What’s on in Edinburgh this Autumn 2021

What’s on this Autumn?

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.

Events & Festivals

September

Doors Open Days

Scotland’s annual Doors Open Days festival gives you free access to lots of fascinating buildings across West Lothian.

Lammermuir Festival

Lammermuir Festival is East Lothian’s celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.

Hidden Door Festival 2021

The Hidden Door festival returns in September 2021 for an outdoor festival of music, visual art, theatre, dance and spoken word.

Truckfest Scotland

Scotland’s biggest and best truck show returns to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre on the 18th and 19th September, it’s a great day out for the family.

Take One Action Film Festival

The UK’s leading global change film festival, Take One Action, returns for its first-ever hybrid edition, taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and online from 22nd – 26th September.

The Rum Festival Edinburgh

It’s back! The UK’s first traveling Rum Festival is back in Edinburgh for the fourth year! Catch it on the 24th & 25th of September.

October

Edinburgh Juniper Festival

The Juniper Festival, ‘Scotland’s Best Gin Fest’, returns to Summerhall in October 2021.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week

Edinburgh Cocktail Week is returning in October 2021 and has been extended to two full weeks, Monday 11th – Sunday 24th October.

Edinburgh Horror Festival

The Edinburgh Horror Festival, or EHF as all the cool kids call it, is a multi-art-form event and one of the most popular Hallowe’en events in Edinburgh.

Terminal V Festival – Halloween 2021

Terminal V returns to The Royal Highland Centre for two days, taking place over Halloween weekend 30th + 31st October.

Samhuinn Fire Festival 2021

Edinburgh’s spectacular Winter festival returns once more to Calton Hill this October.

November

Stag & Dagger Edinburgh

Stag & Dagger, Scotland’s original multi-venue event and biggest new music showcase returns to Edinburgh on Sunday 14th November.

The National Whisky Festival

Following popular previous editions, The National Whisky Festival will be making its way back to Edinburgh in November.

Edinburgh Diwali 2021

The South Asian festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by different cultures and religions all over the world, comes to Edinburgh with a multi-cultural feast of light, music, dance and food.

EH6 Festival

The EH6 Festival returns to Leith from 26th – 28th November with some of the best upcoming artists and bands from across the country.

Edinburgh Gin Festival 2021

The Edinburgh Gin Festival is coming to the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 27th November! Come along and meet the distillers, chat, sample, and even buy a bottle to take home.

Activities & Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Zoo

Our Dynamic Earth

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland

Museum of Childhood

Scottish National Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Camera Obscura

Royal Yacht Britannia

Edinburgh Dungeon

Alien Rock Climbing Centre

LOVE Gorgie Farm (formerly known as Gorgie City Farm)

Gravity Trampoline Centre

Looking for free things to do with your kids?

As you’ll no doubt know, your wallet can take a serious hit when visiting a city and a trip to Edinburgh is no exception. So if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got lots of ideas to share with you that won’t cost you a penny. Save your pounds for a visit to the castle and mix it up with plenty of other free activities. Here are our top five free Family-Friendly Things to do in Edinburgh this Summer.

National Museum of Scotland

Gorgie City Farm

Portobello Beach

Climb Calton Hill

Walk the Water of Leith

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