Let’s explore social events in Edinburgh, Scotland happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Edinburgh where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Edinburgh
Development & Drams – October
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: 3 Blind Mice, The Burrow Cocktail Bar
Join us for a livley evening delving into the complex world of international development. This is a great change to meet other professionals working in International Develoment while sipping a dram.
We will be meeting in Central Edinbrugh in a cozy basement bar which will provide a relaxed atmospher to share stories, talk about upcoming oppertunities and get to meet similar people based in Edinbr(…)
Big Gaming Day and Charity Fundraiser @ The Grassmarket Centre
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe
**SUITABILITY**: EVERYONE! New to the Hobby and Regulars Welcome!
**VENUE**: Large Community Hall plus Café Area & Side Rooms.
**FOOD/DRINK**: Café: Breakfasts, Sandwiches/Toasties, Tea/Coffee, Cake etc.
**GAMES**: Library + BYO.
***We’re back with our good friends at the Grassmarket Community Project (GMCP) for another big full day of gaming and fundraising!***
Loads of games, loads of space, l(…)
Make friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Edinburgh (Recurrent link & event)
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: The Queens Arms
**⚠️⚠️⚠️ 🍹/🍔 You are asked to order a drink or something to eat BEFORE joining the group (MANDATORY) ⚠️⚠️⚠️**
Meet new people – Make international and local friends – Speak languages (mingle) – Have fun 😉
**👉 Any question or request?** **[Reach out to us on Instagram](www.instagram.com/blablalanguage) !**
**👉 Some guidelines for a delightful experience:**
\- 🍺🥤 You are asked to order a dr(…)
Edinburgh Summerhall Writing Group (at The Gallery Bar)
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: MF Coffee Shop
Working on a poem, a novel, an article, or an essay? Whatever you are writing, this session is about helping each other stay focused and motivated. We will be following the Pomodoro Technique, which entails writing for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. We share our aims for the session at the beginning, and then debrief at the end. All writers welcome.
Sessions will be held in The Gallery(…)
Socialise @ OX184
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: OX184 Bar
**We’re back at OX184 and have a table reservation!**
**Come and join us for a fun evening and have a drink or bite to eat.**
**See you there!**
_https://www.ox184.co.uk/#home/menus_(…)
Shut Up & Write!
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: Starbucks Coffee
Having trouble focusing/being productive, or do you simply need a change of scene from your usual writing environment? Come along to Shut Up & Write! on Thursdays for an hour of focused writing, in an informal and supportive atmosphere. This is for writers of any genre and you do not have to share your work.
Most people who come find it helpful to be in the company of other people with the same g(…)
Callendar Estate Trails and Falkirk Wheel
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: East Market Street Edinburgh
Why not join us on an idyllic cycle along the Union Canal and test your skills on the gentle trails of [Callendar Estate](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e5e238311eec370dcc587c8/t/5e5e6d2e2e61b478a175d853/1583246666548/cycling-leaflet.pdf) (mountain bike advised) before dropping down to the iconic Falkirk Wheel.
Train departs Edinburgh Waverley at 09:15 arriving Falkirk High 09:45. Return(…)
Dive into Serverless using Generative AI
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: Appleton Tower
📅 **Save the Date for our Meetup!** 📅
Hey Cloud Enthusiasts! ☁️
We’re excited to announce our meetup on **Wednesday, 16 October** at **Appleton Tower, Room 2.11**! Mark your calendars for an amazing, insightful session.
Topic: **Dive into Serverless**
**Description**: Learn how to build a serverless app using AWS Amplify, a GraphQL API built with AWS AppSync, AWS Lambda, and Amazon Bedrock.
(…)
Duskmourn: House of Horror Draft
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Bellfield Brewery – Taproom & Beer Garden
Our next draft is taking place on Saturday 19th of October.
We will be drafting Duskmourn: House of Horrors.
To make sure we get the most games possible we’ll try to start at 12:00, so please make sure to arrive on time. The land station the group uses is running a little short, so if you ahve your own land please bring some. The draft will include prize support of 1 pack per person, with a secod (…)
Karaoke Kings & Queens 3 – Cost £10
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Marcos
Channel your inner Freddie Mercury or Tina Turner and join us at our usual karaoke venue of Marcos. It’s cheap for 4 hours of singing whatever your heart desires. Drink at normal prices and they also do good pizza 🍕
Join the list and I’ll send you details to pay £10. This is non refundable unless we have a waiting list and someone takes your place. This is the full cost so £2.50 per hour! You’ll(…)
Personal Reflections: What does autumn represent for you personally?
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: Santosa Café + Wellness Centre
**Welcome to our in-person drop in meetings!**
ABOUT OUR PROJECT:
We host two friendly conversation groups every week. Our conversations are an opportunity for people who have moved here from overseas as well as locals to:
• meet others you might not usually meet
• expand your language skills
• share stories, experiences and ideas
• develop new insights
• build friendships
• gain confidence
• lea(…)
Discussion: Água Viva by Clarice Lispector
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: Room 1.37 Paterson’s Land
Please come along to a discussion of *Água Viva* by Clarice Lispector!
**Book description**
*Lispector at her most philosophically radical. A meditation on the nature of life and time, Água Viva (1973) shows Lispector discovering a new means of writing about herself, more deeply transforming her individual experience into a universal poetry. In a body of work as emotionally powerful, formally inn(…)
EDINBURGH QUIZZERS – Dr Paul Pub Quiz @ The Amber Rose
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: Amber Rose Pub
Come and join us for a fun Dr Paul quiz. This week it’s a £150 rollover jackpot for the cash part of the quiz! (£2 to enter). Main quiz is free – bar tab plus other prizes to be won.
We can meet from 7.30pm for drink/food/chat before quiz (quiz starts at 8pm).
3 tables booked under “Jamie Swan”
Hope to see you there.(…)
Indoor Korfball Training – Everyone Welcome!
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: Edinburgh Academy Junior School
Join us for an exciting game of indoor korfball—a fun, dynamic team sport similar to basketball and netball but with mixed-gender teams and unique rules that encourage cooperation and strategy.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, all are welcome to come and enjoy the game, meet new friends, and score some banging goals!
Afterward, we’ll head out for a refreshing pint to cele(…)
Stockbridge Writers’ Den
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: The Antiquary Bar
This is a session for writers of any genre to get together and work on their novels, novellas, dramas, screenplays, odes and/or sonnets in an informal context – kicking off at the historic Antiquary Bar in Stockbridge.
Whether you’re well underway with your latest project or still waiting on the next big idea, this is a great way to meet other writers locally and make Monday evenings great again.(…)
Gentle 5k and a pint – Leith Links. New meeting place!
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: Robert Burns Statue
Like to run? Like a pint? Keen to meet new people that don’t take themselves too seriously? Join us for a gentle run, followed by a pint and a chat at the pub.
This is our regular Tuesday night session. We’ll do a 5k loop which takes us around Leith Links and the Restalrig Railway Path, after which we’ll head to Malone’s on Constitution Street, just along from the starting point. Bag drop is perm(…)
Passage to India
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Passage To India
A warm welcome to Passage to India. We aim to bring you ever popular Indian dishes cooked with the finest ingredients and served in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Our chefs make all of your meals using traditional methods and ingredients.
See menu at: [https://passage2india.co.uk/menu/](https://passage2india.co.uk/menu/)
£1 event fee payable on the night to cover meetup costs.(…)
Language Exchange Night | Brewdog Lothian Road
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road
**Find us**: *Ask the bar staff for the Language Exchange group when you arrive.*
**Meet us**: *Introduce yourself to the group on arrival.*
**Or:** *Can’t find your preferred language? Ask someone at the event for the evening’s organiser or send the organisers a message on Meetup to ask about becoming an event organiser to host the language you are interested in!*
+++
If you fancy an evening (…)
Lunch @ L’Artigiano
◦ When: Friday, Oct 18th
◦ Where: L’Artigiano Edinburgh
Centrally located Italian restaurant with a Set Price Lunch Menu – 2 courses £13.50, 3 courses £15.50
More info and full menu – https://artigianoedinburgh.co.uk/
Has step free access from street and toilet on same level.
£1 donation towards Meetup fees appreciated.
Possible optional drink afterwards.(…)
OCTOBER SALSA BEGINNERS COURSE- Learn how to dance Salsa (Starting 14th OCT)
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: The Mash House
**Our second OnOne Salsa Course of the year for New Beginners is open to registrations NOW! (5-Week Course starting the 14th of October)**
Omg, our first course was sold out so fast! So we have seen with the obligation to offer an early bird registration to book your spot in advanced! Don’t miss it!
🚨 **EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION – 15% OFF** 🚨
(booking and paying the beginners course before the 2(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
One of the best ways to meet new people at social events in Edinburgh is by choosing a common theme or interest. If you like movies, why not go see a screening with people who also like movies! Then you already have something to talk about. Or if you’re into coffee or beer, a Coffee and Beer Garden Meet and Greet could be perfect for you. And keep in mind that smaller group settings can be less intimidating and easier to start conversations in.
Another thing that might worry you is introductions. Some people aren’t as keen on introducing themselves and others worry or get nervous about it. Why not level the playing field and go to an event where everyone is expected to introduce themselves and talk? It could be a networking event, an acting class, a singles event, or a book club. Not only are people looking to introduce themselves at these events but they’re also there to make friends.
Our final tip is on the age of the people you are going to meet. If you have your heart set on meeting people close to your own age, then research events so that you can find your chosen demographic. At the same time, we want to encourage you not to limit yourself. An age gap doesn’t necessarily mean a disconnect and the great thing about different age groups is that they can learn from each other!
You can find even more events in Edinburgh on Whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk, List.co.uk, or Frommers.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People in Edinburgh, Scotland
Scottish Memories live with Grant Stott and Jordan Young
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Johnnie Walker Princes Street
A night of banter and reminiscing tales from Scotland’s finest, Grant Stott and Jordan Young hosted by Tony Broonford – over 18 Only
Rioja Wine Fair
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: The Balmoral
Spain’s finest wine region and gastronomic heartland comes to Edinburgh!
Remembering Robert Fergusson
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
Join Billy Kay, Kirsteen McCue, Andrew O’Hagan and James Robertson to celebrate Robert Fergusson on the 250th anniversary of his death
Swiftogeddon – The Taylor Themed Club Night – Edinburgh
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: La Belle Angele
Swiftogeddon: The Taylor Themed Club Night
Bridging Cultures: Celtic Roots Meet Anatolia-Paul Dwyer and Eren J. Dwyer
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Assembly Roxy
Join us in celebrating the 101st Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey with an unforgettable concert
TAILGUNNER + Battle Born & Special Guests Edinburgh Bannermans
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: Bannerman’s Bar
Heavy Metal Mayhem!
Victor Sarro em: Na Gringa
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy
Com um humor irreverente, Victor Sarro se apresentará pela 1a. vez na Escócia no dia 14 de Outubro, no Monkey Barrel Comedy em Edimburgo.
PM GROOVE
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Dalgety Bay Sailing Club
The full clubbing experience, during the day. Powered by Vasco Theviking and Hithut sound system and visuals
Lanternis Bricht: Scotland’s European Renaissance
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: National Library of Scotland
Scottish literature and writers at the time of the Renaissance.
Italian Party Edinburgh – Festa Italiana ad Edimburgo
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh
Vieni a festeggiare con noi la cultura italiana ad Edimburgo con , musica italiana, concorsi e atmosfera di casa!
Echoes of Faith: Protecting Religious Built Heritage in Secular Scotland
◦ When: Monday, Oct 14th
◦ Where: Augustine United Church
Dr DJ Johnston-Smith, discusses the innovative ways the Trust has championed Scotland’s religious built heritage over the past five years.
Sesh Hairdressing 20th Birthday and fundraiser for MND Scotland
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: The Old Dr Bells’ Baths
Come celebrate Sesh Hairdressing’s 20th birthday with us and help us raise money for MND Scotland
Andy Akhtar-Guitar Man
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Wee Red Bar
A celebration of Andy and his music
Queer Voices in Music Concert 3: Finn Anderson
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: St Cecilia’s Hall
Join us for a performance by Finn Anderson, one of Scotland’s most enchanting storytellers and composers.
Hannah Aldridge – Razor Wire Tour
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: The Voodoo Rooms
Hannah Aldridge is back and she’s celebrating the 10 Year Anniversary of her debut album “Razor Wire”. With Katie Bates
Richard Murphy in Conversation: Challenging Conservation
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: Riddles Court
Join SHBT’s Director Dr Sam Gallacher for an evening in conversation with celebrated architect, Richard Murphy OBE.
Recitals for Wrigglers
◦ When: Tuesday, Oct 15th
◦ Where: Stockbridge Parish Church
A fun, interactive and educational concert for babies and toddlers where wriggling is allowed!
Rosyth Military Wives Choir 10th Anniversary Concert
◦ When: Saturday, Oct 19th
◦ Where: Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
An evening of music to celebrate Rosyth Military Wives choir turning 10!
Sip & Shop with Scamp & Dude x Velvet Magazine
◦ When: Wednesday, Oct 16th
◦ Where: Scamp & Dude
We’re teaming up with Velvet magazine for an evening of Scamp & Dude style and AW24 inspiration you won’t want to miss.
Tea and Talks: Primate Research with St Andrews University
◦ When: Thursday, Oct 17th
◦ Where: Edinburgh Zoo
Join us for a natter and a brew at the zoo!
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Edinburgh Is 17 and It’s Halloween!
◦ When: Friday, Oct 25th
◦ Where: The Botanist
We have a designated area by the bar with high tables and stools at the botanical-themed The Botanist in St James Quarter.
There is a live band to watch while we mingle. A large drink menu and bar bites to sample are available.
Canary Islands Cruise
◦ When: Sunday, Dec 8th
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, are rugged volcanic isles known for their black- and white-sand beaches. Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide, which has its own astronomical observatory and is part of Teide National Park.
What better way to see these islands than aboard a cruise ship. Everyday we
Greek Islands Sailing Trip
◦ When: Saturday, Jun 7th
The best way to explore the Greek islands is aboard a private sailing boat. This gives us the flexibility and tranquility to explore hard to reach beaches and coves without being disturbed by the crowds.
We shall discover the islands of Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, and Milos.
June is a great month to visit as the heat is more manageable and the costs are lower.
We shall have a skipper so that we c