November 2026 in Dundee: Here are 38 things to see and do
A major David Bowie exhibition, Christmas markets and some of Scotland’s biggest musical celebrations are coming to Dundee this November, with plenty to fill the calendar as the darker nights arrive.
From exploring V&A Dundee after hours to shopping from independent makers, enjoying live comedy and discovering the city’s stories, there are events to enjoy across Dundee and Broughty Ferry.
The month also brings the return of Dundee’s Christmas lights switch-on, a festive production at Dundee Rep and a dragon-themed Dundee Hooley. Here are 38 highlights, in date order.
RSNO: Shostakovich Seven
Sunday 1 November, 3pm | Caird Hall
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra opens November with an afternoon of powerful orchestral music. Conducted by Bassem Akiki, the programme features Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Lera Auerbach’s First Violin Concerto and Shostakovich’s monumental Seventh Symphony.
Violinist Philippe Quint joins the orchestra, alongside musicians from Sinfonia Smith Square. Ticket holders can also attend a free introductory talk at Marryat Hall at 2.15pm. Tickets are listed at £15, £21.50 and £28, with booking fees potentially applicable.
Do Not Pass Go
Tuesday 3 November, 7.30pm | Dundee Rep Theatre
The story behind one of the world’s most famous board games comes to Dundee Rep in Do Not Pass Go. Through physical theatre and comedy, Jordan & Skinner explore Lizzie Magie, the designer whose ideas helped shape Monopoly.
The production examines women, money and who gets the credit when an idea becomes a commercial success. BSL and English are integrated throughout the performance, making signing part of the storytelling. Tickets cost £18, with the show recommended for ages 14 and over.
David Bowie: On Tour
Opens Wednesday 4 November, running until 15 February 2027 | V&A Dundee
Dundee becomes the first stop for the V&A’s new touring David Bowie archive, bringing around 100 objects to the waterfront museum.
David Bowie: On Tour explores the creativity behind his changing image, music and screen work through costumes, instruments, photography and previously unseen material.
Highlights include handwritten lyrics, photographs from costume fittings, a Ziggy Stardust-era acoustic guitar and costumes connected to his final albums. It offers a closer look at the ideas and experiments behind one of music’s most distinctive artists.
Scottish Album of the Year Award 2026
Thursday 5 November, doors listed at 7pm | Caird Hall
One of Scotland’s biggest music occasions returns to Dundee as the Scottish Album of the Year Award celebrates its 15th year.
Hosted by Vic Galloway and Nicola Meighan, the ceremony features performances, anniversary celebrations and the announcement of this year’s winners. Kai Reesu and Alice Faye are among the advertised performers, while Boards of Canada’s Music Has the Right to Children receives the Modern Scottish Classic honour. Tickets are listed at £19.75, with additional transaction fees potentially applicable.
Irvine Welsh’s PORNO
Thursday 5-Saturday 7 November, performance times vary | Dundee Rep Theatre
Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie return in this stage adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s follow-up to Trainspotting.
Set 20 years later, the production revisits the characters through an adaptation by Davie Carswell, bringing their chaotic lives and complicated relationships to the stage. Following performances in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, the show arrives in Dundee for three days. Tickets cost £26, with an age recommendation of 16+. The production contains strong language, drug use and sexual language.
Candlelight: Coldplay and Hans Zimmer
Friday 6 November, 6.30pm and 8.30pm | Verdant Works
Verdant Works provides an atmospheric setting for two Candlelight concerts, giving audiences a choice between pop favourites and film music.
The 6.30pm performance celebrates Coldplay, while the 8.30pm concert features the music of Hans Zimmer. The historic mill offers a distinctive backdrop for an evening of familiar melodies, making this an option for a date night or a catch-up with friends. Each concert requires a separate ticket, with prices varying by performance and seating category.
UDIS Diwali Ball
Friday 6 November, 6.30pm-midnight | Bonar Hall
The University of Dundee Indian Society brings its Diwali Ball to Bonar Hall for an evening of festive celebration.
The event adds to Dundee’s multicultural calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate with the society and its guests. Anyone interested in attending should check ticket categories and admission arrangements directly with UDIS, particularly those attending from outside the student community.
Mills Observatory Planetarium Nights
Friday 6 and Friday 20 November, shows at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm | Mills Observatory
Explore the night sky at Mills Observatory as its planetarium programme continues with two November evenings.
The guided sessions introduce visitors to astronomy, offering an opportunity to learn more about the stars and constellations above Dundee. Recommended for ages eight and over, the shows cost £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.
Booking is essential by calling 01382 435967, with reservations opening one month ahead. Telescope viewing is a separate activity and depends on suitable weather conditions.
Connor Burns: Flow
Friday 6 November, 7.30pm | Whitehall Theatre
Scottish comedian Connor Burns brings his touring show Flow to the Whitehall Theatre for a Friday evening of stand-up.
The performance adds another choice to a particularly busy night in Dundee, alongside concerts, astronomy and V&A Dundee’s late-night event. For those looking for a theatre-based evening out, this is one to check promptly, with limited ticket availability showing when the guide was researched. Current prices, remaining seats and age guidance should be checked through the venue or ticket seller.
After Hours: We Can Be Heroes
Friday 6 November, 7.30pm-11pm | V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee is turning up the volume for a late-night takeover celebrating its Catwalk and David Bowie exhibitions.
After Hours: We Can Be Heroes features Lucia & The Best Boys, GAÏA and a DJ set from The Last Dinner Party, alongside installations, pop-up bars and opportunities to explore the museum after hours. Tickets cost £35, or £25 for concessions, and the event is for ages 18+.
Access to David Bowie: On Tour is not guaranteed because of limited exhibition capacity. Flashing lights will be used.
The Yard Market at The Steeple
Saturday 7, Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 November, 11am-4pm | The Steeple
The Yard brings three market dates to The Steeple this November, offering opportunities to browse stalls in the heart of Dundee.
Its Nethergate location makes it easy to combine a visit with lunch, coffee or a wider shopping trip around the city centre. Check the organiser’s announcements for the traders appearing on each date, opening hours and admission arrangements.
Mary Shelley’s Dundee
Saturday 7 November, 5pm-6pm | The Little Theatre
Discover the connection between Dundee and the author of Frankenstein at this Being Human Festival event.
A talk explores Mary Shelley’s time in the city and its influence on her writing, alongside the launch of a website tracing the places and people connected with her Scottish experiences. The event also introduces Mary Shelley’s Dark Tales, a new comic available free to attendees, with opportunities to meet some of its artists. Advance booking is required.
The Yard Market in Broughty Ferry
Sunday 8 November, 11am-3pm | St Aidan’s Centre, Brook Street
The Yard makes its indoor debut at St Aidan’s Centre, bringing another shopping opportunity to Broughty Ferry.
The market offers a reason to spend a Sunday exploring the Ferry, with Brook Street’s shops and cafés nearby for anyone making an afternoon of it. The final trader line-up, opening hours and admission arrangements should be checked through the organiser before visiting.
Dundee History and Culture Walking Tour
Tuesday 10 November, 1pm-2pm | Starts at the Lemmings statue, Perth Road
Follow Dundee’s creative history through its streets on this Being Human Festival walking tour.
The route connects places associated with computer games, comics and publishing, taking in stories behind some of the city’s best-known cultural contributions. It finishes at Abertay University’s Vipre Lab, where participants can see a motion-capture demonstration. The organisers describe the route as being over even surfaces at ground level, with places to sit along the way. Booking is required, and a wet-weather plan is in place.
Dundee’s Artist-Designed Christmas Trees
From Wednesday 11 November | City Churches, beside the Dundee sign
Dundee’s creative approach to Christmas returns with three new tree designs by Infinite Sky, Louise Kirby and Lauren Herd.
The new additions join designs from previous years beside the city’s living Christmas tree and Dundee sign. Reused and recycled materials are central to the display, offering a distinctive festive stop during a city-centre walk or shopping trip.
Dundee Jazz Festival
Wednesday 11-Sunday 15 November, times vary | Venues across Dundee
More than 20 concerts, workshops and events bring jazz and blues to Dundee over five days.
The programme places local talent alongside visiting artists, with new commissions from Seth Bennett at Verdant Works and Kimberley Tessa at Bonar Hall among the highlights. Canvas, Clarks and The Steeple also feature, while workshops and family activities offer opportunities to get involved. The festival advertises tickets from £12, student tickets at £9 and a selection of free events, with individual booking arrangements applying.
Upstart: Creative Careers Festival
Thursday 12-Saturday 14 November, session times vary | V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee’s Upstart programme brings together practical workshops and opportunities to meet people working in creative fields.
Activities include sessions on CVs and portfolios, producing photography and video on a budget, networking and overcoming creative blocks. Walking activities and a live podcast event also feature in the programme. Events are listed as free, although booking requirements and intended audiences vary. Check each session’s details before reserving a place.
Making Comics Together
Thursday 12 November, 6pm-8pm | Lost Galaxy Comic Shop, Perth Road
Explore the collaborative world of comics at this Being Human Festival event inside one of Dundee’s independent comic shops.
Visitors can meet creators involved in University of Dundee projects, including educational and science communication comics, before trying a short workshop to produce their own comic strip. Some featured publications will be available free at the event.
It offers a hands-on way to engage with Dundee’s comics culture, with advance booking required because space is limited.
Help For Kids BIG Winter Ball
Saturday 14 November, 6.30pm-1am | Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
Help For Kids begins its festive fundraising season with an evening of entertainment at the Apex.
The BIG Winter Ball includes a live band, raffle and auction, while also launching the charity’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal for disadvantaged children across Dundee and Angus.
Sponsored by BIG Recovery and Winter & Simpson Printers, the event combines an early festive gathering with support for a local cause. Contact the organiser for ticket prices, remaining availability and booking arrangements.
Dundee Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sunday 15 November, 10am-7pm, with the lights scheduled for 6pm | Dundee city centre
Dundee’s festive celebrations begin with a full day of markets, street food, live music and roaming entertainment.
The Santa Dash starts at 10am, while activities continue throughout the day before the Christmas tree lights are switched on at 6pm. A family-friendly drone display is a new addition for 2026. With shopping and entertainment on the programme, there are reasons to arrive well before the evening celebrations. Check individual activities for registration requirements and any charges.
Dundee Mountain Film Festival
Friday 20-Sunday 22 November, session times vary | Abertay University and DCA
Stories of adventure and the outdoors come to Dundee through a weekend of films, talks and special screenings.
Tim Emmett, Gary Robertson and Dave MacLeod feature in the Abertay programme, alongside Scotland the Wave. The festival continues on Sunday with The Everest Dream and a Q&A at DCA at 6pm. Individual Abertay sessions cost between £8 and £17, while a £40 festival ticket covers the four Friday and Saturday sessions. The Sunday DCA screening requires a separate booking.
Verdant Works Christmas Art, Craft & Design Market
Saturday 21-Sunday 22 November, 11am-4pm | Verdant Works Museum
Verdant Works begins its Christmas market programme with a weekend celebrating independent art, craft and design.
Makers from Dundee, Fife, Perthshire and Angus come together in the historic mill, giving shoppers an opportunity to explore gifts and meet the people behind them. Choir and musical performances add to the festive atmosphere, with seasonal treats also advertised on the menu. Market entry is free. Visitors wishing to explore the museum as well should check its separate admission arrangements.
Crafted at DCA
Saturday 21-Sunday 22 November, 11am-5.30pm | DCA Galleries
DCA’s annual Crafted market fills its galleries with contemporary Scottish makers, offering jewellery, textiles, illustration, prints, homeware and other gift ideas.
Different creatives take part on each day, giving visitors a reason to explore both the Saturday and Sunday line-ups. The free, drop-in event offers an opportunity to buy directly from designers and find gifts with a personal connection. DCA Shop provides another browsing stop for anyone making a shopping afternoon of their visit.
The Temperance Movement
Saturday 21 November, doors at 7pm | LIVEHOUSE Dundee
The Temperance Movement brings its Let It All Out tour to Dundee for a night of blues-rock at LIVEHOUSE.
The show promises the band’s guitar-driven sound and powerful vocals, with familiar songs and fresh material advertised in the local listing. It offers an evening option after a day exploring the city’s markets, with an advertised curfew of 11pm. The show is for ages 14+, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. Check the promoter’s booking page for current ticket categories and prices.
The Christmas Barket
Sunday 22 November, 12-5pm | CANVAS
The Yard’s November programme includes The Christmas Barket at Canvas, adding another themed market to Dundee’s festive shopping calendar.
The date and venue are listed by the organiser, with the full programme still to be confirmed. Check for updates on participating traders, admission arrangements and any activities before planning a visit.
Festive Wreath Making at Forgan’s
Tuesday 24 November, 6.30pm-9.30pm | Forgan’s, Broughty Ferry
Create a festive wreath to take home during an evening combining crafting and dining at Forgan’s.
The advertised experience includes a glass of fizz on arrival, the wreath-making activity and a two-course festive meal afterwards. At £65 per person, it offers an alternative seasonal catch-up for friends looking to make something together. Book directly with the venue and confirm dietary requirements when reserving. The listing gives Tuesday 24 November; the year should be reconfirmed with Forgan’s before publication.
London Symphonic Rock Orchestra
Wednesday 25 November, 7.30pm | Caird Hall
Rock anthems receive an orchestral treatment as London Symphonic Rock Orchestra brings its touring production to Caird Hall.
The ensemble combines familiar music with arrangements designed for an orchestral performance, with new additions to the setlist advertised for its 2026 tour.
It offers an opportunity to hear recognisable songs in a different setting, within one of Dundee’s largest performance venues. Check the booking page for the latest ticket prices, seating options and availability.
Flo & Joan: With Feeling
Thursday 26 November, 7.30pm | Whitehall Theatre
Musical comedy duo Flo & Joan bring their new show With Feeling to Dundee as part of their UK and Ireland tour.
The performance explores music and being a band through the pair’s deadpan delivery and sharply observed songs. It provides a different flavour of comedy from the month’s stand-up performances, with musical arrangements and punchlines working together throughout the show.
Tickets are available through the official tour links and venue ticket sellers, with prices and remaining seats subject to availability.
V&A Dundee Winter Design Market
Friday 27-Sunday 29 November | V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee’s Winter Design Market returns for three days of festive shopping, curated by Tea Green Events.
The market showcases Scottish designers and makers, offering opportunities to discover gifts while supporting independent creative businesses. Its waterfront setting makes it easy to combine a browse with a museum visit or a walk along the Tay.
Entry is listed as free, with products across a range of prices. Check the final maker line-up and market opening hours before choosing a day to visit.
Christmas in the Square
From Friday 27 November | City Square | Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Sunday, 10am-9pm
City Square becomes a festive destination as Christmas in the Square brings market stalls, seasonal food and drink, and fairground rides into Dundee’s centre.
Organised by Hornes Pleasure Fairs, the event offers another place to browse for gifts or stop for a treat during a shopping trip. Later opening hours provide an evening option too. Purchases and rides are charged separately. The council currently lists the event as running until 30 December.
A Ferry Caring Christmas Party
Friday 27 November, 7.30pm-10.30pm | Woodlands Hotel, Broughty Ferry
Plastic Free Broughty Ferry is bringing local people together for an evening of live music and festive celebration.
A Ferry Caring Christmas Party welcomes residents, community groups, businesses and anyone who would like to join the gathering at the Woodlands Hotel. It offers an early Christmas night out with a community focus, particularly for those interested in meeting others from the area.
Tickets are advertised at £19.50, with booking available through the organiser or Eventbrite. Additional booking charges should be checked at checkout.
Verdant Works Christmas Food & Drinks Market
Saturday 28-Sunday 29 November, 11am-4pm | Verdant Works Museum
Verdant Works’ second Christmas market weekend turns the spotlight on regional food and drink.
Producers from Dundee, Fife, Perthshire and Angus come together for a shopping event focused on seasonal treats, edible presents and hamper ingredients.
It is a separate line-up from the previous weekend’s art and design market, offering a reason to return.
Entry is free, giving visitors an opportunity to browse, meet producers and put together a more personal Christmas gift while supporting businesses from across the region.
Bongo’s Bingo
Saturday 28 November, listed from 6pm | LIVEHOUSE Dundee
Bongo’s Bingo returns to LIVEHOUSE with its energetic combination of bingo, singalongs, dance-offs and rave intervals.
Audience participation and prizes sit at the centre of the experience, offering a lively alternative to a seated concert or theatre performance. The organiser confirms the November date and venue, although the individual booking should be checked for arrival arrangements, admission rules and current ticket releases. The “Christmas Special” label from the original working list has not yet been confirmed.
The Snow Queen
Opens Saturday 28 November, running until 30 December | Dundee Rep Theatre
Dundee Rep’s festive season begins with The Snow Queen, a new production of its 2018 Christmas hit.
Written by Noisemaker’s Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour and directed by Emily Oulton, the musical follows Gerda as she travels north to find her missing friend Kai. An unusual group of companions joins her on an adventure filled with original music and winter storytelling. Tickets range from £15 to £40, with the production recommended for ages five and over.
Dylan Moran: Looking For Trouble
Saturday 28 November, 8pm | Whitehall Theatre
Dylan Moran brings Looking For Trouble to Dundee for one of the month’s major stand-up dates.
The Black Books co-creator and performer arrives at the Whitehall Theatre with a new touring show, offering a late-November night out away from the festive shopping crowds.
Limited availability was showing when the guide was researched, so anyone hoping to attend should check remaining seats before arranging the rest of their evening. Consult the venue or ticket seller for current prices and admission details.
The Yard Market at HMS Unicorn
Sunday 29 November, 11am-3pm | HMS Unicorn
The Yard’s November schedule finishes with a market at HMS Unicorn, offering a distinctive setting for a festive browse.
The historic ship adds another location to the month’s independent shopping line-up. Check the organiser’s final announcement for participating traders, opening hours, admission and access arrangements before heading along.
Christmas Crafternoon: Gifts and Wrapping
Sunday 29 November, 12-5pm | DCA
DCA’s first Christmas Crafternoon of the season focuses on handmade gifts and the finishing touches that make them personal.
S.K Works leads an activity creating decorated leather keyrings, while participants can also explore printing, folding and sewing to produce festive wrapping, boxes and gift bags. The afternoon includes a sweet treat and seasonal music, with opportunities to leave with items ready for the Christmas gift pile. Tickets cost £50, and advance booking is required.
Dundee Hooley
Sunday 29 November, 3pm-7.30pm, with the torchlit parade at 5.30pm | Meadowside
The fifth Dundee Hooley brings Scottish music, dancing and street entertainment to Meadowside for a celebration marking St Andrew’s Day.
This year’s event takes inspiration from the Legend of the Dundee Dragon, with a dragon theme running through the programme. A torchlit parade starts and finishes at the High School of Dundee playground, providing a highlight as the afternoon gives way to evening. It offers a lively way to round off a month of cultural events and festive celebrations.
November brings plenty of opportunities to explore Dundee, support independent makers and enjoy the city’s cultural life. With several events sharing the same weekends, checking the latest details and booking ahead will help make the most of a busy month.
