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Granite Noir 2026

Granite Noir 2026

Join world-class authors and crime fiction fans as Granite Noir marks ten years in Aberdeen.

Expiry Date:

22nd Feb 2026

Ten years of Granite Noir

Granite Noir is returning to Aberdeen in February 2026 for a very special tenth anniversary edition of the city's internationally recognised crime writing festival.

The festival takes place across a selection of Aberdeen's brilliant event spaces and venues. Granite Noir brings together world-class authors, local talent, emerging voices and crime fiction fans for a week of celebrating crime writing in all its forms.

What is Granite Noir?

Granite Noir is Aberdeen’s flagship crime writing festival, celebrating the global love of crime fiction while championing new voices and bold storytelling. Each year the festival transforms the city into a hub for thought-provoking literary discussion, debate and creativity, welcoming acclaimed authors from across the globe.

The festival is curated and produced by Aberdeen Performing Arts and has become a key fixture in Scotland’s cultural calendar.

The festival will run from Tuesday the 17th to Sunday the 22nd of February 2026.

Granite Noir 2026 Highlights

The 2026 festival marks a major milestone, with a specially curated programme to celebrate ten years of Granite Noir.

You can expect:

Author talks and in-depth conversations with internationally acclaimed crime writers
Panel discussions exploring themes such as justice, society, psychology and the art of crime writing
Headline events featuring some of the genre’s most influential voices
Workshops and masterclasses for aspiring writers
Exhibitions, screenings and immersive events inspired by crime fiction
A programme of family-friendly and community events

Discover Granite Noir

The Festival Line-up

Author Conversations

A central feature of the festival, these author conversations explore the secrets, schemes, and the Shetland of noir. They offer insight into how writers craft, plot, and bring their intricate crime fiction tales to life.

Panels & Talks

For those interested beyond crime fiction, experts from academia, societies, and medicine share insights into the criminal world and literature, with opportunities to join interactive panel Q&As.

Special events & workshops

Looking to add variety to a Granite Noir itinerary? These events offer fresh ways to experience the festival, from solving mysteries by sound to tasting stories with a sensory twist, giving visitors a new perspective on crime fiction.

Stage & Screen

Granite Noir features high-quality productions in a variety of settings, from large stages to small venues and lecture theatres, each offering a unique and atmospheric experience. The festival also includes film screenings of suspenseful stories, providing visitors with another way to enjoy Granite Noir.

Children's Events

While crime may not be for children, Granite Noir offers plenty of family-friendly events. These activities spark imagination, encourage creativity, and let young visitors try their hand at detective work. The festival welcomes children from the age of seven.

Follow the Bloody Aberdeen Trail

Extend your Granite Noir experience beyond the festival venues by exploring the Bloody Aberdeen Trail - a self-guided walking route through the city that uncovers Aberdeen’s darker history.

Explore the trail

Dig deeper into Aberdeen

Turn your Granite Noir visit into a City break with our tailored itineraries and blogs.

Aberdeen City Itinerary

Visit Haunted Spots

Criminally Good Cocktails

Plan Your Visit

As the late February nights draw in, Granite Noir 2026 invites you to experience Aberdeen at its most intriguing. From gripping author talks and late-night conversations in atmospheric venues across the city centre, the festival transforms Aberdeen into a hub of crime fiction, storytelling and cultural discovery.

Whether you’re a devoted crime fiction fan or planning a city break with a twist, Granite Noir offers the perfect reason to visit Aberdeen in February. Explore the full programme, book your tickets and start planning your Granite Noir 2026 visit today.

Book now

FAQ's

When is Granite Noir 2026?
Granite Noir takes place from Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 February 2026.

Where does the festival take place?
Events are hosted across multiple venues in Aberdeen city centre, including the Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre and the Lemon Tree.

How do I get to Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is well connected by air, rail and road. Find the best travel options on our Getting Here page.

How do I get around during the festival?
Most festival venues are within easy walking distance of each other. Public transport is also widley available around the City and Shire. Plan your journeys using our Getting Around Aberdeen guide.

Where should I stay during Granite Noir?
From city-centre hotels to boutique stays and serviced apartments, Aberdeen offers accommodation to suit all budgets. Browse options on our Accommodation page.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Many Granite Noir events sell out quickly, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Is Granite Noir suitable for first-time visitors to Aberdeen?
Absolutely. Granite Noir is a great introduction to the city, combining world-class cultural events with opportunities to explore Aberdeen’s food, drink and attractions.

Is Granite Noir accessible?
Granite Noir events take place across a range of venues with accessibility facilities available. We recommend checking individual event listings and venue information in advance, or exploring our guide to accessible travel in Aberdeen.