Events in Edinburgh in May 2026
Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh during May 2026, or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Live Music at The Botanist
The Botanist hosts live music from Thursday to Sunday every week! From acoustic singles, duos, trios and full band, we have it all.
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ARTIST ROOMS
Discover three of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh.
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Almost Impossible 2.0: Martin Brock
Martin Brock is back at the Fringe with an electrifying, one-of-a-kind spectacle of slick, mind-bending magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, cutting-edge video production and astonishing illusions!
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We Are The Witches. We Are, Hear
This is an exhibition of textile artwork by 70 wise women artist using their craft to Challenge, Disturb and Disrupt. Catch it at The House of Smalls in August!
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Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture
Featuring examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, the exhibition at City Art Centre spans almost 400 years of artistic production.
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Beethoven Sonatas by Candlelight
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!
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Royal Mile Chamber Music Series
The Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series returns to St Giles, Cathedral for its second season, following a widely acclaimed launch.
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Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight
Enjoy Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other magnificent works by Candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta!
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Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight and set in the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
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Royal Mile International Piano Series
Set against the magnificent backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral — illuminated by candlelight - these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience!
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Doctor Bonk’s Macarbaret
Dr Bonk, Scotland's silliest surgeon, presents the Macarbaret: a madcap hour of drag, burlesque, music, comedy, and medical mayhem!
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Jubilate Children’s Choir
Jubilate is St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral's new junior choir, held every Friday during term time in the Song School on the Cathedral grounds.
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Edinburgh Nuclear Bunker Tour
Don't miss an amazing opportunity to see part of Scotland's Cold War History on the Barnton Nuclear Bunker Tours every Saturday and Sunday!
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Monster Cabaret
Join Madame Mabh for her haunted house party at the Banshee Labyrinth, featuring both classic cabaret acts and unusual happenings!
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Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Assembly Roxy
Come and experience Scottish dance the way its meant to be every month at the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at the Assembly Roxy!
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Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight
Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Cathedral, that perfectly complements the romantic brilliance of Chopin's music.
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Stand Up Horror
Improvised, macabre tales featuring (voluntary!) members of the audience as actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night at Stand Up Horror!
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Hays Community Hub Volunteer drop in
Interested in volunteering? Them come along to Hays Community Hub Volunteer drop in day on Thursday 20th November - we’d love to welcome you to the team!
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Hays Community Education Courses (Free and accredited)
Hays Community Hub is excited to launch a brand-new learning opportunity designed to support you every step of the way.
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Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening
A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.
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The Early Saturday Show!
Join us at the Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh for a mixed-bill act show!
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The Thursday Show
The weekend starts here! Catch five acts on a two hour stand-up showcase at The Stand Edinburgh on selected Thursdays through the year!
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Susan Morrison is historically funny
Susan Morrison, host of BBC Radio Scotland's 'Time Travels', will take you through some of Scotland's seediest, skankiest and scandalous history. And the funniest.
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The Sunday Night Laugh-In
Round off the weekend with our comedy cocktail which has the emphasis on the chilled and the laid back. At least five acts on each bill ensure variety and great value.
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Stu and Garry’s Free Improv Show
Marvel as resident duo Stu & Garry weave comedy magic from your suggestions in this long-running improvised show at The Stand Edinburgh!
READ MOREEdinburgh Ceilidh Club at Summerhall
Come and experience Scottish dance the way its meant to be every Tuesday at the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club in Summerhall!
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Underground Magic: Edinburgh’s Live Magic Night
Experience incredible magic when the Edinburgh Magic Company presents a fresh lineup of magicians, mind-readers, and the occasional wild-card variety act at the Gilded Saloon!
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GirlyPop Live
After a trail of sold-out shows and unforgettable memories, GirlyPop Live is coming to Edinburgh Corn Exchange featuring your favourite Pop icons in one live show brought to you by the best tributes!
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Edinburgh Open House Ceilidhs
Join Edinburgh Open House Ceilidhs with Live Band & Caller, held in the Royal British Legion Hall! Great informal fun night suitable for all ages (10yrs+).
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The Biba Story: 1964–1975
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.
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Jay Lafferty: Awrite! Work in Progress
Jay will be working up material for a brand new hour joined by a special guest comic each show.
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The Ballad of Johnny and June
The Ballad of Johnny & June takes you inside the soaring highs and shattering lows of a love story that defined an era.
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Out With The Buckleys
James and Clair Buckley are taking their vlog offline and around the UK on an unfiltered, unedited live tour and bring it to the Usher Hall on Friday 1st May!
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Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals
Don’t miss your chance to see Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK Tour when it returns to Edinburgh Playhouse in May 2026!
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Elkie Brooks - Long Farewell Tour
Having started her career in music in 1960, a remarkable 64 years of performing live, Elkie Brooks will embark upon her ‘Long Farewell Tour’ and brings it to the Usher Hall on 2nd May 2026!
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John Robins - ‘Thirst’ In Conversation
Join critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Taskmaster champion, and award-winning broadcaster John Robins in conversation about alcohol addiction and the journey to sobriety.
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Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea
Has Josh Widdicombe mastered the art of stand-up? Come along and decide for yourself when he brings his new show, Not My Cup of Tea, to the Edinburgh Playhouse!
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Mànran at Porty Festival
Mànran, one of Scotland’s most exciting and influential bands, will headline the Saturday evening stage at Porty Festival on Saturday 2nd May!
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Sacred Fire: A Boutique Festival
Sacred Fire is a two-day intimate gathering at Beechbrae Woodland, where we will sing, dance, eat, relax and sauna to kick off the festival season!
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Sophie Garrad - Poor Little Rich Girl
This high-energy, razor-sharp stand-up hour at Monkey Barrel Comedy sees Sophie Garrad satirize her own experiences of class, identity, privilege and the prison system.
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Eleventh Hour and Hellbound
Celebrating 20 years Eleventh Hour performs Sacrament in full, joined by Hellbound paying tribute to Pantera for a night of heavy metal bangers.
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Summer Salt
Texas indie pop band Summer Salt bring their EU/UK Reside Tour to The Mash House Edinburgh on Sunday 3rd May.
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Indian Plugin - Summer Electro Fest
Indian electronic music is not just an evolution, but a revolution. 12 Hours of exploring New Era Indian Music. SOUNDS of INDIA where the logic stand.
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Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell, an American musician, known primarily for his work as a singer and songwriter in country music, plays The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Monday 4th May!
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Sunny Afternoon
Sunny Afternoon, the multi-award-winning musical sensation about one of the greatest bands of all time, The Kinks, is returning for a major UK tour, don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse!
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Cantatas & Concertos
Alexander Chance joins Dunedin Consort for a programme of Bach, Telemann and Graupner.
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The Charlatans
One of the UK's most enduring and best-loved bands, The Charlatans, have announced a tour in support of new album, We Are Love, which will see them headline the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 6th May!
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Dave Formula & Noko
Magazine's keyboard player and guitarist, Dave and Noko, will be touring one more time... performing an evening of Magazine material at La Belle Angele on Thursday 7th May!
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Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Schumann Cello Concerto
Join Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and exceptional SCO Principal Cello Philip Higham for this varied concert.
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Star Struck
Prepare to be transported into a glamorous world where jazz meets ballet, and the stars align when Scottish Ballet bring Starstruck to the Festival Theatre in May!
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Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil
Funny, poignant, and packed with the spirit of Scottish football, Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil is more than a play about the game - it’s about belonging, loss, and the songs we carry with us!
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Police Dog Hogan
Police Dog Hogan, one of the country's finest live folk-country acts, bring their UK tour to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Friday 8th May!
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RSNO Season 25-26: The Music of John Williams
Join the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for a full-scale symphonic tribute to movie composer John Williams at the Usher Hall on Friday 8th May 2026!
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The Royston Club
The Royston Club are a four-piece indie band from Wrexham! Catch them live at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Friday 8th May!
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Belfast Brunch Co
Expect a fun fuelled afternoon filled with R’n’B favourites, sing-along classics and nostalgic dance moments with The Belfast Brunch Co. at Edinburgh Corn Exchange in May!
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Darren Walsh: Do You Like Puns?
ʞɔǝɥ ←flippin' heck! Witness a pun Goliath in person, as Darren Walsh brings his 8ft frame and award winning act on the road.
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Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival 2026
Join Wine Events Scotland at the Assembly Rooms on 9th May for Edinburgh’s only independent spring wine festival – Edinburgh Uncorked – a celebration of wines from all over the world!
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Festhailes Country
Come along to our family-friendly country music festival in the grounds of Newhailes House on Saturday 9th May.
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Quarriers: Leith Distillery Abseil
This is a truly unique experience for you to ascend the 131ft drop off the Port of Leith Distillery on Saturday 9th May in aid of Quarriers!
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Red Hot Chilli Pipers with Ally the Piper (from the USA)
Back by popular demand, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers - the most famous bagpipe band on the planet - are set to light up the stage once again for one night only at the Usher Hall.
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Van Morrison Alumni Band
Featuring an elite group of musicians who played thousands of concerts with the legendary Van Morrison - this show at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh is an absolute must for music fans!
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James Morrison
Chart-topping singer songwriter James Morrison returns to the Usher Hall on 10th May to perform the no.1 album 'Undiscovered'!
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100 Years Celebration of Laurel and Hardy - Presented by Neil Brand
Following the success of his 2023/24 tour, Neil Brand invites you to celebrate the centenary of Laurel and Hardy with a brand-new show at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh in May!
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Guys and Dolls
Following their successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Southern Light are returning to the Festival Theatre in May with the Broadway hit Guys and Dolls.
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Georgie Jones: And The World Spins Anyway
Join Georgie Jones in her latest hour as she blends spoken word, stand-up, and storytelling, sharing poems from her debut collection, And The World Spins Anyway.
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Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Dvořák ‘New World’ Symphony
Join Maxim and the SCO musicians for an electrifying and emotional conclusion to the Season – with one of the most cherished symphonies of them all.
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The Scottish Kennel Club: Double Championship Dog Show
The Scottish Kennel Club is delighted to be holding, once again, its double (All Breed & General) Championship Show in May 2026.
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Cash - The American Recordings starring Henry Wagons
This show, performed by Australian singer Henry Wagons, pays tribute to Johnny Cash's late-career American Recordings albums. Catch it at The Voodoo Rooms on Friday 15th May!
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Finn Forster
Alternative & indie-pop artist from Middlesborough, Finn Forster, will bring his upcoming UK tour to Edinburgh's Cabaret Voltaire on Friday 15th May!
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Joel Sarakula
Don't miss Joel Sarakula, a UK-based Australian artist who writes, produces and sings retro-flavoured Soft-Rock, when he comes to the Voodoo Rooms on Friday 15th May!
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Rival Consoles
Electronic artist Rival Consoles will headline The Liquid Room in Edinburgh on Friday 15th May!
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RSNO Season 25-26: Nicola Benedetti Plays Elgar
Nicola Benedetti joins Scotland’s National Orchestra for Elgar’s lyrical Violin Concerto.
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Leila Navabi: Relay
Relay is a bold, joyful punk-musical one-person show about making a queer family on your own terms, written and performed by award-nominated comedian, writer and composer Leila Navabi.
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Motown Brothers - Soul and Motown
Step back in time to the golden era of soul and rhythm & blues with The Mowtown Brothers, the ultimate tribute band to the legendary Motown sound.
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Simon Evans is Staring at the Sun
Simon Evans is Back! Veteran of a quarter century of highly acclaimed stand-up comedy, Simon Evans is squinting at an uncertain future and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth.
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The Puppini Sisters
In celebration of 2026 marking 20 years since their debut album, The Puppini Sisters have announced a celebratory UK tour in May including a date at The Pleasance Edinburgh on the 16th!
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Lost in Music - One Night In the Disco
Step back into the era of glitter balls and groove – Lost in Music is back with a brand-new, high-energy show that’s bigger, bolder, and more dazzling than ever!
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The Mersey Beatles
The Mersey Beatles – the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four - return to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 17th May!
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Toots And The Maytals Feat. Leba Hibbert
The Toots and the Maytals legacy lives on with Toots' daughter, Leba Hibbert, now fronting the band. They return for a 2026 UK tour including a show at The Queens Hall on Sunday 17th May!
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GoGo Penguin
Manchester trio, GoGo Penguin play The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Monday 18th May in celebration of their powerful new album, "Necessary Fictions"!
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The Bodyguard
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical based on the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard is back! Don't miss it when it returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026!
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Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-in
Played out to a live 80's soundtrack, this is the true story of the gallus Greenock girls who fought a battle against injustice that thrust them onto the world stage.
READ MORESing The Musicals
Direct from London's West End, the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time, performed by a sensational live band and character singers, comes to the Usher Hall on 21st May!
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Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross is a respected singer-songwriter-guitar player who continues to share his original music with the world. Catch him at the Usher Hall on Friday 22nd May.
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From the Jam - Greatest Hits Tour
From The Jam have announced a major UK tour for Spring 2026, marking 20 years since their formation, including a date at La Belle Angele on Friday 22nd May!
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The Fabulous Cash & Carter Show
Don't miss a a fantastic, authentic and heart-warming, nostalgic journey reliving the stories, music, and songs of The Great Johnny Cash and June Carter.
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Travellers Tunes: An Evening With Steve Cradock
In his debut tour, Steve Cradock will be playing and singing hits from the Ocean Colour Scene songbook, and much more, at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh in May!
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2:22 A Ghost Story
Direct from London's West End, the edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story comes to the Edinburgh Playhouse in May 2026!
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An Audience with Mark and Lard
Don't miss 'An Audience With Mark And Lard', coming to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Tuesday 26th May!
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Richard Thompson
Ivor Novello Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated legend Richard Thompson plays the Usher Hall on Thursday 28th May!
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Craig Hill: Wait ’Til You See My Entrance!
Don't miss Scotland's cheeky, irreverent and uproarious Kilty Comedy Pleasure and join Craig as his hilarious new live tour comes to the Corn Exchange Haddington!
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Grieg Piano Concerto by Candlelight
Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral.
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I’m Grand Mam: Happy Campers
Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby, the wildly popular Irish comedy duo, bring their live show 'Happy Campers' to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Friday 29th May!
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Scottish Opera: The Marriage of Figaro
Sir Thomas Allen revives his much-loved production of Mozart’s unstoppable masterpiece, The Marriage of Figaro, at Festival Theatre in May.
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British Pipe Band Championships
The pipes are calling you to the Royal Highland Centre on 30th May for the British Pipe Band Championships.
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Debussy by Candlelight
Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, set within the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral.
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Outlander In Concert
Experience the official “Outlander” in-concert event at the Usher Hall on Saturday 30th May!
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Smoove & Turrell
Smoove & Turrell, a funk & soul group hailing from Gateshead are hitting the road again with 'The Singles Tour' and return to The Voodoo Rooms on Saturday 30th May!
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Pierre Novellie: You Sit There, I'll Stand Here
It's time for Pierre to do stand-up! It's time for you to watch! Why not just embrace that, for God's sake? All earthly glories fade!
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Ray LaMontagne - Trouble
Ray LaMontagne's Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour is heading to Edinburgh, don't miss him live at the Usher Hall on 31st May!
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Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
Meditation, Breathwork & Gong Journeying
Join Julie from Core Glow at Stamperland Community Centre for a little indulgence for the soul on this Meditation, Breathwork & Gong Journeying workshop!
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Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings
The Busby and Clarkston Horticultural Society is a gardening club for all who enjoy growing and learning about plants, why not join them for their exciting range of talks by knowledgeable speakers!
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Legends Of The 60’s Show
Join a multi award-winning all-star cast of musicians and singers for the musical masterpiece that is the Legends of the 60's Show when it comes to Eastwood Park Theatre on Saturday 30th May!
READ MOREEvents in Fife
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
Scottish Championship Bike Racing - Round 2
Round 2 of the 2026 Scottish bike racing season hits Knockhill’s clockwise circuit for another explosive weekend of two-wheeled action.
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Sing The Musicals
Direct from London's West End, the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time, performed by a sensational live band and character singers, comes to the Alhambra Theatre!
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Stuart Mitchell & Friends: On The Road
The one liners have been sharpened, the quick replies are flowing fast and this time – he's bringing his pals... don't miss Stuart Mitchell & Friends at Carnegie Hall!
READ MOREEvents in Glasgow
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Nick Mohammed Is Mr Swallow: Show Pony
Star of Ted Lasso and one of the worst contestants in Taskmaster history, Nick Mohammed heads to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow with his new show as his critically acclaimed alter-ego, Mr Swallow!
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Sing For Your Life
Sing along with friends to well known songs accompanied by music from the Steinway concert grand piano at St Brides Episcopal Church!
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The Glasgow Chickens Touch Rugby
Come and join The Glasgow Chickens for a game of Touch Rugby every Sunday on Glasgow Green... it's fun, fast and fortunately not prone to many injuries!
READ MOREEvents in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Whit’s Yer Chat
Don't miss a night of pure laughs and banter at Cumbernauld Theatre starring Jane McCarry & Des Clarke, think Loose Woman with a pinch of chaos and madness thrown in!
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Chair Yoga for Every Body
Join Nicki from Superstar Yoga for some gentle Chair Yoga, suitable for all, at David Livingstone Birthplace on Friday afternoons!
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Back to Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse
Witness the UK's premier tribute to Amy Winehouse on this comprehensive journey through the iconic artist’s music and legacy at Cumbernauld Theatre on Friday 1st May!
READ MOREEvents in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
You Choose
Nonsense Room Productions bring You Choose, their fantastic interactive musical show for all the family, back to Beacon Arts Centre on Sunday 10th May!
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P!NK By Vicky Jackson
Don't miss your chance to experience all the major hits including So What, Just Like a Pill, Raise Your Glass, Try, Trustfall and many more when P!NK By Vicky Jackson comes to the Beacon Arts Centre!
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Too Much Too Young
Whether you're a lifelong ska fan or discovering the movement for the first time, Too Much Too Young will have you dancing, singing, and remembering why this music still matters!
READ MOREEvents in Stirling
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
The McDougalls: Farmyard Fun
E-I-E-I-O! It’s time to join everyone’s favourite children’s theatre company on a brand new farm-tastic musical adventure at Macrobert Arts Centre on 23rd May!
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Karine Polwart - Windblown
A hauntingly beautiful tribute to a palm tree facing its chainsaw demise, Windblown is a spellbinding blend of folk music, conjured sound, intimate storytelling and stunning, immersive visuals.
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JESSIES
From the producer of Dragged Tae the Steamie... Jessies is an award-winning new comedy that's fierce, funny, and full of heart!
READ MOREEvents in Other Areas
Highlight Talks
On selected days throughout the year the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and volunteers hold a Highlight Talk exploring the life and works of Robert Burns!
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