With fresh air, fresh ideas and fresh food and drink experiences, there’s lots to enjoy in Edinburgh this March.
March brings a lively mix of food, flavours and festivals to Edinburgh.
As the days stretch longer and the first signs of spring appear, Edinburgh is rolling out a packed programme of food and drink celebrations, thought-provoking exhibitions and family-friendly theatre shows. Here’s our guide to just some of what’s happening.
Food and drink feasts
Bringing together almost 60 of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars for a month-long celebration of food and drink, this year’s Eat Out Edinburgh is bigger than ever. Tuck into an exciting line-up of first-time participants alongside exclusive dining offers from returning favourites. Or step aboard Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace for Royal Tea on Britannia, where classic afternoon tea is served with royal history on a special guided tour.
New for 2026, bars across the capital are shaking things up with the city’s first Margarita Mile. Celebrating the iconic margarita cocktail, follow the one-mile self-guided trail around the city’s New Town. They’ll also be menus of tasty dishes and a chance to win prizes. If whisky is your tipple of choice, Women in Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh will be shining a spotlight on the innovators, trailblazers, and unsung pioneers whose influence has transformed the whisky world, often against the odds. Plus, you’ll enjoy a curated flight of four Scottish whiskies.
Offering a selection of the best producers from across the world, Drinkmonger Spirits Fair provides a great opportunity to explore the world of spirits, while at the 100 Best Australian Wines Festival, they’ll be a plethora of wines to explore, from sparkling to sweet, elegant to full-bodied whites. Or for a chance to discover more about the country’s flourishing cider scene, don’t miss Ubhal Cider Gathering.
Exciting exhibitions
Celebrating its 10th anniversary by coming to Scotland for the very first time, the internationally acclaimed Drawing on Style at Dovecot Studios is a must for anyone interested in fashion illustration.
For something big in impact, be swept away at Enlightenment, an immersive lightshow inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, or discover the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs at the National Museum of Scotland’s Giants.
Fascinating festivals
Quick wit and improvised comedy define the popular Edinburgh International Improv Festival, which brings together performers from across the globe for spontaneous, laugh-out-loud shows.
For filmgoers, there’s two movie festivals to look forward to. The UK’s largest annual celebration of Japanese cinema, The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme, offers audiences the chance to see with the latest and greatest selection of cinema to come out of Japan. While coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the film director’s birth, Kinoteka Polish Film Festival on Tour features a retrospective line-up of films by Andrzej Wajda.
Fancy trying your hand at bodyboarding and learning from world champions? Boog Fest at Lost Shore Surf Resort blends waves, workshops, food, drinks and laid-back coastal vibes.
Thrilling theatre
Agatha Christie’s classic crime, Death on the Nile, sails into town with glamour and intrigue. If it’s romance you seek, don’t miss One Day: The Musical, as the popular novel is brought to life on stage.
For young theatre goers, history gets hilariously gruesome at the beloved children’s series, Horrible Histories leaps from page to stage. Or for big songs and big imagination, the multi-award winning Matilda the Musical is packed with fun for all the family. And not forgetting the very youngest family members, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show has colourful sets, catchy tunes and plenty of muddy-puddle charm.
New openings to try
How about somewhere new to dine? Be the first to try one of these new tasty places. Opening on Bristo Place, Uncle Tiger brings authentic Asian fare to the table through immersive six-week rotational menus, each inspired by the continent’s most celebrated regions and cuisines. Over at Haymarket, Jeannie’s Bakery has all kinds of sweet treats, including cinnamon, and pecan and honey caramel buns. And in the Southside, Abacus at The Scholar is open for all-day dining, serving dishes that feature the best of Scotland’s natural produce.
There’s always lots going on in Edinburgh, from tours and talks, to guided walks and workshops. Find something for you in the weeks and months ahead.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
