Catch up on Scotland’s latest events and news this October & November.
Roll up, roll up
atgtickets.com/shows/bill-bailey-vaudevillean/edinburgh-playhouse
Before streaming, TV, cinema, and radio…there was a style of theatrical entertainment called vaudeville! This was a celebration of comedy, songs, and multi-talented performers. Bill Bailey, the legendary funny man, versatile multi-instrumentalist and national treasure, comes to the Playhouse Edinburgh on Wednesday 25 November with a rip-roaring show celebrating the great bygone entertainment tradition! You can expect to be astounded, amazed and amused. Tickets from £36.74- £70.60.
Spooktacular fun
pumpkinsafterdark.com/edinburgh
Pumpkins After Dark makes its Scottish debut this October at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston; the event runs from 9 to 31 October. The illuminated night-time trail brings thousands of intricately hand-carved pumpkins to flickering life across towering displays, sculptures and breathtaking scenes. It’s a walk-through experience built for all ages, with food, drink and on-site parking available. Ticket prices vary; visit website for more information and booking.
Get crafty kids
archerfieldwalledgarden.com
Head outdoors at Archerfield Walled Garden for a special autumn series of Nature Explorers Club. These short, fun creative sessions are aimed at 3-12-year-olds and encourage children to get crafty using materials found in nature. Each date has a different theme, and the upcoming sessions include making spooky creatures from fallen autumn leaves, crafting scary monsters out of pinecones and learning about all things gardening! Early booking is recommended. Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Friday 16th October, 10.30am-11.15am. Tickets £5 per child plus booking fee.
Photo by Nong on Unsplash
Roman holiday
nms.ac.uk
A major new exhibition on Roman life is heading to the National Museum of Scotland. The exhibition brings together recent research, significant loans from across Europe and previously unseen archaeological discoveries which shed light on the Roman occupation of Scotland. Central to the exhibition are East Lothian finds from a 2nd-century AD Roman fort at Inveresk. The star exhibits are two spectacular altars from the temple, newly conserved and on display for the first time.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire is on from 14th November 2026 – 18th April 2027 at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.
Feeling thrifty
clothescyclemarkets.co.uk
If you are a fan of vintage clothes hunting, save the date for Clothes Cycle Vintage Market, on Sunday 18th October, 11 am to 5 pm at Meadowbank Sports Centre. Europe’s largest thrift market is returning to Edinburgh, offering bargain hunters everything from vintage and preloved fashion to handmade pieces and accessories. All-day clothes swap – if you bring up to 5 items, you can swap them for something new, plus there are DJs and live music, street food and a bar; there is even a free alteration station. Tickets range from £2-£8.50.
Lighten up
rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics-2026
Christmas at the Botanics, the unforgettable illuminated trail, returns for 2026. Get yourself in the festive mood early with an outdoor experience filled with glittering lights and joyful music from 19th November to 30th December. This enchanting experience transforms the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh into a sparkling winter wonderland. New for this year is a glowing Light Sphere. Tickets will sell fast for one of Scotland’s most enchanting festive experiences, and you can always warm up with a selection of seasonal food and drinks.
