Events in Edinburgh in January 2026
Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh during January 2026, or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
Maps: Memories from the Second World War
Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Arthur’s Secrets
Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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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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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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Hooked: 500 Years of Addiction
From heroin to gambling, from alcohol to love, explore the history of addiction at Hooked, an exhibition at the Physicians' Gallery.
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Dear Library
To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.
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Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
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IKEA: Magical Patterns
IKEA Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Dovecot Studios, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design.
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Rugby for Beginners
Corstorphine Cougars are running free beginners classes every Tuesday for Females of all ages who would like to try Rugby!
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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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MC Hammersmith and Friends
Multi-award winning freestyle rap comedian MC Hammersmith presents an evening of improvised comedy raps based entirely on your suggestions. And he will also be joined by his friends!
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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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Mindfulness Based Wellbeing Retreat
Join The Mindful Enterprise for this reinvigorating day of mindfulness practices, in the stunning surroundings of Dalkeith Country Park.
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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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Drawing the Italian Renaissance
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.
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Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer
Take to the skies and discover the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait.
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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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Picking up the Thread: The Past, Present and Future of Tapestry
Dovecot is delighted to welcome a wonderful variety of artists to show their work in The British Tapestry Group’s celebration of its 20th anniversary.
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Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks
Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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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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Story Platform
Story Platform is a monthly live event at The Gilded Saloon, created to uplift Scottish writers and performers through stand up, music, sketch comedy, and more!
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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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Winter Wellbeing Challenge
As winter begins, the wonderful folk at SHBT are inviting you to take part in a monthly activity in the beautiful Historic Building Riddles Court, just off the Royal Mile.
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Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Around the World Starflyer
Try it if you dare! The Starflyer is back at Edinburgh's Christmas giving the finest, and most thrilling, views of the stunning city centre skyline!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: LNER Big Wheel
The LNER Big Wheel returns to East Princes Street Gardens to give passengers a unique perspective of our spectacular city!
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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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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Ice Skating
Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George Street on the magnificent alpine ice rink!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
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Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
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Eat, Drink, Be Merry - Private Festive Party Night
Celebrate the season in style with an unforgettable night of festive fun at Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh!
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Michael Fullerton
A major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton comes to the City Arts Centre!
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Cinderella: A Fairytale
Coming to the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Christmas 2025, the story we all love that has captivated audiences around the UK: Cinderella!
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WinterFest
Step into the magic of WinterFest and soak up the Christmas spirit at Dalkeith Country Park!
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Beyond Monet & Beyond Van Gogh
Step into a world of light, colour, and imagination with Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience at the Royal Highland Centre this Christmas!
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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MAMMA MIA!
Don't miss MAMMA MIA! at the Edinburgh Playhouse from December 2025! Enjoy the ultimate feel-good factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical.
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Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
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SCO 2025-26: Viennese New Year
Immerse yourself in all the glorious opulence of a traditional Viennese New Year celebration – and welcome 2026 in lavish style.
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Sprogmanay
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns on New Year’s Day at the National Museum of Scotland.
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Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley
Join the School of Physics and Astronomy at 50 George Square on Tuesday 6th January for a drinks reception followed by a lecture from Sir Steven Cowley!
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The Rocky Horror Show
Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to Edinburgh Playhouse in January as part of a new world tour!
READ MOREThe Legends of American Country Show
Europe's No 1 Hot County TVs award winning Country music show, "The Legends of American Country" return to the Howden Park Centre for a fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!
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David William Bryan: Work In Progress
Hull’s 37th finest export David William Bryan, presents an hour of brand-new work in progress material at Monkey Barrel Comedy on Saturday 10th January.
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Southside of the Tracks
John McCusker, Scotland’s foremost fiddle player, gathers a who’s who of singer songwriters and traditional musicians for one night only on The Queen’s Hall stage.
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The Rolling Stones Story
The Rolling Stones Story promises you an unforgettable Jumpin’ Jack Flash back in time. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, but we like it!
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Jakub Klimiuk Quintet
An accomplished London-based guitarist and composer, Jakub Klimiuk takes his quintet on tour with a brand new set of material, with a date at the Traverse Theatre on 12th January!
READ MOREDan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.
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Rob Beckett: Giraffe
From Bromley to Brisbane, Rob Beckett’s new show Giraffe is going worldwide. Catch it at Edinburgh Playhouse on Thursday 15th January!
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Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Haydn & Schubert with Lorenza Borrani
Smouldering drama collides with daring humour in this vibrant matinee concert directed by inspirational Italian violinist Lorenza Borrani.
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Tony Carroll - Think I’m Ars*d Tour
Get ready for an evening of chaos, laughter, and a party atmosphere when Tony Carroll brings his Think I'm Ars*d Tour to Edinburgh's Monkey Barrel Comedy!
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Grace Mulvey: Work In Progress
Don't miss this new work in progress show from BBC Galton & Simpson comedy winner Grace Mulvey, an Irish stand-up taking the UK comedy scene by storm!
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One Voice - Barry Manilow
Join us at Reconnect Howden Park in January for a night of nostalgia, passion, and pure musical brilliance as we pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time!
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Thai Supper Night
Ruzita will be back at Flavour and Haver Cook School on 16th January to share the unique flavours of Thai cuisine!
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Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv
Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138 date tour of these green and groovy isles, Al Murray brings his brand-new stand-up show for 2026 to Edinburgh Playhouse on 17th January!
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Club 80s Live
Give the Rubik’s Cube a night off and get ready to be taken back to an era of music that people will never forget with the Club 80's Live show!
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John Roy Stuart - Latha Chuilodair
In this play, the ghost of John Roy Stuart, poet, partisan and Colonel of the Jacobite Edinburgh Regiment, returns to Scotland to recall his life, times and final battle.
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Musical Encounters
Young string players from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland take to the stage in a powerful collaboration with musicians from Scottish Ensemble at The Queen's Hall on 17th January.
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Robin Morgan: Let’s Overshare!
Join Robin Morgan for more of his trademark cheeky charm, more quick wit and even more hilarious oversharing, in this brand new stand-up show at Monkey Barrel Comedy!
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GirlyPop Live
GirlyPop Live is coming to Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Sunday 18th January with your favourite Pop icons in one live show brought to you by the best tribute acts!
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Tommy Emmanuel CGP - Living In The Light Tour
Grammy-nominated acoustic guitarist extraordinaire, composer and global touring artist Tommy Emmanuel will perform at The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Sunday 18th January!
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8-Week Mindfulness Based Living Course (in-person & online combined course)
This 8-Week course will be facilitated by Gary Young from The Mindful Enterprise and is based on the work of international mindfulness teacher Rob Nairn.
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The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a gripping tale of friendship, injustice, and quiet resistance, set within the brutal confines of a maximum-security prison. Don't miss it at The Lyceum in January!
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Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky
The Scotch whisky industry faces a growing problem: fake vintage whiskies. Some bottles sold as rare single malts from the 1800s or early 1900s are actually much younger.
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Norah Howie - Psychic Medium
Don't miss one of the most celebrated psychic mediums, Norah Howie, as she delivers messages of love and comfort in her brand new comeback tour!
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Nearly Elton
Nearly Elton is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest showmen of our time! Catch it at Reconnect Regal Theatre on Friday 23rd January!
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Screening of L’Atalante
L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.
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The Music Of Prince - New Purple Celebration
Come celebrate the life, legacy and The Music of Prince when New Purple Celebration returns to The Liquid Room on Friday 23rd January!
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Anna Hale: Control Freak
Anna Hale, comedian, singer-songwriter and unapologetic control freak comes to Monkey Barrel Comedy on Saturday 24th January.
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Interior Design Masterclass
Join Aleksandra J. Hannah from Skela Studio for this full-day Masterclass, perfect for anyone looking to transform their space or explore their creative side.
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Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again
Justin Hawkins brings his YouTube show “Justin Hawkins Rides Again” to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 24th January!
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Sing-a-Long-a Encanto
Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly Magical! Don't miss Sing-a-Long-a Encanto at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!
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Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman
Singalonga Productions, producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease, bring the smash hit film musical The Greatest Showman to Edinburgh Playhouse on Saturday 24th January!
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Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking!
Join Stephen K Amos when he brings his new show to The Stand Edinburgh on Saturday 24 January!
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Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
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Sam Avery: Thunderstorm
Back with a bang, award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his electrifying new show, Thunderstorm! Catch him at The Stand Edinburgh on Sunday 25 January!
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The Radiohead Project
The Radiohead Project is a stunning live tribute show that celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time... don't miss it at Assembly Rooms on Monday 26th January!
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Fawlty Towers - The Play
Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, don't miss it at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026!
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Defying Gravity - West End Women
Defying Gravity - West End Women, coming to Edinburgh's Usher Hall in January, is a celebration of women who have made their mark on the West End Stage!
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Livingston Players Presents The Full Monty
The Livingston Players Presents The Full Monty at Reconnect Howden Park on Thursday 29th January!
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Maddie Grace Jepson: Live - On Tour
Maddie Grace Jepson is hitting the road with her brand-new, (reworked) one-woman show, Maddie Grace Jepson Live, a brilliantly unhinged mix of comedy, chaos, and confession.
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Balancing in Freedom
Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this world premiere performance of an enthralling new work, written and performed by Iddo Oberski!
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Meat Loaf by Candlelight
Join us for an unforgettable night of Meat Loaf Anthems, performed in the beautiful Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh by candlelight.
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Michael Rosen: Getting Through It
Poetry legend Michael Rosen presents his new one-person show 'Getting Through It' at the Lyceum Theatre on Thursday 29th September!
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Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Mozart’s Last Three Symphonies
Discover – or rediscover – the compelling power of Mozart's last three symphonies as Maxim brings his vibrant visions to Scotland.
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Eagles by Candlelight
Eagles by Candlelight comes to The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, featuring a cast of West End Singers and an incredible live band!
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Lillian Gordis: French Connection
Harpsichordist Lillian Gordis directs a programme of French/German music from the 18th century.
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RSNO 2025/26: How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
Featuring John Powell's Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture by the RSNO, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages!
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The Style Councillors
The Style Councillors, the world's one and only tribute to The Style Council, return to La Belle Angele on Friday 30th January.
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1 World Comedy Film Festival | 2026
Welcome to the 1World Comedy Short Film Festival. Home to the funniest films from the funniest filmmakers from around the world! Coming to the Banshee Labyrinth on 31st January.
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1 World Film Festival 2026
Welcome to the 1 World Film Festival which celebrates and showcases the most original, entertaining, exciting and finely structured films! Coming to the Banshee Labyrinth on 31st January.
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Cowgate Block Party
Cowgate Block Party is a brand new all-day music festival coming to the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 31st January!
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
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Interior Design Masterclass part 2
In this hands-on workshop with interior designer Aleksandra J. Hannah of Skela Studio, you’ll explore how to create functional layouts, plan lighting effectively, and present your ideas beautifully.
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Stuart Mitchell: Tips Not Included
With over 100M views online see Stuart Mitchell, the longest running panellist from BBC Scotland's 'Breaking The News', live at The Royal Lyceum in his first national tour!
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The Drifters
The Drifters are back on the road in the UK performing their classic hits from the last six decades, catch them at the Usher Hall on 31st January!
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The Jersey Notes
No matter what your age, you will recognize the songs and won't be able to stop yourself from tapping your feet and getting down on to the dance floor when The Jersey Notes play Room At The Top!
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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:
Eastwood Art Club
Eastwood Art Club offers members the opportunity to meet and paint at their own level in a friendly and constructive atmosphere!
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Through The Decades Tribute Night
Get ready to sing and dance the night away to smash hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and more at Dalmeny Park House Hotel's Through The Decades Tribute Night on Saturday 31st January!
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Cinema Screening: Royal Ballet and Opera - La Traviata
Heart-rending arias meet harsh realities in this captivating story. Don't miss a screening of the Royal Ballet and Opera's La Traviata at Eastwood Park Theatre on Wednesday 14th January!
READ MOREEvents in Fife
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
The Legends Of American Country Show
The UK's no.1 country music tribute show, The Legends of American Country, returns to Rothes Halls for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!
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Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.
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Anster Nicht: Cambo, How To Run An Estate in the 21st Century
The Erskine family has lived at Cambo since the seventeenth century, but how does a new generation run the estate in the modern world? Hear from James Erskine, who took over the reins in 2020.
READ MOREEvents in Glasgow
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
WWE Live
Bursting with all the drama and energy of a rock concert, in a lively and exciting environment, WWE Live is the ultimate in family entertainment, don't miss it at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on 10th January!
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Cowboy Stripshow
Saddle up for the cheekiest cabaret in town as Maggie's Rock 'N' Rodeo presents the Cowboy Stripshow!
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Pictish Trail and Support
Enjoy an unexpected set of songs spanning the lo-fi folk-pop genre courtesy of Pictish Trail at Glasgow's Saint Luke's as part of Celtic Connections 2026!
READ MOREEvents in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
The Billy Joel Story
Journey through the life and music of the 150 Million record-selling Piano Man in this uplifting show when it comes to Cumbernauld Theatre on Saturday 24th January!
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Blushing Brides Wedding Show Popinjay Hotel
Join Blushing Brides for a day packed full of wedding inspiration at The Popinjay Hotel on Sunday 11th January!
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The Legends Of American Country Show
Europe's number one country music tribute show, The Legends of American Country, comes to Airdrie Town Hall for a fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!
READ MOREEvents in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
ASN Football
Our ASN football sessions are open to individuals aged 16 and over. It offers regular training sessions and opportunities to participate in matches, all within a supportive and friendly environment.
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PACE presents Snow White
With a whole host of hilarious characters, fantastic original music, and the liveliest, most energetic chorus of young people – PACE's panto, Snow White, is one not to miss!
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Micro Layouts Model Railway Show
Join Renfrewshire Model Railway Club, Cupar Model Railway Club and Leven Valley Trains for the Micro Layouts Model Railway Show on Saturday 22nd March!
READ MOREEvents in Stirling
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Aerial Yoga
Feeling inspired to try something new or expand your existing practice? Then join Andriani's Ahimsa Yoga at 3 Wellgreen Lane, Stirling for these Aerial Yoga classes on Mondays & Tuesdays!
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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 Macrobert Arts Centre on Saturday 31st January!
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Gnosis - A Free Course in Esoteric Self-Knowledge
Gnosis Scotland is offering a free course in practical, esoteric Self-knowledge on Tuesdays at the Raploch Community Campus in Stirling.
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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Dawn Hollis: Mountains Before Mountaineering
Dawn Hollis' talk tells a different story of intrepid travellers who climbed peaks and passes with fear and delight.
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