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
Edinburgh International Young 20s-30s Professionals Gathering
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: The Caley Picture House – JD Wetherspoon
**Hey everyone!** 🎉
The last event was such a blast—over 40 of you showed up, and the energy was incredible! Great conversations, it was the kind of night that reminded me why we need to do this more often. And honestly, I didn’t get a chance to chat with everyone, so here’s the perfect excuse to meet up again!
This time, we’re going to have it at **The Caley Picture House** in the heart of Edin(…)
Socialise @ OX184
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: OX184 Bar
**We’re back at OX184 and have our usual table reservation!**
**So 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*(…)
CHINESE HOTPOT NIGHT AT XIANGBALA HOTPOT
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Xiang Bala Hotpot
Please join us for an evening of gorgeous Chinese hotpot food at his highly rated restaurant.
There is a buffet of food to select from and you can eat as much as you want and you cook it in a sauce of your choosing.
The restaurant is Vegetarian friendly and has Gluten free options.
The reviews for the restaurant is fantastic reviews and I can’t wait to try it.
The cost will lie between £20 to £30,(…)
Arthur’s on Tuesday afternoon – from Holyrood Carpark
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: Information Kiosk, Holyrood Car Park
Join us for a hike up Arthur’s Seat to reshape our level of fitness, however, a reasonable level of fitness is already required. You’ll need decent walking shoes/trainers or boots, and adequately warm and water- and windproof clothing.
Walk Details (approx)
Distance: 4-5 miles
Cumulative ascent: 250m+
Duration: 2 hours
Route is, as usual, decided on the day, always adjusted to weather conditions ((…)
Edinburgh Summerhall Writing Group (at The Gallery Bar)
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ 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(…)
Dr. Paul Pub Quiz 🍻
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: The Newsroom
Put your general knowledge to the test and join us for the Dr. Paul pub quiz!
We’ve got a table booked under ‘Salma Anderson’ and the quiz starts shortly after 9, finishing around 10:45.
There are cash & booze prizes to be won, so let’s get quizzical!!!(…)
Friday Night Games @ The Grassmarket Centre
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe
**TYPICAL GAMES**: Everything from party games to strategic epics!
**GAMES LIBRARY**: BYO, plus small library on site
**FOOD & DRINKS**: Cafe + alcohol licence. Meals available.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE:**
**The Grassmarket Centre are getting some alcohol licences to cover our Friday Night events in Jan/Feb! No BYOB this week woo!**
**What better way to celebrate the end of another week than with so(…)
☕🍻 Coffee Meetup
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Levels Cafe & Lounge
**Join us for a simple coffee meetup with a friendly group of people.**
A relaxed coffee meetup at Levels Café. Talk about your latest read, your hobbies, or your week. No pressure, come as you are, get a coffee, and catch-up with other folks.
Hope to see you there 🍻 cheers(…)
Language Exchange Night | Brewdog Lothian Road
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ 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!*
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If you fancy an evening (…)
Humanist Pub Night – Kenilworth Arms (back room)
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: The Kenilworth
We hold our monthly Humanist Pub Night in the back room of The Kenilworth in Rose Street. The meetings are completely informal and all manner of issues can be discussed over a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) and perhaps a bar supper. There is no need to register – just come along any time after 7pm, stay as long as you want and feel free to bring friends too.
At the next meeting, we will be discus(…)
Learning: where do you get your knowledge from?
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ 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(…)
French, Spanish & English Language Exchange
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: The Keller
*** Not necessarily suitable for beginners ***
Bonjour/hola!
Come and join us for some French, Spanish & English practice on a Tuesday evening after work. If you just want to just practise one language, that is absolutely fine! Native speakers of all 3 languages welcome and encouraged.
This meetup is also meant to be a cultural exchange as well as a language one so we welcome people from everyw(…)
Gentle 5k and a drink – Leith Links.
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: Robert Burns Statue
Like to run? Keen to meet new people that don’t take themselves too seriously? Join us for a gentle run, followed by a drink 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 permitted here i(…)
Craft and Chat Friendly Saturday Meetup
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Santosa Café + Wellness Centre
Come join us at our regular Saturday crafts meetup where you can work on your own project and chat with other crafty people. We are a very friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially happy to see new faces. Almost all crafts are welcome, if in doubt just send me a message. We meet in a lovely cafe section of Santosa Wellness centre (which is wheelchair accessible). If you have(…)
Arthur’s Seat & Tolbooth on Friday
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Information Kiosk, Holyrood Car Park
Join us for a hike up Arthur’s Seat to reshape our level of fitness, however, a reasonable level of fitness is already required. You’ll need decent walking shoes/trainers or boots, and adequately warm and water- and windproof clothing.
Walk Details (approx)
Distance: 4-5 miles
Cumulative ascent: 250m+
Duration: 2 hours
Route is, as usual, decided on the day, always adjusted to weather conditions(…)
Piece Of Work- Traverse Theatre
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Traverse theatre
Come join me for a hilarious and heart breaking show show at the Traverse Theatre (yes I know I seem obsessed with that place just now) followed by chat/drinks/food at a local venue (to be determined.)Should be yummy and fun.
All are warmly welcomed and please remember to bring your £1 towards site fees. Tickets for the 5pm show are £5-15 and you can grab one here
[Traverse Theatre | Traverse The(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Edinburgh, you can try out Whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk, List.co.uk, or Frommers.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People in Edinburgh, Scotland
DIBI (Design It. Build It.) Conference 2025
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Dynamic Earth
Join us at #DIBI2025 for two days of inspiration and networking at the DIBI conference, featuring industry-leading speakers & workshops.
RSA Metzstein Architecture Discourse 2025 – Peter Barber Architects
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh
The RSA is delighted to announce that Peter Barber will present this year’s Metzstein Architecture Discourse.
Yūrei (Ghost) of the AI Empire: An Immersive Japanese Sci-Fi Chamber Opera
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Reid Concert Hall, The University of Edinburgh
Experience a sci-fi opera where AI, creativity, and Japanese folklore weave a tale of love, betrayal, and digital immortality.
Peace in Process: Colombia
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: Davidson Lecture Theatre, Lister Learning and Teaching Centre
Tbc
Tanya Suki Style presents an International Women’s Day Celebration
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Community Church Edinburgh – King’s Hall
Spend International Women’s Day 2025 with Tanya Suki Style; enjoy a celebratory afternoon of women & support local charity House of Hope
Club Uprising 2025 – 10th Anniversary Party!
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: The Mash House
Club Uprising fundraiser for Urban Uprising — Disco / Electro / House / DnB / Tekno —
An evening with TT legend John McGuinness MBE
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: Two Wheels Honda
Come and meet TT legend John McGuinness and enjoy an interview and Q&A by Adam Child (aka Chad) ex-MCN jounalist and fellow TT racer.
International Women’s Day Concert: A Celebration of Women in Music
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
Join us this International Women’s Day for an evening of live music celebrating women in music.
Mike Elm: Rolling with the Punctures EDINBURGH
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: 50 George Square
Cycle adventurer Mike shares a few tales of inspiring people, punctures, and some silly puns from his seven-month, 8,000km jaunt.
MOT Joint Seminars 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: GTG Edinburgh
SMTA in conjunction with the DVSA are delighted to bring you the latest MOT updates and news – Supported by Dingbro Ltd
Adventures On Old MacDonald’s Farm – St. Brides Centre, Edinburgh
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: St Brides Centre
Join us down on Old MacDonald’s Farm for fun, songs and excitement 3:30pm
Renaissance women’s beauty secrets
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: National Library of Scotland
Author Jill Burke takes a journey through the world of Renaissance beauty regimes.
Anna Wells: Snowstorms and Summit Selfies DUNFERMLINE
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Dunfermline High School
In 2024, Anna became the first woman to complete a ‘Winter Munro Round’, she recounts the highs and lows of her epic journey.
Big Networking Lunch hosted by AG Virtual Assist
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Tynecastle Park
Big Networking Lunch – Supporting Big Hearts Community Trust to raise funds for their Neuro Stars Project.
Menopause Unfiltered: Science, Self-Care & Transformation
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: The Salisbury Centre
A Panel Discussion on Navigating Menopause with Confidence & Clarity
EMiS Annual General Meeting
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Scottish Arts Club
Please book tickets for the AGM to attend as space is limited.
Women’s History Month Talk with Susan Tomes
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
Join us this Women’s History Month for, ‘For You, Music Can be Only an Ornament’ with historian Robert Philip and pianist Susan Tomes.
International Women’s Day: Postcards to ourselves
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: Tribe Porty CIC
A special International Women’s Day Workshop with Ellie Hutchinson! Value Based Working; postcards to ourselves.
Take Me Out
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Dropkick Murphys
Our annual Take Me Out Fundraiser, 29th January in Dropkick Murphy’s
Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra – Spring Concert 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Greyfriars Kirk
Join the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra for our Spring Summer Concert!
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Edinburgh- Spring Time for Rabble
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Rabble
Welcome to Rabble, a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar located downstairs on Frederick Street. Please join us once again or for the first time to celebrate warmer days and sunshine.
There will be a resident DJ playing soul and funk and a choice selection of beverages and food. High tables and booths have been reserved by the bar.
As always if you plans change please remove your RSVP so those on