A new year is approaching, and 2026 is shaping up to be a busy and varied one for Dundee.

Across the city, major anniversaries, international events and returning festivals will sit alongside new exhibitions, conferences and shared moments that bring people together.

Culture, science, heritage and live events all play a role in the year ahead. From landmark moments for Dundee institutions to global gatherings on the waterfront, 2026 reflects a city that continues to look outward while staying rooted in its own story.

Here are 26 things to look forward to in Dundee in 2026, in chronological order.

Dundee Day celebrates Scotland’s oldest city

Dundee Day takes place on 26 January, marking the date Dundee was officially granted city status and became the first city in Scotland to do so. Largely celebrated online, it sees people across Dundee and around the world share stories, images and reflections on what the city means to them.

Dundee figure skaters Ana and Luke take to the ice at the Winter Olympics

Dundee figure skaters Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby will compete at the Winter Olympics, hosted in Italy in February. Dundee is widely regarded as one of the strongest places to learn ice skating in the UK, producing multiple British champions including Natasha Mackay, Vaipan-Law and Digby.

Dundee Science Festival brings hands-on events back to the city

Dundee Science Festival will run from 7 to 22 February at the Dundee Science Centre and venues across the city, offering talks, activities and interactive events aimed at making science accessible and engaging for all ages.

Dundee-made video game Lemmings turns 35

The iconic video game Lemmings turns 35 in 2026, having released on 14 February 1991, highlighting Dundee’s global influence on the games industry.

McManus to open major stage and screen costume exhibition

The McManus will open Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen in February, showcasing iconic costumes from theatre, film and television.

Dennis the Menace turns 75 in milestone year

Dennis the Menace turns 75 in March 2026. First appearing in The Beano, the character remains one of Dundee’s most recognisable cultural exports, with a global following.

University of Dundee marks 145 years

The University of Dundee will mark 145 years since its origins, highlighting its continued impact on education, research and the wider city.

Dundee hosts the Regional Tourism Conference

The Scottish Tourism Alliance’s Regional Tourism Conference will take place in Dundee on 3 March, bringing together tourism leaders and businesses to discuss the future of the visitor economy.

The High Life musical to premiere at Dundee Rep

The Dundee Rep will host the world premiere of The High Life musical, running from March to May. Based on the cult Scottish comedy series, the production is already sold out and will see Emmy-winning actor Alan Cumming return to the stage alongside Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart in one of the most anticipated theatre events of the year.

V&A Dundee to open major fashion and architecture exhibitions

V&A Dundee will open major exhibitions in the spring, including Maggie’s: Architecture that Cares in March, followed by Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show in April.

Major international marine science conference comes to Dundee

Dundee will host a major international marine science conference from 20 to 24 April, welcoming hundreds of researchers from around the world. The event will focus on whale, dolphin and porpoise research, placing Dundee at the centre of global marine science discussion.

The Courier marks 225 years of publishing in Dundee

Dundee-based newspaper The Courier will celebrate its 225th anniversary in 2026, highlighting its long-standing role in journalism and its place in the city’s cultural and civic life.

The Courier has kept Dundee and the wider area (dubbed “Courier Country”) informed throughout the past two centuries and helped promote and play a role in the growth of Dundee Culture in its early years.

Major milestones for the RRS Discovery

2026 marks 125 years since the launch of RRS Discovery, one of Dundee’s most famous ships and a lasting symbol of exploration built in the city.

Alongside its launch anniversary, 2026 also marks 40 years since RRS Discovery returned permanently to Dundee and became one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

The Discovery Mast Climb launches

2026 will see the launch of the Discovery Mast Climb on the RRS Discovery too!

Verdant Works celebrates 30 years as a museum

Dundee Heritage Trust really have got an exciting 2026 as Verdant Works, the sister museum to the Discovery, will celebrate 30 years as a museum, continuing to tell the story of Dundee’s jute industry and industrial heritage.

Scottish Dance Theatre celebrates 40 years in Dundee

Scottish Dance Theatre, featured as part of the Dundee Rep Theatre, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of internationally recognised contemporary dance based in the city.

Dundee Astronomical Society marks 70 years

Dundee Astronomical Society will mark 70 years of inspiring interest in astronomy and space science across the city.

Dundee Whisky Festival returns to the Caird Hall

The Dundee Whisky Festival will take place on 13 June at the Caird Hall, celebrating Scotland’s national drink with tastings, talks and distillery showcases.

Doof in the Park to return to Dundee after a stellar 2025 event

Doof in the Park returns on 4 July following the continued rise of Dundee DJ Hannah Laing and her Doof record label. The event has quickly established itself as one of the city’s biggest music gatherings, drawing large crowds and national attention.

Dundee to host Airborne Forces Day celebrations

Dundee will host Airborne Forces Day on 18 July, paying tribute to the armed forces community with parades, displays and events across the city.

Discovery Festival returns following successful debut

Discovery Festival will return from 24 to 26 July at Slessor Gardens, celebrating Dundee’s links to exploration, science and innovation through talks, exhibitions and family-friendly events.

Dundee Pride set to return in 2026

Dundee Pride will return during the summer, continuing its growth as one of the city’s most inclusive and vibrant annual events, celebrating equality, visibility and community.

Rare solar eclipse to be visible from Dundee skies

A major solar eclipse will be visible from Dundee on 12 August, with around 90% of the sun obscured. The best place to view the eclipse will be at Mills Observatory and the Dundee Law, with strong public interest expected.

Bonus fun fact: The next total solar eclipse visible from Dundee will be on October 7, 2135, so a long way off yet! The cut off point for totality will be at the Forfar Road junction - which is hilarious!

International Festival of Stone to be hosted in Dundee

Dundee will host the International Festival of Stone from 10 to 16 August, bringing together artists, architects and conservation experts to explore stone in heritage, design and public space.

Tay Road Bridge marks 60 years as a Dundee landmark

The Tay Road Bridge will reach its 60th anniversary on 18 August, marking six decades since it transformed travel between Dundee and Fife and became one of the city’s most recognisable structures.

Dundee Book Festival returns for summer 2026

The Dundee Book Festival will return later in the summer, with dates still to be confirmed, bringing authors, audiences and conversation together in the city.

LIVEHOUSE Dundee prepares for full year of major events

Across 2026, LIVEHOUSE Dundee will host a full programme of concerts, shows and large-scale events, with acts including Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand set to perform in the city.

Taken together, 2026 looks set to be a year that brings Dundee’s past, present and future into focus.

From international conferences and rare natural events to cultural milestones and community celebrations, the year ahead reflects a city confident in its identity and comfortable on a global stage.

Whether you’re drawn to science, music, heritage or shared moments in public spaces, 2026 offers plenty to look forward to in Dundee.