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.
August Movies
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
August is also a huge month for live events
An Evening of Laughter and Good Fun with Farming Comedian Jim Smith | 7 & 8 August
Expect an evening of laughter and good fun as legendary farming comedian Jim Smith brings his much-loved show to Mareel.
Rising North Festival | 13-16 August
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.
Ali Plumb’s Untitled Film Quiz Project | 21 August
Film fans won’t want to miss this, a delightfully nerdy, high-energy quiz from one of the UK’s best-known film buffs.
Meet the Artist: Hannah Parker | 25 August
Hear directly from one of our exhibiting artists behind The Distance from Shetland to Australia and Back.
Norah Howie: Psychic Medium | 25 August
Norah delivers messages of comfort and love with her accurate readings as she communicates with your loved ones.
Singer Songwriter Night | 26 August
A relaxed evening celebrating local talent in Mareel’s Auditorium.
Adam Holmes – Live in Shetland | 28 August
BBC award-winning songwriter Adam Holmes brings his Songs & Stories show to Lerwick for an intimate and memorable performance.
Workshops & Creative Activities
There are plenty of opportunities to get creative this month too
Lampshade Collage Workshop (5-12 yrs) | 11 August
A fun, hands-on session for children to design their own colourful lampshade.
Sketchbook Club (14–17 yrs) | 11 August
A space for young artists to draw and create together.
Sketchbook Social (18+) | 11 August
A relaxed, welcoming creative session for adults.
Views of Shetland: Drop-in Drawing Day with Aimee Labourne | 30 August
A free, collaborative drawing event exploring Shetland’s landscape.
From blockbusters to live music, festivals and creative workshops, there’s something for everyone at Shetland Arts this August. Plan your visit, take the bairns along and keep having fun – regardless of the weather outside!
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