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.
1. 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, four shows at Edinburgh’s 02 Academy 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.
2. Enchant yourself with melodic covers from fantasy films and series in this candlelight concert
Historic venue? Check. Mysterious lighting? Check. A string quartet ready to play fantasy film scores? Also, check. Edinburgh’s iconic St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral will be hosting a fantastic candlelight concert filled with soundtracks from films and series such as Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, House of the Dragon and Rings of Power, all performed by a string quartet. Candlelight: Rings and Dragons on June 14 will take visitors on an adventure through the otherworldly realms, comforting fantasy lovers with familiar melodies such as The Passing of the Elves, Winter is Coming, Bear McCreary – Númenor and The Shire.
3. Pay a visit to this theatre festival with gorgeous castle views
Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or prefer something a bit more modern, StagEHd Festival, Edinburgh’s newest open-access and free-to-attend community theatre festival has got you covered. During two days on June 10 & 11, Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens West will welcome a cultured weekend of theatre, with 100% of the donations going directly to the performers. The festival will kick off with the students of Momentum Performing Arts with their Musical Mania, an iconic mash-up of musicals, and it will only get better from there. 2023’s StagEHd Festival will close with an adaptation of one of Molière’s famous comedies, The Bourgeois Gentleman. Presented by The Mirror of Stage | Lustro SCENY, an Edinburgh-based bilingual English and Polish theatre company, Molière’s Garden Party is a funny yet thoughtful play that explores the ridiculousness of human nature. While the festival is free and is one of the best things to do this June, guests will still need to book tickets through the event’s website.
4. Celebrate diversity at the Edinburgh Pride 2023
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 24 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 in the EUSA Complex.
5. Check out the freshest brunch spots in town
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.
6. 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.
7. Attend a vintage fair
Saint Stephen’s Comely Bank Church will transform into a vintage fair on June 10 between 11am and 4pm, offering guests the chance to rummage and get their hands on some pre-loved vintage and mid-century goods. A Spoonful of Vintage will feature a DJ and a cafe with baked goods and hot drinks, as well as mid-century furniture, homewares, ceramics, collectables, vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery from hand-picked traders. Keep in mind that some traders do prefer cash, so it’s best to come prepared to shop the old-school way.
8. Indulge in a three-course lunch at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh
The world-famous Duck & Waffle brought on a new set menu for under £30. As most may know, Duck & Waffle is named after its signature dish, which contains a buttermilk waffle topped with a crispy duck leg confit and fried duck egg doused in mustard maple syrup. However, the menu is appetisingly wholesome, with plenty of vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, brunch, all day and late-night options. For those looking for a decent lunch place during the week or for a Sunday dinner, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh has brought on a chef-curated Set Menu featuring a multi-course selection of brand-new dishes balanced with signature faves. The set menu is available every Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 5pm to 11pm, and costs £23 for a two-course meal and £28 for three courses.
9. 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 17 and July 23 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. What is more, entry is free on weekdays and costs three pounds to get in during the weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. 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!
10. Indulge 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!
11. Marvel at live saxophonists and live DJ sets at this boutique lounge
Counter at Native Edinburgh is a modern neighbourhood lounge, restaurant and bar, offering a selection of seasonal plates, natural wines, signature cocktails and cultural events such as paint and sip workshops and live music. The tastefully decorated neighbourhood spot on Queen Street is launching Counter Sessions, a monthly social gathering hosted on the last Friday of each month where the space welcomes creative talents including saxophonists, DJs and performers from across the city and beyond. The next Counter Sessions is on Friday, June 30, and you can book a free ticket through Counter’s website. Plus, the spot also has Lounge Listening Sessions every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, where guests are invited to listen to the crisp quality of vinyl albums in various genres.
12. Explore the pretty villages near Edinburgh
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!
13. Celebrate the Summer solstice at the Leith Witchcraft Market
Located at Leith Arches, Leith Witchcraft Market has a unique vibe that draws in “witchy crafters and crafty witches”. Top up your crystal collection, get a tarot card or palm reading, buy your first tarot deck or simply join a coven. And to further get into the Summer Solstice celebrations, visitors will be able to find handmade magical jewellery, art in multiple forms by local artists or magically shaped handmade soap. The market will take place on Sunday, June 18 between 10am and 5pm, and there might be a queue to get in, so we recommend planning in advance.
14. Attend a mass flash mob celebrating inclusivity and diversity
Remember the days when flash mobs were just everywhere? Well, now we can mass dance in sync once again this June 24, with Bronwyn Tutty hosting an epic, inclusive flash mob at The Meadows in Edinburgh from 12:30pm until 1pm. This shindig celebrates the sheer power of movement, bringing people from all walks of life together in an engaging way. Bronwyn Tutty will be there guiding everyone through the movements to create a synchronized dance inspired by her New Zealand roots and the Maori concept of the marae.