What's On
William McTaggart
Exhibition of over 20 watercolours, studies and oil paintings by the Scottish artist. Duff House, Banff, until 30 June, 11am–5pm
The 39 Steps
Four actors play 139 roles in this comedy thriller, based on the Hitchcock spy thriller. His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, until 8 June, 7.30pm
Whistle down the Wind
Aurora Productions (amateur but affa gweed!) Music Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics Jim Steinman. Stewart’s Hall Huntly, until 8 June 7:30pm Saturday matinée 2:30pm
Talk: The Language of Fans
Victoria Ward, curator. Booking 01224 337714. Maritime Museum, Aberdeen 5 June, 12.30–1pm
Lost Cinemas of Aberdeen
A walk into cinematic history and its sad decline; of 35 picture houses only four remain. Meet outside Old Odeon, Justice Mill Lane, 5 June, 7.20pm
Quartets Squared
Scottish Ensemble presents a programme of Shostakovich and Britten. Music Hall, Aberdeen, 7 June, 7.30pm Pre–concert talk, 6.45pm
Ruthie Henshall
An intimate evening with the West End’s leading lady and her band. Arts Centre, Aberdeen, 7 June, 7.30pm
Aberdeen Artists Society
Annual ‘open’ mixed media exhibition. Art Gallery, Aberdeen, until 29 June
Aberdeen’s Blitz: 21 April 1943
Walking tour remembering the fateful night 130 bombs fell on the city and 98 civilian lives were lost. Meet outside Northern Hotel, 8 June, 7.30pm
Scottish Crafts Fair
Town Hall, Inverurie, 8 June, 10am–4pm
Summer Festival
Stalls, entertainments, competitions, and music. The Square and Public Hall, Kintore, 8 June, 11am–4pm
Seven Ages
Comedy theatre show from Kepow Theatre Company. Haddo House, Tarves, 9 June, 7.30pm
The Woman in Black
The acclaimed stage play of the ghost story. His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, 10–15 June 7.30pm
Tales of Old Torry
Walking tour tells how Torry began as a tiny medieval fishing hamlet at the Dee estuary. Meet outside Old Torry Bar, 10 June, 7.30pm
What can paradoxes teach us?
Cafe Philosophique event with Speaker: Dr Franz Berto. The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen, 11 June, 7pm
“Me and My Girl”
Musical production by the Intermediate group of AYMT. Arts Centre Theatre, Aberdeen, 11 – 15 June, 7.30pm
Piper Alpha: Learning the lessons
Emeritus Professor David A. Alexander, Robert Gordon University, Principal Advisor Police Scotland and Dr Kathryn Mearns, HSE Inspector Energy Division, discuss how we can learn from such events. Waterstones, Aberdeen, 12 June, 7pm
Scottish Crafts Fair
Stonehaven Town Hall, 15 June, 10am–4pm
Highland Games
Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games. Pleasure Park, Park Lane, Oldmeldrum, 15 June, 10.30am
Aberdeen Highland Games
Heavy and light events, dancing, pipe bands and family entertainment. Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, 16 June, 10am–5.30pm
Summer Concert
Grampian Youth Orchestra perform music by Dvorak, Bruch and Tchaikovsky. Music Hall, Aberdeen, 16 June, 7.30pm
Philosophy Café
Laurie Lee Robertson discusses Renewable Energies & Future Societies. Aboyne Library,18 July, 7pm
Philosophy Café
Dr Ewan Millar lead the discussion, ‘Can science prove life after death?’ An exploration of near–death experiences. Kintore Library, 20 June, 7pm
Breemie Midsummer Festival
Talks and workshops, healing, live music and dancing. Breemie Stone Circle, BA Store, Lyne of Skene, 22 June, 10am
Scottish Crafts Fair
Banchory Town Hall, 22 June, 10am–4pm
Traditional Boat Festival
Celebration of Scotland’s maritime and cultural heritage with crafts, food, music and dance. Portsoy, 22–23 June
Drumtochty Highland Games
Heavy events, solo piping and Highland
dancing. Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk, 22 June
The Morris Minor Car Rally
Vintage and classic cars and motor cycles, Highland dancing display and The Granite City Brass Band. Fyvie Castle, 23 June,
11am–4pm
Mediaeval Magic, Myths & Maladies
Explore the Old Wood of Drum on this Ranger–guided adult walk and discover some of its oldest living things. Drum Castle, 23 June, 2–4pm
Summer Tea Dance
Music by Garioch Blend. Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, 26 June, 1.30pm
Music for Summer at Gartly
Aberdeen Chamber Recorder Orchestra perform pieces by Byrd, Handel, and Kachaturian at the Tin Hut in Gartly,
29 June at 3pm
Mad About Muir
Quids In Theatre Company’s woodland promenade performance on the life and times of environmentalist John Muir. Aden Country Park, Mintlaw, 30 June
SpeedFest
Action packed day with post–1955 classic, sports, performance and competition cars. Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, 30 June 11am–5pm
Scottish Crafts Fair
Victoria Hall, Ballater, 30 June,
10.30am–4.30pm
50th Anniversary Variety Gala
Arts Centre and Theatre, Aberdeen, 6 July, 7.30pm
Scottish Crafts Fair
Stonehaven Town Hall, 6 July, 10am–4pm
Scotland’s Open Gardens
See the garden and enjoy homebakes and teas. Bruckhills Croft, Rothienorman, 7 July,12–5pm
Lost Cinemas of Aberdeen
A walk into cinematic history and its sad decline; from 35 picture houses only four remain. Meet outside Old Odeon, Justice Mill Lane, 9 July, 7.20pm
Talk: Electric shocks
Depression treatment or torture? Professor Ian Reid, Chair in Mental Health, University of Aberdeen, discusses this controversial therapy. Waterstones, Aberdeen, 10 July
Jazz on a Summer’s Evening
Join the Atholl Smith Jazz Band in the Walled Garden, Pitmedden, 13 July
As You Like It
Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Drum Castle, 13 July, 6.30pm
Mary Bourne, sculptor,
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust exhibition of work in the small gallery area. ARI (foot of lower stairwell, main entrance), until 12 July
Scottish Crafts Fair
Town Hall, Inverurie, 13 July, 10am–4pm
Birds of Fyvie Loch
Ranger–guided family event; an opportunity to learn about birds and other wildlife at the loch. Boathouse, Fyvie Castle, 18 July, 1.30–3.30pm
Medieval Jousting Tournament
Archery demonstrations, birds of prey flying displays and cookery demonstrations. Castle Fraser, 20–21 July, 11am–4pm
Scottish Week
Gala of events at various venues, Peterhead, 20–28 July
Scottish Crafts Fair
Banchory Town Hall, 20 July, 10am–4pm
Babe the Sheep Pig
Outdoor theatre at Crathes Castle, Banchory, 20 July, 6.30pm
New Deer Show
Two–day family friendly event, with livestock, horse, horticultural and industrial classes, food and trade stands. Craigieford Park, New Deer, Turriff, 20–21 July
Classsic & Vintage Gathering
Pre–1990 cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, 21 July, noon–4pm
Stonehaven Highland Games
Mineralwell Park, Stonehaven, 21 July, 11am–6pm
Scottish Crafts Fair
Victoria Hall, Ballater, 21 July, 10.30am–4.30pm
Wild about Aden
Two–day family event with a range of outdoor activities. Aden Country Park, Mintlaw, 23–24 July
Garioch Jazz Festival
Inverurie, 26–28 July
Ugie Folk Festival
Concert with Ugie Folk Club & Friends. Courtyard, Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, Aden Country Park, 27 July 1.30–3.30pm
Car Show & Fun Day
Annual gathering of The Grampian Region Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club. Drum Castle, 28 July noon–4pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Festival Players perform in the Walled Garden. Pitmedden Castle, 31 July
AIYF Jazz Final
Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, 31 July
Aberdeen Patchwork & Quilters Group
Daily demonstration at 1 pm. Gordon Highlanders Museum, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen, 13–17 August, 10am–4pm.