With Summer just around the corner, we’ve created this handy list of upcoming events to help you plan your visit to Edinburgh in 2022. From giant dinosaur walks to internationally acclaimed festivals, we’re confident there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Scotland’s magnificent capital this year …
4th June, 7th June, 14th June – Arthur’s Secrets
Head along to one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks for this free guided walk provided by Historic Environment Scotland. The informative exploration will dive deep into Arthur’s Seat and the surrounding park’s history, dating back 7000 years. You’ll learn about the people who lived and worked in the area, alongside the rare wildlife that makes the park so fascinating.
This is a free event, but booking is essential: Arthur’s Secrets with Historic Environment Scotland
2nd – 17th July – Jurassic Encounter
Edinburgh is in for a Jurassic-sized adventure this Summer as it welcomes of 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs for a walk-through experience. Suitable for children and big kids at heart alike, this new interactive installation invites visitors to walk through a perilous path of roaring giants from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
10th July – Dandelion Festival’s Free for Alls
Nurture your green fingers at this free mini festival. The knowledgeable team from Scotland’s Rural College will provide everything you need to pick up the essentials behind growing in seed beds, plant pots, window boxes, and gardens. They encourage novice growers, giving away thousands of plant plugs – all for free!
Admission is free and growers can simply show up on the day: Learn more about the Dandelion Festival
2nd – 14th July – The Nickelodeon Experience
Edinburgh’s Saughton Park will be hosting Nickelodeon’s first event in Scotland for the last ten years! Aimed at children between the ages of 2-14 years old, young thrill seekers will take part in a series of creative and skill-based challenges themed around their favourite TV shows and characters.
Buy tickets for your child’s very own superhero experience
5th – 29th Aug – 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The largest arts festival in the world is back for summer 2022, featuring over 55,000 performances across 25 days. At this time of year, it’s reported that Edinburgh’s population doubles, bringing with it an unrivaled lively atmosphere. Alongside some of your favourite TV comedians and performers, ticket hunters can book slots to shows curated by weird and wonderful acts from across the globe. Don’t forget to take a stroll up the Royal Mile to catch a glimpse of the street performers, juggling fire and entertaining crowds from morning until night.
Explore the 2022 acts: Edinburgh fringe Tickets
13th – 29th – August Edinburgh Book Festival 2022
They say that “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”, so take some time out to explore the world’s largest public celebration of the written word this August. The Edinburgh Book Festival plays host to over 80 authors, illustrators, poets, and creatives, with over 700 events across pleasant open spaces.
The festival programme will be announced in June. Stay up to date via the official Edinburgh Book Festival website
24th and 25th September – Doors Open Days
The popular Doors Open Days are a celebrated calendar event for the locals of our capital city, granting them access to the ‘no access’ buildings that they pass day in and days out. Every year, many of the historic and quirky buildings of Edinburgh open their doors to the public, giving them a rare glimpse of their magical architecture and locked-away secrets.
See who’s open: Doors Open Day website
Exploring Scotland’s capital during the summer months can be thirsty work. We recommend you plan in some refueling time and take a moment to relax with The Bonham’s Boozy Snoozy experience. Our 3-course lunch, set in one of Edinburgh’s most impressive refurbished 19th-century trio of townhouses, includes half a bottle of wine per person among 5-star surroundings.