What's on in Edinburgh This Week

Events in Edinburgh From 18th May – 24th May 2026

This week in Edinburgh, you can find a mix of live music, art exhibitions, and community events. Jazz sets, rock performances, and dance events are taking place across the city. You'll find smaller shows at venues like Assembly Rooms and Usher Hall, which also host larger concerts. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has two exhibitions running, Earth Matters and Herbology, both open during daylight hours. You can also attend comedy nights at Dragonfly and other bars across the Old Town. The Haymarket area is busy during the weekend, with DJ sets and themed nights, particularly at venues like Sneaky Petes and People’s Leisure Club. Some events are held in shared spaces such as Coburg House Art Studios, where new work by contemporary artists is on display. If you're driving, be aware that parking is limited in the city centre and that access to Old Town wynds can be difficult during peak times. A short drive away, the Port of Leith Distillery hosts live music and themed parties, including Habibi Studios. You can reach most events using the Edinburgh Trams or Lothian Buses. Check the listings below for times and venues for this week's offerings.

Events in Edinburgh This Week

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Monday 18th May

Helen Hopekirk Festival

· Various venues: Edinburgh & Glasgow · Culture & Arts

A multi-city festival celebrating the music and legacy of Scottish pianist Helen Hopekirk with concerts and educational events.

Tuesday 19th May

Spandex Comedy - 5 Star Comedy Every Tuesday Night in Edinburgh

· Nightlife & Music

A weekly stand-up comedy night featuring professional comedians performing new material in Edinburgh.

Wednesday 20th May

Miss Madison - Edinburgh Plus Support Eyes of Home, Lewis Wilson

· Nightlife & Music

Miss Madison performs a live gig in Edinburgh with support acts Eyes of Home and Lewis Wilson.

Thursday 21st May

Herbology Exhibition

· Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Culture & Arts

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosts a contemporary herbology exhibition showcasing medicinal plants and historical remedies.

Earth Matters - Seeing Soil Through Art

· Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Culture & Arts

An art exhibition exploring soil and geology, marking the tercentenary of James Hutton.

Centre For Open Learning: The History And Culture of Colour

· Culture & Arts

A five-week course at the National Museum of Scotland explores the impact of colour on culture and society.

Edition Copenhagen: Limited Edition Lithographs Launch at Nordic Living

· Nordic Living · Shopping & Markets

Limited edition lithographs from Edition Copenhagen launch at Nordic Living in Edinburgh.

Tinariwen

· Assembly Rooms · Nightlife & Music

Tinariwen, a Malian blues band formed in a Libyan refugee camp, performs hard-rocking desert music at Assembly Rooms.

Gay Speed Dating in Edinburgh | Ages 25-45

· Nightlife & Music

Gay speed dating event for men aged 25-45 takes place at Manahatta in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's Finest New Material Comedy: Cracking New Jokes Show!

· Nightlife & Music

Good Egg Comedy hosts a new material stand-up show with fresh jokes at Dragonfly, Edinburgh's cocktail bar.

Friday 22nd May

Saturday 23rd May

Bollywood Night: Season Finale Party 2026: Edinburgh

· Nightlife & Music

Bollywood-themed party celebrates the season finale and end of exams at LaBelle Angele in Edinburgh.

End of Term Party 2026: Bollywood Night: Edinburgh

· Nightlife & Music

Students celebrate the end of term with a Bollywood-themed night at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh.

Observed, Imagined

· Coburg House Art Studios · Culture & Arts

An exhibition showcasing contemporary fine art from artists at Coburg House Art Studios.

Mastiff, Edinburgh

· Nightlife & Music

Sludge hardcore band Mastiff performs live in Edinburgh with support acts Iron Altar, Razor Sharp Death Blizzard, and Primitive Vices.

Sunday 24th May

Fuego x Teteo Presents: la Casita

· Nightlife & Music

Fuego x Teteo bring a reggaeton and dembow night with nonstop perreo to Edinburgh's People Leisure Club.

Charity Garden Opening - 14 East Brighton Crescent

· 14 East Brighton Crescent · Shopping & Markets

A charity garden open day featuring a decades-old suburban garden for fundraising.

Musika x Skyline // Hernan Cattaneo

· Nightlife & Music

Musika and Skyline host a large-scale all-day music event in Edinburgh celebrating four years of Skyline.

The Magical Musical Memories of Stage & Screen

· Nightlife & Music

Live singers perform musical hits from The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Grease, and more at Dalkeith Miners Club.

Tipsy Bank Holiday Sunday | Special Guest: Kenny Allstar (1Xtra)

· Nightlife & Music

DJ Kenny Allstar from BBC 1Xtra performs at Coco Boho during the Tipsy Bank Holiday event.

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