Ah, June in Edinburgh. The days are the longest of the year, it never really gets dark (yes, you can see the sun just under the horizon at 2am), it’s beer garden weather and the great Scottish outdoors is calling our name. Whether you want to make the most out of the long days or just have more energy to do stuff than you did during the winter, we have you covered: we have put together a list of the very best things to do in Edinburgh this June.
Participate in the light-hearted ridiculousness that is Bongo’s Bingo
Most people have heard of the infamous Bongo’s Bingo nights travelling around the UK by now. As of now, two shows at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange are taking place this June. If you haven’t witnessed a bingo rave before, it’s as mental as it sounds, where chaos meets organised raves, all of which are during an old-school game of bingo. What is more, players can be found dancing on tables and winning ridiculous prizes such as Henry Hoover or a mobility scooter during one of the most bizarrely elated nights ever.
Historic venue? Check. Mysterious lighting? Check. A string quartet ready to play Vivaldi’s masterpieces? Also, check. Edinburgh’s iconic St Giles Cathedral will be hosting a fantastic candlelight concert filled with masterpieces from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, such as The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, Victoria Lyon (violin), Warren Mailley-Smith (piano)
Programme Chopin – Piano Concerto no. 1 in E Minor, all performed by a string quartet. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight at St Giles’ Cathedral on June 26 will take visitors on an adventure, all set against a backdrop of candlelight.
Celebrate diversity at the Edinburgh Pride 2026
June is Pride month, and Edinburgh is loud and proud, ready to commence the festivities. Pride Edinburgh is the longest-running Scottish celebration of diversity and inclusion and will take place on June 20 this year. As usual, Pride goers can expect the annual march, which commences at the Scottish Parliament at 1pm, making its way up the Royal Mile and finishing at The Pride Edinburgh Festival Village. And this year, Cher Lloyd is headlining the main stage!
On Saturdays, we brunch. Sure, our bank accounts might not love it, but it’s not just food for the tummy – brunch is food for the soul. Okay, we might be getting a wee bit dramatic here: can you tell we love brunch? From delicious pancake stacks to a classic Eggs Benedict, Edinburghers can indulge in some divine scran and cocktails while catching up with their best pals. So, why not check out our guide to the best brunch spots in Edinburgh.
Visit Swanston Village and the Pentland Hills
As the Summer is upon us, the great outdoors is calling. Edinburghers do not have to venture out too far away from the city, as our wee Pentland Hills boast awe-inspiring vistas and a decent challenge of hill walking. The trail near Swanston Village and Swanston Golf Course is not only easily accessible via public transport, but also offers views of the city and the sea on one side, and The Pentlands on the other. The hike is a little bit steep and takes around two hours to complete, great to bring dogs along and visitors might even spot some Highland coos hiding from the wind in the bushes. Okay, maybe this very specific scenario only happens to us when we visit, but the cows are adorable to watch regardless.
During those warmer days, visitors can lounge at the Eminente terrace at Duck & Waffle, overlooking the Edinburgh skyline. Cocktail lovers can choose from a signature menu, with highlights such as Velvet Vice, Buenavista Social, and Midnight in Havana, which is exclusively served in croc-embossed Eminente glasses.
Enjoy sunny days with fresh air and live music at The Neighbourgood Market
Located in the heart of Stockbridge directly behind The Raeburn, The Neighbourgood Market has a food festival vibe where several food trucks are offering the best street food alongside local drinks favourites from bars, accompanied by live music on a custom-built stage and plenty of deck chairs to lounge in. The beloved market will stay between May 1 and August 2 this year, open from 12pm until 12am from Wednesday to Sunday every week. However, it closed at 10pm last Wednesday, for example, so don’t be too surprised if it closes earlier. Expect pizza, bao buns, Mexican street food, all kinds of sandwiches and so much more. You can probably find us at The Neighbourgood Market every week this Summer, so we’ll see you there!
ndulge In Fresh Sourdough Pizzas With Views Over Water Of Leith
Pizza lovers, unite! Franco Manca is a Neapolitan pizza restaurant dedicated to the art of making sourdough pizza, uniting pizza enthusiasts from every corner of the city over their love for the doughy goodness. The pizza dough is made fresh every day, with ingredients from small local suppliers. Franco Manca has also recently introduced several new menu items, with four new pizzas, some starters and various fresh ice cream flavours. What is more, there are two branches in Edinburgh: the Stockbridge branch boasts green views of the Water of Leith, and the South St Andrew Street offers a central location. Plus, it is one of the best gluten-free pizzas in town!
June is the perfect month for wee getaways, as the days are long and the sun is gracing us more and more with its presence. Scotland has plenty of pretty villages to choose from, so why not go explore the beautiful cobbled streets, sandy beaches and history just a short drive away from the city. We have gathered a list of the very best picturesque towns to visit that is less than two hours away from Edinburgh, so pick your favourite and get going!
Embark on a six-course immersive cocktail experience
There is a new bar coming to town, and it’s like nowhere else. Guests can expect a themed six-course cocktail experience based on inspirations such as ‘Happily Ever After’ or the 90s and nostalgic cartoons like ‘The Simpsons’, changing every six weeks. The ‘Happily Ever After’ experience is available until June 21, and Somewhere By Nico is located on Queensferry Street, boasting trendy decor and otherworldly themes.
