Dundee becomes ‘Bowie Town’ as city-wide celebration of music legend gets underway
Ground control to Dundee! The city is turning into Bowie Town, with a packed programme of live music, cinema screenings, special events and celebrations inspired by one of the world’s most influential musicians.
To coincide with the arrival of David Bowie: On Tour at V&A Dundee, venues and organisations across the city are coming together to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of David Bowie.
From Bowie-inspired club nights and live performances to film screenings and even a special cycling event, Dundee is embracing the Starman’s creative spirit throughout November and beyond.
The celebrations also recognise Bowie’s historic connection with Dundee, more than 53 years after he performed at the Caird Hall during his legendary Ziggy Stardust Tour in May 1973.
Here’s what’s happening across the city.
Bowie takes over CANVAS
CANVAS on Ure Street is hosting a series of Bowie-inspired events throughout November, with something for music lovers, clubgoers and those curious about the artist’s creative influences.
The programme begins on Wednesday 4 November at 7pm with a free listening party featuring Philip Glass’s symphonies inspired by Bowie’s celebrated Berlin Trilogy, Low, Heroes and Lodger.
On Saturday 7 November, Lefty & Friends Afternoon Wah Wah will bring a Bowie-inspired afternoon of live music to CANVAS from 2pm, with free admission.
Later that evening, Oh! You Pretty Things takes over from 7pm, featuring Connor Liam Byrne & The Bad Kissers, followed by a Bowie-inspired club night with Felt.
Sunday 8 November brings a special Bowie edition of CANVAS’s regular afternoon jazz session at 2pm, followed by Bizarro Video Club’s Bowie-themed film evening at 6pm.
The programme continues on Tuesday 10 November at 7pm with a special Moving Minds talk exploring the stories, influences and ideas behind Bowie’s work.
Bowie on the big screen at DCA
Dundee Contemporary Arts is also joining the celebrations with a special Bowie on Film season, showcasing the musician’s remarkable career beyond the stage.
The programme includes the science-fiction classic The Man Who Fell to Earth, with screenings in November, including a special Dundead presentation on 23 November.
On 13 December, audiences can enjoy Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, followed by a screening of the much-loved fantasy film Labyrinth on 10 January 2027.
The screenings offer audiences another opportunity to experience Bowie’s creativity, this time through some of his most memorable film performances.
A Bowie-themed bike party!
One of the more unusual celebrations will see Dundee’s streets filled with music, costumes and bicycles.
On Saturday 14 November, Critical Mass and Forks will host a free Bowie Bike Party, inviting participants to dress up and join a music-filled cycle around the city.
Activities begin at 11.30am with face painting, an Art Bike and Dr Bike session, before riders gather at Forks Café at 12.30pm.
The ride itself gets underway at 1pm, with free cycle hire also available while stocks last.
An evening with Bowie’s legendary guitarist
Another highlight takes place at the Marryat Hall on Tuesday 24 November, when guitarist Earl Slick visits Dundee for a special evening of stories from his extraordinary career.
Having worked with David Bowie on albums including Station to Station and The Next Day, as well as recording with John Lennon, Slick will share behind-the-scenes memories and insights into his life in rock music.
The event begins at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £15 plus booking fee.
Bowie after dark at V&A Dundee
The waterfront museum is also hosting a special After Hours: We Can Be Heroes event on Friday 6 November.
Featuring a DJ set from The Last Dinner Party, alongside Lucia & The Best Boys and GAÏA, the evening will bring live performances, installations, DJ sets and pop-up bars to the museum.
The event runs from 7.30pm until 11pm and is open to adults aged 18 and over, with tickets priced at £35 or £25 for concessions. Access to the Bowie exhibition is subject to capacity and cannot be guaranteed.
Dundee celebrates the Starman
At the heart of the celebrations is V&A Dundee’s new exhibition, David Bowie: On Tour, which opened on Wednesday 4 November.
Featuring more than 100 objects from the musician’s archive, including costumes, photographs, instruments and handwritten material, it offers visitors an intimate look at Bowie’s creative life.
However, Bowie Town is about much more than one exhibition.
By bringing together local businesses, cultural organisations, independent venues and music lovers, the initiative offers an opportunity to celebrate Bowie’s influence while encouraging people to discover what Dundee has to offer.
From the Caird Hall in 1973 to a city-wide celebration in 2026, Bowie’s connection with Dundee continues to inspire new generations.
For full event listings, tickets and further information about Bowie Town, visit http://dundee.com/bowietown
