As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of autumn with open arms, offering a wealth of experiences to enchant visitors of all ages. From family-friendly adventures to cultural festivals, the city comes alive with the colours and festivities of the season. Join us as we explore the top attractions and events that make Edinburgh a must-visit destination during the autumn months.

Family-Friendly Things to Do: Autumn in Edinburgh is the perfect time for family outings and adventures. Explore the enchanting Edinburgh Zoo, where kids can encounter exotic animals and enjoy interactive exhibits. Take a stroll through the vibrant Botanic Gardens, where the changing foliage provides a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks and picnics. For a dose of history and fun, visit the Museum of Childhood, where hands-on exhibits and nostalgic toys captivate young minds. Learn more

Events and Festivals: Edinburgh’s autumn calendar is brimming with exciting events and festivals celebrating art, culture, and tradition. Don’t miss the Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival, where master storytellers from around the world gather to share tales of magic and adventure. Embrace the spirit of Halloween at the Samhain Fire Festival, a mesmerizing spectacle of fire, music, and performance that honours ancient Celtic traditions. And be sure to mark your calendar for the Edinburgh Cocktail Week, where you can sip on creative concoctions and sample the city’s thriving cocktail scene. Learn more

Best Sights and Landmarks: Autumn casts a spell of enchantment over Edinburgh’s iconic sights and landmarks, transforming them into breath-taking landscapes of colour and beauty. Marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, set against a backdrop of fiery foliage and dramatic skies. Wander down the Royal Mile, where historic buildings and cobbled streets evoke centuries of history and tradition. For a tranquil escape, explore the Royal Botanic Garden, where vibrant autumn hues and peaceful pathways create a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Learn more

In conclusion, Edinburgh offers a magical escape for visitors seeking to embrace the beauty and charm of autumn. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, indulging in seasonal treats, or immersing yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable autumn getaway for all to enjoy.

Edinburgh this Autumn

September

September is a warm autumn month in Edinburgh, with an average temperature of 13°C. In addition to the events listed below, there are a wonderful variety of tourist attractions to enjoy including Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House at either end of the famous Royal Mile. Here’s what’s on in Edinburgh in September 2022.

Music, Theatre and Comedy

Professor Brian Cox: Horizons World Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse, 1 Sep

Foy Vance, Queens Hall, 1 Sep

Embrace, O2 Academy, 1 Sep

Jane McDonald, Edinburgh Playhouse, 2 Sep

No Such Thing as a Fish, Usher Hall, 2 Sep,

Music of Lord of the Rings, GOT and Beyond, Edinburgh Playhouse, 3 Sep

Sister Act, Festival Theatre, 6 – 15 Sep

Adam Kay: This is going to hurt .. Usher Hall, 7 Sep

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: Series 3 Tour, Edinburgh Playhouse, 9 Sep

Jo Whiley: 90s Anthems Tour 2022, O2 Academy, 9 Sep

The Book of Mormon, Edinburgh Playhouse, 13 Sep – 8Oct

Giants of Soul, O2 Academy, 17 Sep

The Osmonds: A New Musical, Festival Theatre, 20 – 24 Sep

Star sailor, The Caves, 21 Sep

Madeleine Peyroux, Usher Hall, 22 Sep

Don McLean: 50th Anniversary of American Pie, Usher Hall, 27 Sep

Ian Brown, O2 Academy, 27 Sep

Sean McLoughlin: So Be It, The Stand, 29 Sep

Richard Marx, Queens Hall, 30 Sep

James IV: Queen of the Fight, Festival Theatre, 30 Sep – 8 Oct

Festivals and Special Events

Great British Food Festival, Dalkeith Country Park, 10 –11 Sep

The Gin to my Tonic Festival, EICC, 10 – 11 Sep

Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, city centre, 22 Sep

Big Gin Festival, O2 Academy, 23 – 24 Sep

EH1 Festival, Royal Highland Centre, 24 Sep

Doors Open Days, various venues, 24 – 25 Sep

BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Festival Theatre, 25 Sep

Markets, Fairs and Workshops

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat

Grass market Weekly Market, Grass market, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Ocean Terminal Market, Ocean Terminal, every Sat &Sun

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Edinburgh Antiques & Collectors Fair, RHC, 3 – 4 Sep

Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, Murrayfield Stadium, 3– 4 Sep

Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 5 – 11 Sep

Jack & Jill Market, Edinburgh College Granton, 10 Sep

Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 24Sep

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

You are here 2022, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 5Feb – 8 Jan

Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace, Palace of Holyroodhouse, 25 Mar – 25 Sep

Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 9 Apr – 2 Oct

Japanese Contemporary Design, National Museum of Scotland, 6 May – 5 Mar

The Silver Casket, National Museum of Scotland, 19 May – 1 Nov

National Treasure: The Scottish Modern Arts Association, City Art Centre, 21 May – 16 Oct

Annette Krauss: A Matter of Precedents, Collective, 1Jun – 4 Sep

Will Maclean: Points of Departure, City Art Centre, 4 Jun– 2 Oct

Camara Taylor: backwash, Collective, 18 Jun – 4 Sep

Alan Davie: Beginning of a Far-off World, Dovecot Studios, 24 Jun – 24 Sep

Céline Condorelli: After Work, Talbot Rice Gallery, 25Jun – 1 Oct

Ruth Ewan: The Beast, Collective, 25 Jun – 18 Sep

Raphael: Magister Raffaello, Dovecot Studios, 1 Jul – 24 Sep

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, National Museum of Scotland, 1 Jul – 13 Nov

The Modern Institute: Space Forgets You, Dovecot Studios, 8 Jul – 17 Sep

Platinum Jubilee Display, Palace of Holyrood house, 14Jul – 25 Sep

A Taste for Impressionism: Modern French Art…Scottish National Gallery, 30 Jul – 13 Nov

Stephanie Black-Daniels: Position & Attachment, Collective, 17 Sep – 20 Nov

Sport and Fundraising Events

Race for Life: Pretty Muddy, Royal Highland Centre, 10Sep

October

October is the mild autumn month in Edinburgh, with an average temperature of 10°C. It is also the rainiest month of the year, so bring an umbrella! If it does rain, there are lots of indoor attractions to discover, including the Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and The Edinburgh Dungeons. Here’s what’s on in Edinburgh in October 2022.

Music, Theatre and Comedy

The Book of Mormon, Edinburgh Playhouse, 13 Sep – 8Oct

James IV: Queen of the Fight, Festival Theatre, 30 Sep –8 Oct

Calum Scott, Queens Hall, 1 Oct

10cc, Usher Hall, 5 Oct

Boyzlife: Old School Tour, Usher Hall, 8 Oct

Newton Faulkner, Queens Hall, 8 Oct

Harry Hill: Pedigree Fun, Festival Theatre, 9 Oct

Pink Martini, Usher Hall, 10 Oct

The Cher Show, Festival Theatre, 11 – 15 Oct

Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets, Queens Hall, 14 Oct

Elf Lyons: Raven, The Stand, 15 Oct

The Snuts, Usher Hall, 15 Oct

Will Young, Usher Hall, 16 Oct

Freedom starring Joe McElderry, Festival Theatre, 17Oct

Girl from the North Country, Edinburgh Playhouse, 18 –22 Oct

The Wannadies, Summerhall, 19 Oct

Samantha Fish, Queens Hall, 19 Oct

Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Queens Hall, 21 Oct

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo, Festival Theatre, 21 – 22 Oct

Michael Palin: From North Korea into Iraq, Queens Hall, 21 Oct

The Enemy, 02 Academy, 22 Oct

Rob Newman, The Stand, 23 Oct

Whitney Queen of the Night, Usher Hall, 25 Oct

South Pacific, Festival Theatre, 25 – 27 Oct

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Edinburgh Playhouse, 25 – 29 Oct

Kosheen: Resist 20th Anniversary Tour, Summerhall, 28 Oct

Howard Jones Acoustic Trio, Queens Hall, 29 Oct

Paolo Nutini, O2 Academy, 31 Oct

Festivals and Special Events

Oktoberfest, West Princes Street Gardens, 6 – 9 Oct

Edinburgh Cocktail Week, various venues, 7 – 16 Oct

Edinburgh Zoo Spooktacular, Edinburgh Zoo, 7 – 31 Oct

Comic Con Scotland, Royal Highland Centre, 8 – 9 Oct

Scottish International Storytelling Festival, various venues, 14 – 30 Oct

Edinburgh Horror Festival, various venues, 27 – 31 Oct

Edinburgh Short Film Festival, Summer hall, 28 Oct – 13Nov

Wondrous Woods, Hopetoun House, TBC

Whisky Stramash, Surgeons’ Hall, TBC

Samhuinn Fire Parade, city centre route, TBC

Markets, Fairs and Workshops

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat

Grass market Weekly Market, Grass market, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Ocean Terminal Market, Ocean Terminal, every Sat &Sun

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 3 – 9 Oct

Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 29 Oct

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

You are here 2022, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 5Feb – 8 Jan

Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 9 Apr – 2 Oct

Japanese Contemporary Design, National Museum of Scotland, 6 May – 5 Mar

The Silver Casket, National Museum of Scotland, 19 May – 1 Nov

National Treasure: The Scottish Modern Arts Association, City Art Centre, 21 May – 16 Oct

Will Maclean: Points of Departure, City Art Centre, 4 Jun– 2 Oct

Céline Condorelli: After Work, Talbot Rice Gallery, 25Jun – 1 Oct

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, National Museum of Scotland, 1 Jul – 13 Nov

A Taste for Impressionism: Modern French Art…Scottish National Gallery, 30 Jul – 13 Nov

Stephanie Black-Daniels: Position & Attachment, Collective, 17 Sep – 20 Nov

Katie Schwab: The Seeing Hands, Collective, 7 Oct – 5Mar

Knitwear: Chanel to Westwood, Dovecot Studios, 15 Oct– 11 Mar

Sport and Fundraising Events

Target Ovarian Cancer: Women’s 10K, city centre, 23Oct

November

November is a cool winter month in Edinburgh. The average temperature is 6°C. There are lots to celebrate this month, including Bonfire Night, St Andrew’s Day and the start of the festive season. There are also many fantastic attractions to enjoy around the city. Here’s what’s on in Edinburgh in November 2022.

Music, Theatre and Comedy

Saturday Night Fever, Edinburgh Playhouse, 1 – 5 Nov

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Usher Hall, 2 Nov

Kevin Bloody Wilson, Queens Hall, 4 Nov

Robert Plant & Suzi Dian: Saving Grace, Queens Hall, 5Nov

Sugababes, Usher Hall, 5 Nov

Sigrid, Usher Hall, 8 Nov

Squeeze, Usher Hall, 9 Nov

Fast love: A Tribute to George Michael, Edinburgh Playhouse, 10 Nov

Paul Holywood Live, Usher Hall, 12 Nov

Glenn Moore, The Stand, 13 Nov

Sigur Ros, Usher Hall, 15 Nov

Bugsy Malone, Edinburgh Playhouse, 15 – 20 Nov

Turin Brakes, La Belle Angelle, 18 Nov

The Snow Queen, Festival Theatre, 19 Nov – 10 Dec

The Magical Music of Harry Potter, Usher Hall, 22 Nov

Belle & Sebastian, Usher Hall, 23 Nov

Blossoms, O2 Academy, 23 Nov

Nina Nesbitt, Liquid Room, 23 Nov

The Sweet, Queens Hall, 25 Nov

James Bay, Usher Hall, 25 Nov

The Australian Pink Floyd, Usher Hall, 26 Nov

Shane Todd, The Stand, 27 Nov

Fontaines D.C, O2 Academy, 28 Nov

The Commitments, Edinburgh Playhouse, 28 Nov – 3 Dec

Muppet Christmas Carol: Film with Live Orchestra, Usher Hall, 29 Nov

Mark Thomas: Black And White, The Stand, 30 Nov

Festivals and Special Events

Edinburgh Short Film Festival, Summer hall, 28 Oct – 13Nov

Christmas at The Botanics, RBGE, 17 Nov – 30 Dec

Scots Fiddle Festival, Pleasance, 18 – 20 Nov

Castle of Light, Edinburgh Castle, 18 Nov – 30 Dec

Wondrous Woods, Hopetoun House, TBC

Edinburgh Gaelic Festival, various venues, TBC

Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights, Edinburgh Zoo, TBC

Edinburgh’s Christmas, various venues, TBC

Edinburgh Gin Festival, Assembly Rooms, TBC

Edinburgh Vegan Festival, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, TBC

Markets, Fairs and Workshops

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat

Grass market Weekly Market, Grass market, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Ocean Terminal Market, Ocean Terminal, every Sat &Sun

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Big Wedding Fair, O2 Academy, 5 – 6 Nov

Edinburgh Art Fair, O2 Academy, 17 – 20 Nov

Edinburgh Antiques & Collectors Fair, RHC, 19 – 20 Nov

Christmas Shopping Fair, Hopetoun House, 25 – 27 Nov

Edinburgh Flea Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 26Nov

Castle St Fair, Castle Street, 26 Nov – 23 Dec

Christmas Market, Princes Street Gardens, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

You are here 2022, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 5Feb – 8 Jan

Japanese Contemporary Design, National Museum of Scotland, 6 May – 5 Mar

The Silver Casket, National Museum of Scotland, 19 May – 1 Nov

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, National Museum of Scotland, 1 Jul – 13 Nov

A Taste for Impressionism: Modern French Art…Scottish National Gallery, 30 Jul – 13 Nov

Stephanie Black-Daniels: Position & Attachment, Collective, 17 Sep – 20 Nov

Katie Schwab: The Seeing Hands, Collective, 7 Oct – 5Mar

Knitwear: Chanel to Westwood, Dovecot Studios, 15 Oct– 11 Mar

Bernat Klein: Design in Colour, National Museum of Scotland, 5 Nov – 23 Apr

Glean: Early 20th Century Women Filmmakers … City Art Centre, 12 Nov – 12 Mar

Ron O’Donnell: Edinburgh A Lost World, City Art Centre,19 Nov – 5 Mar

Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone, City Art Centre, 26 Nov –26 Feb

Sport and Fundraising Events

MoRun, Holyrood Park, 5 Nov

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