What’s on this August
The summer’s not over yet.
The summer’s not over yet – August at Mareel is packed with an exciting mix of cinema, live events, music and creative activities.
Whether you’re looking to keep the bairns entertained over the holidays, enjoy a night out, or try something new, take a look at what’s on this month.
Cinema
Family cinema
We have all the big family films all summer long, including: Moana, Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, The Magic Faraway Tree and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie. Perfect for a summer treat, whatever the weather.
New releases
See the latest releases on the big screen, from epic storytelling in The Odyssey to darker, gripping films like The Invite and Evil Dead Burn. There’s also a mix of intriguing dramas and offbeat stories including The Summer Book, The End of Oak Street, 500 Miles, Ice Cream Man and A Private Life.
Independents
Looking for something a little different? Check out our independent and international cinema such as Effi o Blaenau, Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, On the Sea and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.
Anniversary & Special Screenings
Enjoy our iconic titles and special screenings this month, including Trainspotting (30th Anniversary), Glastonbury: The Movie (30th Anniversary), Hunt for the Wilderpeople (10th Anniversary) and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Music lovers can also enjoy André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht! on the big screen.
Live events
An Evening of Laughter and Good Fun with Farming Comedian Jim Smith
Expect an evening of laughter and good fun as legendary farming comedian Jim Smith brings his much-loved show to Mareel.
- Friday 7 August & Saturday 8 August
Rising North Festival
The UK’s most northerly music festival returns, with events across the weekend Thursday is sold out but there are still tickets available for the Friday After-Party and the Peter Johnston Stage on Sunday is just drop in.
- Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 August
Ali Plumb’s Untitled Film Quiz Project
Film fans won’t want to miss this, a delightfully nerdy, high-energy quiz from one of the UK’s best-known film buffs.
- Friday 21 August
Meet the Artist: Hannah Parker
Hear directly from one of our exhibiting artists behind The Distance from Shetland to Australia and Back.
- Tuesday 25 August
Norah Howie: Psychic Medium
Norah delivers messages of comfort and love with her accurate readings as she communicates with your loved ones.
- Tuesday 25 August
Singer Songwriter Night
A relaxed evening celebrating local talent in Mareel’s Auditorium.
- Wednesday 26 August
Adam Holmes – Live in Shetland
BBC award-winning songwriter Adam Holmes brings his Songs & Stories show to Lerwick for an intimate and memorable performance.
- Friday 28 August
Workshops & creative activities
Lampshade Collage Workshop (Ages 5-12)
A fun, hands-on session for children to design their own colourful lampshade.
- Tuesday 11 August
Sketchbook Club (Ages 14-17)
A space for young artists to draw and create together.
- Tuesday 11 August
Views of Shetland: Drop-in Drawing Day with Aimee Labourne
A free, collaborative drawing event exploring Shetland’s landscape.
- Sunday 30 August
