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
Networking event for Coaching Professionals
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: Burr & Co, Intercontinental Hotel The George
Join us for a delightful afternoon of networking for coaches of all niches: life coaches, health and wellness, executive, transformational, spiritual, entrepreneurial, relationship, personal trainers, and more. Network with like-minded individuals and explore opportunities for collaboration across small business and B2B scenarios. Dive into topics such as business strategy, personal improvement, a(…)
November Meetup – Travel tech with TravelPerk
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: FanDuel
We’ll be meeting at **FanDuel** on Freer Street (their new offices, next to the canal), on Tuesday 19th November, 18:30 for drinks & pizza, a 19:00 start for the talks.
Our talks are geared towards introducing members of our community, to facilitate networking, mentorship, learning and collaboration. People with all levels of technical expertise are welcome.
This month we have several speakers:
(…)
Event-driven Software Talks | Nov 2024
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: People’s Postcode Lottery Offices
Welcome to our fifth and final Meetup of 2024! People’s Postcode Lottery have kindly offered to re-host us for another series of talks regarding event-driven software.
We’re delighted to announce that Dave Boyne, founder of EventCatalog and ex-Senior Developer Advocate at AWS, will join us to speak at this event!
**Agenda**
— 6pm, arrival with pizza and drinks
— 6:30pm, Dave Boyne, Managing an(…)
Vegan Potluck 🍁🍂🎃☕
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Greyfriars Charteris Centre
It’s potluck time again! (potluck = everyone brings a dish to share) This time we’ll be getting cosy as Autumn is creeping in!
**FOOD:**
Bring along whatever vegan food you like, but if you enjoy a theme, bring something Autumnal – maybe that’s pumpkin themed, leafy, or something entirely different!
Homemade food is usually tastiest but if you don’t have the capacity to make something, shop-boug(…)
Evening photowalk – Christmas lights and light trails
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: New College, The University of Edinburgh
**Evening Photowalk – Christmas Lights and Light Trails**
Edinburgh’s Christmas starts in the middle of November so this evening Meetup will enable us to take advantage of some of the lights and sights around the gardens and the city centre.
We’ll start outside the New College on the mound, take in some of the High Street and down Cockburn Street towards the gardens. I’ll take a look at the prog(…)
Friday Night Games @ The Grassmarket Centre
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ 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 + BYOB (See note). Meals available.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE:**
**The Grassmarket Centre have not been able to get an alcohol licences for 2024 (yet). They are instead happy for people to BOYB.**
This will mean they miss out on some sales, and ofc supermarkets (…)
Socialise @ Pakora Bar
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: The Pakora Bar
**We’re back at one of our favourites the Pakora Bar to socialise, as the top floor is booked for us for another fun evening!**
**There’s beer, cocktails, non alcoholic drinks and delicious food to choose from!**
**See you there**!
**https://thepakorabar.co.uk/food_menu/**(…)
Edinburgh Summerhall Writing Group (at The Gallery Bar)
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ 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(…)
Make friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Edinburgh
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ 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(…)
Can we ever be truly present to each other and to our world?
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: Black Ivy
How might our being present in the here and now shape us as human beings?
Gathering at 730 for drinks and chat and then the main discussion begins at 8 and goes till 9 (ish!!).
See you there!(…)
Rust and Friends (pub)
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: 56 North
Rust is growing, increasingly powered by its many and varied application areas. This group is about catering to the interests of people who just want to apply it, as well as those who want to learn more about the core language itself.
This is a small pub get-together on these themes. The intent is we at least have one of these every 2 months, occasionally interspersed / replaced with some talks.
(…)
Shut Up & Write!
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ 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(…)
Meetup 2 – Exploring Happiness / Subjective wellbeing
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: CodeBase Ltd
**WHERE AND WHEN**
Our second meetup will start at 18:30 on Wednesday, 20 November, 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, w(…)
The Pentland 55
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Middle Meadow Walk
Why not join us on an epic ride out and through the heart of the Pentland Hills from town.
This one is not for the faint hearted and will see us hit tarmac, gravel, firetrack and single track as we follow the [route](https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2774475?units=km).
Be prepared to get wet and dirty.
Ride departs the Meadows at 9am prompt.
Joining instructions will be issued a week prior to t(…)
Basketball Pick up game on FRIDAY– @PLEASANCE — £5 on the link in description
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym
Hi all,
Come join for a pick-up game of basketball game. We’ll play either full court or half court/s depending on the number. I’ll bring 2 basketballs, bibs and emergency first aid kit.
We’re here to have fun and be safe and healthy.
When you get to the reception please quote the meetup group name (Edinburgh Pick-up Basketball Meetup) in order to get in the Games Hall.
Keep in mind, you shoul(…)
Stockbridge Writers’ Den
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ 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.(…)
8 Week Meditation Series – FREE
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Eric Liddell Centre
Come and join our Autumn Series of Meditation Classes.
Each week we will explore different aspects of this powerful tradition.
**7pm – but try for 6.45pm**
We start promptly at 7pm. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Traffic is often worse than you might plan for, and parking is possible but not easy around the Eric Liddell Centre. It will not help you to be stressed because you’re runni(…)
EDINBURGH QUIZZERS – Dr Paul Pub Quiz @ Kitty O’Shea’s
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: kitty o sheas
Back to Kitty O’Shea’s this Monday to have a little break from The Amber Rose. Have requested tables in the separate room as that seems a better option than where we sat last time.
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. Craic The Safe standing at approx £300 with only 3 keys left (costs £1 to bu(…)
32Below: Pub Gaming – 5 Years with 32Below!
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: 32 Below
We’re back once again at our favourite bar 32Below for gaming, great chat, and booze!
This month marks 5 years of events at 32Below so expect a special extra something on the cards!
You’re all welcome to bring games and controllers if you wanna play something specific on the TV… as long as its multiplayer!
32 below has a lively atmosphere and a decent selection of beers, cocktails, and food ((…)
Weeknight Walk – 7.5km – Wednesday – Meet at Kyloe 6PM
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Kyloe
**Make sure you read the full Description on Meetup before deciding whether to RSVP. Check back before travelling to the event to make sure you have a place and it’s still on and please arrive 5 minutes ahead of the start time as we leave at 6PM sharp**
**Activity**: Walking from Kyloe at the West End for 90 minutes or so. The route is decided on the day and finishes somewhere in town. Expect sta(…)
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
The Art History of Studio Ghibli with Helen McCarthy
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Assembly Roxy
Discover more from Studio Ghibli’s art, taking inspiration from mystical qualities and traditions from Japanese culture. Followed by Q+A
GABRIEL By Moira Buffini
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Edinburgh Napier University, B56 Studio Theatre, Merchiston Campus
This tense tale of wartime intrigue and romance makes for riveting watching.
Spiritual Discourse with Revered Swami Sarvapriyananda Ji
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Lecture Theatre 1 (LT1)
Join us for an enlightening spiritual discourse with Revered Swami Sarvapriyananda ji – “Like a City in a Mirror”
Fungi Talks: Stinkhorn!
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Lecture Theatre, Science Buildings, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Join us for a special afternoon celebrating two newly published fungi books, through readings, video, sound, scent and conversation.
The UK Forest Market Report 2024 – Edinburgh
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Signet Library
Join the UK Forest Market Report Launch 2024 in Edinburgh
EmilyTest GBV Charter Conference 2024
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: COSLA Conference Centre
Join us in Edinburgh for the EmilyTest GBV Charter Conference 2024 to tackle GBV in higher and further education.
Edinburgh – Small99’s People, Planet, Pint™: Sustainability Meetup
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: The Grosvenor
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
Scottish Church History Autumn Conference
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Edinburgh Theological Seminary
Join us for a day of varied papers in the field of Scottish church history.
Told in pictures: the comics and storytelling of DC Thomson
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: National Library of Scotland
Join DC Thomson’s David Powell for a lively journey through the company’s rich comic heritage, filled with humour and nostalgia for all ages
Faust and Furious: A History of Edinburgh’s Old Town
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: St Cecilia’s Hall
Join us for a talk by Jim Slaven, Edinburgh Detours, that will take us on a tour through the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The Midlife Man in Conversation with Mark Beaumont
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: Johnnie Walker Princes Street
A live coaching conversation with World Record holder, and ultimate endurance athlete, Mark Beaumont.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian star as lovers pulled into a web of violence in Rose Glass’s pulpy second feature
Ceilidh in Charteris Centre
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ 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.
One Woman and a Sofa: An Evening with Dawn Thomson
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: “The Speakeasy” The Voodoo Rooms
I’m turning up the heat and diving into the juiciest topics you’ve always wanted to explore—love, relationships, sex & feeling fabulous!
Recruitment Mentors Live Podcast: Edinburgh
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy
Come & spend your evening with 100+ other like-minded recruiters for a LIVE podcast panel discussion & a unique opportunity to network!
Roller Dance Workshop with Nadia (AKA Sourgrapism)
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Leith Community Centre
Get ready to roll and groove at an exciting Roller Dance Workshop with Nadia, aka Sourgrapism, on November 23rd at Leith Community Centre.
Things Authors Know About
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Blackwell’s Bookshop
Join our panel of bestselling authors as they present their specialist subjects
SODECS Annual Cultural Event 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Cramond Kirk
Get ready for a blast at SODECS Annual Cultural Event 2024 – a day full of music, dance, food, and fun!
Loud Poets Presents: An Evening of Queer and Trans Poetry
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Meadows Lecture Theatre (G.07), Old Medical School
An evening of poetry in celebration and commemoration of the importance of LGBTQ+ solidarity, allyship and joy.
Catalysing Connections November Gathering
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: The Melting Pot
A bi-monthly gathering of inspiring people who are developing ideas, building communities and instigating positive change.
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
InterNations-Let’s Celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day @the Alchemist!
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 28th
◦ Where: The Alchemist
The winter celebrations season is about to start.
Let’s celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day at the Alchemist, a mystical apothecary, dispensing the most creative cocktails. Their mixologists create every cocktail with a great eye for detail and present them in vessels orchestrated to add a devilish dash of theatre that bedazzles and bewitches.
We have an area at the bar where we can either sit or stand