Written by Daisy Curtis
October is a great month for visiting Edinburgh. As the streets quieten, and the green city changes to autumnal hues.
We love Edinburgh all year round. But October 2026 has a special feel to it. Find out why.
Edinburgh embraces Halloween with passion.
October is a month when the city and its outskirts change into Autumn.
So what can you do during October 2026 in Edinburgh and its neighbouring towns?
Let's start with the big event.
Edinburgh embraces Pumpkins and Halloween with passion.
There are farms surrounding Edinburgh with opportunities for pumpkin picking with your loved ones. Here are a list of our favourites:
"This is an exciting outdoor sound, lighting and effects illuminated trail, set to take place in the private woodland area of neo-classical mansion Gosford House, East Lothian - To be confirmed
You will wander on foot through a 1.5km route of beautifully lit woodland trails that wind around the back of Gosford House and the surrounding pond and gardens."
Booking essential
What? Lights and trails
When? TBC
Where? Gosford House, Longniddry, EH32 0PX
The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh will delight children aged 3 and over as they follow the guide to discover ancient secrets and spells.
£3 per trail booklet, no booking required
Pick up a trail booklet on arrival from the East or West Gate entrances and set off on the trail.
What? Light display and walk
When? To be confirmed
Where? Edinburgh Royal Botanics gardens
What? There are few events going on...
Where? Edinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine Road
One of the most exciting events to take place in Edinburgh is the Samhuinn Fire Festival.
This is an ancient Celtic festival, and is designed to wow the senses with fire, music, and performance.
What? Procession
When? 31st October, Times vary, usually from 19:00
Where? Holyrood Park
Live music and a great atmosphere for this traditional international festival.
What? Live music, food & drink, dirndl
When? 8th - 10th October 2026
Where? Central Hall, Tollcross
And unofficial Oktoberfest celebrations are running too
What? Live music
When? TBC
Where? Brewhemia
"Comic Con Scotland, one of Europe's largest pop culture conventions, returns to the Royal Highland Centre on 24th and 25th October 2026!"
What? Conference
When? 24-25th October 2026
Where? Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh West
Enjoy Signature Cocktails from 100 of the city’s best bars
What? Tasty tipples
When? 2nd - 11th October 2026
Where? Cocktail Village pop-up, Festival Square, Lothian Road, Edinburgh
English post-Britpop band return to Edinburgh with music from their 'Love is Here' album.
What? Live music
When? 17 October 2026
Where? The Usher Hall, Edinburgh
"Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family. "
What? Theatre
When? 23rd - 25th October 2026
Where? Kings Theatre
Perfect for? 10+, Families, Book lovers
"Step inside a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay, where the water’s hot and the gossip’s even hotter. Tony Roper's play has become a beloved Scottish classic."
What? Theatre
When? 5th - 10th October 2026
Where? Kings Theatre, Edinburgh
Perfect for? Everyone, Theatre lovers
However you choose to spend October 2026, make sure you rest your weary feet in one of The Edinburgh Address's luxury properties across the city.
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