What’s on this October at Shetland Arts

The darker nights are creeping in, but our busy programme of events has plenty to keep you entertained.

Cinema

New Releases
We have a fantastic lineup of new releases this month: Verity, North Sea, Nature Untamed, Hope, Resident Evil, Digger, The Social Reckoning, Other Mommy and Wildwood are just some of the titles coming to our screens in October.

School Holidays
Looking for some entertainment for the bairns during the school holidays? Take a trip to the cinema! We’re screening Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Disney Junior Cinema Club 2026, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Matilda (30th Anniversary).

The Hunger Games: All 5 Films
The odds are most definitely in your favour. Will you volunteer as tribute? Ahead of the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, revisit all five Hunger Games films on the big screen. Join us for a marathon weekend with daily screenings, including a double-bill of Mockingjay – Part 1 & Mockingjay – Part 2. Save when you book all five!

From Stage to Screen
Experience stage productions and dance performance on the big screen. This month, we have English National Ballet presents The Sleeping Beauty, Hadestown: The Musical and Scottish Ballet: These Violent Nights.

Live events and nights out

School Holidays Entertainment

Shetland Youth Theatre: October Intensive | Sunday 11 – Thursday 15 October
The Shetland Youth Theatre Intensive will provide an opportunity for any young person aged 12-19 with an interest in theatre to create a production from start to finish.

Early Years Dance | Tuesday 20 October – Tuesday 24 November
Kathryn Gordon will lead informal fun developmental dance and movement sessions focused on: gentle physical activity; bonding between parents and child; and storytelling through the use of sensory props.

Music

Calum MacPhail Live | Friday 16 October
Scottish singer, songwriter, and accordionist Calum MacPhail is making waves with his vibrant fusion of traditional Scottish folk and Irish music.

Nightmix presents Between Light and Sound | Saturday 17 October
Lose yourself in a night of hypnotic electronic music, immersive visuals and dynamic lighting, created to transform Mareel into a unique dancefloor experience. Featuring DJs Drosso and Bex, Between Light and Sound blends music, projection and light in a space designed for movement, exploration and connection.

The Phantom Of The Opera (1925) with live score written and performed by Andrew Wasylyk & Tommy Perman | Wednesday 28 October
For this very special screening and performance, Scottish composers Andrew Wasylyk and Tommy Perman have created a new haunting and dramatic score befitting of this silent era classic.

Comedy

Gary Meikle: Yer Maw | Friday 30 October
Gary Meikle returns to the stage with another new show which has quickly become the yearly norm for him now.

Workshops, Talks & Classes

Mareel Minis: Curated Shorts from London International Animation Festival (0-7 Years) | Sunday 18 October
Mareel Minis is a new monthly series of children’s short film screenings running from October 2026 to March 2027, giving families and young audiences in Shetland the chance to enjoy international films and a fun cinema experience.

Film Quiz | Thursday 22 October
Test your movie knowledge against our sharp-witted quizmasters in an evening dedicated to film, from timeless classics to modern masterpieces, with prizes for the winning (and losing) teams!

It’s a packed schedule with something for everyone so take a look at our full listings and times and book your spot. Full listings and times available here: https://tickets.shetlandarts.org/sales