Whether an Edinburgh newbie or a seasoned professional, there’s always so much going on in the city that it’s easy to miss out on some of the wonderful events. Fear not, Lifestyle is here to offer a helping hand with an (extraordinarily long) list of our top recommendations for what’s on in Edinburgh this October!
Edinburgh Cocktail Week: Friday 3 to Sunday 12
Various locations, £5 for a wristband on their website
Back again for another year, Edinburgh Cocktail Week is offering up £5 cocktails in over 100 bars across the city to anyone who buys a wristband. Additionally, the Cocktail Village at Festival Square will house pop-up bars, street food, live music and more.
European Wooden Surfboard Meet 2025: Friday 3 to Sunday 5
Lost Shore Surf Resort, various prices – see their website
Gathering for the first time in Scotland, the European Wooden Surfboard Meet is a space for anyone interested in surfing to unite, whether newbies or seasoned professionals. Various events will take place over the weekend at different times and costs, so consult their website for details, but highlights include an exhibition, film screening and an alaia surfing showcase.
Edinburgh Corn Exchange Car Boot Sale: Saturday 4, opens 7:15 am
Edinburgh Corn Exchange, free entry
Why not dive through the collections at Edinburgh’s oldest car boot sale this weekend? You might just find yourself a bargain!
Ocean Terminal Car Boot Sale: Sunday 5, 7:30 am to 12:30 am
Ocean Terminal, free entry
HelloArt Asian-led Market: Saturday 4, 12-5 pm
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, free entry
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a wonderful market that showcases local arts and crafts as well as tasty food, like mooncakes. There will also be opportunities to join in with workshops yourself throughout the day, such as fan making.
Dusherra 2025: Saturday 4, 2pm onwards
Calton Hill, free entry
Celebrate light, culture and victory with the Scottish Indian Arts Forum at the top of Calton Hill with music, dance and fireworks.
Makers’ Market: Sunday 5, 11 am-4 pm
Portobello Town Hall, free entry
Why not spend your Sunday wandering around stalls displaying a variety of beautiful local crafts and artwork, from jewellery to home accessories? You could even have a coffee and cake afterwards.
Joy for All: LGBTQIA Autumn Makers’ Market: Saturday 11, 11 am-4 pm
Norton Park Conference Centre, free entry
As well as displaying an amazing range of goods from LGBTQIA+ artists and makers, the event allows visitors to connect with LGBTQIA+ organisations doing vital work in the community.
Comic Con Scotland: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12, 9 am-6 pm
Royal Highland Centre, entry starts at £30 on their website
One of Europe’s largest pop culture conventions returns again with another star-studded line-up, including Hayden Christensen and Paul Anderson, alongside a variety of panels on all things TV, movies, gaming and more.
HARVEST: Contemporary Craft Fair: Saturday 11 to Sunday 19, 10 am-4 pm
City Art Centre, free entry
An exhibition of the vast array of pieces from local makers will showcase items such as textiles, glassware and ceramics. Available at a variety of prices will also be a schedule of various craftsy workshops; see their website for more details.
The Strange Case of 7 Charlotte Square: Halloween Book Fair: Thursday 16, 6-8 pm
The Georgian House, £3 tickets on Eventbrite
Two weeks before Halloween, The Georgian House will be transformed into a haunted book fair with stalls from Lighthouse, McNaughten’s, Golden Hare Books and Typewronger. Bestselling author Michelle Sloan will also deliver a spooky reading from her new novel.
Urban market: Saturday 18, 10 am – 5 pm
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, free entry
This market will feature an “eclectic mix” of artists, makers and vintage sellers to culminate in a creative atmosphere.
Out of the Blue Flea Market: Saturday 25, 10 am – 3 pm
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, free entry
Yet another market will transform Out of the Blue Drill Hall at the end of the month. This time the focus will be on all things second hand: antiques, clothes, books and more.
Image provided by Alice Locker.