This Is Edinburgh

From dry observational humour to surreal, absurdist storytelling, this curated selection highlights the creative freedom and bold imagination that define Poland’s contemporary short‐form cinema. The evening will open with a pre‐recorded introduction by Piotr Czerkawski, curator and one of Poland’s leading voices in contemporary film criticism, offering a brief context for the evolving landscape of Polish short cinema. All films are in Polish with English subtitles.

Inspired by one of Asia’s most cherished festivals, the market brings together creativity, culture, and community in a welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds. Visitors will be able to browse and buy handmade jewellery, ceramics, illustrations, crafts, homeware, and unique gifts while enjoying authentic Asian street food, desserts, and seasonal treats. Taking place in Leith’s Out of the Blue Drill Hall, HelloArt Mid-Autumn Festival Market runs from 12 noon to 5pm on 19 September 2026.

Grab your mates, form a team, and battle it out across a mix of general knowledge rounds. Up for grabs each week is a bar tab prize for the winning team — the perfect excuse to celebrate your victory (or drown your near-miss) right there on the spot. Whether you’re a pub quiz veteran or just fancy a casual night out, Victoria Bar’s Wednesday Quiz Night is the perfect midweek pick-me-up.

Presented by Silent Screen Scotland, Fright Night: Silent Movie Screening with Live Score takes place in the the dramatic surroundings of the Institut français d’Écosse on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Accompanied by a live pianist performing the original score by Hans Erdmann, this classic of the horror genre from 1922 will be projected onto a 13 foot screen. The Institut has ground floor entrance via George IV Bridge at West Parliament Square. A lift provides step-free access to different levels.

Taking place in The Bridge, the ship’s former command room, this exclusive dinner offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Dan Ashmore’s refined, ingredient-led cooking aboard Scotland’s luxury floating hotel. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Scottish Borders, the evening will begin with estate-inspired canapés before a carefully curated journey through hand-dived Orkney scallop, cod with cauliflower and hazelnut, and Creedy Carver duck with quince and Madeira.

Ian Buxton, bestselling author of 101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die, will be talking about the new edition of Whiskies Galore, his book on Scotland’s island distilleries. Included in the ticket price is a copy of Whiskies Galore, a branded Glencairn Whisky Glass, and a dram of Ardbeg Single Malt. Open to those aged 18+ years old, Whiskies Galore! Meet the Author: Ian Buxton takes place on 02 September 2026 at Whisky Quay Bar.

Image Copyright: Chris Watt Enjoy the taste of summer with a visit to one of Edinburgh's ice cream shops. It’s delicious all year round, but on a warm summer’s day nothing hits the spot quite like an ice cream. Tub or cone, one scoop or two – whatever kind of ice cream or gelato fan you are, soak up the taste of summer from one of these Edinburgh ice cream shops.

Contemporary poet, JL Williams – whose work explores themes of myth, metaphysics, nature and the human experience through a lyrical and often superreal lens – will be reading a selection of work from her most recent collection of poems, Strange Architectures. The event starts with a short guided walk through the gardens to reach the Palm Houses, where guests can enjoy a drink and have time to explore the venue before gathering to hear JL Williams.

On 19 September 2026, celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day aboard Maid of the Forth, with all of their 90-minute sightseeing cruises taking on a pirate theme for the day. They’ll have pirate-themed fun throughout the day, including: Pirate fancy dress Free face painting Treasure hunts and activities Pirate gift bags for children A special appearance from a Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike Families are encouraged to come along dressed in their best pirate outfits and join in the fun.

At these 1-hour guided tours, guests are welcomed backstage, with the chance to see exactly how the magic of theatre is created behind the big red curtain. Plus, your ticket also includes a cup of tea or coffee, soft drink and a pastry in the theatre’s neighbouring bar, Little Picardy (to be used on the day of the tour). Tours do not include a show ticket. Backstage and stage access is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.