If there’s one thing Edinburgh does well, it’s festivals. There are plenty more, but we’ve picked a few highlights…
Edinburgh Science Festival 6-21 April 2019
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘frontiers’ and in particular the frontiers in space. It’s the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, so look out for plenty of planetary
themes in the packed programme.
There are frontier sub themes too, including: digital, engineering, environmental and healthcare.
Everyone is catered for, from kids to grown-ups, covering topical subjects such as medical cannabis and fake news.
The ever popular Gastrofest is back, revealing the science behind food, while we pose the question “Is our obsession with cleanliness bad for us?”. Centred around the City Art Centre, see the website for details of other venues.
Beltane Fire Festival 30 April 2019
The pagan procession returns to Calton Hill to bring in the advent of summer. Eye-popping costumes (or lack of), flaming torches and primal drumbeats are the order of
the evening, and although the event is family friendly, performances begin at sundown and finish at 1am.
Parents should be aware that performers may be partially nude.
It’s a ticketed affair, with almost 8,000 people expected to take in the spectacle this year.
See the website for more information.
Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival 24-25 May 2019
Based in a converted warehouse in Leith, the festival returns this year, with cool 
music, tasty gastro grub and all the beer you can drink.
Yes, that’s right, your ticket price includes unlimited beer from brewers far and wide. Some confirmed at time of writing are 6º North, Fierce Beer, Tempest Brew Co and Cromarty to name a few.
New this year is one of Edinburgh’s most popular restaurants, Aizle, who will be adapting some of their key dishes to help fuel the festival.
edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival 25 May-2 June 2019
The festival celebrates its 30th year with 15 productions from eight countries taking place over a three week period. From babies to teenagers, there are visually engaging shows that everyone will enjoy. Mappamondo (pictured) reveals a world where natural elements collide with percussion and dance, and is suitable for two to five year olds. English theatre company Punchdrunk perform its groundbreaking interactive show Small Wonders, inviting audience participation to create a memorable event. Many of the shows will tour Scotland, ensuring that as many people as possible get a chance to be involved.
Juniper Festival 2019 31 May-2 June 2019
The celebration of all things to do with gin returns to Summerhall in May.
The explosion of different gins across the UK, and in particular Scotland, has seen an
increased appetite to know more about the history of the drink, cocktail recipes and production processes.
There will be plenty of gin brands old and new to keep you interested, and returning this year are Arbikie and Pickering’s, who will be providing tastings and masterclasses.
summerhalldrinkslab.co.uk/juniper-festival
- Find out more at edinburgh.org/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics
These are just a few of the great events coming up in over the next few months in Edinburgh – keep an eye on our Guide to What’s On in Edinburgh at edinburgh.org/whats-on and keep up to date with the latest events happening in Scotland’s capital city.
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