The Granite City is preparing for a spectacular transformation as The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 sails into Port Of Aberdeen’s North Harbour from Saturday 19–Tuesday 22 July, bringing with it a four-day, city-wide celebration packed with free entertainment, food, music and maritime marvels.

Organisers have now unveiled the full festival programme, along with visitor and berthing maps, giving a taste of what’s to come as almost 50 magnificent ships from around the globe dock in Aberdeen, making it the busiest host port in this year’s international race.

Europe’s busiest host port
Aberdeen will be the busiest host port for The Tall Ships Races 2025, with 48 ships confirmed so far. Vessels from Oman, Uruguay, Peru, Europe and the UK will fill the harbour, many offering free, unticketed access. Adding to the occasion, the Malcolm Miller (launched in Aberdeen in 1967) will return as the event’s ‘Festival Ship’.

Free live music, all day every day
The Peterson Seabase Main Stage and Transit Stage will host a vibrant mix of live music, from Scottish trad and jazz to Afrobeat, hip hop and Latin soul. Highlights include Iona Fyfe, Nathan Somevi, AiiTee, Jackill, and Chef The Rapper, plus international blues from the Jerry Jablonski Band, local choirs, youth ensembles and Aberdeen’s first Nigerian and Venezuelan bands, Riverlite and Abergaitas.

Family fun
There's fun for all ages in the Family Zone at Blaikie’s Quay, with a giant sandpit, Ferris wheel and kids’ entertainment. The Discovery Zone offers hands-on activities from Aberdeen Science Centre, Macduff Marine Aquarium, Techfest and more. Meanwhile, Union Terrace Gardens will host a military village featuring a replica RAF Chinook and Navy outreach vehicles.

Accessible for all
Accessibility is a key focus for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, with sensory spaces, BSL tours and changing places facilities. Blue badge holders can use additional parking and a free accessible shuttle from Pittodrie Stadium every 20 minutes. Spaces must be booked and badges displayed to gain access.

Street food, six bars and shopping
Food lovers can enjoy more than 60 street food stalls and six bars showcasing local produce, with favourites like Smoke & Soul, Seafood Bothy and Glen Garioch. A lively outdoor market on the quayside will host 60 traders and rotating charity stalls, curated by Charlie House.

After dark
As night falls, the festival keeps going. Regent Quay’s Transit Stage and street food market stay open until 11pm on Saturday 19 and Monday 21 July, with performances from Ross T Graham, David Angus and Elphen. Codona’s funfair on King Street offers late-night rides and live street acts, while the Peterson Seabase yard becomes a 7,000-capacity concert venue. Shows by Deacon Blue, Ministry Of Sound Classical, Tide Lines and Calum Bowie, and Kaiser Chiefs are now all sold out.

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 from Saturday 12 July–Sunday 10 August.

Getting to the event
Tall Ships organisers are encouraging visitors to go green by walking, cycling or taking public transport. First Aberdeen is offering 25,000 free Adult Day Tickets and 50% off selected fares. A bookable park and ride and a cycle park on Queen Street will also be available.

The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, Saturday 19–Tuesday 22 July. Tickets and more details available at their website.