What's on in and around Edinburgh this September?
Eastside is changing into its autumn colours once again. Early September may still see some purple heather on the hills but it soon gives way to golden hues of autumn. Yellow and orange bracken and leaves, red rowan and hawthorn berries paint the hills with a whole new colour scheme. September is often a good time to explore Edinburgh. The streets are much quieter and you can get a better local's perspective without the Festival fanfare. Make the most of the exhibitions and the chance to see beyond usually closed doors during Doors Open Day.
Doors Open Days
Festivals & Events
Doors Open Day gives access to hidden architectural gems in locations throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Buildings are opened to the public in celebration of their fascinating architecture and the stories they can tell. Different buildings open each year - from Edinburgh's observatories to anatomical museums - but it depends on the programme so do check their website.
- Doors Open Days | All weekends throughout September 2026
- Edinburgh Riding of the Marches | 13th September 2026
- Ocean Film Festival | 5th September 2026
Edinburgh Riding the Marches
Theatre
- The Silence of the Lambs | 8th - 12th September 2026
- Chariots of Fire | 15th - 19th September 2026
- SIX the Musical | 15th - 26th September 2026
- Annie | 15th - 20th September 2026
Exhibitions
- Giants | until 14th September 2026
- Jupiter Artland | until late September 2026
- Little Sparta : The Garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay | open June, July, August & September
- Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop | until 9th January 2027
- Scotland's First Warriors | until 17th May 2027
- Gwen John | Strange Beauties | 1st August 2026 - 4th January 2027
- Catherine Opie : To Be Seen | until 1st November 2026
Escape the city bustle at Jupiter Artland
Outlander
To escape the city for a few days, follow our Outlander locations blog and explore some wild and wonderful local locations locally. Check out the Royal Burgh of Curloss, Blackness Castle, or the eerily beautiful Glencorse Kirk just down the glen.
Explore Outlander Locations
Royal Burgh of Culross
Workshops and events for adults and children
- The National Galleries of Scotland have a huge number of events, tours and artist workshops for adults and kids.
- Hopetoun House and grounds host ranger-walks and house tours throughout the year.
- Dalkeith Country Park is very similar, bushcraft, walks and foraging workshops are hosted frequently alongside their fabulous Fort Douglas Treehouse and adventure playground for kids and Go Ape course for adults.
- 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.
National Galleries of Scotland tours
Food & Drink
We've listed some of our favourite Edinburgh and country based restaurants & shops and suppliers for your Autumn break.
Pick your own fresh local produce at Craigie's Farm Shop. This month their strawberries, raspberries, sunflowers, peas, french beans, runner beans, blackberries, and apples are in season.
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!
More ideas for Food & Drink
I.J Mellis cheesemonger & Mainstreet Trading
Spa Days
Whether you are looking for a blissful afternoon in a chic city spa or a delightfully rustic country spa day we've got you covered in our Best city & country spas in & around Edinburgh post.
Best Spas
Spa days at Eastside in your own private woodland sauna