Upcoming Edinburgh Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
The world famous Edinburgh Festival is so huge that it tends to overshadow other less popular celebrations that there are so many of in our beautiful city. But Edinburgh isn’t called the City of Festivals for nothing and we guarantee there is something for everyone – all year round! Here are our festival picks that you should jot down in your calendar right now.
The Perfect Blend- Whisky & Chocolate. Image credit: The Real Mary King’s Close.
Whisky Month
1–31 May 2016
www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/whisky-month
The entire month of May has been christened “whisky month”, which means that you should book your flights to Scotland asap if you’re a whisky enthusiast. There are excellent events all over Scotland celebrating the water of life. You can try over 200 whiskies at the Whisky Stramash, join a Whisky Walk in the Old Town or learn about the history of the drink whilst enjoying five drams of whisky accompanied by craft chocolate on The Perfect Blend tour taking place in the historic setting of Mary King’s Close.
Stay in this gem of an apartment on the charming St Mary’s Street in the heart of the Old Town and you’ll be only minutes away from most of the whisky events.
Scotland’s Big Nature Festival
21-22 May 2016
This festival celebrates the best of Scottish nature and wildlife, and with activities such as pond-dipping and bug-hunting we can guarantee it’ll be a hit with the younger folk. There are inspirational talks, beautiful walks and workshops that will keep the older nature enthusiasts entertained as well. The festival takes place at the Levenhall Links in Musselburgh.
Tango Festival Artists. Image credit: eitf.org.uk
Edinburgh International Tango Festival
27-30 May 2016
The International Tango Festival is coming to town for the 9th time, hosting three sets of talented Tango teachers and live music by the applauded Juan D’Arienzo. There are also over 20 workshops to suit all skill levels. One of the highlights of the festival is the Summer Ball event at Greyfriar’s Kirk that goes on into the wee hours.
Hidden Door Festival
27 May – 4 June 2016
This hip 9-day festival brings you live music, visual art, spoken word poetry, cinema, theatre, bars, street food and more. The festival takes place at the empty street lighting depot behind King’s Stables Road.
If you’re coming to town for the festival, check out this lovely one bedroom flat – it’s only minutes from the venue and you’ll be right next to Edinburgh Castle!
Meadows Festival
4-5 June 2016
Run by volunteers, this fun weekend festival fills the Meadows Park in Edinburgh’s South Side with live music, food stalls, antiques, clothes, entertainment for kids and much more. It’s the perfect family day out.
If you want to stay near the Meadows check out this gorgeous modern duplex on Simpson Loan.
There are events for all ages at the Cycling Festival
Edinburgh Festival of Cycling
9-19 June 2016
It only started in 2013 but has already been listed as one of the UK’s best cycling festivals by the Guardian. Stretching over 10 days, the cyclefest offers over 80 events in nearly 50 venues. It’s all about cycling and Edinburgh and there are a wide range of events to choose from, such as workshops, guided bike tours, a variety of interesting rides as well as fun family activities.
Magical goldfish? Image credit: magicfest.co.uk
Magic Festival
1-8 July
MagicFest is a recent addition to Edinburgh Festivals that celebrates the art of magic with live performances by some of the finest Scottish and foreign magicians. The most popular shows, the Secret Room at Lauriston castle and the MagicFest Gala at the Festival Theatre, are returning this year so make sure to book your tickets before they run out! Read more about last year’s festival here.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
15-24 July 2016
When Edinburgh Jazz Festival was founded in 1978 by banjo player and guitarist Mike Hart the events were held in pubs free of charge. In 2015 there were over 150 concerts stretched over 10 days. The full programme for 2016 isn’t announced until the 4th of May, but one thing is for sure: there will be a whole range of brilliant musicians from around the world celebrating the wonderful music genres that are jazz and blues.
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Remember, Dickins has wonderful properties throughout the city, from the New Town, Stockbridge and the Old Town to Haymarket, Bruntsfield, Morningside and many more.
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