Leith Festival

Washed Up!
2026-06-03 10:30 - 2026-06-21 18:30 (Europe/London) | An Ordinary Place Studio and Gallery, 87a Ocean Drive (opposite Ocean Terminal, by the bus stops), Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BR, United Kingdom
Our first exhibition at An Ordinary Place is an informal ‘salon’ event featuring work by photographers based in Leith, the Lothians, Fife, and one or two from further afield. There is no specific theme, so the range of images is extensive: just pop in to see what happens when photography floats ashore in Leith. Entrance to the gallery is free, and if a print takes your fancy, you may well be able to buy it! Come along and point at something on the wall at An Ordinary Place gallery…

Please note the Gallery is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s

The Night Market UK - Leith Festival 2026
2026-06-05 18:00 - 23:00 | The Biscuit Factory, 4-6 Anderson Place, Edinburgh, EH6 5NP, United Kingdom
Hey Edinburgh Nightlighters…we’re heading back to our OG venue, the Biscuit Factory, on 5th June, and we’re bringing sixty (!!!) amazing vendors with us.
With local makers and creatives in the Atrium and vintage vendors, designers, and our food hall on the ground floor, we’ve got something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event. Grab a drink or hot bevvie at the bar or treat yourself to some street food in the laneway as our DJ keeps the party going all night long. This market marks our third June event as part of the Leith Festival, and as a Leith-based business we can’t wait to celebrate all that makes this community so amazing with you!

Advance tickets (online only);
Full price – £4.50
Concession – £4
Two ticket deal – £8
Door tickets;
Full price – £5
Concession – £4.50

Taylors Funfair Leith Links Weekender
2026-06-10 - 2026-06-14 | Leith Links, Leith Links, Edinburgh, EH6 8HR, United Kingdom
Taylors are back for Gala Day Weekend!

Rollercoasters on your doorstep for 5 days only – with rides like waltzer, miami, sizzler, funhouse, dragon coaster, matrix plus new for 2026.. JOKER BOOSTER!

Between rides take your chances with our games stalls, or grab a drink at our licensed bar.

Pay per ride all weekend with exception of Crazy Thursday Wristbands – 2hour slots from 4pm at £18pp for unlimited rides (£2 for non riders)
10th June 2026 18:00-21:00
11th June 2026 16:00-22:00
12th June 2026 14:00-21:00
13th June 2026 12:00-21:00
14th June 2026 13:00-18:00

Taylors Funfair - Children with Additional Needs Afternoon
2026-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Leith Links, Leith Links, Edinburgh, EH6 8HR, United Kingdom
If you have a child with additional needs, bring them along for all the fun of the fair in a family friendly, quieter atmosphere before the fair opens to the public. Rides are adjusted according to the needs of the riders – speak to the staff about slowing the speed, lowering the music volume, or stopping flashing lights and they will do their best to accommodate the needs of your child.
We are hugely grateful to Taylors of Edinburgh who have partnered with us for many years to provide this opportunity to allow children with additional needs and their families/carers to experience the funfair in a way that suits them.

Leith Festival Gala Day
2026-06-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Leith Links, Leith Links, Edinburgh, EH6 8HR, United Kingdom
Get down to Leith Links for fun, frolics and festivity!
Live music
Entertainment
Food
Games
Stalls
And More!
A true community festival for locals and visitors alike.

MEDITATION CENTRE OPEN DAY
2026-06-13 10:30 - 16:00 | Kadampa Meditation Centre, 172 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Eh6 5ea, United Kingdom
MEDITATION CENTRE OPEN DAY & YARD SALE
with FREE Happiness Hour Class & 15min Taster meditations
SATURDAY 13 JUNE | 10:30am – 4pm
We are delighted to host this open day and invite you to come and visit Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh at the heart of Leith Walk.
Drop by and experience the beautiful meditation space, pick up a voucher for a free class, relax in our secret peace garden, browse the bric-a-brac, and meet our friendly community.
Throughout the day you can enjoy:
FREE Happiness Hour Class with Resident Teacher Gen Tubchen – Talk & Guided meditation
Yard Sale with bric-a-brac, books on Buddhism & meditation cushions & prayer beads.
Free 15 minute Taster Meditation Sessions for adults and children
Facepainting and crafts for kids thoughout the day
Vouchers for free classes
Meditation Hall Tours
Cafe with home baking and barista coffee
Drop by if you’re free, everybody welcome!
Schedule
10.30am | Doors & Cafe open
11am – 12pm | FREE Happiness Hour Meditation Class
1pm | FREE 15min Taster Meditation for adults & kids
1.30pm | FREE 15min Taster Meditation for adults & kids
2pm | FREE 15min Taster Meditation for adults & kids
2.30pm | FREE 15min Taster Meditation for adults & kids

Trinity House Leith Festival Open Day
2026-06-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Trinity House Maritime Museum, 99 Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6BJ, GB
During the Leith Festival we will be opening our doors to the public. Visitors to the house can take a self-guided tour, watch a film about Leith’s maritime history and see the fascinating objects that tell stories of life at sea.

For younger visitors, take part in games and activities in our historic vaults. As part of Leith Festival Gala Day, we will have a stall on Leith Links where you can learn more about the house and our work.

Paint Elph : The Unofficial Leith Street Art Festival at Quality Yard
2026-06-13 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Quality Yard, 20 Maritime Lane, Edinburgh, EH6 6RZ, GB
Originally titled ‘Paint Leith’ the title of this event has been updated in memory of Elph, who sadly passed away recently. A fantastic painter and illustrator, many locals will be familiar with his work without even realising it as he painted or contributed to several of the murals around Leith and Edinburgh, including many pieces in Quality Yard over the years, the Japanese inspired figure on the corner of what was Lovella (now Purisha Hairdressing) and the junction box outside the Woodland bar. It is likely you will have seen his work in passing. He will be hugely missed by the Street Art community. Expect many of the artists to pay tribute to him and his many styles of painting in their work over the weekend.

Nestled just steps from The Shore, Quality Yard is an 18th-century walled sanctuary being reimagined as a 360° open-air gallery. Here, over 20 local and international artists will paint more than 50 metres of murals across six courtyard walls. This immersive experience is a living celebration of Leith’s urban creativity, blending history with the vibrant energy of modern street art.

Saturday 13th June 2-6pm
Sunday 14th June 12-4pm

Pilot Tap Takeover at The Bowlers Rest with Mystic Biscuit Pop-up
2026-06-13 14:00 - 23:30 | The Bowlers Rest, 24 Mitchell Street,, Edinburgh,, EH6 7BD, United Kingdom
Come to your favourite community pub, The Bowlers Rest, for a tap takeover with Leith based Pilot Brewery, featuring a special Leith Festival Gala Day lager. We will have Fried Chicken sandwiches from Mystic Biscuit starting at 2pm. Live music from Dow & Honeyman will start at 6pm and a DJ will close out the night starting at 9pm.

Leith Festival Churches Together service
2026-06-14 11:00 - 12:30 | North and South Leith Parish Church, Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6BJ, United Kingdom
A church celebration with an emphasis on community and sharing, all faiths and none welcome. If you don’t usually come to church why not join us for a singsong, some reflection time and a chance to meet your neighbours.

Runners of Leith
2026-06-14 12:00 - 14:30 | The Volley, 180 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Eh6 5ea, United Kingdom
Join Runners of Leith for a social 5km group run on Sunday, 14th June. Meeting at The Volley on Leith Walk, this event is open to runners of all abilities. Keeping things at a relaxed, social pace; a perfect way to meet fellow locals and get some fresh air.
Please arrive at The Volley at 12:00 noon to drop off any bags or jackets before setting off at 12:15pm. We’ll finish back at The Volley, where our hosts are generously providing free pizza for all runners!

Black History Walking Tour of Leith
2026-06-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Custom House Leith, 65-67 Commercial St,, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LH, United Kingdom
This Black History Walking Tour of Leith will span a few centuries, from the African girls who were rescued by a Scottish privateer and served in the Royal Court, Caribbean links to trading and banking, adventurous Black sailors, famous boxers and murderous washerwomen in the 19th and 20th centuries. Speeches by abolitionist Frederick Douglass, the French Black Prisoners of War imprisoned on boats in the harbour, and so much more!

Concession tickets available at £10.

Monday Night Jazz with the Bonningtones
2026-06-15 20:00 - 23:30 | The Bowlers Rest, 24 Mitchell Street,, Edinburgh,, EH6 7BD, United Kingdom
Join us at your favourite community pub, The Bowlers Rest, for a lively edition of Monday Night Jazz with the Bonningtones

Come and try cycle speedway
2026-06-17 18:00 - 20:30 | Edinburgh Falcons Cycle Speedway, Redbraes Park, Redbraes Place, Edinburgh, EH7 4LJ, United Kingdom
Ever wondered what cycle speedway is all about? Now’s your chance to find out! The Edinburgh Falcons are bringing the thrills of cycle speedway to Leith Festival with a relaxed, friendly come-and-try session for all ages and abilities.
Cycle speedway is fast, fun and easy to pick up – raced on a short oval track using single-gear bikes with no brakes. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before: our experienced riders will be on hand to show you the basics, share tips, and get you rolling safely and confidently in no time.
What to expect:

Free taster sessions throughout the day
Coaching from Falcon riders
Bikes and helmets provided
A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for beginners and curious spectators alike

Whether you’re looking for a new sport, a fun family activity, or just something a bit different to try during the festival, come say hello, have a go, and discover why cycle speedway is one of Edinburgh’s best-kept sporting secrets.
No booking needed – just turn up, jump on a bike, and give it a spin!

One in Seven - Double Bill
2026-06-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Leith Dockers Club, 17 Academy Street, Leith, EH6 7EF, GB
One In Seven is a showcase of two original new plays written, devised, performed, and presented by Citadel Arts Group Leith Youth Drama.
Come along and support the next generation of creative talent in Leith as they hone their skills and explore the issues that affect them in the modern world.
The Group, working with award-winning actor Marilyn Blyth Wilson, have created two powerful and thought-provoking pieces of live theatre. The plays are raw, thought provoking, and rooted in real life, reflecting the thoughts, feelings, and concerns of the young people in our community.
This is a unique opportunity to support emerging talent and learn more about the issues that matter to our young people. Themes include friendship, identity, and mental health.

Thursday Originals with The TJ's
2026-06-18 20:00 - 22:30 | The Bowlers Rest, 24 Mitchell Street,, Edinburgh,, EH6 7BD, United Kingdom
Every Thursday night at 8pm at The Bowlers Rest we feature musicians who share original music and some covers done originally. Come down to your favourite community pub for a night of fun and fab music.

Art in Nature Walk
2026-06-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Starts from Leith Community Croft, 4a John's Place, Leith, EH6 7EL, GB
This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and unleash your inner artist. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!
Join me for a relaxing and creative Art in Nature Walk. Beginning at Leith Community Croft, we will walk around the Restalrig Railway. Along the way you are invited to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as we explore this local greenspace with fresh eyes.
While walking we will collect photos of anything that you think will inspire you, and interesting natural objects, which you can then use to create your own masterpiece.
The walk itself will be at an easy pace, and will take around 45 minutes. The surface is paved, apart from in the community croft itself, which is hard packed dirt/gravel and grass. There are no steps, but there are a couple of short slopes. You can view the route and the elevation here: https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/6182199976/
Art materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own nature friendly art supplies if you prefer.
Please dress appropriately for the weather on the day as this is an outdoor event.
The Croft cafe should be open, but you are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, or even picnic lunch for before/after the event (there are picnic tables in the croft).
This event is suitable for all ages, however under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Pay what you can/donation ticket.

Thermos Museum Books
2026-06-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, GB
The Curator performs without his flasks, confiscated by customs. Instead we are amused by his ridiculous stories complete with projected images to make it more exciting. Thermosmuseumbooks is an off-shoot of The Thermos Museum, which was founded at Leith Festival 17 years ago.

Orienteering Maze
2026-06-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Leith Links, Leith Links, Edinburgh, EH6 8HR, United Kingdom
Navigate your way round different courses in our free, fun orienteering maze. Who will record the fastest correct results?

Funk Fair
2026-06-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, GB
Funk Fair is Edinburgh’s original vintage and mid-century design fair, established in 2004 and still proudly independent.
Expect a carefully curated mix of vintage furniture, homewares, lighting, art, collectibles and fashion, with a strong lean towards mid-century, retro and timeless design. Every stall is chosen for quality and character – no filler, no fast vintage, just genuinely interesting pieces with stories to tell.
Friendly, relaxed and unpretentious, Funk Fair is about the pleasure of browsing as much as buying. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer or simply love good design, this is a fair made for curious minds and sharp eyes…

Concession tickets available – £1

Summer Open Studios Weekend
2026-06-20 12:00 - 2026-06-21 17:00 | Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios, 2 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AN
The artists and makers at Abbeymount Studios are once again opening their studio doors for the annual Summer Open Studios Weekend this June.
They’re a great chance for you to come along and meet our resident artists and makers and browse an exciting variety of works, many of which are for sale. Everything is handmade at the studios. With lots on offer, from fashion and textiles, ceramics and glass to photography, painting, printmaking, illustration, and more, there’s something for everyone.

Music for a Summers Evening
2026-06-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Leith St Andrews Centre, 410-412 Easter Road, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8HT, United Kingdom
A concert of popular music with a variety to suit all tastes.

Concession tickets available at £5 and family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) at £20.

Leith Festival Pageant
2026-06-21 13:15 - 14:00 | Taylor Gardens to Malmaison Plaza, Taylor Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
One of the longest running community events in Scotland, the Leith Festival Pageant celebrates the people of Leith, come and cheer on our local community who have joined in the pageant – music, dress up, and heart, all leading to the Leith Festival Community Tattoo!
Starting at Taylor Gardens, Marching through the heart of Leith, and finishing at the Shore in a celebration our community spirit and multi-cultural links.

Leith Festival Community Tattoo
2026-06-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Malmaison Plaza, Tower Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Bringing together pipe bands, highland dancing, and performances from other cultures who have made Leith their home, the Leith Festival Tattoo is a true celebration of our multicultural community.
Follow the Pageant down to the Shore, and enjoy some truly fabulous talent in the beautiful surroundings of Malmaison Plaza.

Opening Event | End of Year Exhibition
2026-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH6 6HW, United Kingdom
Showcasing work by our students in: Art & Design Foundation Diploma | Painting Course | Drawing Course | Figure Course | Landscape Course | Advancing Studio Practice | One Day Painting Course | Graduate Residency

Opening Event | Contemporary Art Practice
2026-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Custom Lane Gallery, 1 Customs Wharf, Edinburgh, EH6 6AL, United Kingdom
Showcasing work from Our Contemporary Arts Practice Students: The Contemporary Art Practice course is a studio based fine art course with an emphasis on enquiry and experimentation. Critical and practical engagement with ideas, materials and processes enable students to consider what it means to be making art in the 21st century.

This exhibition showcases the 2026/27 year-long student work.

End of Year Exhibition
2026-06-26 10:00 - 2026-06-28 16:00 | Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH6 6HW, United Kingdom
Get your Culture fix this weekend with Leith School of Art.
Showcasing end of year work by our students in style with exhibitions over 3 venues across Leith!

Leith School of Art North Junction Street Campus
Art & Design Foundation Diploma, Painting, Drawing, Figure, Landscape, Advancing Studio Practice, One Day Painting, Graduate Residency | 25 North Junction Street

Leith School of Art Albion Road Campus –
Children’s Book Illustration, Printmaking, Artists Mentoring Course | 66 Albion Road

Custom Lane Gallery –
Contemporary Art Practice | 1 Customs Wharf
