Discover what’s on in Edinburgh this Summer.

As summer approaches, Edinburgh comes alive with an abundance of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly adventures, cultural festivals, or culinary delights, Scotland’s capital city has something to offer everyone. Let’s dive into the top experiences to enjoy in Edinburgh this summer across various categories.

Family-Friendly Things to Do: Summer in Edinburgh is perfect for family outings and adventures. Spend a day at the Edinburgh Zoo, where kids can marvel at exotic animals and enjoy interactive exhibits. For a dose of history and fun, explore the Edinburgh Dungeon, where theatrical actors bring Scotland’s dark past to life. Don’t miss a visit to Dynamic Earth, an interactive museum exploring the Earth’s past, present, and future through immersive exhibits and activities. Learn more

Events and Festivals: Edinburgh’s summer calendar is packed with exciting events and festivals that celebrate art, culture, and music. The Edinburgh International Festival, held in August, showcases world-class performances in theatre, opera, dance, and music, attracting artists and audiences from around the globe. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, offers a diverse array of performances, street entertainment, and pop-up venues, transforming the city into a vibrant cultural hub. Learn more

Best Sights and Landmarks: Edinburgh is home to an impressive array of sights and landmarks that capture the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, and delve into centuries of Scottish heritage within its ancient walls. Wander down the Royal Mile, a bustling thoroughfare lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and cosy pubs. For panoramic views of the city, climb Calton Hill or visit the Scott Monument, a towering Gothic structure honouring Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Learn more

In conclusion, Edinburgh offers an unforgettable summer experience filled with adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, soaking up the festival atmosphere, or indulging in delicious food and drink, Edinburgh promises a summer to remember.

What’s on this Summer?

Music, Theatre and Comedy

June

•  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Edinburgh Playhouse, 28 May – 1 Jun
•  Just the Tonic: Special with Susie McCabe, Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 1 Jun
•  Richard Hawley, Usher Hall, 3 Jun
•  Nadiya and Kai: Behind the Magic, Festival Theatre, 4 Jun
•  Taylor Swift, Murrayfield, 7 – 9 Jun
•  Tom Allen: Completely, Edinburgh Playhouse, 8 Jun
•  Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic, Usher Hall, 8 Jun
•  Six, Edinburgh Playhouse, 11 – 15 Jun  B eth Gibbons, Usher Hall, 11 Jun
• Usher Hall, 13 Jun  Bond by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 15 Jun
•  Nile Rodgers + CHIC, Edinburgh Playhouse, 17 Jun  Bluey’s Big Play, Festival Theatre, 20 – 23 Jun
•  Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 21 Jun
•  Callum Beattie, Usher Hall, 21 -22 Jun The Shires, Queens Hall, 22 Jun
•  Grease, Edinburgh Playhouse, 25 – 29 Jun
•  Shalamar Greatest Hits Tour, Usher Hall, 29 Jun Festival Theatre, 30 Jun

July

• Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, Festival Theatre, 2 – 6 Jul
• Madness, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 5 Jul
•  West End Musicals by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 6 Jul
•  The Bootleg Beetles, Usher Hall, 8 Jul
• JLS, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 9 Jul
•  Manic Street Preachers, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 10 Jul
•  An Evening with David Sedaris, Usher Hall. 10 Jul
• The National, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 11 Jul
• Skipinnish, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 12 Jul
•  Paul Weller, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 13 Jul
• Girls Overheard, Assembly Rooms, 13 Jul
•  Becky Hill, Royal Highland Showground, 18 Aug
•  Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, Edinburgh Playhouse, 20 – 21 Jul
•   Paul Smith: Pablo, Edinburgh Playhouse, 31 Jul

August

•  Forth on the Fringe, Edinburgh Playhouse, 2 – 3 Aug
• Inspiral Carpets, Liquid Room, 8 Aug
• Becky Hill, Royal Highland Showgrounds, 18 Aug
• Fern Brady, Edinburgh Playhouse, 22 Aug
•  Catfish and the Bottlemen, Royal Highland Showgrounds, 24 Aug

Festivals and Special Events

June

•  Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, various venues, 25 May – 2 Jun
•  Meadows Festival, The Meadows, 1 – 2 Jun  L eith Festival, various venues, 8 – 16 Jun
•  Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race, Union Canal near Lochrin Basin, 15 Jun
•  Royal Highland Show, Royal Highland Centre, 20 – 23
•  Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, various venues, 4, 8, 11, 18 & 25 Jun

July

•  Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, various venues, 12 – 21 Jul
•  Mardi Gras, TBC  Carnival! TBC
•  Edinburgh Food Festival, TBC

August

•  Edinburgh Foodies Festival, Inverleith Park, 2 – 4 Aug
•  Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 2 – 24 Aug
•  Edinburgh Festival Fringe, various venues, 2 – 26 Aug
•  Edinburgh International Book Festival, Lauriston Place, 10 – 26 Aug
•  Edinburgh International Festival, various venues, 2 – 25 Aug
•  Edinburgh Art Festival, various venues, 9 – 25 Aug
•  Edinburgh International Film Festival, various venues, 15 – 21 Aug
•  Edinburgh International Television Festival, EICC, 20 – 23 Aug
•  Connect Festival, TBC

Activities and Experiences

July

•  Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, TBC

August

Markets and Fairs

• Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat
• Grassmarket Weekly Market, Grassmarket, every Sat  Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat
•  Edinburgh Car Boot Sale, O2 Academy, every Sat & Sun  Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun
•  Uncorked Wine Fair, Assembly Rooms, 1 Jun  Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 3 – 9 Jun
•  Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

June

•  Theravā da Buddhism, National Museum of Scotland, 16 Sep – 9 Jun
•  Do Ho Suh, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 17 Feb – 1 Sep
•  Pauline Caulfield Textiles, Dovecot Studios, 8 Mar – 20 Jul
•  Candice Lin, Talbot Rice Gallery, 16 Mar – 1 Jun
•  Talbot Rice Residents, Talbot Rice Gallery, 16 Mar – 1 Jun
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 23 Mar – 15 Sep
•  National Treasures: Vermeer in Edinburgh, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 8 Sep
•  Adam Bruce Thomson: The Quiet Path, City Art Centre, 11 May – 6 Oct
•  Women in Revolt! Art & Activism in the UK…, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 25 May – 26 Jan
•  Game On, National Museum of Scotland, 29 Jun – 3 Nov  El Anatsui, Talbot Rice Gallery, 29 Jun – 29 Sep

July

•  Do Ho Suh, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 17 Feb – 1 Sep
•  Pauline Caulfield Textiles, Dovecot Studios, 8 Mar – 20 Jul
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 23 Mar – 15 Sep
•  National Treasures: Vermeer in Edinburgh, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 8 Sep
•  Adam Bruce Thomson: The Quiet Path, City Art Centre, 11 May – 6 Oct
•  Women in Revolt! Art & Activism in UK…, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 25 May – 26 Jan
•  Game On, National Museum of Scotland, 29 Jun – 3 Nov  E l Anatsui, Talbot Rice Gallery, 29 Jun – 29 Sep
•  An Irish Impressionist: Lavery On Location, Royal Scottish Academy, 20 Jul – 27 Oct

August

• So Ho Suh, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 17 Feb – 1 Sep
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 23 Mar – 15 Sep
•  National Treasures: Vermeer in Edinburgh, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 8 Sep
•  Adam Bruce Thomson: The Quiet Path, City Art Centre, 11 May – 6 Oct
•  Women in Revolt! Art & Activism in UK…, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 25 May – 26 Jan
•  Game On, National Museum of Scotland, 29 Jun – 3 Nov  El Anatsui, Talbot Rice Gallery, 29 Jun – 29 Sep
•  An Irish Impressionist: Lavery On Location, Royal Scottish Academy, 20 Jul – 27 Oct

Sports and Fundraising Events

June

•  Race For Life, Holyrood Park, 2 Jun
• Race for Life: Pretty Muddy, The Meadows, 23 Jun

July

•  Great Scottish Walk & Run, TBC

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