As the colder and darker nights start to come in and we look forward to the upcoming ‘ber months, we can’t help but wonder where this year has gone?!
With October finally upon us, spooky season is officially here, and you won’t be caught short on things to do to keep you occupied in the Scottish capital this month.
Whether you’re making the most of the October break with the family, looking to pick back up on the rugby season with Edinburgh Rugby, or if you fancy getting a group together and heading to a show, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into and glide to this month.
Rugby
Edinburgh Rugby fans are in for a treat as rugby season is back in full swing this month. In the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Rugby will be taking on South African and French opponents at Hive Stadium. Glide to Murrayfield tram stop and don’t miss out on all the action!
Edinburgh Rugby v DHL Stormers – Hive Stadium – Friday 2 October
Edinburgh Rugby v RC Toulon – Hive Stadium – Friday 16 October
Edinburgh Rugby v 10bet Lions – Hive Stadium – Friday 23 October
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Festivals
The UK’s biggest cocktail festival returns for another packed 10 days for Edinburgh Cocktail Week, filled with a programme of cocktails, pop-ups, live music and experiences.
Plus, the famous Cocktail Viliage at Festival Square will see 25 pop-up bars, a live music stage, street food trucks, experiential spaces, a champagne bar and fun picture moments.
The event is open to those 18+, but alcohol-free alternatives will be available. Please drink responsibly.
Edinburgh Cocktail Week – Various venues – Friday 2 to Sunday 11 October
Closest tram stop: Various
Canada’s largest family-friendly walk-through pumpkin experience makes it way to Edinburgh this year with Pumpkins After Dark. You can expect illuminated pumpkin displays, live entertainment, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and seasonal treats along the way. It’s the perfect treat for the whole family or Halloween lovers of all ages.
Pumpkins After Dark – Royal Highland Centre – Friday 9 to Saturday 31 October
Closest tram stop: Ingliston Park & Ride
Storytelling takes centre stage this month as the Scottish International Storytelling Festival makes it’s return. Leading storytellers and musicians from Scotland and around the world gather each October to connect and share stories inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition. Celebrate Scotland’s rich storytelling heritage told through performances, workshops, talks and family events.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival – Various venues – Wednesday 21 - Saturday 31 October
Closest tram stop: Various
Comic Con Scotland is one of Europe’s largest pop culture conventions which makes its return to Edinburgh this month. Packed with celebrity guests, cosplay, collectables, photo opportunities, guest panel talks and so much more! Get ready to celebrate all things pop culture at the Royal Highland Centre.
Comic Con Scotland – Royal Highland Centre – Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October
Closest tram stop: Ingliston Park & Ride
Theatre highlights
We’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to theatre shows in the Scottish capital, and this month is no exception. Whatever you’re looking for this October, there’s so much for you to choose from at Edinburgh Playhouse, Usher Hall, and Festival Theatre.
Take your pick of goodies, from iconic international West End and Broadway shows, talks from legendary household names to must-see musicals and orchestra performances and everything in between. Take a look at some of our top choices below of shows on this month.
Edinburgh Playhouse
Legally Blonde – Edinburgh Playhouse – Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 October
Miriam’s Full English LIVE – Edinburgh Playhouse – Tuesday 6 October
Professor Brian Cox Emergence World Tour – Edinburgh Playhouse – Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Edinburgh Playhouse – Saturday 10 October
Jersey Boys – Edinburgh Playhouse – Monday 12 - Saturday 17 October
Leslie Odom, Jr. – Edinburgh Playhouse – Sunday 25 October
Dirty Dancing – Edinburgh Playhouse – Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
Usher Hall
RSNO Season 26-27: Shostakovich Five – Friday 2 October
Avatar The Last Airbender – In Concert – Usher Hall – Tuesday 6 October
RSNO Season 26-27: West Side Story – Usher Hall – Friday 9 October
The Shamrocks – Usher Hall – Wednesday 21 October
Hue and Cry – Usher Hall – Saturday 24 October
Closest tram stop: West End
Festival Theatre
Emergence – Festival Theatre – Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 October
Barnum – Festival Theatre – Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 October
Sylvia – Festival Theatre – Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 October
Duck Pond – Festival Theatre – Friday 30 - Saturday 31 October
Closest tram stop: St Andrew Square
See the city on an open top bus tour
Make the most of the October break with the kids as you take in the sights of Edinburgh from an open top bus tour with Edinburgh Bus Tours. Explore the city on the CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour which includes Horrible Histories Children’s commentary, narrated by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.
Plus, up to three kids go FREE with every paying adult/senior on any city tour or Grand 24 ticket.
