What's on in Dundee this September

The shifting seasons bring with it Dundee’s own cultural and social transformation. A city in flux and under construction for many years, this September marks the beginning of a new era for Dundee. The city’s budding creative and cultural scene has ripened alongside the blossoming trees in Magdalen Green. And as the first Autumn leaves begin to turn lustrous, shimmering shades of gold and fall from the trees, the city will usher in tourists and visitors from across the country to witness its fruitful regeneration.

With plenty of key events marked in the city’s social calendar, September will be a time of celebration, togetherness and cultural renewal. In many ways, it will also mark a new beginning; as local schools and universities welcome their students for a new semester, Scotland’s first V&A museum will open its doors for the very first time.

Here are some of the most exciting cultural events taking place in Dundee this September:

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The Opening of Dundee’s V&A Museum

Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated events of September, the opening of the first V&A outside of London on 15th September will solidify the city’s unique status as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.

Dundee’s V&A has swiftly become an iconic and architecturally significant building as well as a major focal point of the city’s dynamic, urban landscape.

Inspired by Scotland’s jagged cliff faces and Dundee’s heritage of iconic vessels, the building appears to float between land and water, acting as an architectural and cultural beacon which connects the city with the surrounding River Tay.

The museum's opening exhibition will comprise a curated collection of over 300 Scottish design pieces, hand-picked from the V&A’s globally renowned collections as well as art and design collections from across the country. Sharing fascinating stories from architecture to fashion and video game design, the Scottish Design Galleries exhibition offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s rich design heritage.

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3D Festival

Image via V&A Dundee Website. 

In celebration of the V&A’s opening weekend, Dundee’s 3D Festival will be a jamboree of design, music and performance. The festival’s name is a deliberate nod to the three-dimensionality of Dundee’s creative scene and the dynamic, architectural structure of the V&A building. Co-designed by V&A Dundee’s Young People’s Collective, the festival will take place on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th September at the city’s animated waterfront. Friday night’s festivities will include headlining performances from Primal Scream, Lewis Capaldi and local artist Be Charlotte, whilst the Saturday will continue to showcase local creative talent with design workshops, activities and creative collaborations. Tickets are now sold out for the Friday at 3D Festival but Saturday is a non-ticketed event open to all.

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Spirit of North Hop Festival

This September, North Hop will be relaunching their brand with a one-day festival on Dundee’s dynamic waterfront, just a stone’s throw away from the V&A. Dubbed 'the Festival of Discovery', Spirit of North Hop will celebrate Scotland’s wealth of craft beers and distilleries with a concoction of spirits on offer, from gin to rum and eau de vie. Taking place at The Apex on Saturday 24th September, the festival will also include an array of pop-up bars, street food vendors and market traders from the Dundee area accompanied with live music.

At £20 a ticket, Spirit of North Hop Festival provides the perfect opportunity to discover the best of Scotland’s craft beers and spirits. Grab your tickets here.

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Tatha Bar and Kitchen

As well as providing a cultural and creative hub for the city, The V&A will house Dundee’s newest dining experience: the Tatha Bar and Kitchen. Situated on the upper floor of the museum, the restaurant will serve seasonal Scottish produce from local suppliers alongside breath-taking views across The River Tay. Tatha’s menu offers brunchy classics, to light bites and main courses, with all produce and drinks sourced locally, including beer from 71 Brewing, Dundee Gin and Janneta’s Ice Cream.

A fantastic addition to the city’s waterfront, the Tatha restaurant is due to open on Monday 17th September, with reservations available from 27th September. 

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Set to be an unforgettable month, September will mark an exciting time for the city, shining a spotlight on Scottish creativity.

What events are you most looking forward to in Dundee this September? Let me know in the Facebook comment below! Or if you fancy finding out about more things to do in Dundee, why not have a little peek at the Urban Dundee archives.