Featured Events in Edinburgh in August, 2025 (May Updated)

AC/DC and The Pretty Reckless are set to electrify Edinburgh with an unforgettable performance at Murrayfield Stadium on August 21, 2025. Known for their high-energy shows and legendary status in rock music, AC/DC will share the stage with the dynamic and powerful The Pretty Reckless, creating a night of unparalleled rock excellence. This event promises to be a monumental occasion for rock enthusiasts, with tickets priced at 480 GBP or 204 USD. Murrayfield Stadium, located in the heart of Edinburgh, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this epic concert, offering a spacious and iconic venue for fans to experience the raw power and charisma of these two phenomenal bands. Don't miss the chance to witness rock history in the making at AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless Edinburgh.

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.

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.

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.

Funny, but is it true? Three headline comedians step on stage. Two are telling the truth, one is a big fat liar. Can you tell who...? The award-winning interactive comedy compilation sell-out show returns to a brand-new air-conditioned venue on the Grassmarket! The perfect show for fans of BBC's Would I Lie To You? Total sell-out 2023, so book early! Check out our socials for clips from last years show - TikTok, YouTube, Instagram & Snapchat Information Source: Simon Caine | eventbrite

Award-winning pianist-conductor Matthew Shiel leads his acclaimed jazz band on a swinging, toe-tapping odyssey through blues, Berlin cabaret, ragtime and New York jazz piano improv with poignant storytelling – by candlelight. Programme includes Joplin’s The Entertainer, Brubeck’s Take 5, Gershwin’s showstopper Rhapsody in Blue and cabaret music by the Jewish composer Erwin Schulhoff (1894 – 1942) – who for the ‘crime’ of composing jazz was murdered by the Third Reich. “enchanting…amusing, enlightening stories” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Edinburgh Guide)“artistic director Matthew Shiel shone” (ThreeWeeks) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ripping good yarn” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (BingeFringe) PROGRAMME Take 5 and Unsquared Dance – Dave Brubeck The Entertainer, Spotlight Rag and Stoptime Rag (from his complete Rags) – Scott Joplin Blues, Chanson and Charleston (from Cinq Études de Jazz) – Erwin Schulhoff Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin Matthew Shiel 'Matthew Shiel shone' (Three Weeks) and 'Matthew Shiel 'composed' a most enchanting concert. 5 stars!' (Edinburgh Guide) - reviewers are applauding Matthew for his unique, creative and fresh approach to music performance which push the boundaries of what a piano recital can be. Matthew Shiel is an award-winning concert pianist, Usher Hall and Live Music Now Scotland emerging artist who has performed at Usher Hall, The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, St Gile's Cathedral (Edinburgh), The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (Newcastle) and Glasgow City Halls. Matthew is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has collaborated with festivals including the Åben Festival (Copenhagen), Music at Paxton (Berwick) and a sold-out show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Moonlight Moonlight is a performing arts company that creates immersive classical music experiences, concerts, shows and exhibitions. It celebrates interdisciplinary collaboration with writers and storytellers, visual artists, dancers and filmmakers (and beyond) to push the boundaries of what a classical concert can be and create the 'performance of the future.' Our aim is to make classical music appealing to the demands and expectations of a 21st Century audience and make classical music accessible for all. moonlightconcerts.co.uk Information Source: Moonlight | eventbrite

Build strength, flexibility, fitness and endurance, grow as an aerial yogi in just one week! Cultivate strength and control with a week-long bootcamp series of aerial yoga classes in August 2025!The bootcamp is divided into four days of classes spread across a week (see below for dates and times). You can book onto any number of these classes individually, or all together for the full bootcamp with a little discount. The first three days are general-level with a focus on building strength. The Saturday class is the culmination of the bootcamp and classified as an intermediate class. If you have done the three days you will be fine in day 4. If you have concerns about level, email me any questions at consciousyoga.uk@gmail.com BOOTCAMP BREAKDOWNDAY 1 - MONDAY 4TH AUGUST, 6-7.30PM: general-level class focusing on arms, upper body, chest opening DAY 2 -WEDNESDAY 6TH AUGUST, 6-7.30PM: general-level class focusing on abs, core strength, back bends DAY 3 - THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST, 5.30-7PM: general-level class focusing on legs, bum, hamstring and hip flexibility DAY 4 - SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST, 9.15-10.45AM: intermediate-level class with a whole-body focus, some complex wraps Information Source: Conscious Yoga | eventbrite

Build strength, flexibility, fitness and endurance, grow as an aerial yogi in just one week! Cultivate strength and control with a week-long bootcamp series of aerial yoga classes in August 2025!The bootcamp is divided into four days of classes spread across a week (see below for dates and times). You can book onto any number of these classes individually, or all together for the full bootcamp with a little discount. The first three days are general-level with a focus on building strength. The Saturday class is the culmination of the bootcamp and classified as an intermediate class. If you have done the three days you will be fine in day 4. If you have concerns about level, email me any questions at consciousyoga.uk@gmail.com BOOTCAMP BREAKDOWNDAY 1 - MONDAY 4TH AUGUST, 6-7.30PM: general-level class focusing on arms, upper body, chest opening DAY 2 -WEDNESDAY 6TH AUGUST, 6-7.30PM: general-level class focusing on abs, core strength, back bends DAY 3 - THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST, 5.30-7PM: general-level class focusing on legs, bum, hamstring and hip flexibility DAY 4 - SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST, 9.15-10.45AM: intermediate-level class with a whole-body focus, some complex wraps Information Source: Conscious Yoga | eventbrite

Experimental piano-troupe performs finger gymnastics and rarely heard music for 3 pianists playing 1 piano together! This ‘piano-orchestra,’ assembled from award-winning alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a captivating spectacle pushing the limits of what a piano can do! Programme includes a toy piano and 6-hand arrangements of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Mozart’s Rondo alla Turka, Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Scottish folk songs and a comic performance of Sousa’s all-American Stars and Stripes Forever. “Director Matthew Shiel shone” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ThreeWeeks “masters of their craft” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BingeFringe PROGRAMME Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa Fantasy after Scottish Folk Songs – Carl Czerny Romance – Sergei Rachmaninoff Rondo alla Turka (‘Turkish March’) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Marche funèbre d’une Marionette – Charles-François Gonoud Carillon de St Pierre - Georges Malézieux Toccata and Fugue in D minor – Johann Sebastian Bach Overture from the Barber of Seville – Gioachino Rossini Matthew Shiel 'Matthew Shiel shone' (Three Weeks) and 'Matthew Shiel 'composed' a most enchanting concert. 5 stars!' (Edinburgh Guide) - reviewers are applauding Matthew for his unique, creative and fresh approach to music performance which push the boundaries of what a piano recital can be. Matthew Shiel is an award-winning concert pianist, Usher Hall and Live Music Now Scotland emerging artist who has performed at Usher Hall, The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, St Gile's Cathedral (Edinburgh), The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (Newcastle) and Glasgow City Halls. Matthew is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has collaborated with festivals including the Åben Festival (Copenhagen), Music at Paxton (Berwick) and a sold-out show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Moonlight Moonlight is a performing arts company that creates immersive classical music experiences, concerts, shows and exhibitions. It celebrates interdisciplinary collaboration with writers and storytellers, visual artists, dancers and filmmakers (and beyond) to push the boundaries of what a classical concert can be and create the 'performance of the future.' Our aim is to make classical music appealing to the demands and expectations of a 21st Century audience and make classical music accessible for all. moonlightconcerts.co.uk Information Source: Moonlight | eventbrite

ECO-Max 7: HOWARD LIDDELL MEMORIAL LECTURE. 2025 James Lovelock (1919 – 2022) : The Ecology of Gaia “Evolution is a tightly coupled dance, with life and the material environment as partners. From the dance emerges the entity Gaia.” The event will continue the theme of Eco-Max set out in the 1st Memorial Lecture in 2015 by paying tribute to one of Howard’s eco-pioneers, James Lovelock, chemist, environmentalist and inventor and author of Gaia: A New look at Life on Earth, Gaia - The Practical Science of Planetary Medicine, Healing Gaia and The Vanishing Face of Gaia - A Final Warning The event will be opened by Sandy Liddell Halliday giving the background to the Eco-max Series. This will be followed by author and journalist Jonathan Watts discussing his book: The Many Lives of James Lovelock: Science Secrets and Gaia Theory. This will be followed by a Q& A and a focus on contemporary issues. There will be opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book. Jonathan Watts Jonathan Watts is an author and journalist based in the Amazon rainforest. He is global environment editor for The Guardian and founder of the Rainforest Journalism Fund and Sumaúma.com A veteran foreign correspondent previously based in Tokyo, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro, Jonathan covered two tsunamis, three earthquakes, one cyclone, two bombings, a G8 conference, two world cups, three Olympics and interviewed numerous state leaders. He switched to full time environmental reporting after writing the eco-travelogue, When a Billion Chinese Jump . He is now living on the climate and biodiversity frontline in the Amazonian town of Altamira, where he can feel close to Gaia while writing a biography of the brilliant natural scientist James Lovelock. He is also leading a team of writers to finish the book started by his murdered friend, the British journalist Dom Phillips. The event is in person only and tea/coffee will be provided. Please e-mail us with any questions, dietary and access requiremetns on info@seda.scot Information Source: The Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) | eventbrite

Information Source: Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts | eventbrite

Discover the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of Scotland with a captivating walking tour of hidden gems in the tapestry of Edinburgh’s historic churches. This is our first tour in Scotland. Nestled in the heart of the city, Sacred Heart stands as a stunning example of Jesuit architecture, with its ornate interior, beautiful stained glass windows, and peaceful ambiance offering a serene retreat from the bustling streets. Just a short walk away, Old Saint Paul’s, the oldest Episcopal church in Edinburgh, captivates visitors with its rich gothic revival design, dramatic arches, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere steeped in history. Together, these sacred sites offer a profound glimpse into Edinburgh’s diverse religious tapestry, blending architectural splendour with deep spiritual significance. We’re partnering with Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts . We’ll arrive at Old Saint Paul’s in time for a lunchtime recital ‘Art Songs and Lieder on Sacred Themes (soprano and piano). There is also an exhibition ‘Discovering the Fabric of Faith’ which you’ll have plenty of time to view. The tour will take place on Tuesday 12 August , starting at 10.30am at Sacred Heart Church . Tickets cost £45 per person (plus online booking fees), including a tour at each church, a ticket for the recital and exhibition viewing. The recital and tour will end at 2.15pm when you will then be able to continue to view the exhibition or leave for lunch. This tour will involve around 20 minutes of walking. This event will raise funds for the work of the National Churches Trust, supporting churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK. ----- Please note: this tour takes place during the Edinburgh Festival, when public spaces, venues and group refreshments providers are booked far in advance. Therefore, we are not be able to provide hot refreshments or lunch. We will provide a bottle of water and snacks. Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart On the edge of Edinburgh’s historic old town, the building was opened in 1860. It is home to the largest Stations of the Cross in Europe, each being 5m x 2.5m. They were created for the church between 1871 and 1874 by Bavarian artist, Peter Rauth (1828-96). In 1957, a mural was painted in the church above the altar. It was designed by Derek Clarke, a lecturer at the Edinburgh School of Art. https://edinburghjesuit.org.uk/stationsofcross Old Saint Paul’s   Although the present building dates from the 19th century, Old Saint Paul’s stands on the site of the original home of the Scottish Episcopal Church in Edinburgh.   Over many years, the church has accumulated an exceptionally rich collection of church vestments, hangings and linens. Beautiful cloth, intricate embroidery and superb needlework can bring a distinctive artistic dimension to Christian faith in the practice of worship. Expert guides will be on hand during our visit to explain the symbolism skillfully embodied in fabric, and the religious ceremonies in which these magnificent items are regularly used.  https://www.osp.org.uk/who-we-are/our-history/    Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts   - Sunday 10 to Saturday 16 August 2025   Celebrating the rich Christian tradition in music, visual art, poetry, drama and architecture for one week in August. Full programme to be released 7 February: https://www.edinburghsacredartsfestival.org/     We highly recommend staying in Edinburgh to enjoy more festival highlights, or visit the more well know churches and cathedrals in the city.  Information Source: National Churches Trust | eventbrite

Opened in 1542 as a Catholic Chapel for the (then) fashionable area of Edinburgh's Cowgate, the Scottish Reformation of 1560 turned the Magdalen Chapel into the birthplace of Scottish Presbyterianism. Expert guides will relate the story of this fascinating building, explaining the many unusual features it has acquired both as a chapel and as the home of the Hammermen’s Guild. These include the oldest stained glass in Scotland, the famous Deacon’s Chair of 1708 and a spectacular chandelier. Group limited to 25 people. Information Source: Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts | eventbrite

With caller Ken Gourlay and ceilidh band. Soft drinks £1. All dances walked through and called. Good exercise and great fun. It's so joyful - Japanese tourist. Please try to arrive before 8pm as we have a 5-minute warm-up at 8pm to reduce the risk of injuries Mobile phones and tablets: taking photos or videos is OK but if you need to answer / make a call / text / browse etc. (musicians find this very rude) please do so outside the dance room in the foyer No high heels please edinburghceilidhs.net ken@edinburghceilidhs.net 0131 339 5374 (24 hours) After the ceilidh - up to half an hour - FREE to ceilidh attendees: Interactive chat and jokes about ceilidhs, Auld Lang Syne, Robert Burns, Edinburgh, Scotland, the Scottish, England, your country? Tell jokes yourself. Improve your English and Scots. Information Source: Ken Gourlay | eventbrite

Gianmarco Soresi: The Drama King Tour is set to captivate audiences in Edinburgh from August 18 to August 24, 2025, at the renowned Monkey Barrel venue. Known for his sharp wit and compelling storytelling, Gianmarco Soresi brings a unique blend of humor and drama to the stage, promising an unforgettable experience. The Drama King Tour showcases Soresi's exceptional talent in weaving intricate narratives with a comedic twist, making it a must-see event for comedy enthusiasts and theater lovers alike. With each performance, attendees can expect a masterful display of Soresi's ability to engage and entertain, leaving a lasting impression. The Monkey Barrel, located in the heart of Edinburgh, provides the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated tour, offering an intimate setting that enhances the overall experience. Don't miss the chance to witness Gianmarco Soresi: The Drama King Tour, an event that promises to be the highlight of Edinburgh's cultural calendar.