As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of autumn with open arms, offering a wealth of experiences to enchant visitors of all ages. From family-friendly adventures to cultural festivals, the city comes alive with the colours and festivities of the season. Join us as we explore the top attractions and events that make Edinburgh a must-visit destination during the autumn months.

Family-Friendly Things to Do: Autumn in Edinburgh is the perfect time for family outings and adventures. Explore the enchanting Edinburgh Zoo, where kids can encounter exotic animals and enjoy interactive exhibits. Take a stroll through the vibrant Botanic Gardens, where the changing foliage provides a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks and picnics. For a dose of history and fun, visit the Museum of Childhood, where hands-on exhibits and nostalgic toys captivate young minds. Learn more

Events and Festivals: Edinburgh’s autumn calendar is brimming with exciting events and festivals celebrating art, culture, and tradition. Don’t miss the Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival, where master storytellers from around the world gather to share tales of magic and adventure. Embrace the spirit of Halloween at the Samhain Fire Festival, a mesmerizing spectacle of fire, music, and performance that honours ancient Celtic traditions. And be sure to mark your calendar for the Edinburgh Cocktail Week, where you can sip on creative concoctions and sample the city’s thriving cocktail scene. Learn more

Best Sights and Landmarks: Autumn casts a spell of enchantment over Edinburgh’s iconic sights and landmarks, transforming them into breath-taking landscapes of colour and beauty. Marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, set against a backdrop of fiery foliage and dramatic skies. Wander down the Royal Mile, where historic buildings and cobbled streets evoke centuries of history and tradition. For a tranquil escape, explore the Royal Botanic Garden, where vibrant autumn hues and peaceful pathways create a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Learn more

In conclusion, Edinburgh offers a magical escape for visitors seeking to embrace the beauty and charm of autumn. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, indulging in seasonal treats, or immersing yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable autumn getaway for all to enjoy.

What’s on in Edinburgh this Autumn?

September

Music, Theatre and Comedy

Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity, Queen’s Hall, 3 Sep

The Ultimate Boyband Party Show, Usher Hall, 5 Sep

The Girls Bathroom Planet Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse, 12 Sep

Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer, Edinburgh Playhouse, 13 – 14 Sep

John Bishop: Back At It, Usher Hall, 14 Sep

Come From Away, Edinburgh Playhouse, 17 – 21 Sep

Marc Almond, Usher Hall, 21 Sep

Maisie Adam: Appraisal, Queen’s Hall, 22 Sep

Blood Brothers, Edinburgh Playhouse, 24 – 28 Sep

The The: Ensouled World Tour 2024, Usher Hall, 25 Sep

The Undertones, O2 Academy, 27 Sep

Tim Peake: Astronauts, The Quest To Explore Space, Edinburgh Playhouse, 29 Sep

Festivals and Special Events

Doors Open Days, various venues, 28 – 29 Sep

Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, TBC

Activities, Tours and Experiences

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, various venues, 10, 17, 24 & 27 Sep

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

Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 2 – 8 Sep

Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, Murrayfield, 28 – 29 Sep   Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

Ho Ho Suh, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 17 Feb – 1 Sep

Before and After Coal: Images and Voices from…, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 23 Mar – 15 Sep

Museum of Edinburgh, 27 Apr – 22 Sep

Edinburgh Rising From The Ashes, Museum of Edinburgh, 3 May – 22 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

Chris Ofili: The Caged Bird’s Song, Dovecot Studios 28 Jun – 5 Oct

Game On, National Museum of Scotland, 29 Jun – 3 Nov

E l Anatsui, Talbot Rice Gallery, 29 Jun – 29 Sep

Cold War Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, 13 Jul – 26 Jan

An Irish Impressionist: Lavery On Location, Royal Scottish Academy, 20 Jul – 27 Oct

Sports and Fundraising Events

The Moon Walk, Holyrood Park, 7 Sep

Target Ovarian Cancer: Women’s 10K, city centre route, 22 Sep

October

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time, Queen’s Hall, 3 Oct

Goldie Lookin’ Chain, La Belle Angele, 5 Oct

Hairspray The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, 7 – 12 Oct

Squeeze: 50th Anniversary Tour, Usher Hall, 9 Oct

Blue Man Group, Festival Theatre, 9 – 13 Oct

Maximo Park, Queen’s Hall, 11 Oct

Hue and Cry: 40th Anniversary Full Band Tour 2024, Queen’s Hall, 12 Oct

10CC, Usher Hall, 12 Oct

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells: 50th Anniversary Tour, Festival Theatre, 14 Oct

The Book of Mormon, Edinburgh Playhouse, 15 Oct – 2 Nov

Carrie Hope Fletcher: Love Letters, Festival Theatre, 15 Oct

Pretenders, Usher Hall, 16 Oct

Come What May, Usher Hall, 17 Oct

Fairground Attraction, Usher Hall, 18 Oct

Chris Kent: Back At It, The Stand, 19 Oct

The Cult, Usher Hall, 24 Oct

Ant Middleton, Usher Hall, 26 Oct

Festivals and Special Events

Oktoberfest, West Princes Street Gardens, 3 – 6 Oct

Comic Con Scotland, Royal Highland Centre, 5 – 6 Oct

Edinburgh Cocktail Week, Festival Square, 11 – 20 Oct

Scottish International Storytelling Festival, various venues, 18 – 31 Oct

Edinburgh Horror Festival, various venues, 31 Oct – 3 Nov

Edinburgh Short Film Festival, TBC

Samhuinn Fire Festival, TBC

Activities, Tours and Experiences

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, various venues, 1, 8, 11, 15, 22 & 29 Oct

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

Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 7 – 13 Oct

Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

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

Chris Ofili: The Caged Bird’s Song, Dovecot Studios 28 Jun – 5 Oct

Game On, National Museum of Scotland, 29 Jun – 3 Nov   C old War Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, 13 Jul – 26 Jan

An Irish Impressionist: Lavery On Location, Royal Scottish Academy, 20 Jul – 27 Oct

Everlyn Nicodemus, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 19 Oct – 25 May

Guadalupe Maravilla, Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

Gabrielle Goliath: Personal Accounts, Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

November

Music, Theatre and Comedy

The Book of Mormon, Edinburgh Playhouse, 15 Oct – 2 Nov

Jane McDonald, Usher Hall, 2 Nov   Kevin Bloody Wilson, EICC, 2 Nov

Whitney: Queen of the Night, Usher Hall, 3 Nov

The Horne Section’s Hit Show, Festival Theatre, 4 Nov

Only Fools & Horses the Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, 5 – 9 Nov

Milton Jones: Ha!Milton, Queen’s Hall, 7 Nov

Nathan Carter and His Band, Queen’s Hall, 8 Nov

Ffisherman’s Friends, Queen’s Hall, 9 Nov

Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour, EICC, 9 Nov

Nas: Illmatic 30 Year Anniversary Tour, Usher Hall, 11 Nov

Romeo & Juliet, Edinburgh Playhouse, 12 – 16 Nov

King Creosote: ‘I DES’, Usher Hall, 16 Nov

Janey Godley, EICC, 16 Nov

Paddy McGuinness: Nearly There, Usher Hall, 17 Nov   1 01 Dalmatians, Edinburgh Playhouse, 19 – 23 Nov

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Usher Hall, 20 Nov   T he Australian Pink Floyd, Usher Hall, 23 Nov

Horse: The Road Less Travelled, Queen’s Hall, 23 Nov   Shed Seven, O2 Academy, 23 Nov

Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons, Edinburgh Playhouse, 24 Nov

Rat Pack: A Swingin’ Christmas At The Sands, Usher Hall, 26 Nov

Breabach, Queen’s Hall, 29 Nov   Electric Six, Queen’s Hall, 30 Nov

Festivals and Special Events

Edinburgh Horror Festival, various venues, 31 Oct – 3 Nov

Currie & Balerno Fireworks, King George V Park Currie, 5 Nov

Scots Fiddle Festival, venue TBC, 15 – 17 Nov

Christmas at The Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 21 Nov – 30 Dec

Edinburgh Short Film Festival, TBC

Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire Night, TBC

SLA Fireworks Extravaganza, TBC

Edinburgh’s Christmas, TBC   Castle of Light, TBC

Activities, Tours and Experiences

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, various venues, 5, 8, 12, 19 & 26 Nov

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

Edinburgh’s Radical Book Fair, Assembly Roxy, 21 – 24 Nov

Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

Christmas Market, TBC   Castle St Fair, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

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

Cold War Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, 13 Jul – 26 Jan

Everlyn Nicodemus, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 19 Oct – 25 May

Guadalupe Maravilla, Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

Gabrielle Goliath: Personal Accounts, Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House, Royal Scottish Academy, 9 Nov – 23 Feb

Sports and Fundraising Events

Supernova Run, Forth Road Bridge, 2 Nov

Mo Run, Holyrood Park, 23 Nov

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