Unmissable Events This Weekend in Edinburgh (26–27 Sept)

Experience the famously colourful Elrow Scotland party at the Royal Highland Centre, with immersive decor, confetti, DJs and performers for a full‑day electronic music carnival just outside Edinburgh.

Explore some of Edinburgh’s most interesting buildings for free as Doors Open Days throws open usually closed doors across the city, with self‑guided visits and occasional guided tours suitable for all ages.

Step inside the historic Out of the Blue Drill Hall for special hourly tours highlighting the building’s heritage as part of Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days programme, ideal for architecture and history lovers.

Hear Beethoven’s evocative Moonlight Sonata by candlelight in the atmospheric surroundings of St Giles’ Cathedral, a beautifully intimate classical concert in the heart of the Old Town.

Sing along to Barry Manilow’s biggest hits at Copacabana Magic, a high‑energy tribute show charting the story and songs of one of pop’s great showmen in a grand New Town setting.

Catch Dirty Harry, the acclaimed Blondie tribute band, for a night of new‑wave and punk‑pop anthems in one of Edinburgh’s favourite Old Town gig venues.

Dance late into the night at Just Like Heaven, an alternative 80s party celebrating iconic post‑punk, new wave and indie tracks at La Belle Angèle.

Join a full‑moon themed club night with DJs, immersive production and a lively student crowd at Why Not, one of Edinburgh’s central nightlife spots.

Explore the University of Edinburgh campus, meet staff and students, and attend talks at the Undergraduate Open Day, a large‑scale information and taster day that visitors can also enjoy to see local student life.

Enjoy storytelling, live music and folklore‑inspired songs at Moonspinners: Singing Moon (Lughnasadh), a cosy evening at the Scottish Storytelling Centre ideal for culture lovers and older children.

Watch firefighters from across Scotland compete in demanding physical challenges on The Mound in the Old Town, an outdoor spectator‑friendly sporting event in a dramatic city‑centre setting.

Learn aerial yoga techniques in a focused small‑group workshop, perfect if you want to try something new and active during your city break.

Sample an impressive range of craft beers at Gravity Beer Festival, Edinburgh’s all‑in craft beer event at the creative hub of Summerhall, with tastings, talks and street‑food.

Enjoy a patisserie and cuisine demonstration by a Le Cordon Bleu Master Chef in the beautiful grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden, a refined food‑focused experience combining culinary arts and nature.

Hear dramatic piano concertos by Grieg and Rachmaninov performed by candlelight in St Giles’ Cathedral, a powerful and atmospheric classical concert in the Old Town.