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
From Alignment to Impact: Mastering Collaborating with Teams & Stakeholders
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: CreateFuture
Hey Product Enthusiasts!
We’re excited to welcome you at the February ProductTank Edinburgh meetup! This month, we’ll be hearing from two product leaders about building better relationships, whether that is 1:1, in your team, or business-wide. Don’t worry though, this is not aimed exclusively at product folks that line manage, it’s for anyone who works in a team to be equipped to empower and exci(…)
Edinburgh International Young 20s-30s Professionals Gathering – Round 3!
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: The Caley picture house jd Wetherspoon
**Hey everyone! I’m back and excited to catch up with you all!**
After the incredible vibes of our last event (seriously, over 50 of you showed up! 🎉), I knew we had to do it again. It was such a fun night of chatting, laughing, and meeting new people—though I’ll admit, I didn’t get a chance to talk to everyone. So here’s another chance for us to hang out, reconnect, and make even more great con(…)
February Meetup – Building a photo sharing app on ATprotocol
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: TravelPerk
Welcome to the EdinburghJS February Meetup! We’ll be meeting on **Tuesday 18th February, 18:30** for light refreshments and talks at the TravelPerk offices, Nova House, 3-5 Ponton Street.
We are still planning this event. If you would like to speak or volunteer for this event, or any of our other events, then please get in touch via our [speaking and volunteering form](https://tally.so/r/3x46Vk),(…)
Stockbridge Writers’ Den
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ 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.(…)
EDINBURGH QUIZZERS – Dr Paul Pub Quiz @ The Amber Rose
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ Where: Amber Rose Pub
Come and join us for a fun Dr Paul quiz. This week it’s a £100 rollover jackpot for the cash part of the quiz (£2 to enter). Main quiz is free – bar tab plus other prizes to be won.
This is an old style quiz so handy if you bring along a pen and paper.
We can meet from 7.30pm for drink/food/chat before quiz (quiz starts at 8pm).
Tables booked as “Elaine Mackie”
Hope to see you there.(…)
Skip the Small Talk at The Alchemist: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: The Alchemist
**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here [https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-at-the-alchemist-tuesday-february-18-2025](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-at-the-alchemist-tuesday-february-18-2025) in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won’t accurately reflect the actual number of (…)
📚☕ February Edinburgh Book Club
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ 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(…)
Would you pick up a hitchhiker?
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ 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(…)
Arthur’s on Tuesday afternoon – from Holyrood Carpark
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ 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, Feb 18th
◦ 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(…)
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Art, Snack, and a Chat!
**Fee of £1 payable towards the increased Meetup Fees!**
Let’s meet at the entrance at 10. You can either go for a coffee or wander then maybe meet again at about 12 in the cafe. All open to discussion. We can wander together, indivudually or please just do as you like!
Thank you
Sandy(…)
Dr. Paul Pub Quiz 🍻
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ 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, Feb 21st
◦ 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(…)
[EDINBURGH] 飲み会 – Japanese Conversation & Pub Meetup
![[EDINBURGH] 飲み会 - Japanese Conversation & Pub Meetup](https://i0.wp.com/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/7/9/3/600_456862419.webp?w=640)
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: The Keller
Come and join fellow tomodachis in Edinburgh for this meetup where we chat about Japan and try to improve our Japanese in the process!
We encourage everyone to try to speak a bit of Japanese, but all ability levels are welcome, and even if you don’t know any Japanese you might come away learning something new.
We’ll also bring along some board/card games from time to time which can be played in (…)
Gentle 5k and a drink – Leith Links.
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ 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(…)
Learn by speaking
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Black Medicine Coffee Co
This event is free, but you must register to attend. The cafe limits the number to 20 people. Attendants need to purchase a drink.
If you register to attend then want to cancel, please do so as soon as possible as there is usually a waiting list.
The group talk in French, Italian, Spanish or English. Participants MUST be an advanced speaker of one of these four languages.
We will be sitting downst(…)
Arthur’s Seat & Tolbooth on Friday
◦ When: Friday, Feb 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(…)
Craft and Chat Friendly Saturday Meetup
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ 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(…)
French, Spanish & English Language Exchange
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ 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(…)
Feb Meetup – Social Getting to Know You Drinks
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: BrewDog, Lothian Road
**WHERE AND WHEN**
Our Feb 2025 meetup will start at 18:00 on Wednesday, 19 February, in the BrewDog pub on Lothian road. We have a little space booked from 18:00.
**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 (…)
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
Globally Connecting Conference
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Assembly Rooms
Connecting Visionaries to Shape Scotland’s Future
Edinburgh City Orchestra – Elgar and Tchaikovsky
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: St Giles’ Cathedral
Edinburgh City Orchestra presents Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony in a concert at Edinburgh’s iconic St. Giles’ Cathedral.
Edinburgh – Small99’s People, Planet, Pint™: Sustainability Meetup
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: The Cumberland Bar
Pop down to your local People Planet Pint meetup to find more about what’s going on locally with sustainability and how you can get involved
The Science of Trauma & The Body: The Psychosomatic Nature of Trauma
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Assembly Roxy
Discover the impact of trauma and how it manifests in the body, from the prefrontal cortex to the vagus nerve. With Q&A.
Treasures: Mapping space, time and Christendom
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: National Library of Scotland
Learn how medieval mapmakers viewed their world with Maps Curator, Chris Fleet.
Women in Journalism Scotland: Edinburgh social
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Come join us at our Edinburgh social – a great way to keep the cold February evening at bay and make new friends and work contacts.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Scotland Awards Conference 2025
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Edinburgh International Conference Centre
If you as an individual or an organisation have gone above & beyond helping people with their mental health then this conference is for you.
Merryn Glover: A Cairngorms Journey with Nan Shepherd EDINBURGH
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: 50 George Square
Merryn’s talk is a celebration of Scotland’s high and rocky heart and the people who explore it.
FCC Ceilidh
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Meggetland Sports Complex
Return of the Forth Canoe Club Ceilidh. Come and bring in the paddling year with a wee ceilidh
Swiftogeddon – The Taylor Themed Club Night – Edinburgh
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: La Belle Angele
Swiftogeddon: The Taylor Themed Club Night
Ceilidh in Charteris Centre
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Greyfriars Charteris Centre
With caller Ken Gourlay and ceilidh band. Soft drinks £1, alcohol £3. All dances walked through and called. Good exercise and great fun.
Finisterre Presents: Return To The Bering & Lucuma
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Finisterre Edinburgh
UK Spring Screenings – A double bill of surf and adventure from Directors, Ben Weiland & Luke Pilbeam.
Desire Paths: Exhibition Opening
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Edinburgh Palette
Join us for the grand opening of our new co-curated exhibition Desire Paths, which explores Edinburgh’s history through a queer lens.
Eastern European Carnival party – Edinburgh
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh
22 февраля c 19:00 мы собираемся в Boteco do Brasil Edinburgh, начинаем 2025-й с жаркой Карнавал вечеринки !
Making the Ask Masterclass
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: French Institute of Scotland
Join this masterclass with Bernard Ross to learn how to make the ‘ask’ with confidence and gain the skills for successful solicitation.
Light the Beacon: A Worship Conference
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: St Stephen’s Church, Edinburgh
A Day to Equip, Encourage, and Be Inspired
She Means Business Edinburgh February networking
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ Where: Pam Millan Studio
Female only entrepreneur networking event. Expand your network, share your experiences and establish meaningful connections.
Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of The Ring
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Stockbridge Parish Church
Scholar and author, Michael Downes, speaks about the subject of his newly published book.
Eve by Jo Clifford
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Gallery 2, Edinburgh Palette
Join us for a reading from Eve by Jo Clifford followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer.
Emma Miller – Live at St Cuthbert’s Church
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: St Cuthburt’s Church
Come see Emma Miller perform live at St Cuthbert’s Church – it’s gonna be a night to remember!