With teaching officially over, April seems like an abyss of free time (because personally, I’m choosing to gloss over revision and exams) so once again, we’re stepping in at The Student to suggest a range of exciting excursions throughout Edinburgh this month.
Makers Market: Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th, 10am-5:30pm
St Giles Cathedral, Free entry
The gorgeous 900-year-old cathedral of St Giles will provide a fitting backdrop for Support the Makers’ latest market, with local creatives and artisans showcasing a range of their tempting goods.
Less with Patrick Grant: Saturday 5th, 2-3:30pm
Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre, £18 on Edinburgh Science
Famed for his judging on the Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick Grant is discussing the impact of fashion and its relationship with the environment alongside sustainability author Lucy Siegle as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.
Edinburgh Science Festival – Saturday 5th– Sunday 20th, range of locations and prices
2025 sees the 35th Edinburgh Science Festival with a range of talks and workshops over a variety of themes such as climate and sustainability. For more information on the specific events, their locations and how to book, see their website.
Scottish Vegan Festival: Sunday 6th, 10-5pm
Assembly Rooms, £4 on their website
Hosting a range of stalls, the festival will celebrate all things vegan: from cultural food, to fashion, to beauty. After mooching, contemplate the impact of food as speakers share their work on its correlation with the environment, health and animal welfare.
Makers Market: Sunday 6th, 11-4pm
Portobello Town Hall, Free entry
As well as housing the exquisite work of local creatives, the market promises delicious treats such as coffee and cake, as well as houseplants to freshen up your flat this spring.
FLARE* The Fair: Spring-Fling Wellness Market: Sunday 6th, 11-4pm
Leith Arches, Free entry
Focusing on your well-being, local businesses will guide you through workshops and inspirational talks, with a community vibe enabling discussions and stalls to wonder. Keen to test yourself? Why not take your swimsuit and try out the outdoor sauna and plunge pool!
Record Story Day 2025 with VoxBox Music: Saturday 12th, 8-5:30pm
St Vincent’s Chapel, Free entry
A national day to celebrate records and the people that make them? Well of course. With RSD records and 11 artists performing and discussing their work (including so called “Edinburgh Indie royalty”), St Vincent Chapel promises to be the spot to beat this Record Store Day.
HelloArt Easter Fusion Market: Saturday 19th, 12-5pm
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Free entry
A fusion of Asian culture and the festivities of Easter, the market will include not only a fabulous selection of craft and food stalls, but also free interactive workshops such as woodblock printing.
April Flea Market: Saturday 26th, 10-3pm
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Free entry
A firm favourite, Out of the Blue’s monthly flea market returns again, offering eclectic trinkets and fashion: the perfect way to entertain a Saturday.
Scent & Soul: A Guided Journaling Experience with NEOM: Sunday 27th, 8-9:30am
NEOM Wellness Saint James Square, £25 on Eventbrite
Start your day right as you are guided through journaling and mindfulness with the aid of NEOM’s delightful scents. Though maybe a little pricy, the event includes a complimentary journal and pen, refreshments and massages throughout, as well as NEOM candle (so it’s basically free, right?).
Photo by Ross Findlay on Unsplash
