MayJournal

What's on in and around Edinburgh this May?

Lambing is in full swing on the farm with happy lambs playing in the fields around the cottages. Wild-cherry trees are in flower and the hill pastures look fresh and green - spring is a lovely time of year to visit. This May, sampling Scotland's national drink has never been better with the Whisky Month celebration. The kids will be inspired by Imaginate, the dance and theatre festival especially for children.

Glenkinchie distillery tasting room

Festivals & Events

For big kids there are some fantastic festivals showcasing the exciting local talent behind Scotland's whisky.

For little kids, Edinburgh's children's festival brings the best of theatre and dance.

World Whisky Month | Various venues & speakers throughout May.

We fully recommend (for the whisky novice or whisky buff), the fantastic new Johnny Walker experience in Princes Street. As good at the storytelling as the tasting. For somewhere more rural head to Glenkinchie whisky distillery in East Lothian for a lowland whisky tour and taste.

Edinburgh International Children's Festival | 30th May - 7th June 2026

Tradfest | 1st - 11th May 2026

A Pint of Science | 18th - 20th May 2026

Edinburgh International Children's Festival

Exhibitions

Theatre & Entertainment 

  • Jupiter Artland

    Jupiter Artland

  • Jupiter Artland

    Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland

Workshops and events for adults and children

  • The National Galleries of Scotland have a huge number of events, tours and artist workshops for both adults and children.
  • Hopetoun House and grounds often host ranger walks and house tours throughout the year. See their website for what's on.
  • Dalkeith Country Park is very similar, bushcraft, walks and foraging workshops are hosted frequently.
  • Dovecot Studios offer behind the scenes tours and workshops on tapestry, drawing and needlework.
  • And last but not least, the National Museums Scotland host in depth tours for grown ups and fantastic exhibition interpretations for little ones.

Tours and Workshops at the Scottish National Galleries

Food & Drink

For the best food, drink and local larders in and around Edinburgh we have listed some of our favourite Edinburgh and country based restaurants, shops and suppliers for your May break.

Foodie events in May

The Free Company : Spring Series

Brew your own

How about booking yourselves in to Craft Beer Kitchen. Stewarts Brewing has long invited the public in to try their hand at crafting the perfect pint. With expert guidance, you can spend the day brewing your very own bespoke beer. If staying at Eastside, the brewery are more than happy to send the beer on (within the UK) when it's ready. Not a bad holiday souvenir!

See more Food & Drink ideas

The Free Company

May Availability