If you’re looking for something to do in Edinburgh before the festivals officially begin, we can help.
Today you can enjoy activities from a Surgical Jellybean Challenge at the Surgeons’ Museum to live music around the city, as well as a preview of Make It Happen from the Edinburgh International Festival.
In addition, there are also special film screenings at Edinburgh Filmhouse and two author events.
5. Author Event and Signing with Dilan Dyer at Lady & the Bear Cafe
Edinburgh is home to the UK's first romance bookshop, Book Lovers with the store to host The Brave and the Reckless author Dilan Dyer for an event celebrating cowboy romance fiction this evening at Lady & the Bear cafe. It will be chaired by Meg Jones, the author of Clean Point. | Google Maps / Penguin
6. Open Mic Night at Barnton Bunker
For a more unique event on tonight in Edinburgh, why not try an open mic night... in a nuclear bunker. Held in a former WW2 Operations Room at Barnton Bunker - which is buried 100ft below Corstorphine Hill - sign up will kick off at 7pm. Photo: EEN
7. The Friend (2025) at Grassmarket Community Picture House
Starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, Grassmarket Community Picture House will host a screening of 2025 film The Friend at 7pm this evening. | Contributed
8. Surgical Jellybean Challenge Drop In at Surgeon's Hall Museum
Running from 10.30am until 12pm, today at the Surgeons' Museum you could test your dexterity with the Surgical Jellybean Challenge. Recommended for those aged 7 and up, these drop in sessions are included in the ticket price. | Google Maps