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Top 10 Music Venues in Aberdeen That Will Blow Your Eardrums (In a Good Way!)
So, funny story: a few years ago, I thought I’d surprise my friend with tickets to a band we both loved. Only problem: I completely misread the venue, and we ended up at a bingo hall instead of the concert.
I mean, we still had a blast shouting “BINGO!” instead of “ENCORE!” but let’s just say it was a unique night out. Anyway, after that little mix-up, I made it my mission to get to know the best spots for live music in Aberdeen so that none of us end up playing bingo.
Whether you’re into intimate gigs, massive concerts, or something in between, here are the top music venues in Aberdeen that are sure to hit the right notes. Read on!
The Tunnels
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tunnelsaberdeen
Address: Carnegie’s Brae
Contact details: +44 122 421 1121
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 PM to 3 AM
Cost: ££
The Tunnels is like the beating heart of Aberdeen’s underground music scene—literally, because it’s actually underground! This place is where you’ll find a diverse mix of live music, spanning rock, indie, electronic, and pretty much anything else you can jive with.
If you’re someone who loves discovering new bands or just enjoys a good headbanging session, this is your spot. Inside, you’ll find more than just great music since they’ve got a solid range of drinks to keep your spirits high as you vibe with the sound.
And if you get peckish, don’t worry—there’s usually some good munchies available to keep you fueled. Keep an eye on their event calendar because they host everything from local up-and-comers to well-known acts.
Pro tip:
Remember to get there early! This spot tends to fill up quickly, especially on gig nights.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring some cash—the bar’s card machine can be temperamental at times.
The Lemon Tree
Media credit: aberdeenperformingarts
Website: http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/
Address: 5 W., N., St.
Contact details: +44 122 464 1122
Operating hours:
- Depends on the show
Cost: ££
The Lemon Tree is a bit of a chameleon—it’s part live music hub, part theatre, and part comedy club. Basically, if it’s entertainment you’re after, The Lemon Tree has got you covered.
They host a variety of acts, from folk and jazz to rock and electronic. They’ve got a main room that’s perfect for more high-energy shows and an intimate lounge for those acoustic sets or comedy nights.
Plus, there’s always some tasty food and a range of drinks to keep you posted throughout the night. Definitely keep tabs on their schedule; you never know what gems you’ll find performing on any given night.
Pro tip:
If you snag tickets to a popular event, mesh early to claim a good spot. Seating can be limited for some shows, and being close to the action makes all the difference.
Unit 51
Media credit: unitfiftyone
Website: https://unitfiftyone.com/
Address: Carnegie’s Brae
Contact details: +44 1224 644863
Operating hours:
- Monday – Open 24 hours
Cost: ££
Unit 51 is right around the corner on Carnegie’s Brae, and it’s a vibe you won’t want to miss out on. This place doubles as a killer music venue and a creative hub, making it a haven for all kinds of artistic expression.
The types of music you’ll catch here are super varied—think everything from metal to house music and even experimental sounds. Unit 51 supports the local creative community, so you’ll often find some multimedia events that go beyond just music.
Moreover, they’ve got a fully stocked bar with all your favourite drinks and some themed nights that can get pretty imaginative. Whether you’re on the hunt for a high-energy DJ set or a laid-back jam session, Unit 51 has something up its sleeve.
Pro tip:
If you’re really into discovering new talent, keep an eye out for their open mic nights or special events highlighting local artists. It’s a great way to see who’s up and coming in the Aberdeen scene.
Drummonds
Media credit: cafedrummonds
Website: https://www.drummondsaberdeen.com/
Address: 1 Belmont St.
Contact details: +44 122 461 9930
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 1 PM to 3 AM
Cost: ££
Drummonds has been around forever and is a staple in Aberdeen for live music lovers. This place is famous for its packed calendar of gigs, spanning rock, punk, indie, and sometimes even funk.
It’s one of those venues where you can catch a killer live band one night and a raucous DJ the next. When it comes to what you can expect inside, Drummonds keeps things pretty straightforward—live music, good drinks, and an energetic crowd.
They’ve got a solid selection of beverages at the bar, and the vibe is always lively, so it’s easy to strike up conversations with fellow music fans.
Pro tip:
Keep your eyes peeled for their concert announcements and grab your tickets early. They often sell out, especially for bigger names.
And if you’re planning on going with a group, try to arrive together, because it can get pretty packed!
Krakatoa
Media credit: krakatoa_bar
Website: https://krakatoa.bar/
Address: 2 Trinity Quay
Contact details: +44 122 458 7602
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday, Thursday – 2 PM to 1 AM
- Wednesday – 2 PM to 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 2 PM to 3 AM
Cost: ££
Dubbed “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Tiki Bar,” Krakatoa offers a mix of live bands and DJs with a heavy dose of rock, psych, and punk music. It’s the place you go when you want your music experience with a side of retro flair.
Krakatoa’s drink menu is packed with tiki-inspired cocktails, which are perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little different. Don’t miss out on their infamous Skull Krusher—it’s as potent as it sounds.
Food-wise, there’s usually street food stalls or themed bar snacks that go perfectly with whatever you’re sipping. The decor is something else, too—things you didn’t even know you needed in your life until you see them hanging from the ceiling.
Pro tip:
Try to visit on a Friday or Saturday night for live bands followed by themed parties. And if you’re feeling brave, try out their cocktail menu—but maybe pace yourself; those drinks pack a punch!
P&J Live
Media credit: pandjlive
Website: https://www.pandjlive.com/
Address: E Burn Rd.
Contact details: +44 122 482 4824
Operating hours:
- Depends on the event’s schedule
Cost: £££
P&J Live is this massive venue that basically has every big event you can think of. We’re talking about top-tier concerts with international headliners, comedy acts, sports events, and even exhibitions.
Here you’ll find big crowds, spectacular light shows, and sound systems that make the floor vibrate. Large seating areas, ample standing space for gigs, and VIP packages are here if you want to go big.
Inside, they have an assortment of food stalls and bars scattered throughout the venue. One thing to keep your eyes peeled for are the recurring events that P&J Live hosts, which can range from electronic music festivals to classical music nights.
Pro tip:
Always check their lineup because there is always something interesting on the horizon. And don’t forget about the parking—there’s plenty of it, but it fills up fast, so get there early if you can.
Remember to plan your visit around their concert schedules, which are usually announced well in advance. Book your tickets as soon as possible because they sell out quickly!
Music Hall
Media credit: jhutchison08
Website: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/music-hall/
Address: Union St.
Contact details: +44 122 464 1122
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £££
Music Hall should be on your radar if you’re a fan of a more traditional but equally killer music experience. It’s a historical venue that’s been updated with all the modern amenities while keeping its old-world charm.
Acts there range from rock bands and jazz quartets to solo artists and spoken word performances. Now, about staying refreshed during a show. Music Hall’s got a couple of in-house bars where you can grab a well-deserved pint or a fancy cocktail.
Depending on the event, they sometimes even have pop-up food stalls just outside or inside the venue. And if you’re a coffee connoisseur, their brews will definitely hit the spot.
Pro tip:
Make sure you watch out for the special guest performances and collaborations that happen here quite frequently. Music Hall tends to bring out some surprise acts or unplanned duets that you won’t find elsewhere.
You can sign up for their newsletter to get early bird offers and updates on upcoming gigs.
The Blue Lamp
Media credit: thebluelampaberdeen
Website: https://www.thebluelampaberdeen.com/
Address: 121 Gallowgate
Contact details: +44 1224 647472
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 12 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Cost: ££
If you’re into jazz or blues, The Blue Lamp is the spot. The performers here are often top-notch, whether they are international artists or local talents.
Food and drink-wise, they’ve got a well-stocked bar where drinks range from classic pints and wines to some surprisingly good cocktails. Now, they don’t have an in-house kitchen, but there are plenty of awesome places nearby to grab a bite before or after.
Something particularly cool about The Blue Lamp is their themed nights. You’ll find things like open mic nights, late-night jam sessions, and special tribute acts.
Pro tip:
Remember to arrive early for the best seats, especially if the event is popular. The venue is cosy, and spots fill up quickly!
OGV Podium
Media credit: ogvpodium
Website: https://ogvpodium.com/
Address: 7 Windmill Brae
Contact details: +44 122 408 4115
Operating hours:
- Depends on the event’s schedule
Cost: £££
OGV Podium has everything from indie bands and emerging artists to established names in the rock and electronic scenes. It’s got this multi-level setup, which means you get different experiences from various vantage points.
The bar here is fully loaded; they serve up a good range of beers, spirits, and some pretty creative cocktails. Even better, they often have food vendors setting up inside during events, so you can grab an awesome bite without having to leave the gig. I
Moreover, OGV Podium loves to shake things up, whether it’s a themed night celebrating a particular genre or showcasing a local band’s album launch. This makes for a pretty dynamic and ever-changing experience.
Pro tip:
Make sure you follow them on social media to get updates on pop-up events and artist collaborations. They announce some really cool, last-minute stuff that you won’t want to miss.
The Cellar
Media credit: futonrevolutionist
Website: http://www.thenooseandmonkey.com/
Address: 31, 35 Rosemount Viaduct
Contact details: +44 122 464 0483
Operating hours:
- Depends on the event’s schedule
Cost: ££
The Cellar is a cosy and down-to-earth venue that offers an eclectic mix of live music. You’ll find genres ranging from indie and rock to folk and experimental music.
For the local music scene, this place is a pivotal spot where new bands often get their start and seasoned artists come back to perform intimate shows. Drinks are covered—they’ve got an array of craft beers, wines, and a robust selection of spirits.
They don’t serve food directly in-house, but the upside is they allow you to bring in your own, or you can order from nearby eateries. Moreover, they host a variety of themed evenings, charity gigs, and occasionally even album launch parties.
Pro tip:
Try to check out their midweek gigs. They’re often less crowded and feature some hidden gems in terms of local talent.
