Featured Events in Edinburgh in July, 2025 (July Updated)

The Cold War was a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Scotland’s unique landscape provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research. The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

This is the first exhibition of its kind to show primate taxidermy specimens behaving as they would in the wild. 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises. Specimens on display include the Barbary Macaque, Western Lowland Gorilla, and ring-tailed Lemur.

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years will take over the upper and lower galleries in the Royal Scottish Academy building for the summer. Based in Scotland, Goldsworthy (born 1956) is internationally famous for his extraordinary work with natural materials. The exhibition showcases over 200 works such as photographs, sculptures and expansive new installations built in-situ.

It’s the stand-up chat show where comedians sell their jokes. We’re the only stand-up show in the world where if you like a joke enough, you can buy it. Every show introduces a top-secret line-up of the absolute best comedians at the Fringe – all offering their jokes to the highest bidder. All monies raised from joke sales are donated to Comedy Support Act, the charity set up to provide emergency funds to support Comedians that find themselves in times of financial hardship. 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' TICKETING EXPLAINED All of our show tickets are the same apart from the price. 'Pay What You Can' ticketing means that you decide what price to pay. Please support our show with the best ticket price you can afford. IMPORTANT These shows are all being recorded for our Youtube channel and this footage may include shots of the audience. Information Source: Need To Know Comedy | eventbrite

Young people across Scotland have created a dazzling range of artworks for this exhibition. Supported by our team of artists, groups of children have made inspiring installations, while individuals have responded to an open call to share their art with the world. Young visitors to the exhibition can also get inspired and make their own mark by sending in their art. All artworks by 3 to 18-year-olds, living in Scotland, submitted to our online gallery before October will be added to a looped, digital display in the exhibition.

The exhibition sheds light on behind-the-scenes processes, from photographers’ handwritten annotations to correspondence with members of the Royal Family and their staff, revealing the stories behind some of the most celebrated photographs ever taken of the Royal Family.

Explore the creation and use of maps during the Second World War. Discover their use through personal stories, photography, and memorabilia. Between 1939 and 1945 over 3 billion maps were produced for the Allied, Soviet and German forces. Used to navigate the jungles of south-east Asia or for devising an escape plan, the maps on display are now mementoes. Maps kept alongside medals and photographs to say ‘I was there.’ You'll find aerial photography, war diaries, and even a fashionable dress made from escape and evasion maps. The exhibition introduces us to a Prisoner of War, an RAF pilot, a Brigadier and an army chaplain through the maps they kept as a memory of their war service.

Notes Certificate 15 - strong language Runtime - 2 hours The film will start promptly at 7pm without trailers. Light refreshments will be available for sale Grassmarket Community Project is a wheelchair-accessible venue. Information Source: Grassmarket Community Picture House | eventbrite

Information Source: Leigh Thornton | eventbrite

Our sessions are only available to families who live within EH6/EH7 and must have at least one child 0 - 18 months. Bring your little ones along to explore some songs and stories in our summer themed Bookbug led by Alyssa. Information Source: Dr Bells Family Centre | eventbrite

Innerdance Rachel and Connie welcome you to come lay down on your mat and experience an evening of Internal dancing in a small and intimate group. Together we will all connect as one as we journey through a soundscape of recorded and live music. Blue Morpho, 36A Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ 6.30pm - 8.30pm Introductory rate of £25 per person Please book in advance to avoid disappointment. ✨What to bring!✨ ⭐Please wear loose fitting or comfy clothing! Bring layers to keep you warm. ⭐A bottle of water to keep you hydrated! ⭐You can bring blankets and pillows whatever you need to make yourself comfy, but one pillow and blanket will be provided for everyone. ⭐Yoga mats and eyemasks are also provided. ✨What is Innerdance?✨ The soundscape created by the amazing Serena, carefully recreates the circadian rhythms that we experience every night through sleep. Using different sound frequencies and waves, you will venture into an awaken-dream like state of consciousness. The soundscape is supported by intuitive energy work, bodywork and gentle touch given by Rachel and Connie. After the soundscape there will be space for you to share your journey or any emotions, thoughts, feelings that Innerdance may have brought up for you. With the opportunity to sit and witness and be witnessed by those around you. ✨What people have experienced during and after innerdance✨ ⭐Better sleep, feeling more rested. ⭐Increased energy, motivation. ⭐Kundalini awakening. ⭐The processing/acknowledgement of trapped emotions. ⭐Relief of physical/emotional/mental pain or stress. ⭐Grounding, being brought into body. ⭐Lucid dreaming, awakened dreaming and pyschadelic visuals and journeys. ⭐Peace of mind and mental calmness. ⭐The feeling of been safe and held. ⭐Rebirth, new ideas and creativity. ⭐Connection to a greater consciousness than your own personal one. ⭐Energetical release Connie & Rachel x Conni3@hotmail.co.uk ✨What others have said about Innerdance✨ ‘I recently had an Innerdance session with Rachel and Connie. It was such an interesting experience! I wasn’t sure what to expect at all. I knew it would involve music but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply I became immersed in the experience, how loved and nurtured I felt during it and how incredible I felt afterwards. It really does clear so much away and I felt so much more calm, clear and expansive which is a weird thing to say. I felt much bigger and truer as opposed to feeling small or insignificant. It was an incredible experience and I’m already excited for the next one’. -Andy- 'Rachel and Connie’s Innerdance healing session is quite the game changer. Their music, a natural intuition, and spirituality came together in a powerful way, creating an experience close to a power of a reiki session, something else. The music and stillness brought me to emotions I usually struggle with getting surfaced. Their intuition and connection with the spirit clearly guided me towards feeling and healing. It was great how they built a nurturing and non-judgmental space in my own home. They created a space where i felt held, as a man it’s not often we get to experience that feeling. My flat felt cleansed and new after. I highly recommend their sessions for anyone seeking some inner work and attention and a deeper connection with themselves'. -Nick- Information Source: Connie Lasune | eventbrite

A fun workshop to introduce you to the art of spinning your own yarn using a drop spindle, a great activity for fans of crocheting, knitting, weaving or tapestry. What is a drop spindle? A drop spindle is a tool for spinning fibres into lengths of yarn or threads. As the name suggests, it drops down and hangs from your fibres whilst its spinning. This 1.5 hour workshop will show you the basics of spinning wool fibres into your own yarn, which you will then be able to take home. You will have use of a drop spindle in the workshops, and a choice of many colours of fibre to use interchangeably. There will also be starter kits available for purchase if you would like to continue at home! You will learn: How to hold and use a drop spindle How to handle wool tops How to change colours How to ply your yarn A great way for any yarn enthusiast to spend a few hours discussing yarn origins and future projects whilst learning a new addicitive skill. Please consider the following: This workshop requires fine motor skills in the hands and fingers of both hands, and requires full movement of both arms. You can of course take breaks when needed, but you will need to be able to work with your arms elevated for extended periods. You will be seated forward in your seat for the majority of the session, again of course you may take breaks! I look forward to spinning with you! Leigh Information Source: Leigh Thornton | eventbrite

The Generative Creative Visions Final Showcase will take place in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, located at 1 Lauriston Place Room 4.35, EH3 9EF. This event is scheduled for July 30, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a culmination of innovative and artistic projects from various creators. Admission to the showcase is free of charge, offering a unique chance to explore cutting-edge creative visions in a dynamic setting. Join us at this inspiring event to witness the intersection of technology and creativity at its finest.

A fun afternoon for the little ones searching for the critters that live in our woods. Accompanying adult free of charge book only for the child / children Please contact us if you would like to book for older/younger siblings. Information Source: Water of Leith Conservation Trust | eventbrite

Our sessions are only available to families who live within EH6/EH7 and must have at least one child under 5 years old. Join us for a session exploring the beach at Wardie bay beach, 92 lower granton road, EH5 1ER . We will be engaging in various activities exploring the sand and water. Appropriate clothing for you and your child should be worn so that everyone enjoys the full experience. This session is most suitable for walkers, or crawlers if you don't mind sandy knees! 9 months + Information Source: Dr Bells Family Centre | eventbrite

It's Comedy Set Swapping LIVE! The show where comedians tell their own jokes and then each other's! Every show has 4 of the best comedians at the fringe joining our hosts, Will Mars & Bass6 PRESS & HIGHLIGHTS Chortle Award winner – Best Club Show London Top five comedy shows of the year Top 10 late nights out at the Fringe 'One of the best live shows we've seen' 'A brilliant format' 'An undoubted hit' 'Spontaneous and anarchic' **** 'A truly electric night' **** 'Action-packed and chaotic' **** 'Deserves more than one visit' **** 'You simply must see this show. It would be foolish not too.' ***** 'A superb treat ... no wonder the room was packed.' ***** Piloted for TV with BBC2 U.K and Comedy Central U.S. Featured on BBC Radio 4 Extra. 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' TICKETING EXPLAINED All of our show tickets are the same apart from the price. 'Pay What You Can' ticketing means that you decide what price to pay. Please support our show with the best ticket price you can afford. IMPORTANT These shows are all being recorded for our Youtube channel and this footage may include shots of the audience. Information Source: Need To Know Comedy | eventbrite

A stand-up comedy competition featuring only the very best comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe. All battling it out for the title of Edinburgh Fringe Comedian of the Year and a cash prize of £1000. The shows will feature a handpicked selection of over 100 of the finest acts at the festival all competing in a series of knockout rounds. Every night will showcase six comedians performing their best stand-up for a chance of progressing thru to the prestigious finals. 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' TICKETING EXPLAINED All of our show tickets are the same apart from the price. 'Pay What You Can' ticketing means that you decide what price to pay. Please support our show with the best ticket price you can afford. IMPORTANT These shows are all being recorded for our Youtube channel and this footage may include shots of the audience. Information Source: Need To Know Comedy | eventbrite

Riley, Milo, Hussein, Nate and November are back at the Fringe for another hour of madcap Fringe fun in the era of Capitulating Keir and the Chicago Pope. ROOM: Monkey Barrel 3 DOORS: 23:10 START: 23:20 END: 00:30 Information Source: Trashfuture Podcast | eventbrite

It's Comedy Sketch Swapping LIVE! The show where sketch groups perform their own sketches and then each other's! Every show has 4 of the best sketch groups at the fringe joining our host, Will Mars PRESS & HIGHLIGHTS Chortle Award winner – Best Club Show London Top five comedy shows of the year Top 10 late nights out at the Fringe 'One of the best live shows we've seen' 'A brilliant format' 'An undoubted hit' 'Spontaneous and anarchic' **** 'A truly electric night' **** 'Action-packed and chaotic' **** 'Deserves more than one visit' **** 'You simply must see this show. It would be foolish not too.' ***** 'A superb treat ... no wonder the room was packed.' ***** Piloted for TV with BBC2 U.K and Comedy Central U.S. Featured on BBC Radio 4 Extra. 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' TICKETING EXPLAINED All of our show tickets are the same apart from the price. 'Pay What You Can' ticketing means that you decide what price to pay. Please support our show with the best ticket price you can afford. IMPORTANT These shows are all being recorded for our Youtube channel and this footage may include shots of the audience. Information Source: Need To Know Comedy | eventbrite

It's a live YouTube recording with more jokes than you thought possible. Star of Fox's Showtime at The Apollo, BBC's Stand Up for Comic Relief and NBC's Trial by Laughter, Will Mars is 'a fearsome comedy creation' **** (Scotsman). Mars regularly performs in the United States. He’s a regular at the legendary Comedy Cellar in New York and has been selected for a host of industry-favoured festivals including the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and Red Clay Comedy Festivals in Atlanta, the Big Sky Comedy Festival in Montana, Seattle International Comedy Competition (becoming a Top 10 Finalist) and in 2024 he debuted at the most popular festival in north America, ‘SkankFest’, in Las Vegas. Back home in the U.K., this former English Comedian of the Year Award Nominee has performed sell-out shows for seven consecutive years at the Edinburgh Fringe. His previous two Edinburgh Fringe runs led to him becoming the sole winner of the prestigious Malcolm Hardee award in 2021 and winning an Amused Moose Comedy Awards Best Show Nomination in 2022. 'Mars is well worth exploring' **** Metro 'One of the highest gag rates at the Edinburgh Fringe' **** Beyond The Joke 'His delivery is brilliant; his jokes are hilarious' **** Entertainment-Now 'Comedy done right' **** EdFringeReview 'Punch after punch of great material' **** The Student Newspaper 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' TICKETING EXPLAINED All of our show tickets are the same apart from the price. 'Pay What You Can' ticketing means that you decide what price to pay. Please support our show with the best ticket price you can afford. IMPORTANT These shows are all being recorded for our Youtube channel and this footage may include shots of the audience. Information Source: Need To Know Comedy | eventbrite

Welcome to the 5k Taster Tour Series! Taster Tour Series #7: The Wee Tourist Trail When: Thursday 31st July 2025 @ 7.30am Where: Start/finish point at St Andrew Square (meet at the south east corner) Details: This summer, we've created a new route - a refined version of our signature tour, 'The Tourist Trail'. And we want YOU to try it out first! It's the best bits of Edinburgh, all packed into a 45 minute tour before the city truly awakes! One not to be missed! *We'd love to see you there! *NB: for first-time tourers with Stride Out, we are offering a FREE TRIAL TASTER TOUR during the summer months. Please email info@strideoutrunningtours.com in order to redeem, rather than booking via Eventbrite. Thank you! Information Source: Stride Out Running Tours | eventbrite

Step into a realm where candlelight dances with defiance. Among 1,000 flames, Blue Violin shatters musical boundaries, breathing fierce new life into rock's greatest anthems. Watch as contemporary dancers emerge from shadows and smoke, their movements painting emotional landscapes through AC/DC's Thunderstruck and Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. This is no ordinary performance – it's a rebellion against convention, where violin virtuosity collides with rock's raw energy. As smoke swirls and music soars, immerse yourself in a spellbinding fusion of movement and sound that will leave you breathless. Adelaide Fringe Award Winnter - Pick of the Week Explores different ways of sparking musical interest Boston Globe Mature depth and musical prowess Tower Records Combining contemporary and classical styles Miami Herald A once in a lifetime experience Peoria Journal Star Sheer artistry Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier Groundbreaking and innovative I Am Modern “Electrifying Boston Ballet Information Source: Music Makers Foundation, Inc | eventbrite

Live from Edinburgh, it's.... well, it's Tuesday!! Join Steven, Charles, Bex, David and Poppy to discover what happens when you make improvisers write down what they're going to say down in advance. Will it be funny? Will it be wild? Will it be pre-written by 1 July? We darn-tootin' hope so!! 1hr | Sketches | Improv | FREE | Improves Tuesdays by 20% Information Source: eventbrite

Join us for our very first Gluten Free Food Market in Edinburgh on 12 July 2025. You will be able to taste and buy an array of gluten free products from local and national producers of gluten free food, along with outdoor street vendors and an onsite gluten free bar, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, our wonderful ambassador Becky Excell will be joining us for timed Meet & Greet in all three sessions. You’ll be able to buy any of Becky’s books at the Coeliac UK stand and you can add a free Meet and Greet ticket to your Gluten Free Food Market ticket session (one ticket per group/order). TIMING & TICKET S: We’ll be hosting three ticketed sessions throughout the day. 10.00 -12.00 13.00 -15.00 15.30 -17.30 Ticket prices: Adult tickets will be £4. Under 16’s are free. Please note that child tickets may only be purchased with an accompanying adult ticket. For those of you with accessibility requirements we will be having a quieter, a 30 minute browsing session and meet and greet attached to the second session. Please get in touch at festival@coeliac.org.uk if you require a ticket for this session. And don't forget to check our event webpage at www.coeliac.org.uk/GFFMEdinburgh for the latest exhibitor listing and event information. We look forward to seeing you there! Information Source: Coeliac UK | eventbrite

Edinburgh's anarchic open mic night where there's no limit on what can be performed, only how much time performers get! We run for 90 minutes, and divide that time by the number of performers who sign up to get our set times. There's a bell 30 seconds before the end of each set, and a gong at the end which performers CANNOT go past! Sign up is 7-7.30 - comedy, music, poetry, short stories, film scripts, magic acts - we've had all sorts over the years, so just rock on down! Information Source: Typewronger Books | eventbrite

Course Description and Enrolment DetailsKids Beginners and Intermediate Summer activities for your child to gain and develop a range of skills across a range of paddle sport craft while having great fun. The specifics will be tailored to the group but will likely include canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and games on the water and in the park. The fee includes a year's membership of Forth Canoe Club valid through the club year ending 28 February 2026. (There will also be a no-pressure opportunity for your child to show that they can capsize and re-enter their craft safely. This would mean they are welcome to participate, under supervision of a parent/guardian, in our club night activities Thursday evenings April-October.) Age range 8-12 years old on the first day of the course Course times The course has 5 sessions on consecutive days from Monday to Friday. Each session is 2 hours: Drop-off: 9:00Pick up: 15:00There will be 1 hour for lunch. Please bring your own. The coaches will get the group off the water 15 minutes before the session end time to allow everyone to get changed before the pick up time. Children attending the sessions should be able to get changed by themselves. We're happy to make changes to your booking. But please do check that you will be available before booking :-) Location All courses will run from our boathouse, situated on the bank of the Union Canal at the southern end of Harrison Road. The nearest Postcode is Polwarth Church - EH11 1LU. What you should bring with you: We ask that you bring a bottle of water or drink, snacks and lunch. In addition you will need suitable clothing for water sports. You might like to bring two changes of dry clothing so that wet clothes can be removed at lunch time. Clothing is weather dependent, but could include a fleece, warm t-shirt/thermal, tracksuit trousers, cagoule/windproof, hat and towel. We encourage you to wear footwear in the boats; plimsolls or wet-shoes are ideal. There are individual changing cubicles and a toilet available during this time. Contact details If you have a question about this course, please contact Alan, at course.admin@forthcanoeclub.co.uk, who will direct your query to the coach if necessary. We are volunteers, so do take the time to look through the information to hand to ensure that your question is not answered elsewhere. Why do I have to fill in all these forms? We appreciate it takes time to complete the forms but we have a requirement to provide our coaches with up to date information about the students they will be coaching - their needs, medical issues and emergency details - please work with us to give our coaches the information they need. DATA USAGE Forth Canoe Club will keep a record of members’ names and addresses and contact details on a computer accessible to the Forth Canoe Club Committee. Your record may be inspected by contacting the Membership Secretary. We are affiliated to the Scottish Canoe Association and will pass on your data for insurance and membership statistics use. By signing up this course, you are agreeing for Forth Canoe Club to use your contact data in this way if necessary. Information Source: Forth Canoe Club | eventbrite

Join U3A Ukulele Group for their Children’s Concert, featuring many beloved children’s classics. Let your little ones join in with the music with shakers, little drums, guiros, and claves, and plenty of room to wiggle and dance! Information Source: St Cecilia's Hall, The University of Edinburgh | eventbrite

Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall? The stage is set for regicidal rivalries, devious dramatics, and plotting playwrights. Beset by misunderstandings and a script that…let’s just say…needs some work, this production promises to be largely historical, always hysterical. As the old saying goes…thy show must go-eth on! ★★★★★ – “So entertaining…laugh-out-loud funny” ★★★★★ – “Riotously fun. Hugely enjoyable” ★★★★★ – “The ultimate British theatrical experience” – Hastings Independent Press ★★★★★ – “Great fun for the whole family…my kids are still talking about it!” On Tuesday 1st July, join us at Lauriston Castle. Bring your own cushions, and camping-chairs and join us on our 10th anniversary open-air adventure. Come prepared for the weather - the performance will continue come rain come shine! This performance is an outdoor performance. We recommend that you bring blankets/chairs/cushions etc. to sit on. Come prepared for the weather with warm coats and waterproofs etc, as the performance will continue come rain come shine! We ask that you don’t bring umbrellas as these can obscure the view for other people in the audience. 7pm start time, picnics welcome from 6pm. The performance will last approximately 100 minutes (+ a 20 minute interval). We recommend booking tickets for this performance online in advance. For further information about this performance please email boxoffice@threeinchfools.com. Information Source: The Three Inch Fools | eventbrite

A fun workshop to introduce you to the art of spinning your own yarn using a drop spindle, a great activity for fans of crocheting, knitting, weaving or tapestry. What is a drop spindle? A drop spindle is a tool for spinning fibres into lengths of yarn or threads. As the name suggests, it drops down and hangs from your fibres whilst its spinning. This 1.5 hour workshop will show you the basics of spinning wool fibres into your own yarn, which you will then be able to take home. You will have use of a drop spindle in the workshops, and a choice of many colours of fibre to use interchangeably. There will also be starter kits available for purchase if you would like to continue at home! You will learn: How to hold and use a drop spindle How to handle wool tops How to change colours How to ply your yarn A great way for any yarn enthusiast to spend a few hours discussing yarn origins and future projects whilst learning a new addicitive skill. Please consider the following: This workshop requires fine motor skills in the hands and fingers of both hands, and requires full movement of both arms. You can of course take breaks when needed, but you will need to be able to work with your arms elevated for extended periods. You will be seated forward in your seat for the majority of the session, again of course you may take breaks! I look forward to spinning with you! Leigh Information Source: Leigh Thornton | eventbrite

Join Dr Joanna Härmä at Blackwell’s of Edinburgh, as she joins us on Wednesday 2nd July, at 7pm, to speak about her second book, How the New Education Establishment Betrayed the World’s Poorest Children: Broken Promises, Broken Schools, published by Bloomsbury Academic in February 2025. The book takes the reader through the author’s journey, both practical and intellectual, spanning two decades. It brings a critical lens to widely-held beliefs in the power of education and the need to deliver this quickly and at scale, outlining all but insurmountable obstacles to realising local, national and global ambitions. Highly contextualised direct experience over 20 years from one part of Uttar Pradesh, India, is blended with historical sources and primary and secondary data from a broad range of African countries. The book considers public, private and blended approaches to education delivery. Joanna is a writer and researcher who has conducted extensive research on low-fee private schooling targeting lower income communities in India, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique. This research was carried out while working on a range of donor and foundation-funded projects and she has also worked in other African and Asian countries on issues other than private schooling. While living and working in Nigeria, she designed and oversaw the only comprehensive census of private schools in Lagos, amongst other research into private schooling in the country, including Kwara State and the federal capital, Abuja. She has also worked on other types of projects in Liberia, Malawi and Bangladesh. Her first book, Low-fee Private Schooling and Poverty in Developing Countries, was published in 2021 by Bloomsbury Academic. - Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat. Tickets are £3and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of Dr Joanna Härmä's new book. The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@waterstones.com Information Source: Blackwell's Edinburgh South Bridge | eventbrite