What's On Scotland 6-13 Jul: Summer Nights Fest

Now, we know you're a tremendously hip culture vulture with an ear to the floor and a finger on the beating pulse of Scotland's music scene, but let's face it – we all get stuck in a rut sometimes. If you're feeling a need to seek out some faves, get down to King Tut's grassroots music festival Summer Nights*.

The gig season kicks off at the Wah Wah Hut on 13 July, bringing a fortnight of wicked new music courtesy of over 70 up-and-coming musicians and bands, including Savage Mansion, Immi, Fauves, American Clay, EM|ME and The LaFontaines. Go scout out some top quality bangers. 

*And no, we're not sorry for lodging the Grease soundtrack firmly in your head. Take it up with King Tut's. Read the full festival line-up and details here.

Criminal Acts: A Charged Past
Cameo, Edinburgh, 10 Jul-15 Aug, times and prices vary
This month Cameo celebrates the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales with Criminal Acts: A Charged Past, a film season intended to showcase bold British films that engage with LGBTQ+ legal history, either through explicit representation or artistic reflection. We're keen to catch Nighthawks, an evocative account of London's gay scene following decriminalisation.

Grist
The Lighthouse, Glasgow. From 8 Jul, times vary
Grist is an exhibition of work by Glasgow drinks design specialists Thirst Craft. You'll find illustration, graphic design and typography from their work across a host of drinks – if you've ever dreamed of starting your own craft brewery but want to start with the visuals and work backwards from there, this is the place to get your inspiration. Image: Sarah Bissell

ADVERTISEMENT | Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, 2-27 Aug (not 15), 6pm; plus 13 & 20 Aug, 11.20pm
The must-see West End hit and Olivier Award-winner (Best Entertainment and Family Show 2016) returns to Pleasance Grand for its 10th anniversary year! A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at every performance of this multi award-winning show. Audience suggestions are transformed into all-singing, all-dancing productions with hilarious results. A Fringe favourite – your Edinburgh is incomplete without it.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
14-23 Jul, various venues across Edinburgh
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival revitalises a relatively quiet month for the music scene between 14-23 July, bringing a juicy programme of concerts and entertainment to venues across the capital. You can peruse the whole programme at here, but take our word for it that on 14 July you HAVE to see the sweet electronic soul sound of Skinny fave Ibibio Sound Machine at Princes St Gardens.

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Flint & Pitch: How To Survive a Post-Truth Apocalypse
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburg. 7 Jul, 7.30pm
Over in Edinburgh, Flint & Pitch host another jam-packed performance showcase at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, headlined by Francesca Beard's How To Survive A Post-Truth Apocalypse, with support from Jen McGregor's Grave and Ross McCleary's Portrait of the Artist as a Viable Alternative to Death. Talk about bang for your buck. 

Late Nite Tuff Guy
The Berkeley Suite, Glasgow, 8 Jul, 11pm
As Late Nite Tuff Guy, Cam Bianchetti is one of the new guard of house music defenders, bringing the best disco cuts and remixes of the 70s and 80s to our dancefloors. The Australian is also no stranger to a club banger; prior to adopting the Late Nite Tuff Guy moniker, Bianchetti was a highly regarded acid-techno selector who performed under the name DJ HMC. Expect to dance your feet off, basically.

Gilded Balloon's Comedy Showcase
Drygate, Glasgow, 7 Jul, 8pm 
If you're in the mood for some pre-weekend lols, head to Gilded Balloon's comedy showcase at Drygate, hosted by Scott Agnew and ft. Rosco Mcclelland, Danny O'Brien and Josh Howie. If you're in Edinburgh, try Gilded Balloon's 'comedy test-ground' Nodha(Leith Depot, 6 Jul, 8pm). Image: Robert France

Light Bulb Show
Blackfriars, Glasgow, 11 Jul, 8pm
This week's alternative comedy showcase features CHUNKS 'co-daddy' Nev, BBC-acclaimed comedian Rachel Jackson, improvert Isobel Moulder, Sandy Bouttell and John Aggasild. Your hosts? The ever-charming Gemma Flynn and Jeff Khan. Gird your loins for a night of weirdness.
Image: Jaime Jacob

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Each week The Skinny team hand pick a selection of events from the Scottish cultural calendar to provide you with this guide to the most exciting goings on in the week ahead. From gigs, plays and exhibitions to spoken word and pop up cake shops, we give you the insider's guide to things to do in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee every Thursday morning.