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.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Edinburgh, Scotland. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Edinburgh
Cloud Native and Kubernetes Edinburgh January 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: CodeBase Ltd
The first meetup of 2025 is generously sponsored by none other than [Coder](https://coder.com)! We’ll do the usual with doors opening at 6pm for food and drink, and then kick off with the first talk at 6:30pm sharp.
**Agenda**
* Food and drink, sponsored by [Coder](https://coder.com)
* Orchestrating Cloud Development Environments on Kubernetes (Eric Paulsen – Field CTO and VP EMEA, Coder)
* Reus(…)
Make friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Edinburgh
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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(…)
😆😆MEET PEOPLE YOUR AGE ! 🍺🍻🥃
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Strathmore Bar
Hey Guys,
Setting up another one of these casual meets
Theres no real format with this, you just come along, chat with people, see who you vibe with. It’s pretty chilled
Theres a link to whatsapp group which has more than 250 active members. Alot of scammers have been joining recently, so if you havent signed up to event likely your request to join group wont be accepted. Direct message me If t(…)
January Social
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Joseph Pearce
Come and socialise with fellow JavaScript developers! We are holding a social and networking event to kick off 2025!
We’ll be meeting at Joseph Pearce on Tuesday 21st January, 19:00.
All are welcome to attend, even if you have never attended an EdinburghJS meetup before. It’s a great way to meet fellow developers in a relaxed environment.
Please RSVP so we have an idea of numbers for the venue.(…)
📚☕ January Edinburgh Book Club
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Levels Cafe & Lounge
Choose your own book and share your thoughts. It can be any genre and it’s ok if you’ve not completed it. Whatever the case, come join us for a coffee and share your thoughts on what you’ve read so far.
Hope to see you there 🍻 cheers(…)
Deutscher Stammtisch 🇩🇪🇦🇹🇨🇭🍻
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: BrewDog Doghouse
Join us for a drink and some German chat! The Keller now closes on a Monday, so will try a new pub/bar in central Edinburgh for the next meetup in January and share this in the event chat nearer the time. Please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you can’t make it. Bis dann!(…)
Edinburgh Summerhall Writing Group (at The Gallery Bar)
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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(…)
Meetup 3 – Leadership traits, transition points and development needs
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: CodeBase Ltd
**WHERE AND WHEN**
Our third meetup will start at 18:30 on Wednesday, 22 January, at Codebase in Edinburgh. Feel free to arrive from 18:15.
**WHO IT’S FOR**
Per the description of the group, this session is for people who are interested in people, team, leadership and organizational development and who wants to be share their interest with others.
Typically attendees are leaders or managers, wor(…)
Edinburgh Language Exchange – Every Thursday
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Greenmantle Pub
**🌍 Connecting locals and internationals in Edinburgh 🌍**
Join us every Thursday evening for the Edinburgh Language Exchange, where we meet each week to practice new languages, share cultures, and make new friends.
See pics of our previous events on our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/edinburghlanguageexchange), and chat to other members who are coming via our [whatsapp group.](https://ch(…)
Burns Supper Event
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: The Fruitmarket Gallery
**Burns Supper Event in January**
The Edinburgh and Fife groups are proud to be jointly holding a Burns Supper event on Thursday 23 January from 7pm – 9:30pm at the Fruitmarket, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF. The cost will be £39 + VAT and will include a three course meal (with vegetarian option) and entertainment.
***Please contact us by email to [email protected] before Wednesday (…)
Stockbridge Writers’ Den
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ 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.(…)
Arthur’s on Tuesday afternoon – from Holyrood Carpark
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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 ((…)
Photographic Sprints – a new topic every twenty minutes
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: National Museum of Scotland
**Photographic Sprints – a new topic every twenty minutes**
In this event you will get a subject or topic at the start which you should photograph for the first 20minutes whilst on your way to the second meeting point, where you will be given your next topic for the next 20minutes …and so on! We should get through a handful of different subjects/topics across the Meetup.
We’ll start on the ste(…)
Language Exchange Night | Brewdog Lothian Road
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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 (…)
Arthur’s Seat & pub on Friday
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ 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(…)
French, Spanish & English Language Exchange
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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(…)
Craft and Chat Friendly Saturday Meetup
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ 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(…)
Friday Night Games @ The Hampton By Hilton Hotel
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End
**TYPICAL GAMES**: Everything from party games to strategic epics!
**GAMES LIBRARY**: BYO, plus small library on site
**FOOD & DRINKS**: Bar + Starbucks, small food menu (20% Discount for EBG attendees).
**What better way to celebrate the end of another week than with some drinks, chat and games!** The Grassmarket centre is busy (and briefly closed) over Christmas, so were over with our new frien(…)
Spiritual Experience
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Teuchters
Something different again this week. We are going to St Mary’s School of Music which has beautiful Phoebe Anna Traquair murals, not usually open to the public. We will then be going into St Mary’s Episcopalian Cathedral for a guided tour and take photos.
We cannot gain entrance to either until 2.30pm so we could meet at 1.00pm for lunch and a chat beforehand. There are 2 options:
1\. meet at Teuch(…)
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
“Come and Sing” Carmina Burana with Waverley Care
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
SOLD OUT! Come and sing with us the mighty Carmina Burana at this unmissable event at the iconic Parish Church of St Cuthbert in Edinburgh
HWU Engineering Ceilidh
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: O2 Academy Edinburgh
HWU Engineering Ceilidh is an unmissable event hosted on Burns weekend! Join us for dancing, drinks, and live music!
The Taylor Swift Eras Drag Party – Edinburgh (Friday 24th Jan)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Three Sisters
Edinburgh! Join Blaze, Sissy Scorpio and Rozie Cheeks as we take you on a journey through the eras of Taylor Swift… with a DRAG twist!
Free Syria Festival: A Night of Unity and Support with Yahya Hawwa
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Portobello Town Hall -Edinburgh
Join us for the Free Syria Festival with Yahya Hawwa! A night of music & unity supporting humanitarian aid for Syria.
Annasach’s Burns Night Ceilidh
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Counting House
Annasach Ceilidh Band invites you to our informal celebration of The Bard in the hidden gem of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Counting House.
Burns Night with Artisan and Hannah Rarity
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Stockbridge Parish Church
Join us for a night of traditional Scottish celebration with music from Artisan and Hannah Rarity!
THE ART OF CONNECTION
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Greyfriars Hall
An immersive event designed to help you build stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships.
A Burns Night Hootenanny – ‘Tam O’ Shanter’
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: St Vincent’s Chapel: Scottish Episcopal Church
Drams of whisky, kilts, sporrans and a dramatic reciting of Rabbie Burns’ Tam O’Shanter alongside the best Scottish folk music
In conversation with Jackie Kay: The archive and the journey
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: National Library of Scotland
This Burns day, Scotland’s former Makar and award-winning writer Jackie Kay delves into her personal archive.
Professor Roger Crofts FRSGS: Whither Nature? EDINBURGH
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: 50 George Square
Environmental policy-maker Roger asks what nature means to us, at home or further afield, including humans or not.
“What Role Can Biochar and Pyrolysis Play in the Race to Decarbonise?”
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh
Scottish Energy Forum
Davidson’s Mains Family Ceilidh
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Davidson’s Mains Primary School
Join us for a family ceilidh fundraiser!
Einaudi’s Piano by Candlelight – ‘Spirited Away’
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: St Vincent’s Chapel: Scottish Episcopal Church
An immersive musical experience inspired by Studio Ghibli’s anime Spirited Away, Einaudi’s meditative piano pieces, and Japanese Zen stories
Burns Supper at the Edinburgh Folk Club
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Edinburgh Folk Club @the Ukrainian Club
Join us for a night of traditional Scottish music, poetry, and haggis at the Edinburgh Folk Club!
Tea and Talks: Hippos and Porcupines
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Edinburgh Zoo
Join us for a natter and a brew at the zoo!
Burns Night Trad Rave at Campervan Brewery Taproom
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Campervan Brewery Tap Room
Join us for an alternative Burns Night party at the Campervan Brewery Taproom. Award winning trad music meets electronic beats – live!
Intercultural Burns Night – Burns meets Bollywood
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Santosa Wellness Centre
An evening of music, Asian dance, poetry, stories, food and great company!
Burns Night Eve Murder Mystery and Dinner
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Grassmarket Centre
Should Auld Acquaintance Be Found Dead – help solve a thrilling murder mystery. A Burns Eve to remember and a great way to support GCP!
Burns Turns It Up – Conrad Molleson & Friends
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Leith Depot
Conrad Molleson returns to Leith Depot along with friends & musical accomplices Andy Johnstone on sax & brother Mike for Burns Turns it Up
Dr Bell’ Family Centre – Brew & Blether Jan 25
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Dr Bells Family Centre
Join us for a cuppa and chat! A safe space to come together to get advice and support, talk about life and juggling parenthood
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations Edinburgh – Let’s Welcome 2025 at the Green Room!
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Green Room
The Green Room is a wine bar located in Edinburgh’s West End.
They are specialised in fine wines at every price range. From small vignerons to traditional wineries, they believe in well-made wines, rather than supporting bulk production.
They also have cheeseboards and charcuterie platters to purchase.
There will be a designated area set aside for sitting and standing.
See you soon!