7 Edinburgh Festivals in May You Shouldn’t Miss

The Edinburgh festival season is well and truly here and provides you with plenty of choice no matter what your interests are. Edinburgh is the city of festivals and we’re so lucky to live here! We’ve picked out seven of our favourite festivals in May that we think you should be aware of as well, and here they are.

Pint of Science Festival

• 15-17 May
• 6 venues across the city
• www.pintofscience.co.uk/events/edinburgh

This is a brilliant concept that combines science and having a pint at a nice pub. Pint of Science brings accomplished scientists to your local pub where they will discuss their latest research and findings with you. The festival takes place in 27 cities across the UK and the topics are varied: from neuroscience, medicine and astronomy to robotics, geosciences and languages. All fascinating though!

Festival of Museums

• 19-21 May
• various locations
• www.festivalofmuseums.co.uk/events

Scotland’s Museums and Galleries have put together their biggest calendar of events ever this year with 130 events all around Scotland. How about an Edwardian themed afternoon tea at the City Art Centre or striking your own coin at the Museum on the Mound? Or perhaps you would enjoy a tour of the Anatomical Museum?

Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival

• 26-28 May
• The Biscuit Factory
• www.edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

This brand new festival looks great and is a must for any beer enthusiast. This is an event where you can taste hundreds of beers from over 25 world class breweries. There are no beer tokens involved as a ticket gets you entry to the event and access to all the beers on for the sessions you choose. Live music, DJs and street food is also on the menu.

Edinburgh International Tango Festival

• 26-29 May
• Teviot Row House & Greyfriars Kirk
• www.eitf.org.uk/events

2017 marking the 10th edition of the Tango Festival, this year there will be an extra special line-up of outstanding tango performances and orchestras for us to enjoy. If you would like to learn how to tango there is also a three-hour intensive beginners course as well as a refreshers course to take part in. Many events are already sold out so hurry if you want to attend!

Hidden Door Festival

• 26 May-4 June
• the old Leith Theatre
• www.hiddendoorblog.org/event

This is one of Edinburgh’s coolest festivals for sure – it’s 100% volunteer run and specialises in transforming forgotten and abandoned places. This year ten days and nights of music, visual art, poetry & spoken word, theatre and cinema will take place in the old Leith Theatre. Bringing the old theatre back to life is something no other than Irvine Welsh and Danny Boyle are supporting as well. The event is free during the day and ticketed in the evenings.

Whisky Stramash

• 27-28 May
• Surgeon’s Hall
• www.thewhiskystramash.com/2017

May is whisky month here in Scotland, so it’s only appropriate that you attend a whisky event. (Or at least have a dram or two.) With over 200 whiskies from around the world to sample and a number of whisky experiences to match, the Whisky Stramash will be the place to be to explore our national drink. The festival is great for beginners as well as more seasoned whisky drinkers.

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

• 27 May-4 June
• various venues
• www.imaginate.org.uk/festival/whats-on

Previously known as Imaginate Festival, this festival is recognised worldwide as one of the best festivals showcasing children’s theatre and dance. The aim of the festival is to expose young people to performing arts and encourage and inspire children to develop their creativity and emotional intelligence. Lots to experience here for all ages.

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