The second month of the year is pretty much upon us: while January went extremely quickly yet painfully slow, the days are officially getting lighter and the Christmas rush is over. And during the month of love, the possibilities are endless, from a tequila trail around the city to a petrifying late-night event at the Edinburgh Dungeon. So, here’s out list of fantastic things to do in Edinburgh this February.
1. Embark on an Edinburgh-wide tequila trail
You can embark on an Edinburgh-wide tequila trail with El Jimador and Herradura for Margarita Month. That’s right, there’s a National Margarita Day, and it’s on February 22. Tequila adventurers are invited to go bar-hopping around the Scottish capital and try a variety of tequila-based drinks. While it sounds like a dangerous night, don’t worry, just take it slow: start at Cold Town House with some braw rooftop views of the castle, before heading to The Huxley, then continue onto Badger and Co., Copper Blossom and The Boozy Cow, before finishing in a Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant, The Basement. The Basement is one of my absolute favourites with many margarita-filled nights, but be sure to book a table in advance if you’re going during the evening.
2. See The Jersey Boys Musical on its UK tour
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons have brought their life stories to stage at this multi award-winning musical Jersey Boys, and they’re not staying for long. Jersey Boys are officially in town, and two nights of fabulous performances have already taken place. Edinburgh Playhouse is hosting the phenomenal West End musical between January 24 and February 4, telling the true stories of the group. The real-life production of the famous musicians is an enthrallingly intriguing experience throughout, following the ins and outs of the dis-harmonies of the personal relationships between the Four Seasons starting at New Jersey and making it all the way to The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
3. Witness a special Valentine’s Day concert surrounded by candlelight
Love is in the Edinburgh air during February: why not just embrace it and go all out with a romantic outing and marvel at stunning candlelight in a historic venue, listening to romantic covers of the most popular love songs out there. A special Candlelight concert is coming to The Caves on February 14, featuring undeniable intimacy and a string quartet. Expect loveable covers of Puccini, Braveheart, James Horner and Céline Dion or Tchaikovsky performed in a way never heard before. What is more, concert goers will get the chance to witness The Caves, a sub-structure of South Bridge that offers a captivating peek into 18th Century Edinburgh that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can book your tickets here.
4. Pay a witchy late-night market a visit at the Voodoo Rooms
Midnight Lunar Market could bring answers to questions you never knew you asked. While Edinburgh holds a dark past regarding witches and wizards, it is no longer illegal to practice witchcraft. A spirituality-inspired alternative late market, Midnight Lunar Market, is coming to The Voodoo Rooms on February 12, bringing alternative traders of all kinds into one place.
5. Visit an art gallery
Edinburgh is not short of museums and art galleries. The sophisticated splendour that and art gallery offers makes for an endearing outing whether you’re venturing out on your own or taking your pal along. You can admire art, talk or think about ideas, look at art you can’t afford, and quietly wander through the energy-dense rooms, followed by a (absolutely mandatory) tea or coffee stop. Dundas Street is filled with plenty of art galleries, making it the perfect street to explore them all. For example, check out the available exhibitions The Fine Art Society, where no appointments are needed in advance. Expect to witness modern and contemporary pieces form the 18th and 19th century until mid-February.
6. Check out the newest coffee shop in town, Singapore Coffee House
Cannonmills is one of Edinburgh’s most sought after neighbourhoods, with a plethora of pubs and cafes, as well as a marshmallow shop. While we love a wee marshmallow-filled hot chocolate from The Marshmallow Lady, there’s a new kid in town, and it’s Singapore Coffee House, that used to be the spot of Blue Bird Café. Try out the Singapore-inspired full breakfast, Kaya toast with homemade kaya jam served with two slow cooked eggs on the side or flakey curry puffs with sweet mango chutney. The spot also serves proper Singaporean coffee, such as Kopi that is served with condensed milk.
7. Give the newly-opened Duck & Waffle a visit
Duck & Waffle is opening its doors on February 1 at St James Quarter on Leith Street side, and reservations are open now. The critically-acclaimed restaurant is famous for its creative effortless take on British cuisine, with playful touches from fellow European cuisines. The venue is open 24/7 and is not only a breakfast and brunch spot, but also a place for that post night out fill we just sometimes need. The menu is also delightfully wholesome as expected, with vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, brunch, all day and late night sections, so it’s the perfect opportunity to check out what all the fuss is about for those who haven’t visited the London spot.
8. Watch Titanic remastered in 3D in cinemas for its 25th anniversary
We can’t believe it’s been 25 years since the release of the award-winning film Titanic. To mark the occasion, a remastered version of the film will be shown in Cineworld cinemas on February 10. The re-release is going to be much better quality than the original, providing an immersive view of the film in 3D 4K HDR. So, get ready to sob this February as the film Titanic comes back to the big screen, more vividly than ever. Maybe finally we can settle the debate if the door was big enough for them both!
9. Go see An Inspector Calls at the Festival Theatre
Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller has returned to Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre from January 31 until February 4. The production won over 19 prestigious awards over the years, and over five-million spectators have witnessed the theatre show. The plot centres around inspector Goole who arrives at the prosperous Birling family home, as their peaceful dinner party is interrupted by his investigations into the death of a young woman. While his shocking revelations change their lives as the family knowns it, it challenges us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, the show is a must-see for those who’ve never seen it, and those who have should go see it once more. You can book your tickets here.
10. Support local businesses at the Edinburgh’s Craft & Flea market
We love a good flea market, and Edinburgh’s Craft & Flea market is co0ming to Assembly Rooms on February 10 from 10am until 4pm. The pop-up market will feature plenty of stalls from the Scottish capitals local makers, flea stalls, as well as street food to make it a wee bit more than just a craft market. If you’ve been to a Craft & Flea market before, they are never the same and filled with different makers and stalls each time. Tickets are £2.50, and you can book them here.
11. Get excitingly petrified at the Edinburgh Dungeon’s late-night event
Edinburgh Dungeon is inviting thrill seekers to dare come to the new late-night events on Fridays, Dungeon Lates. Introducing a brand new and more special after-hours programme with theatre, special effects, humour and plenty of dauntingly thrilling moments, the dungeon will be transformed into an even more gruesome spectacle. The event is 18+, so expect some inappropriate jokes and proper banter as well.