Featured Events in Edinburgh in July 2024 (May Updated)

The Cold War was a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Scotland’s unique landscape provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research. The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Explore the rich literary heritage of 1824 at "The Scottish Novel in 1824" symposium in Edinburgh. This one-day event celebrates the bicentenary of a pivotal year in Scottish fiction, highlighting the groundbreaking works of James Hogg and Walter Scott. Dive into the world of 'Scotch novels' that captivated the literary scene, set against the backdrop of the Edinburgh milieu. Immerse yourself in a special collections workshop at the Centre for Research Collections, showcasing rare books and artifacts from University Heritage Collections and Selkirk Museums. Limited capacity available, so secure your spot for the workshop and panel/lecture separately. The keynote address by Professor Ian Duncan from the University of California, Berkeley, promises an insightful exploration of Romantic-period Scottish fiction's engagement with the past and its influence on contemporary narratives. Delve into the themes of inheritance, cultural heritage, and the reshaping of the future as seen in the works of Scott, Hogg, Ferrier, and Lockhart. Join us on July 1, 2024, at the 1.06 Project Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh, to delve into the complexities of Scottish literature in 1824. Admission is free.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh at EH11 1LU, the Kids summer school - Beginners happening from 1st to 5th July 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for young ones aged 8 to 14 to dive into a week filled with fun and physical activities. The venue, FCC Boat House, accessed through the gate on the bridge over the canal at Harrison Park, promises an immersive experience like no other. With a ticket price of just £112, parents can ensure their kids engage in a range of exciting activities tailored to boost their physical fitness and social skills. The event offers various times throughout the day to accommodate different schedules. Don't miss out on this chance for your child to have a blast and make new friends while staying active and healthy. Kids summer school - Beginners 1-5 July 2024 is where the action is at this summer!

Experience the vibrancy and innovation of the Edinburgh community at the GCP Summer Showcase 2024. This free event invites guests to immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities. Delight in captivating music, captivating art, and compelling creative writing. Explore the exquisite hand-crafted tartan and woodwork products on display, showcasing the finest work of the Grassmarket Community Centre. Engage with knowledgeable Members and Volunteers to discover the benefits of the Members Programme and the impactful projects that are changing lives. Learn about the acclaimed Social Enterprises, meet esteemed partners, and uncover groundbreaking collaborations that are shaping the future. Mark your calendars for July 18, 2024, at the Grassmarket Community Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QA. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative event.

Experience the best of festival performances all in one place at the Showcase festival 2024 in Edinburgh. Taking place on July 20, 2024, at Bar 50 located at 50 Blackfriars Street, #Bar 50, EH1 1NE, this event promises a day filled with talented artists and performers. Witness students of Saltire Burlesque classes by Red Hot Kitty showcase their skills and entertain the audience. Discover new talent, dance the night away, and enjoy refreshing drinks with friends in a vibrant setting. The ticket price for this unforgettable experience is £9.38. Mark your calendars and get ready to embrace the festival spirit at Showcase festival 2024. Don't miss out on this ultimate festival extravaganza where you can indulge in a variety of performances and create lasting memories.

Don't miss the unique opportunity to witness the exceptional performance of Kewdy De Los Santos, famously known as El Gato Malo, live in Edinburgh. This renowned singer, songwriter, producer, musician, and actor, born on September 19, 1982, in Yamasá, Dominican Republic, is recognized for his outstanding interpretations accompanied by his guitar. With hits like Soldadito Marinero, El Gato Malo, Como yo nadie te ha amado, and En un solo día, he has established himself as one of the leading bachata and merengue artists from the Dominican Republic. His latest track, Te Duele, has already garnered nearly one hundred thousand views, showcasing his popularity. Additionally, his presence on social media with songs like La comelona and Haciendo Tik Tok has further solidified his status in the industry. El Gato Malo has released three albums throughout his career, including Bachatas para él, Todos sus éxitos, and Gato malo. His tribute song Popurrí de merengues to Raulin Rodríguez in 2023 was well-received. With over two thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, his performance at the Quisqueya Culture Party in Edinburgh is a must-attend event.

Experience the enchanting Full Moon Festival in Edinburgh on July 21, 2024, at the picturesque seaside neighborhood of Portobello. Delve into the mesmerizing world of the Ritual Sound Journey and immerse in the ancient wisdom of the Cacao ceremony, all under the mystical aura of the full moon. Witness Rubén Yon'ton Vucubcame, a Mesoamerican Mexica Anahuaca Native Ritual Artist, as he unveils Origin Te Yon’ton - Origin of the Heart, a transformative project utilizing channeled art for healing and well-being. Through the power of sound vibrations and frequencies, Origin Te Yon’ton offers a unique sound experience with Tehotihuacan ritual wind instruments, drum beats, vocals, and Om'pak. Engage with Erika Huarcaya, an indigenous Ancestral Cacao Guardian, born into a migrant family of Chanka people from the Andes Mountains of Peru. Discover the profound connection to nature and Pachamama as Erika shares the ancestral wisdom of her people. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to embrace the essence of sound, cacao, and the full moon. Save the date and prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable event. Ticket prices range from £27.80 to £76.55.

Death is universal. In spite of this, the way we prepare for, think about and respond to death, varies significantly. ‘After Life’ explores changing views of death from antiquity to the present day. It uses the remarkable collections of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and its library - Scotland’s oldest and largest medical library - to uncover the history of death. An original copy of Napoleon Bonaparte’s post-mortem, written on Saint Helena Island, and a diary documenting the last days of celebrated Edinburgh physician James Young Simpson are displayed alongside a broadside proclaiming the execution of famous Edinburgh murderer William Burke. The exhibition is split into three themes. It begins by examining the process of dying – deathbed experiences and how we identify death. It then moves on to uncover what happens to the human body – from cremation to dissection, cannibalism and mummification. Finally, the exhibition explores death in different cultures, including Victorian mourning rituals and Irish wakes. The exhibition also includes a photography exhibition loaned from the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care: It Takes a Village An exhibition by Colin Gray and the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care. There is an old African proverb - 'It takes a village to raise a child - meaning, children need the input and support of their whole community to grow into well-rounded adults. But doesn't it also 'take a village' to support someone who is dying? The Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care has worked with award-winning Glasgow based photographer, Colin Gray, to produce this powerful and challenging series of portraits and personal stories. It Takes a Village explores the idea that as people's health deteriorates, care and support comes in many guises.

Kids summer school - Intermediate 1-5 July 2024 (ages 9-14 yrs) is an exciting opportunity for young ones in Edinburgh to engage in a week full of physical activities and fun. Located at the FCC Boat House, EH11 1LU, participants will dive into a world of games, challenges, and exercises from the 1st to the 5th of July 2024. With a ticket price of just £112, kids aged 9-14 can enjoy a dynamic program designed to boost their physical fitness and social skills. The venue, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh at the gate over the canal on the south side of Harrison Park, offers a picturesque setting for this enriching experience. Parents can rest assured that their children will be in good hands as they partake in this organized and supervised event. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity for your child to stay active and make new friends this summer. Mark your calendars for Kids summer school - Intermediate 1-5 July 2024 (ages 9-14 yrs) and let the adventures begin!

Step into the artistic realm of ATYN's Life Drawing Club at Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh. This unique event, scheduled for July 3, 2024, promises an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. Located at 36 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR, Cabaret Voltaire sets the stage for a captivating evening of life drawing. For a ticket price of £12.62, attendees can unleash their creativity and hone their drawing skills in a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of one of Edinburgh's most iconic venues while exploring the human form through the lens of art. ATYN's Life Drawing Club at Cabaret Voltaire | Edinburgh is a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into the world of artistic expression and creativity.

Experience a captivating evening with Will Tosh at Blackwell's Bookshop in Edinburgh on July 3rd, 2024, at 7pm. Delve into his latest book, "Straight Acting," where he unveils a unique perspective on Shakespeare and his connection to queer Elizabethan England. As Head of Research at Shakespeare's Globe, Will Tosh sheds light on the profound influence of queer culture on Shakespeare's early works. Explore the gender-bending themes in his comedies and the queer literary environment that shaped his sonnets. Gain insight into Shakespeare's artistic evolution and personal struggles like never before. Tickets for this enlightening event are priced at £3.00, with the option to purchase a Ticket & Book bundle, including a signed copy of "Straight Acting." The venue, Blackwell's Bookshop, offers level access, comfortable seating, and amplified sound for all attendees. For those unable to attend but interested in a signed copy, contact the Blackwell's events team. Don't miss this opportunity to discover a forgotten aspect of Shakespeare's England that profoundly influenced the legendary playwright's life and works.

Experience the culmination of Dimestop's residency week at Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance, by attending the work-in-progress sharing event titled "Ayedentify | Company Sharing." Delve into the research and development journey of this renowned Popping dance group, led by choreographers Lucia ‘Motherfunk’ Leeson, Darren Hamilton, and David ‘Tesko’ Wark. Discover the intricacies of identity expression through dance as The Dimestop explores the fusion of Scottish heritage with the global Popping culture rooted in the funk movements of the 60s/70s/80s. Witness how individual experiences intertwine with collective culture, as the group crafts movements that resonate with their unique sound compositions. Since its inception in 2013, The Dimestop has nurtured a vibrant community dedicated to mastering Popping as an art form, expanding its influence from the UK to the international dance scene. Benefit from the extensive expertise of the group's founders, who collectively possess over 40 years of experience in competitive dance, Hip Hop theatre, and innovative Popping styles. Join us on July 12, 2024, for this enlightening event that encapsulates the essence of Dimestop's evolution and impact on the dance landscape. Admission is free, offering a rare opportunity to witness the pioneering spirit of Scottish Popping culture in action.

The Euro Saver Wristband offers exclusive discounts at top Edinburgh venues during Euro 2024. For just £5, patrons can enjoy 20% off A La Carte Food Menus, Yes Sir I Can Boogie T-Shirts, and Cold Town Beer online purchases, along with a chance to win a party weekend for 4 in Edinburgh. Access to the closing Euros Party at Cold Town House is also included. Participating venues include The Black Bull, The Queen's Arms, Element, The Fountain, and McLaren's on the Corner. Upgrade to the Premium Wristband for £10 to receive a complimentary Yes Sir I Can Boogie T-Shirt. Purchases come with an entry to win a party weekend in Edinburgh, featuring various activities and dining experiences. With the wristband, patrons can also enjoy a free pint of Heineken or a soft drink for every Scottish win and VIP access to the closing Euros Party at Cold Town House. Don't miss out on the Euro Saver Wristband, available for purchase now.

Looking to keep your kids active and engaged this summer? Kids summer school - Beginners 15-19 July 2024 (ages 8-14 yrs) in Edinburgh is the place to be! From July 15th to July 19th, children can dive into a world of fun physical activities at the EH11 1LU venue, located at the FCC Boat House. The address is a breeze to find - just enter from Harrison Road at the gate on the bridge over the canal on the south side of Harrison Park. With a ticket price of £112, your little ones can enjoy a week packed with energy-boosting exercises and games. Don't miss this chance to let your kids make new friends, learn new skills, and most importantly, have a blast! So mark your calendars and get ready for a week full of excitement at Kids summer school - Beginners 15-19 July 2024 (ages 8-14 yrs) in Edinburgh.

Experience the magic of festivals at "The Joy of Festivals – Evening Lecture" in Edinburgh. Former Edinburgh Fringe Festival manager, Paul Gudgin, will take you on a journey through the world of festivals, sharing captivating stories and insights. With over 30 years of festival management experience, Paul's talk will shed light on the transformative power of festivals, from cultural traditions to modern celebrations. Discover how festivals can bring communities together, inspire creativity, and spread joy. The event will be held at 29 Abercromby Pl on July 22, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the tales of triumphs, disasters, and challenges that shape every festival. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and prepare to be immersed in the joy of festivals at this enlightening evening lecture.