Aberdeen this week
Issue date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Covering: Thursday 18 June 2026 to Wednesday 24 June 2026
This week leans towards live performance, outdoor traditions, hands-on family activity and short-lived food and shopping offers. The weekend carries the main load, with Hazlehead, the Music Hall, the Tivoli and the Art Gallery all giving you reasons to plan around the forecast.
Top 5 upcoming events
1. The Magic of the Mind
Aberdeen Art Gallery hosts this free University of Aberdeen evening on Thursday 18 June, 7pm to 10pm. It is suitable for all ages, with booking required.
2. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
The Trocks bring their comic ballet to His Majesty's Theatre on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June at 7.30pm. A central theatre pick for anyone after a polished night out.
3. Aberdeen Highland Games
Hazlehead Park hosts the Highland Games on Sunday 21 June, 10am to 5.30pm. It is the city's main outdoor gathering this week, with activities for all ages listed.
4. Aberdeen City Orchestra: The Planets
Aberdeen City Orchestra plays the Music Hall on Saturday 20 June at 7.30pm. A good Saturday evening choice if you want a big orchestral sound without leaving the city centre.
5. NAFCo Opening Concert
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention opens at the Music Hall on Wednesday 24 June at 7pm, bringing the festival's first main concert into the week.
Food & drink
New opening or opening update: YO! Aberdeen Bottomless Belt Week: YO! Aberdeen has reopened with a refreshed look, and Bottomless Belt Week runs until Sunday 21 June, 4pm to 8pm. The dine-in offer lasts 60 minutes, with prices listed at GBP 29.95 for adults and GBP 15.95 for children 12 and under.
Deal 1: Miller & Carter Riverside Father's Day: the Riverside restaurant lists a Father's Day weekend tasting board from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June. Its wine offer is for over-18s with an adult main meal and is subject to availability.
Deal 2: Gio's by La Lombarda itison deal: this King Street two-course voucher is listed from GBP 22 and valid beyond this week. Check the lunch and dinner day restrictions before booking online.
Family-friendly picks
- Art for Everyone - Free Make & Take: a free, relaxed drop-in making session at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Saturday 20 June, 2pm to 4pm. It is open to all ages, with no booking or experience needed.
- Seussical Kids & Shrek The Musical Jr: the Tivoli has this all-ages double bill on Saturday 20 June at 3.30pm and Sunday 21 June at 11.30am.
Music, theatre and culture quick list
- Queer Folks' Tales: storytelling at The Lemon Tree on Friday 19 June at 7pm; the listing notes 16+.
- Albacappella: a short Saturday lunchtime recital at St Andrew's Cathedral, 12 noon to 12.30pm, with free entry and donations welcome.
- The UnTalent Show: Aberdeen Arts Centre hosts this local fundraiser and variety night on Saturday 20 June at 7.30pm.
- The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man: an interactive courtroom-style show at the Music Hall on Friday 19 June, with 6pm and 8pm performances.
- Vocal Moves Aberdeen: Summer Concert: a Tuesday 23 June daytime concert at Fountainhall Church at the Stocket, 2pm, with free entry and donations welcome.
Shopping and offers
- Union Square - My Kind of Father's Day: Union Square's Father's Day page is useful for Sunday 21 June gift and meal planning. Check individual restaurant terms before relying on a specific offer.
- Alleve Aberdeen itison deal: float, sauna and plunge session vouchers are listed from GBP 34, with online booking, age and health restrictions applying.
- Paint The Town Tartan: with Scotland fixtures on Friday 19 and Wednesday 24 June, look out for the city-centre Spot The Ball activity. Listed prizes include Bon Accord retailer offers and gifts.
Small business spotlight
Somerville Books: the independent Rosemount bookshop has a solstice-themed creative writing workshop with Alessandra Thom on Sunday 21 June, 7pm to 8pm. Free tickets are listed, and booking is advised.
Looking ahead
- Granite City Festival 2026: Hazlehead Park hosts the festival on Saturday 27 June, just after this issue's window.
- Festival of the Sea 2026: Aberdeen's maritime festival runs from Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 July across the city centre and wider city.
- Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026: the September programme runs from Friday 19 September to Sunday 4 October across multiple Aberdeen venues.
Quick weather note
The Met Office Aberdeen forecast points to rain and cloud risk on Thursday and Friday, then brighter spells over the weekend, with Sunday currently the drier option. Monday looks changeable, while Tuesday and Wednesday lean towards sunny intervals, with the later-week detail still worth treating as provisional.
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