Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Aberdeen Artists Society Annual Exhibition: Throughout the End of May, Aberdeen Art Gallery

A popular annual open exhibition which gives professional, amateur and emerging artists the opportunity to show their work. Art forms vary widely from painting and sculpture to printmaking, textiles and ceramics.

Anthony Schrag: Throughout the End of May, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Work by an artist who specialises in work that doesn't necessarily look like art at all; for a public commission in Hoxton, London, he got the locals to play an unwinnable (but still losable) game of five-a-side tug of war.

The Best of Scotland: Throughout the End of May, Tolbooth

Some of the most interesting things from Aberdeen City's archives.

The Printed Image in Shakespeare's London: 20 May, New King's, 7.30pm

Dr Helen Pierce examines the use of printed images in literature and the cultural and social life of Elizabethan and Jacobean London.

Private Peaceful: Beginning 28 May, His Majesty's Theatre

Simon Reade's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel about the life of Private Tommo Peaceful in WWI.

Dial M for Murder: Beginning 27 May, His Majesty's Theatre

Frederick Knott's dark thriller, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock film.

Fiji, Scotland and the Making of Empire: Through 23 May, King's Museum

Artifacts displaying the connections between Northern Scotland the South Pacific.

Jasmin Sutherland: Between Every Act: Throughout the End of May, His Majesty's Theatre

Exhibition from the Australian-born artist who uses to backdrop of His Majesty's Theatre to develop her themes.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Breakneck Comedy: Various Dates Throughout the End of May, Blue Lamp

A night of comedy with open mic opportunities and a different line-up every time.

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Spinal Chords: 17 May, Music Hall, 7.30pm

Music from the ensemble who pushed the boundaries of classical music. The programme includes Corelli's Concerto Grosso in D Op 6 No 1, Vivaldi's Sinfonia in B minor, Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor, Handel's Concert Grosso in A Op 6 No 11 and the Scottish premiere of Sally Beamish's Spinal Chords.

Ian Anderson: 20 May, Music Hall, Times to be Confirmed

Flute-playing, denim-averse Jethro Tull front-man performs with his band.

Aberdeen Sinfonietta: 25 May , Music Hall, 7.30pm

The Aberdeen Sinfonietta is one of the leading musical ensembles in the North East, giving regular concerts and also providing orchestral support to choral societies in the area.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Just Say Naw! An Evening with George Galloway: 19 May, Music Hall, 7.30pm

George Galloway, MP for Bradford West and previous housemate in Celebrity Big Brother, puts forward his case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom in the 2014 independence referendum.

Aberdeen and North East CAMRA Beer Festival: 29 May, Pittodrie Stadium, 4pm

The Campaign for Real Ales' most northerly festival offers discerning drinkers the opportunity to sample the finest ale that the UK has to offer. Dark stouts, porters and easy drinking milds will be on offer as well as barley wines, wheat beers and light pilsner style ales.

Aberdeen Country Fair: 31 May, Belmont Street

Attracting over 30,000 visitors on the last Saturday of every month, the market boasts 36 – 40 stalls including a mix of over 25 local and guest producers, and local craft products. Stallholders include family-run butchers HM Sheridan; Hubertus Game; Ingram's Homecure (bacon, pork, sausages and cured meats).

Aberdeen Parkrun: 17, 24 and 31 May, Beach Esplanade, 9.30am

An informal weekly 5k run along the Beach Esplanade. Everyone is welcome, no matter how fast or slow (you're welcome to walk the route, bring your dog or push a buggy), so you can use it as a one-off fitness test, a chance to get some fresh air or come every week to try to beat your personal best time.