Autumn is here! And at this time of year, Dundee looks so beautiful. There is also a lot of things to see and do in the autumn months! Here are ten reasons to visit Dundee this autumn!

Dundee Design Festival

When: 23-29 September 2024 / Where: Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc / Cost: FREE

The Dundee Design Festival returns for 2024, with an exciting set up at Dundee's high tech Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. Celebrating ten years of Dundee's UNESCO City of Design status, this year's line-up features a gaming festival, a clothing making event running throughout the festival, as well as keynote addresses on design-related topics.

Dundee Oktoberfest

When: 29-30 September 2024 / Where: Slessor Gardens / Cost: £22.95

The Oktoberfest celebration is returning to Slessor Gardens, transforming it into a classic Bavarian event featuring live music by genuine German bands, authentic German beer, and tasty bratwurst. The event promises to be filled with entertainment and activities. Enjoy a glass of traditional German beer while dancing the night away.

Stargazing at Mills Observatory

When: 1 October 2024 - 25 March 2025 / Where: Mills Observatory / Cost: FREE

Reopening for the winter season, Mills Observatory, the UK's oldest public observatory gives you the chance to explore the stars with the observatory's telescope, capable of identifying 30,000 celestial objects in the night sky. It is free to enter, but donations are much appreciated.

Scotland's Whale Road

When: Now until August 2025 / Where: Discovery Point / Cost: FREE with museum admission

Discovery Point has opened up their newest exhibition which celebrates Dundee, and Scotland's connection to the whaling industry. The new exhibition features artefacts including a harpoon gun and maps detailing the history of this once bustling trade that Dundee boasted many years ago.

The Dundee Tapestry

When: 1 November 2024 / Where: V&A Dundee / Cost: FREE

Returning in November, the Dundee Tapestry brings the . After contributing to 90,000 visitors to Scotland's design museum in the first few months of the year, the V&A Dundee brings the exhibition back for a limited time only.

Snake in the Grass

When: Now - 5 October 2024 / Where: Dundee Rep Theatre / Cost: from £15

Dundee Rep Theatre presents a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s chilling murder mystery Snake in the Grass, brought to life under the direction of Andrew Panton. This eerie play delves into the story of two sisters who revisit their family home following their father's passing. As the hours pass and darkness falls, they are compelled to face their troubling history and uneasy current situation, unfolding a captivating narrative of hidden family truths and the pursuit of justice.

DUNDEAD Halloween

When: 18-31 October 2024 / Where: Dundee Contemporary Arts / Cost: £38.40 (all films pass)

Prepare for a frightfully good time at DCA Cinema as we mark the spookiest season of the year with Dundead Halloween. Enjoy a special lineup of six films running all through October, featuring horror classics, hidden treasures, and a thrilling preview. The grand finale will be on Halloween night itself, with a 40th-anniversary screening of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Dress up for a chance to win a Dundead goody bag at the screening. Grab a pass to catch all the Dundead Halloween films for just £38.40.

Dundee Naturalists Society's 150th Anniversary

When: 27 September 2024 - 31 March 2025 / Where: McManus Galleries / Cost: FREE

This small exhibition in the McManus' Landscapes and Lives 2 gallery, celebrates the 150th anniversary of Dundee Naturalists’ society. Throughout its life the society has had a connection with The McManus originally in the form of the Albert Institute.

Claudia Martínez Garay

When: Now - 17 November 2024 / Where: Dundee Contemporary Arts / Cost: FREE

Peruvian artist Claudia Martínez Garay debuts her solo exhibition at DCA in Scotland, showcasing a diverse practice encompassing painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, and site-specific installations. Inspired by European museum collections and her Andean heritage, she delves into historical images, propaganda, and sounds from Peru.

Dundee Rockets vs. Kirkcaldy Kestrels

When: 28 September 2024 / Where: Dundee Ice Arena / Cost: TBC

The Dundee Rockets are making their comeback after 37 long years. They will be playing in their first match back at the Dundee Ice Arena on 5 October against the Kirkcaldy Kestrels.