Things to Do in Dundee

Dundee has quietly become one of the most interesting small cities in the UK. The transformation of the waterfront around the V&A Dundee, the RRS Discovery and the redeveloped Slessor Gardens has turned what used to be an industrial edge into an open-air cultural quarter. Add Dundee Rep — one of Scotland's most respected producing theatres — and a music scene that has produced acts like Snow Patrol, the View and Kyle Falconer, and you have a city that punches far above its size for events.

Dundee is also a walkable, sociable city. The Overgate and Nethergate connect the city centre to the university quarter, which is where you'll find independent record shops, pubs with regular live music, and a strong cafe culture. On weekends the waterfront and the Broughty Ferry seafront (a 15-minute train ride away) become the city's collective back garden.

Use this page to browse everything happening in Dundee right now — or read on for a proper overview of what to see, hear and do.

Things to do in Dundee

Visit V&A Dundee and the waterfront

V&A Dundee is Scotland's design museum and worth a half-day on its own. Combine it with the RRS Discovery and a walk along Slessor Gardens.

See a play at Dundee Rep

Dundee Rep is one of the few remaining ensemble theatres in the UK. Its programme mixes new writing, classics and Scottish Dance Theatre productions.

Catch a gig at Fat Sam's, Church or Caird Hall

Fat Sam's is a local institution for indie and rock; Church is a converted church hosting mid-size touring bands; Caird Hall handles the big classical and choral concerts.

Family days out

Camperdown Wildlife Centre, Dundee Science Centre, the Verdant Works and Broughty Castle Museum all suit families. Broughty Ferry beach is a favourite for a summer afternoon.

Eat around the Perth Road and West End

The West End is the city's independent food strip, with everything from Indian street food to cocktail bars in old bank buildings.

Dundee events by month

March

Dundee Design Festival

Design events, exhibitions and pop-ups across the city centre and V&A.

May

Dundee Women in Music Festival

Weekend of gigs, workshops and panels celebrating women in music.

July

Dundee Blues Bonanza

Free outdoor blues festival across City Square and the surrounding pubs.

September

Dundee Design Month

Month-long programme of design talks, workshops and open studios.

November

Dundee Mountain Film Festival

Adventure film screenings and speaker events at Bonar Hall.

December

Dundee Christmas Light Night

City-centre light switch-on with music, food and family activities.

Dundee events FAQ

Is Dundee worth visiting for a weekend?

Yes — V&A Dundee, the waterfront, Dundee Rep and Broughty Ferry easily fill a weekend, and the city is compact enough to explore on foot.

What's on at Dundee Rep tonight?

Filter the events listings on this page to Dundee Rep to see what's showing tonight and this week.

Where's the best place to hear live music in Dundee?

Fat Sam's and Church cover most touring indie and rock gigs; Beat Generator Live is the go-to for smaller local bills.

Upcoming events in Dundee

Dundee Ford Day

In the Name of Love - The Diana Ross Story

What's Love got to with it? - The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner

A History of Paper

Dundee Bus Fest 2026

Dundee Bus Fest

Caird Hall Christmas Classics Concert

The Illegal Eagles

STONED STATUES

Copacabana Magic: The Barry Manilow Tribute Show

Model Day

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds - Live! The Concert Experience!