and performance, all at the Lemon Tree on West North Street. A Community Open Stage event closes the festival on Sunday evening, giving local LGBTQ+ performers the spotlight to showcase their talents.
A genuinely joyful addition to the North-east's autumn cultural calendar.
Image: Aberdeen Performing Arts
His Majesty's Theatre Autumn Season
Beyond the festivals, His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct runs a full programme of theatre, opera, ballet and touring productions through the autumn months. One of Scotland's finest civic theatres - beautifully restored and with an exceptional programme year-round - it's worth checking the current season listings directly for what's on during your visit.
Autumns line up includes smash hits such as Jersey Boys, Annie and the Steamie, alongside celebrations for His Majesty’s 120 year anniversary.
The North-east's autumn music season
The region's live music calendar runs strong through autumn. Aden Music Festival kicks things off on Saturday 5 September at Aden Country Park in Mintlaw - a family-friendly outdoor festival with rock, indie and folk from top UK acts and local talent, set in one of Aberdeenshire's finest country parks. Aberdeen Music Week follows from 9 to 12 September, four days of live music, industry sessions and cultural exchange across city centre venues, spanning afrobeat, hip-hop, indie, jazz, spoken word and experimental sounds, with a strong focus on local and emerging artists.
In October, Braemar Folk Festival fills the village with live music from 2 to 4 October - mainstage concerts at St Margaret's alongside jam sessions and acoustic sets in cosy venues throughout the village, with the Cairngorms National Park as a backdrop. A finalist for Event of the Year and one of the most atmospheric folk festivals in Scotland. Later in the month, the Sound Festival -run by sound, a new music incubator based in the North-east - presents new commissions, live premieres and adventurous contemporary programming across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire venues from 22 October to 2 November.
For a full picture of what's on across the region this autumn, browse our events listings at visitabdn.com.
Attending an autumn event in the North-east? Share your experience with us using #VisitABDN and #BeautifulABDN.
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