Discover What’s On in Edinburgh This Summer

As summer approaches, Edinburgh bursts to life with an exciting array of activities, events, and attractions for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re in search of family-friendly adventures, world-class festivals, or iconic landmarks, Scotland’s capital offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best things to experience in Edinburgh this summer.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Summer in Edinburgh is the perfect time for family outings and memorable adventures.

• Edinburgh Zoo – A must-visit for animal lovers, the zoo is home to over 1,000 incredible species, including the UK’s only giant pandas. Enjoy interactive exhibits and daily animal talks.
• Dynamic Earth – This immersive science museum takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring the Earth’s past, present, and future with fascinating exhibits and interactive experiences.
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – A fun-filled attraction with optical illusions, a mirror maze, and interactive displays that will entertain both kids and adults.

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Events and Festivals

Edinburgh’s summer is synonymous with world-famous festivals and cultural celebrations.

• Edinburgh International Festival (August) – A showcase of extraordinary performances in theatre, opera, dance, and music, featuring world-renowned artists.
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) – The world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across theatre, comedy, music, and street entertainment. The city transforms into a buzzing cultural hub with pop-up venues, food stalls, and unforgettable performances.
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August) – A spectacular showcase of military precision, music, and dance set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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Must-See Sights and Landmarks

Edinburgh’s stunning landmarks and historic sites provide the perfect backdrop for summer exploration.

• Edinburgh Castle – Sitting atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland’s royal history.
• The Royal Mile – A historic and vibrant street filled with charming shops, cosy cafés, and traditional Scottish pubs.
• Calton Hill – One of the best spots for panoramic views of the city, featuring striking monuments and a perfect sunset-watching location.
• Arthur’s Seat – A rewarding hike with stunning city views from the highest peak in Holyrood Park.

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Experience the Best of Edinburgh This Summer

From historic landmarks and family-friendly attractions to world-renowned festivals, Edinburgh is the ultimate summer destination. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old castles, immersing yourself in cultural celebrations, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable summer adventure.

What’s on this Summer?

Music, Theatre and Comedy

June

• Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, 25 Apr – 14 Jun
• Martha Wainwright, Queen’s Hall, 4 Jun
• Billy Joel, Murrayfield, 7 Jun
• Billy Ocean, Usher Hall, 7 Jun
• Bonnie Raitt, Usher Hall, 10 Jun
• Infinity Saga: In Concert, Usher Hall, 11 Jun
• Boa, Queen’s Hall, 12 Jun
• The Waterboys, Usher Hall, 13 Jun
• Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, 14 Jun
• Sounds Of The 60s Live with Tony Blackburn, Edinburgh Playhouse, 18 Jun
• Andy Murray: Centre Stage, Edinburgh Playhouse, 19 Jun
• Tim Minchin: Songs The World Will Never Hear, Edinburgh Playhouse, 20 Jun
• Rob Beckett: Giraffe, Edinburgh Playhouse, 26 Jun
• What’s Love Got To Do With It? Usher Hall, 28 Jun
• The Night Sky Show, Edinburgh Playhouse, 28 Jun
• Lucy Dacus, Usher Hall, 30 Jun

July

• Dear Evan Hansen, Edinburgh Playhouse, 1 – 5 Jul
• The Teskey Brothers, Usher Hall, 1 Jul
• Kaiser Chiefs, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 4 Jul
• Music From the Movies by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 4 Jul
• Marti Pellow, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 5 Jul
• Ludovico Einaudi, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 10 Jul
• Il Divo, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 12 Jul
• Harry Potter in Concert, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 13 Jul
• Alice Cooper, Edinburgh Playhouse, 23 Jul
• The Dinosaur That Pooped, Edinburgh Playhouse, 24 Jul
• Chopin by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 25 Jul
• A Night at The Opera by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 26 Jul

August

• Oasis: Live ’25, Murrayfield, 8, 9 & 12 Aug
• One Night In Nashville, O2 Academy, 16 Aug
• AC/DC: Power Up Tour, Murrayfield, 21 Aug
• Sam Fender, Royal Highland Showgrounds, 22 Aug
• Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony, Edinburgh Playhouse, 22 Aug

Festivals and Special Events

June

• Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, various venues, 24 May – 1 Jun
• Meadows Festival, The Meadows, 7 – 8 Jun
• Hidden Door Festival, The Paper Factory, 11 – 15 Jun
• Leith Festival, various venues, 14 – 22 Jun
• Royal Highland Show, Royal Highland Centre, 19 – 22 Jun
• Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race, Union Canal between Lochrin Basin & Harrison Park, 21 Jun
• Pride Edinburgh, TBC

July

• 20 Jul Scottish Festival of Motoring, Royal Highland Centre, 20 Jul
• The Garden Party, Royal Highland Centre, 26 – 27 Jul
• Mardi Gras, TBC
• Carnival! TBC
• Edinburgh Food Festival, TBC

August

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe, various venues, 1 – 25 Aug
• Edinburgh International Festival, various venues, 1 – 25 Aug
• Edinburgh Art Festival, various venues, 7 – 24 Aug
• Edinburgh International Book Festival, various venues, 9 – 24 Aug
• Edinburgh International Film Festival, various venues, 14 – 20 Aug
• Edinburgh International Television Festival, EICC, 19 –
  22 Aug

Activities and Experiences

June

• Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, Assembly Roxy, 13 Jun

July

• Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, Assembly Roxy, 4 Jul

Markets and Fairs

June

• Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat
• Edinburgh Car Boot Sale, O2 Academy, every Sat & Sun
• Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun
• Edinburgh Street Food, Leith Street, every day
• Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 2 – 8 Jun
• Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 28 Jun

July

• 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 Street Food, Leith Street, every day
• Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 7 – 13 Jul
• Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 26 Jul
• The National Gardening & Outdoor Living Show, Royal
• Highland Centre, 26 – 27 Jul
• West End Fair, TBC

August

• 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 Street Food, Leith Street, every day
• Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 2 – 23 Aug
• Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 30 Aug
• West End Fair, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

June

• Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland, City Art Centre, 14 Sep – 1 Jun
• The Craft of Couture: Victor Edelstein designs for Anna Miller, Museum of Edinburgh, 28 Nov – 1 Jun
• The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives, Dovecot Studios, 27 Feb – 28 Jun
• Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, King’s Gallery, 28 Feb – 7 Sep
• Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books, Museum of Edinburgh, 19 Apr – 8 Sep
• The World of King James VI and I, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 26 Apr – 14 Sep
• Your Art World, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 2 Nov
• Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000, City Art Centre, 17 May, 12 Oct
• Doug Cocker: Threads, Dovecot Studios, 24 May – 19 Jul
• John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, City Art Centre,31 May – 28 Sep
• Wael Shawky, Talbot Rice Gallery, 28 Jun – 28 Sep
• Monkeys: Our Primate Family, National Museum of Scotland, 28 Jun – 30 Nov

July

• Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, King’s Gallery, 28 Feb – 7 Sep
• Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books, Museum of Edinburgh, 19 Apr – 8 Sep
• The World of King James VI and I, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 26 Apr – 14 Sep
• Your Art World, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 2 Nov
• Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000, City Art Centre, 17 May, 12 Oct
• Doug Cocker: Threads, Dovecot Studios, 24 May – 19 Jul
• John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, City Art Centre, 31 May – 28 Sep
• Wael Shawky, Talbot Rice Gallery, 28 Jun – 28 Sep
• Monkeys: Our Primate Family, National Museum of Scotland, 28 Jun – 30 Nov
• Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Royal Scottish Academy, 26 Jul – 2 Nov

August

• Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, King’s Gallery, 28 Feb – 7 Sep
• Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books, Museum of Edinburgh, 19 Apr – 8 Sep
• The World of King James VI and I, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 26 Apr – 14 Sep
• Your Art World, Scottish National Gallery, 10 May – 2 Nov
• Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000, City Art Centre, 17 May, 12 Oct
• John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, City Art Centre, 31 May – 28 Sep
• Wael Shawky, Talbot Rice Gallery, 28 Jun – 28 Sep
• Monkeys: Our Primate Family, National Museum of Scotland, 28 Jun – 30 Nov
• Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Royal Scottish Academy, 26 Jul – 2 Nov

Sports and Fundraising Events

June

• Holyrood 5K & 10K, Holyrood Park, 1 Jun
• Seven Hills of Edinburgh, starts Calton Hill, 15 Jun
• Pretty Muddy 5K & Kids, The Meadows, 22 Jun

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