The Granite City is set to become Party City when the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 arrive, as organisers reveal the full jam-packed free festival programme for the four-day maritime spectacular.
They have also unveiled the visitor map and berthing map for the event, giving a real flavour of the scale, range and excitement of what’s happening with almost 50 beautiful vessels pulling into Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour from 19 to 22 July.
That includes free live music across three stages all day every day; a feast of street food stalls; a plethora of quayside bars; a STEM Discovery Zone; a military village; plus other attractions and offerings throughout the city centre.
Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council’s Tall Ships project manager, said: “We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party – we saw that during the Dons’ Scottish Cup victory parade. We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into Party City from morning to night.”
Europe’s busiest host port
Aberdeen has been confirmed as the busiest host port for The Tall Ships Races 2025 with 48 ships confirmed to date. Visitors will be treated to a dramatic forest of masts as vessels from Oman, Uruguay, Peru and across Europe and the UK fill the harbour. Many of the ships will be open for free, unticketed access during the event, offering a rare chance to explore these incredible vessels and meet the international crews. Adding a special touch to the event, the historically significant Tall Ship Malcolm Miller - launched in Aberdeen in 1967 - will make a poignant return to her birthplace, granted “Festival Ship” status.
Free live music, all day every day
The Peterson Seabase Main Stage and Transit Stage will come to life with a vibrant line-up of live music, from Scottish trad to jazz, Afrobeat, hip hop, and Latin soul. Highlights include BBC Trad Music winner Iona Fyfe, jazz from Nathan Somevi, and performances by Aberdeen talents AiiTee, Jackill and Chef. The line-up also features international blues from the Jerry Jablonski Band, local choirs, youth ensembles, as well as performances from Aberdeen’s first Nigerian and Venezuelan bands, Riverlite and Abergaitas.
Family fun
Designed with fun for all ages, the Family Zone at Blaikie’s Quay features a giant sandpit, Ferris wheel, and children’s entertainment. The Discovery Zone brings science, nature and history to life with hands-on activities from Aberdeen Science Centre, Macduff Marine Aquarium, Techfest and more. A military village will descend on Union Terrace Gardens with attractions including an RAF Chinook replica and Mobile Outreach Vehicles from the Navy. And don’t miss out on the chance to get your picture taken with Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, who will be out and about during the four-day festival.
Accessible for all
Accessibility is central to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. A comprehensive accessibility plan is in place for the event, including sensory spaces, BSL tours, and changing places facilities. Additional blue badge parking and a free accessible shuttle bus service for blue badge holders available from Pittodrie Stadium, with shuttle services operating up to every 20 minutes. Places must be booked and blue badges must be on display to gain access.
Street food, six bars and shopping
Foodies can sample flavours from across the region with more than 60 street food stalls and six bars celebrating the best of local produce. Local favourites like Smoke & Soul, Seafood Bothy, and Glen Garioch will be joined by a vibrant outdoor market on the quayside featuring 60 traders and rotating charity stalls, curated by Charlie House.
After dark
As the sun sets, the festival continues. The Transit Stage and street food market on Regent Quay stay open until 11pm on 19 and 21 July, with evening performances from Ross T Graham, David Angus, and Elphen. Codona’s pop-up funfair on King Street offers rides, live street acts and stalls until late, while the Peterson Seabase yard transforms into one of Scotland’s largest outdoor music venues for four nights of Quayside Concerts.
Deacon Blue have already sold out the unique 7,000-capacity venue with only the final release of tickets remaining for Kaiser Chiefs and Ministry Of Sound Classical, priced at £45 each. Online tickets to see Tide Lines and Calum Bowie are available for £5 each, with the proceeds going to RNLI.
Come for the ships, stay for the adventure
Extend your visit and explore Aberdeen’s rich culture. Hop on the new Aberdeen Adventurer sightseeing bus, join a Nuart street art tour, or discover the city’s seafaring roots at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. At the Art Gallery, the Monsters of the Deep exhibition explores ocean myths and science. Meanwhile, Beyond Van Gogh offers an immersive digital art experience at P&J Live, running 12 July–10 August.
Getting to the event
Tall Ships organisers are encouraging everyone to go green and take public transport, walk, or cycle to the event. First Aberdeen are on deck with the event’s organisers in a campaign that will see 25,000 free Adult Day Tickets available and a 50% discount for all customers on a range of tickets during the event. Park and ride service can be booked in advance, and a Tall Ships cycle park will be located in front of the entrance to the Townhouse on Queen Street.
Plan your visit today
Whether you're coming for the ships, the shows, or the street food, Aberdeen is ready to welcome the world. Start planning your Tall Ships Races adventure today at tallshipsaberdeen.com