Cool Events Happening in Edinburgh this June
Cool Things that are happening in Edinburgh this June (2026).
This post covers cool events that are happening across Edinburgh. If this post is popular I hope to write other monthly breakdowns of what is happening across this wonderful city. I have included a mix of paid for and free events for everyone to enjoy.
Hidden Door Festival - 3rd-7th June
https://hiddendoorarts.org/tickets/
Edinburgh's independent arts festival returns to an iconic factory for 5 days and nights of live music, stunning visual art and immersive pop-up installations. There will be lots of visual art, spoken word and dance and the volunteer run event is always a highlight.
I have attended for the last several years and every year is different and in a different location. This year the venue is an old Paper Factory and the theme is “The Last Shift” which marks the end of use for the building. The building itself spans 15 acres and is probably somewhere you have never been inside before.
Over 100 creatives are involved and you are guaranteed to hear new music and on the Saturday, Gaelic electronic band, Valtos are playing (they are incredible live).
The festival is FREE to attend through the day which I think is wonderful and if you wish to attend the music gigs at night, tickets can be purchased for each day or with a weekend pass. Daily tickets start from £38.
Pride Edinburgh - 20th June
Pride Edinburgh is the longest running free celebratory event of the LGBTQ+ community in all of Scotland.
If you wish to join the parade and celebrate diversity in Scotland you can start the march at the Scottish Parliament at 12:15pm where the march will conclude on Bristo Square. You will walk up the historic Royal Mile After the March there will be a free music event afterwards on Bristo Square (next to the University of Edinburgh).
Last year the atmosphere in the old town was electric and I would highly suggest attending!
Acts such as Cher Lloyd, Michelle Mcmanus and Galiverse are set to perform. The event runs from 2-6pm.
Street Historians
If you are visiting Edinburgh during Pride, I strongly suggest checking out Edinburgh Street Historians. Their tours begin in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town.
They have created an expertly guided free walking tour that focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the present day. A trip through the heart of Scotland’s capital to find out how LGBT people carved out a life in a hostile climate, past many important sites in the fight for liberation. Hear stories of fascinating queer individuals with insightful stories and prominent historical figures.
Jupiter Artland - Throughout the summer
Jupiter Artland is an award-winning contemporary sculpture garden located just outside Edinburgh. The park is spread across 120 acres of woodland, meadow and man-made sculptures.
They have a range of events throughout the summer, but below I have mentioned two which sound very cool indeed!
Wild Dining “Dine in the woods”.
Dine beneath a canopy of ancient trees and starlight. Begin your journey with a gentle stroll through the Jupiter estate, pausing at the Café Party Terrace, where spellbinding canapés await to whet your appetite.
From there, you will be led by lantern light into the heart of the magical woodland, where a candlelit table awaits beneath the trees. A three-course feast will be served in this otherworldly setting. Expect rustic elegance: canapés to begin, followed by a main course conjured before your eyes over an open-flame BBQ, accompanied by a vibrant array of fresh salads and grilled vegetables.
All of the ingredients are locally sourced, or foraged and a full vegetarian option is offered at the time of booking. There is an option to add a wine pairing to your meal too.
Tickets must be pre booked, and quick! Prices start from £55
Enjoy an experience like no other! Immerse yourself in the water of Charles Jencks’ Cells of Life every weekend from May 9th throughout Spring & Summer from 11am to 12pm. With your swimming you will also gain access to the rest of Jupiter Artland. Tickets are £14 per person.
Photograph: Jupiter Artland
Dragon Boat Festival - 13th June
Located inside the Out of the Blue Drill hall on Dalmeny Street (just off Leith Walk).
A vibrant cultural event from Hello Art bringing together Chinese traditions, art, creativity, and delicious festive snacks.
Visitors can explore a lively marketplace featuring Chinese and Asian-inspired art, handmade crafts, creative products, and traditional treats. Alongside the market stalls, we will also host an interactive cultural corner, where guests can take part in traditional activities and enjoy hands-on experiences connected to the Dragon Boat Festival.
The event is free to attend and runs from 12 noon and 5pm.
Square Cinema - Outdoor Cinema - 12th-14th June
Located in Edinburgh’s new town of St. Andrews Square, there will be a free outdoor movie weekend, returning for its 15th anniversary.
Bringing 3 days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city. Seats are first come, first served basis and you are welcome to bring snacks and picnics with you. Although there will be some food and drink vendors nearby too.
The fun kicks off on Friday evening with Swayze-Night. Enjoy the cult-classic The Outsiders, followed by one of the most requested movies – Dirty Dancing, before a special 35th anniversary screening of Point Break.
Family audiences are in for a treat over the weekend with daytime screenings including Zootropolis 2, The Adventures of Tintin, Wicked: For Good, Labyrinth, and two live action remakes of much-loved animated films Lilo & Stitch, and How To Train Your Dragon.
Later in the day, the programme shifts to Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics including F1 – The Movie, multi-Oscar winner One Battle After Another, and a 15th anniversary screening of Bridesmaids. While fans of Back To The Future can look forward to something special with the opportunity to see and snap the famous DeLorean time-machine!
All films will be shown with subtitles and select films will be audio-described.
The Cookbook Shop, Leith Walk - 17th June
“In Good Taste” Talk and book signing.
One for the foodies, the Cookbook shop are hosting an evening with food writer, broadcaster, spice expert, and author of two Indian cookbooks, Mallika Basu.
Mallika's newest book, In Good Taste, is part food culture exploration, part food systems guide. In conversation with private chef, food writer, and broadcaster, Sarah Rankin, the result will be a lively, practical, and deeply human conversation about food.Sarah will provide refreshments, and tickets are fully redeemable against the cost of a signed book. I adore this shop, it has a beautiful selection of curated cookbooks, food writing and gifts available.
Royal Highland Show 18th-21st June
Located at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston near to the airport is the annual event showcasing the best of food, farming and rural life throughout Scotland.
Throughout the show you will see horse jumping competitions, sheep shearing, shepherd's crook making workshops and a load of children friendly events along the way. If you have a young child who is a fan of tractors and trailers then this place will blow their wee mind.
Arguably the biggest event is The Grand Parade.
Prize-winning cattle can be seen gracefully wending their way across the Main Ring. If you don’t know your Belted Galloways from your Belgian Blues then this is a very rare opportunity to see so many different breeds at one time.
The RHS is also a great place for foodies, Eat, shop and buy from a variety of tasty produce stands around our Food Hall, showcasing the best of Scottish food and drink. The Royal Highland Show’s strict Food Charter ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food is served at the Show – from delicious venison burgers to tasty fish and chips, finished off with a bowl of Scottish strawberries.
Tickets must be purchased online before the day, and if you are driving in you will also need a parking ticket. Daily tickets are £45 each.
