What's on in Edinburgh in May?

Visit Edinburgh and embrace the culture, entertainment and beauty of May! Here are our top suggestions.

Edinburgh is bursting into life with entertainment, education, music and fun for all visitors. Here are some of May 2026’s top events in Edinburgh.

What's on in Edinburgh in May 2026?

Whisky Month

May is Whisky Month and people across Edinburgh, Scotland – and the world – rejoice in a celebration of the ‘water of life.’ As if any further excuse to raise a dram was necessary, there’s also World Whisky Day on the 17th of May.

What? Beverage Festival

When? May 2026

Where? Edinburgh Pubs and Markets

Perfect for? Everyone, Whisky Lovers

Edinburgh Tradfest

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world.

What? Music

When? 1st - 11th May 2026

Where? Various venues

Perfect for? Everyone, Music Lovers

Travellers Tunes

Travellers Tunes: An Evening With Steve Cradock, featuring songs by Ocean Colour Scene - Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock is responsible for some of the most distinctive riffs of the past 30 years. 

What? Concert

When? 23rd May 2026

Where? The Queen's Hall

Perfect for? Everyone, Music Lovers

Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks

"Sunny Afternoon celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me”, “Lola”, and “All Day and All of the Night”."

What? Musical

When? 5th - 9th May 2026

Where? Edinburgh Playhouse

Perfect for? Everyone, Musicals Lovers

Edinburgh Marathon 2026

Annual Edinburgh Marathon is a must-do event for every runner.

There are various distances and routes for every liking.

There is no better time to do a run in Edinburgh than the beautiful Spring.

What? Run

When? 24th May 2026

Where? Edinburgh, Many Routes

Perfect for? Everyone, Sports Lovers

Children's Festival 2026

A vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination, and storytelling for young audiences from around the world. A showcase of a diverse array of theatre, dance, puppetry, and multimedia performances specifically tailored for children and families.

What? Festival

When? TBC

Where? Edinburgh

Perfect for? Families

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market

There is nothing like the feeling of being wrapped up warm and strolling through the open Edinburgh Farmers' Market. 

Take a culinary journey to paradise as you savour farm-fresh, locally sourced delights, ranging from luscious jams to succulent burgers and zesty cheeses.

What? Food Market

When? Every Saturday, 9am-2pm

Where? Castle Terrace