Nights Out 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
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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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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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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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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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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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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World News
World News are a London-based quartet creating jangly, atmospheric and dreamy guitar-driven music, catch them live at The Mash House on Friday 1st May!
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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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Laura Ramoso - Calm Down Tour
Laura Ramoso, a German-Italian comedian best known for her viral impressions on Instagram and TikTok, brings her 'Calm Down Tour' to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 2nd May.
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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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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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Scottish Sinfonia: Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony
The Scottish Sinfonia conclude this, their 55th season, with a French evening at The Parish Church of St Cuthbert on Sunday 3rd May!
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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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Gordon Strachan: My Life in Football
On what promises to be an entertaining night, Gordon Strachan will be discussing his colourful career and life with Gerry McDade at the Corn Exchange Haddington 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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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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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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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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Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth
Fresh from filming the third series of Channel 4's Our Welsh Chapel Dream, Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth invite you behind the scenes of their creative partnership in this new show!
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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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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!
READ MOREThe 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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Afrikaans is Lekker
Join us for the first celebration of Afrikaans is Lekker in Edinburgh. Come visit Steve, Liezel Pieters and Snotkop at the Assembly Rooms on 19th May. It's going to be a party!
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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.
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Max Cooper
Max Cooper brings his fully immersive & elaborate live AV show, to the Usher Hall on 20th May!
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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 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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Betwixt the Sheets LIVE with Dr Kate Lister
Join historian Dr Kate Lister for a riotously entertaining and equally enlightening evening as she brings her award-winning podcast Betwixt the Sheets LIVE to the Assembly Rooms stage!
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Skipinnish
Skipinnish are a powerhouse of contemporary Scottish music, don't miss your chance to see them live at Edinburgh's Usher Hall on Saturday 23rd May as part of their Spring tour!
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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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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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Emily Catalano: Quiet Is the New Loud
Known for her slow pace and dry humor, Emily Catalano, a Los Angeles-based comedian, comes to The Stand Edinburgh on Sunday 31st 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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Nights Out Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
Whit’s Yer Chat
Don't miss a night of pure laughs and banter at Eastwood Park Theatre starring Jane McCarry & Edward Reid, think Loose Woman with a pinch of chaos and madness thrown in!
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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 Eastwood Park Theatre!
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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 Eastwood Park Theatre in May!
READ MORENights Out Events in Fife
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
Simply Dylan
John O'Connell's Simply Dylan Band will be back touring in 2026 with a date at The Alhambra Theatre on Sunday 24th May!
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The Mersey Beatles
Prepare to be wowed by the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four at Rothes Hall on 16th May!
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Susie McCabe: Best Behaviour
The Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award winner Susie McCabe is back with her latest tour 'Best Behaviour' and brings it to The Byre Theatre St Andrews on Friday 1st May!
READ MORENights Out Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Smash Into Pieces
Smash Into Pieces have announced they'll return to the UK as part of their upcoming European tour which will include a night at The Garage Glasgow on Monday 4th May!
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Chalk
Don't miss Irish three piece post-punk - electronic project Chalk live at The Art School on Thursday 14th May!
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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!
READ MORENights Out Events in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Bruce Fummey - Scotland Made The World
Bruce Fummey, the comedian behind the 230k subscriber YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, returns to Cumbernauld Theatre with new show, Scotland Made The World!
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Showaddywaddy
Don't miss 'The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World', Showaddywaddy, when they return to Lanark Memorial Hall on Saturday 16th May!
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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 MORENights Out Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret
An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret is back in town with a dazzling new production, don't miss it at Beacon Arts Centre on Saturday 16th May!
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The Southmartins
Playing fast and loose with the back catalogues of the Housemartins and the Beautiful South, The Southmartins are a tribute not to be missed when they return to The Bungalow Paisley on May 9th!
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An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Wet Wet Wet
An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Wet Wet Wet will see the band perform a full set of reworked Wet Wet Wet classics, with the odd story and anecdote from their history thrown in for good measure!
READ MORENights Out Events in Stirling
Here's a selection of Nights Out Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Miles Jupp - On I Bang - Cancelled
Miles Jupp brings his new show 'On I Bang', a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners, to Macrobert Arts Centre on Friday 1st May!
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Country Hits Live
Performed by a cast of multi award-winning musicians and singers, Country Hits Live will celebrate the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music.
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Karaoke
Come along to the Foresters Arms, Cambusbarron for a fun filled evening of karaoke on the last Friday of the month!
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