Free events in Edinburgh
Free things to do in Edinburgh, sorted for quick planning.
Current events and activities in Edinburgh
- Film Screening: The Bride (La novia, 2015)
The Cervantes Chair at the University of Edinburgh present a free screening of The Bride (La novia, 2015).
Check official times at French Institute of Scotland
- Centenary of Queen Elizabeth II
Step aboard history in 2026 – the year we mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II.
09:30-11:30 at The Royal Yacht Britannia
- Wild Magic! An Autumn Family Trail
This October and Halloween, join us at sites across the country to explore the wild magic that grows around us. Plants and trees are sprouting in our sites. Can you find them all to discover the ancient stories people of Scotland have told about their magical powers?
09:30-11:30 at Edinburgh Castle
- Touchstones: Jack Morrocco solo exhibition
An Edinburgh art gallery has announced details of a new exhibition of work from Jack Morrocco, one of Scotland’s most notable and collectable contemporary artists.
10:00-12:00 at Morningside Gallery
- Wild Magic! An Autumn Family Trail
This October and Halloween, join us at sites across the country to explore the wild magic that grows around us. Plants and trees are sprouting in our sites. Can you find them all to discover the ancient stories people of Scotland have told about their magical powers?
10:00-12:00 at Craigmillar Castle
- World Press Photo exhibition
One of the world’s leading showcases of photojournalism and documentary photography, the World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 presents the award-winning images and stories that have captured some of the most significant events, issues and experiences shaping our world today.
10:00-12:00 at The Scottish Parliament Building
- Dîdâr: I am the feather and the bird is the precipice
What happens at the edge of things? This exhibition is preoccupied with life-forms of the precipice – grief, separation, cries and silence, destruction, death and birth – and its inhabitants: ghosts, prophets and crises.
11:00-13:00 at Summerhall
- Out of Sight Out of Mind 2026
Come and see the 14th Out of Sight Out of Mind, a one-of-a-kind exhibition presenting hundreds of artworks made by people with experience of mental health issues.
11:00-13:00 at Summerhall
- Fright Night: Silent Movie Screening
Just in time for Halloween, see a candlelit screening of horror classic Nosferatu, accompanied by a live score.
Check official times at Institut français d'Écosse
- Colin Maxwell Bryce – As I See It
Edinburgh artist and designer Colin Maxwell Bryce's exhibition brings together his latest explorations of shape, colour, texture and abstraction.
Check official times at Dundas Street Gallery
- Concert: 150 years of Manuel de Falla
The 150th anniversary of the birth of composer Manuel de Falla is celebrated with a free concert at St Cecilia's Hall.
Check official times at St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum
- Earth Matters
Marking 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, this exhibition includes work by over 30 artists who have been inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers.
Check official times at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Makers Amok
Come along to Leith's Out of the Blue Drill Hall for a unique pop-up shop, showcasing and celebrating local art and design.
Check official times at Out of the Blue Drill Hall
- Another Trashy Team Up with Edinburgh Trash Club! 🏃🗑️
We're joining forces again with Edinburgh Trash Club for an evening of exercise and litter picking.
18:00-20:00 at Edinburgh Street Food
- Easy Sundays
The Scottish Storytelling Centre host Easy Sundays, fortnightly sessions of stories, music, community and friendship.
Check official times at Scottish Storytelling Centre
- Wee Gay Market
Showcasing local queer makers, a new craft market arrives at Edinburgh's Out of the Blue Drill Hall.
11:00-17:00 at Out of the Blue Drill Hall
- Elizabeth Blackadder: A Life in Colour
Dovecot Studios celebrates Scottish artist Elizabeth Blackadder’s life in a vivid exhibition exploring her enduring fascination with colour.
Check official times at Dovecot Studios
- Edinburgh Diwali
Music, dance and cultural performances – join in the celebrations as Edinburgh Diwali marks its 11th anniversary.
Check official times at Various routes along Edinburgh’s New Town
A genuinely low-cost day in Edinburgh
Plan your visit to Edinburgh. Discover festivals, theatre, comedy, family activities, food, music and local things to do around the Old Town, New Town, Leith, Stockbridge and Portobello.
Check what the advertised free entry includes. Advance booking, optional activities, parking and transport can still have a cost.
- Check whether advance booking is still required
- Confirm parking or travel costs
- Look for free family sessions with limited places