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Talks And Lectures Events in Edinburgh in May 2025

Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh during May 2025, or use the filters to narrow down the results.

Events in Edinburgh

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 20th February 2025 - 18th December 2025

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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Costume Society Scotland Events

Selected dates between 3rd March 2025 - 5th May 2025

Come along to the Costume Society Scotland's season of varied talks on fashion, costume, textiles, accessories and related subjects between between October and April at Augustine United Church!

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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

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Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Selected dates between 23rd March 2025 - 21st December 2025

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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Chocolate Love Match - Fort Kinnaird

Selected dates between 29th March 2025 - 5th July 2025

Ready to meet your Chocolate Love Match? Book now to secure one of the limited number of spaces available for our guided chocolate tasting experiences at Hotel Chocolat, Fort Kinnaird!

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Conservation Hangar Talks

1st April 2025 - 29th March 2026

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.

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Royal Portraits in the Press

2nd May 2025

Spanning portraits of Queen Victoria to King Charles III, this lecture taking place at the Abbey Strand Centre, discusses how iconic images are published and remembered.

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Steiner Waldorf Education Taster Weekend

2nd May 2025 - 3rd May 2025

Come and join us for a taster weekend on Steiner-Waldorf education! This is for parents, teachers and anyone else interested in creative approaches to education.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: An Introduction to Gaelic Storytelling

3rd May 2025

Join Gaelic storyteller Martin MacIntyre for an introductory session exploring the history, importance and joy in Gaelic storytelling culture in Scotland.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On

4th May 2025

Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Scotland’s Ancient Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight

5th May 2025

In his new book Scotland’s Sacred Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight, Stuart McHardy explores the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scottish people.

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The Science of Intergenerational Trauma with Dr Jane Mulcahy

6th May 2025

Discover the mechanisms of trauma transmission and the impact of inherited experiences, from families to entire communities in this talk given by Dr Jane Mulcahy at the Assembly Roxy on 6th May.

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Unlocking Success: Women, Tech & Investment

6th May 2025

This exclusive event, on 6th May at the EICC, brings together female founders, investors, and tech leaders to tackle the challenges and opportunities women face in the industry.

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Henri Bergson: Philosophy and Ghosts

7th May 2025

In this talk on 7th May at the Institut français d'Ecosse, Bruno Clément discusses two lectures Henri Bergson wrote in 1913, both of which talk about ghosts.

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Edinburgh Tradfest: The Legend of the Anonymous Poet (Or a 20th Century Barbarian Account)

9th May 2025

This special live performance from filmmaker/storytellers Nadir Bouhmouch and Soumeya Ait Ahmed combines film, lecture and storytelling!

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Fireside Stories: Herbal Histories

9th May 2025

Join artist and storyteller Amanda Edmiston for an evening of botanical storytelling inspired by the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 9th May!

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Festival of Europe

10th May 2025 - 11th May 2025

Scotland's second international Festival of Europe takes place on May 10th and 11th at French Institute, Edinburgh. Come along for a fantastic weekend of discussion, art and socialising!

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Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield

11th May 2025

The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.

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Falastin Film Festival: Jenin, Jenin

16th May 2025

Jenin Jenin shows the extent to which the prolonged oppression and terror has affected the state of mind of the Palestinian inhabitants of Jenin.

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An Audience with Aggers and Tuffers

17th May 2025

Whether you're a devoted cricket fan eager for insider stories or just looking for a fun evening out, don't miss your chance to catch these two stars live in action!

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Falastin Film Festival: In Conversation with Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta & Yara Eid

17th May 2025

This conversation at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will bring together distinguished voices to share testimonies from Gaza on the ongoing genocide.

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Falastin Film Festival: Longing for Palestine

17th May 2025

A cinematic exploration on borders, the physical, emotional, material & immaterial; those that dictate movement and return, or lack thereof, for Palestinians universally.

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Falastin Film Festival: Performing Archaeology

17th May 2025

Performing Archaeology is a screening of four short films that delve into the manipulation of archaeological heritage and erasure of folkloric traditions by the occupying zionist entity.

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Falastin Film Festival: From Ground Zero

18th May 2025

From Ground Zero is a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza during the ongoing genocide and showing as part of the Falastin Film Festival at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

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Falastin Film Festival: Reclaiming Rhythms

18th May 2025

Two beautiful and powerful medium-length films on the coloniality of archives, reclamation of Palestinian music and dance, and the ethnographic underpinnings of colonization.

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Falastin Film Festival: Talaeen a Junuub / Up to the South

18th May 2025

An oblique, albeit powerful experimental documentary which examines the politics and economics of South Lebanon against the backdrop of the Israeli occupation.

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Gaz Oakley’s Tales of the Homestead - CANCELLED

19th May 2025

In this one-of-a-kind show, Gaz Oakley will take you on a personal tour of his garden offering a behind-the-scenes look at life on the homestead and the journey he went on to get there.

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Levison Wood: Walking The World

19th May 2025

Join Levison Wood, the world-renowned explorer, best-selling author and TV presenter, for on his fifth UK theatre tour, Walking the World: A Life of Exploration and Adventure.

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Pint of Science Edinburgh

19th May 2025 - 21st May 2025
Various Locations Edinburgh

The Pint of Science festival in Edinburgh brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research!

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Guenther Steiner LIVE: Unfiltered

20th May 2025

Buckle up and fasten your seatbelts for a hugely entertaining all-areas-access conversation spanning a decade inside Formula 1, with former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner!

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Ant Middleton - Military Mindset

24th May 2025

Don't miss an evening with Ant Middleton, one of the most inspiring figures of our time, at the Usher Hall on Saturday 24th May!

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Alpine Wine Tasting

25th May 2025

Slonk is celebrating all things Alpine this May at Port of Leith Distillery. Come and discover what makes high-altitude wines so distinctive!

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An Evening with Kate Foster

28th May 2025

Waterstones Edinburgh West End is thrilled to welcome bestselling author Kate Foster on 28th May, to celebrate the publication of her masterfully gripping new novel, The Mourning Necklace!

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Mac Talla Whisky Tasting and Cheese Pairings

30th May 2025

Come along to The Scottish Gantry in Edinburgh on Friday 30th May, as we welcoming Thomas from Mac Talla to our store for a sensational tasting evening with cheese pairings.

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The Port Road Railway: A Talk by Alan McLellan

30th May 2025

Join Alan McLellan to walk the old Port Road railway line from Dumfries to Stranraer, with vintage film clips and photos illustrating his journey into the past at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

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Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Napier Uni
Franciscan Publishing Company
Wonder & Co
St Mary's Music School
RSPB

Talks And Lectures Events in East Renfrewshire

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:

Heritage Talk: Digging Up East Renfrewshire’s Past

Heritage Talk: Digging Up East Renfrewshire’s Past

20th May 2025

Join Susan Hunter to hear the highlights of her long journey into local archaeology at Eastwood House on Tuesday 20th May.

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Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Busby & Clarkston Horticultural Society Meetings

Selected dates between 16th January 2025 - 15th May 2025

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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Talks And Lectures Events in Fife

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:

Pint Of Science St Andrews

Pint Of Science St Andrews

19th May 2025 - 21st May 2025

The Pint of Science festival in St Andrews brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research!

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Composted: A festival of biodegradable ideas

Composted: A festival of biodegradable ideas

31st May 2025 - 26th July 2025

Cambo Gardens in Fife is excited to announce Composted – a festival of biodegradable ideas, a unique six-week event happening from 31 May to 26 July.

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The Japanese Garden that Ella Grew

The Japanese Garden that Ella Grew

1st May 2025

Markinch Heritage Group are delighted to welcome Nicola Dibley on 1st May to regail us with the history of the Japanese Garden in Dollar.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Glasgow

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:

The Witches of Scotland in conversation with author C.J. Cooke

The Witches of Scotland in conversation with author C.J. Cooke

31st May 2025

Join The Witches of Scotland Podcast hosts Dr Zoe Venditozzi and Dr Claire Mitchell for a discussion and talk based on their new book How to Kill a Witch at Provan Hall!

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Votes, Voices & Freedom: Glasgow’s Women & The Slave Trade

Votes, Voices & Freedom: Glasgow’s Women & The Slave Trade

Selected dates between 10th May 2025 - 24th May 2025

Join Walking Tours in Glasgow for 'Votes, Voices & Freedom: Glasgow's Women & The Slave Trade' a special event walking tour for Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations.

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Public Talk: A Talk about the Past, Present, and Potential Futures of Sauchiehall Street with Norry Wilson of Lost Glasgow

Public Talk: A Talk about the Past, Present, and Potential Futures of Sauchiehall Street with Norry Wilson of Lost Glasgow

18th May 2025

In this talk event at Mackintosh at the Willow, Norry Wilson of Lost Glasgow will present an illustrated history of Sauchiehall Street, the 'alley of willows'.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Lanarkshire

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:

In Livingstone’s Footsteps: A Discussion with the Author, Ben de Ponti

In Livingstone’s Footsteps: A Discussion with the Author, Ben de Ponti

14th May 2025

Join author of In Livingstone's Footsteps: Through The Heart Of Malawi, Ben de Ponti for this special talk and Q&A at David Livingstone Birthplace on Wednesday 14th May.

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Pain Association Scotland - Self Management for People Living with Chronic Pain

Pain Association Scotland - Self Management for People Living with Chronic Pain

Selected dates between 23rd January 2025 - 17th December 2025

Pain Association Scotland run professionally-led monthly groups across Lanarkshire for people living with all forms of chronic pain.

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Adapting Our Homes For Climate Change

Adapting Our Homes For Climate Change

6th May 2025

Join Glasgow's retrofit co-operative to learn how to make your home more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:

Paisley & District U3A Talks: No Life Half Lived

Paisley & District U3A Talks: No Life Half Lived

1st May 2025

Anyone affected by chest, heart and stroke issues can tap into local support on Thursday 1st May at this free talk event hosted by Paisley & District U3A.

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History Cafe: The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley

History Cafe: The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley

17th May 2025

Join Renfrewshire Heritage in Blend Coffee Lounge at Paisley Arts Centre on Saturday 17th May for their in-person History Cafe discussing The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley.

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Paisley Heritage Event: Group Tour of Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood - CANCELLED

Paisley Heritage Event: Group Tour of Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood - CANCELLED

3rd May 2025

On Saturday 3rd May, join Paisley Heritage Group for an introductory talk and walk around of the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood.

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Talks And Lectures Events in Stirling

Here's a selection of Talks And Lectures Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story Screening & Roundtable

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story Screening & Roundtable

8th May 2025

Join Creative Stirling on 8th May for a screening of Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, followed by a discussion on feminist media with film and media experts.

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Talks at The Smith: Photography: A Victorian Sensation

Talks at The Smith: Photography: A Victorian Sensation

28th May 2025

Dr Morrison-Low will explore the nineteenth-century photographic collections held by the National Museums of Scotland and the impact photography had on the general public.

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Forage to Fork: Natural cooking with Theo Chana

Forage to Fork: Natural cooking with Theo Chana

14th May 2025

Join MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Theo Chana as he shares how to forage and cook using natural ingredients to support sustainable, healthy living at Central Library Stirling on 14th May!

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Events in Other Areas

Highlight Talks

Highlight Talks

Selected dates between 11th September 2024 - 18th June 2025

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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Boswell Book Festival

Boswell Book Festival

9th May 2025 - 11th May 2025

Boswell Book Festival, the world's only festival of biography and memoir, comes to Dumfries House for 2025 between the 9th and 11th May!

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Sponsored Links

MNB
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Napier Uni
Franciscan Publishing Company
Wonder & Co
St Mary's Music School
RSPB
MNB
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Sip & Paint Starry Night Over Edinburgh
Looking for a creative night in Edinburgh? Then come along to Las Iguanas for a sip and paint experience on Thursday 15th May run by PopUp Painting!
Beltane Sound Bath Meditation
Join Marcela Tršová at The Open Door Community Centre in Morningside for this Beltane Sound Bath Meditation on 2nd May!
Martin McAloon
Martin McAloon returns to The Voodoo Rooms on Thursday 13th November with his Two Wheels Good UK tour, in celebration of the 40 anniversary of Prefab Sprout's album 'Steve McQueen'.
Beltane Fire Festival
Beltane Fire Festival returns on 30th April 2025. Join us for an immersive experience of revelry as we light the fires on Calton Hill!
Edinburgh Indiepop Alldayer
Join the Edinburgh Indiepop Collective on Saturday 4th October at The Mash House for a day of music, memories, and indiepop joy!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall