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 our 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 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 Wizard of Oz Musical on its UK tour
The Wizard of Oz is bringing the beloved story to the stage at the multi-award-winning musical, and they’re not staying for long. Dorothy is officially coming to town, setting off on an adventure down the yellow brick road. Edinburgh Playhouse is hosting the phenomenal West End musical between February 13 and February 17, telling the tale of a young girl transported to a mysterious land far away. Plus, the casting is also amazing: The Vivienne from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is starring as The Wicked Witch of the West, and Gary Wilmot will play The Wizard.
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 St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on February 16, 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. You can book your tickets here.
4. Visit a witchy late-night market 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 13, bringing alternative traders of all kinds into one place.
5. Visit an art gallery
Edinburgh is not short of museums and art galleries, offering exciting exhibitions throughout the year. 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 Fine Shadings: 250 Years of Painting in Scotland there all of February.
6. Check out a cute coffee shop
Cannonmills is one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, with a plethora of pubs and cafes, as well as the legendary marshmallow shop, The Marshmallow Lady. 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 which is served with condensed milk.
7. Go see Hamilton The Musical for the very first time in Edinburgh
Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning production musical Hamilton will tour the UK for the very first time next year, including a Scottish Premiere at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, April 27, 2024. Hamilton tells a story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the production has revamped the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. Therefore, it created a revolutionary moment in theatre: a musical leaving a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. You can book your tickets here.
8. 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 February 9 and 23, 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.
9. Embark on Edinburgh’s newest theatrical tour and uncover the Old Town’s secret spots
Ever been led around the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town by a detective? Well, now you have: The Historical Gems Tour is taking in those with a keen eye for mystery to find out the secrets forgotten by time. Taking around one hour and 15 minutes, the theatrical tour is led by an actor dressed as a detective (with a magnifying glass and a pipe and everything), telling stories untold in an endearing way. The Historical Gems Tour can even be attended by the locals, as even we learnt some new facts about Edinburgh’s dark past. You can book your tickets starting from February 9 here!
10. Check out this Super Mario-themed cocktail bar
The Cocktail Geeks is an ever-changing entertainment-themed bar that switches up every few months. From January 22, and stay until June 9, you can enjoy a themed out-of-this-world cocktail at the Edinburgh Arches. You can head down to the spot to enjoy some boozy concoctions at the Super Cocktail Co., discovering the adventures of Angus, Mario’s “Scottish bartender cousin”.
11. Try the newest whisky and gin cocktail experience in town
The St Andrews-based gin and whisky brand Eden Mill has introduced one of the newest things to do in Edinburgh to the Scottish drinks scene, with a brand new tasting experience starting on February 3. Located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar on Rutland Place in the heart of the West End, The Eden Mill Experience offers two immersive mixology experiences: one with gin and one with whisky.
12. Discover awesome exhibitions around the city
Edinburgh’s art scene is abundant with museums, art galleries and opportunities to discover something new, to reflect on the past, present and future, to dig a little deeper. So, those who appreciate great art can check out our list of the most noteworthy exhibitions in and around Edinburgh.