The Scottish capital is jam-packed with events and things to do this July as summer has officially begun! From rugby highlights, an American country star taking centre stage at Murrayfield, to the return of concerts with the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and everything else in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do to keep yourself busy this month.
Read below for some of our top highlights for the month ahead and plan your travel in advance – glide to events across the city with Edinburgh Trams to make your way to all the fun!
Murrayfield Stadium
Fiji v Scotland 2026 Nations Championship – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Saturday 18 July
The Nations Championship returns this year and sees the world’s best teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres go head-to-head across two connected series in July and November. This July sees Fiji take on Scotland as one of their ‘home’ games. It’s set to be an exhilarating game with both teams having won against each other over the past two years – who will come out on top this time?!
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Global superstar Luke Combs is bringing his ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’ to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for two unforgettable nights this month. Hold onto your cowboy hats for a night full of country hits.
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade Concerts
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade Concerts – Edinburgh Castle Esplanade – Friday 10 July to Sunday 19 July
Each summer the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle transforms into a unique concert venue as it becomes one of Scotland’s most spectacular live music events. Expect six days of epic performances with the dazzling backdrop of the historic Edinburgh Castle.
- Callum Beattie – Friday 10 July
- Garbage – Saturday 11 July
- James Taylor – Tuesday 14 July
- Deacon Blue – Friday 17 July
- Snow Patrol – Saturday 18 July
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert – Sunday 19 July
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Festivals
The world-famous festival season is almost upon us, but before we get there, ease yourself in with these upcoming festivals in July. From one of the largest and most respected jazz and blues festivals in Europe, to one of Scotland’s largest multi-cultural events, and a ten-day event celebrating all the sounds of the best folk music from Scotland and beyond with some of Scotland’s best food and drink vendors to knock it back with, there is plenty to celebrate this month. Start getting into the festival mood early!
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival – Various locations – 17-26 July
Closest tram stop: Various
Edinburgh Festival Carnival – The Mound / Princes Street / Princes Street Gardens – 19 July
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival – Assembly George Square Gardens – 24 July - 2 August
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Theatre highlights
We have no shortage of shows this month at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Usher Hall, and Festival Theatre. Whether you’re looking for music, comedy, dancing, or a musical, there’s something for everyone to discover this July. Take a read below at some of our top picks of shows to see what tickles your fancy!
Edinburgh Playhouse
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf – Edinburgh Playhouse – 15 July
Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary – Edinburgh Playhouse – 16-19 July
David Byrne – Edinburgh Playhouse – 20-22 July
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
Usher Hall
The Divine Comedy – Usher Hall – 3 July
An Evening with David Sedaris – Usher Hall – 4 July
Rumour of Fleetwood Mac – Usher Hall – 5 July
Bowie Experience – Usher Hall – 20 July
Charlie Puth Presents: The Whatever’s Clever! World Tour – Usher Hall – 21 July
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – Usher Hall – 22 July
Closest tram stop: West End
Festival Theatre
This is Rambert – Festival Theatre – 2-4 July
Nikita Kuzmin: Supernova – Festival Theatre – 12 July
K-Pop All Stars – Festival Theatre – 18 July
Little Shop of Horrors – Festival Theatre – 24-25 July
Closest tram stop: St Andrew Square
