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This post is all about Halloween Events In Edinburgh.
27 Spooktacular Halloween Events In Edinburgh For Adults
Edinburgh is one of the prettiest cities in the UK, with its cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. However, underneath Edinburgh's beautiful facade is a dark, sinister history. One that tells tales of murders, body-snatching and witchcraft.The city has been named as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, so where better to spend Halloween than here? During the month of October, Edinburgh goes all out for Halloween with lots of ghost tours, events and parties.There is something on this list for everything, from creative workshops, to spine-chilling tours that will definitely leave you feeling a little bit spooked, and even, Halloween special comedy club nights, guaranteed to leave you giggling at the ghoulish gags.Have the most EPIC time in Edinburgh for Halloween 2023!This post is the ultimate guide to Halloween Events In Edinburgh.
This blog post will cover:
27 Spooktacular Halloween Events In Edinburgh For Adults 2023
1. Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin At A Local Pumpkin Patch
Support your local farms by visiting a pumpkin patch near you and search for your perfect pumpkin. I've got a whole other blog post covering the top pumpkin patches to visit in Scotland this Halloween.
So, if you are interested, just follow this link below:
Kirsty
After you've acquired your perfect pumpkin, its time to get a Halloween movie on and get carving!
2. Be Terrified On A Tour Of The Underground Vaults
As the evening approaches, you'll embark on a 1 hour tour of Edinburgh's World Famous Underground Vaults, which date back 400 years!
The tour starts on the Royal Mile, where the guide will introduce themselves before taking you to the entrance of the underground vaults. Along the Royal Mile, your guide will occasionally stop to teach you about Edinburgh's history.
You'll then descend into the underground vaults, which snake beneath the city. Whilst in the vaults, your guide will tell vivid tales of hauntings, tortures, murders and body-snatching.
If you are lucky (or unlucky), you might even experience some paranormal activity on this tour. If you think you can handle it, book your spot on the tour here.
3. Learn About The Terrifying Tales Of Shetland With Marjolein Robertson
Prepare yourself for a night of Fireside Horror Stories by award-winning storyteller, Marjolein Robertson on Thursday 5th October at The Royal Scots Club, only 10 minutes walk from Princes Street.
The night starts at 6pm with some welcome drinks, followed by a delicious 2 course dinner, coffee and sweet treats. All whilst being entertained by traditional frightening folklore and music.
If you'd like to get tickets for this event, just follow this link.
4. Be Whisked Back In Time At Witchcraft in Edinburgh
On Friday 6th October at 7.30pm, the professional mind-reader and historical witchcraft expert, Cara Hamilton is hosting an event where you can learn all about witchcraft at the Georgian House in the city centre of Edinburgh.
The night will whisk you back in time to when witchcraft gripped Edinburgh with demonstrations, performances and artefacts.
If witchcraft intrigues you, then this event is perfect for you! If you'd like to get a ticket, click here.
5. Embark On A Horror Movie Marathon At The Cameo Picturehouse
Visit the iconic Cameo Picturehouse, only 20 minutes walk from Edinburgh's city centre, on Saturday 8th October for an epic horror movie marathon. An event, which is perfect for the real film-enthuasists out there!
It's a great way to get into the spooky spirit as the horror movie marathon consists of five of the best horror movies, back-to-back. They haven't released all the details on the event yet, but visit this page to be kept up-to-date.
6. Visit Some Of The Lesser Known Places In Edinburgh On A 'Witches, Magic & History Tour'
Journey through the lesser known places of Edinburgh with the Witches, Magic and History Tour. The tour will last about 1 hour 15 minutes, and you'll hear stories of witchcraft, warlocks, and magic along the way.
On this tour, you'll visit St Giles Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Lady Stairs House, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Witches Well, Upper Bow, Candlemaker Row, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Grassmarket.
The Greyfriars Kirkyard is reportedly the world's most haunted graveyard, so you might even see some ghostly phenomenons along the way!
Sure to get you in the Halloween spirit, book your space on the tour here.
7. Make A Beautiful Autumn Wreath At The Lauriston Castle Adult Creative Workshops
On Saturday 14th October, Lauriston Castle is hosting two Adult Creative Workshops between either 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm. Lauriston Castle is a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre.
At these workshops, you will design a beautiful autumn wreath with magical lights. Perfect to put on your door for the autumn and winter months.
You will get free coffee and tea included in your ticket, but you will need to bring a packed lunch with you or visit their on-site cafe, Mimi's cafe, for some delicious food.
A wonderfully relaxing event for all those creative people out there. Book your session now via this link.
8. Enjoy A Sightseeing Tour Of Edinburgh On The 'Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour'
On this vintage double decker bus, you'll be driven around Edinburgh's Old and New Town, visiting the sites of murders, tortures and executions.
Your conductor will entertain you with tales of the city's gruesome past including victims of the plague, the infamous Burke and Hare and the witchcraft trials. All whilst being able to admire the view of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks from the comfort of your bus.
If you'd like to book your spot on the comedy horror ghost bus tour, just click here.
9. Take A Spooky Stroll Through The 'Botanics Halloween Trail'
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh city centre and is considered one of the world's leading botanic gardens.
For Halloween this year, they have a Halloween trail event from October 14th through to the 31st. You will need to follow a map, solve some clues and navigate your way through the enchanted gardens, towering trees and incredible foliage with some spooky sights along the way.
The full details of the event haven't been released yet, but you can keep an eye out here.
10. Get Your Best Detective Skills On For 'Witchcraft & Wizardry: Edinburgh'
On Saturday 21st October, gather your team of up to 6 adults for an outdoor escape game around Edinburgh with 'Witchcraft & Wizardry: Murder by Magic!'.
The game takes between 2-3 hours and will have you exploring Edinburgh like never before, whilst you hunt for clues and solve puzzles. You can start anytime between 9am-2pm, but you must complete it by 5pm.
All you need to take part is a ticket for your team of detectives, your smartphone, and if you wanted to go a step further, your best Halloween costumes. If you've got all that, then you are ready to embark on this unique quest.
11. Get In The Spooky Spirit With A Visit To Edinburgh Dungeons and A Halloween Pub Quiz
On Saturday 21st October starting at 4.45-5pm, Failte Bhlath is hosting the ultimate 'Ghouling and Guising' Halloween night.
As part of the event, you'll go on a 70-minute interactive horror walk through of the Edinburgh Dungeon, where you can expect live professional actors, theatrical sets and incredible special effects.
After the private tour of the dungeons, you'll then head to Scotland's most haunted pub, the Banshee Labyrinth, where you'll take part in a Halloween pub quiz.
The whole event lasts a whooping 6 hours 15 minutes! If you'd like to book a ticket for this event, click here.
12. Be Mesmerised At The 'Fright Night: Silent Movie Screening'
Silent Screen Scotland returns with a candlelit screening of the movie, 'Nosferatu', released in 1922. The silent film is an adaption of Bam Stoker's novel, 'Dracula'. However, due to copyright infringements, only a few copies of Nosferatu exist to this day, and it is now widely regarded as an influential masterpiece of cinema.
There will be two showings of Nosferatu at 7pm and 9pm on Saturday 21st October at the gothic St Vincents Chapel, only 10 minutes walk from Edinburgh city centre.
You can expect the most incredible atmosphere for these showings as along with the candlelights and gothic surroundings of the chapel, there will also be a live pianist, who will perform the original score from Hans Erdmann.
If you'd like to buy a ticket for this event, follow this link.
13. Make Your Own Embroidered Halloween Hoop Decoration At The 'Boo Halloween Punch Needle Workshop'
On Sunday 22nd October, the Edinburgh Craft Club is hosting a 'Boo Halloween Punch Needle Workshop' from 11.30am-2.30pm. The event is based at 'We Make Workshop's' on 18 Montrose Terrace, about 15 minutes drive from the city centre.
In the session, you'll learn the basics of punch needle, and make your own Halloween hoop decoration. You'll be provided the template for the hoop but you can choose the design, as well as the colours and if you want to add any words.
Tea, coffee and Halloween treats are also provided. If you'd like to book a place for this workshop, you can do so through this link. Be quick though because the first workshop of this kind has already sold out.
14. Learn About Edinburgh's Haunted History With An 'Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murders and Legends'
The city has lovely picturesque cobbled streets, and alleyways, but, when you are on this Darkside Walking Tour, they are the perfect backdrop to make this tour even spookier.
You'll be guided through Edinburgh at night for 2 hours by a knowledgeable host, who will tell you the terrifying tales of Edinburgh's past and present. You'll visit the Royal Mile, North Bridge, Calton Hill, Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirk on this tour.
With over 3,000 five-star reviews, this is an excellent and informative tour, which will help you learn more about Edinburgh's dark side. Book your spot on the tour here.
15. Find Your Perfect Event At The 'Edinburgh Horror Festival'
Between Thursday 26th October and Tuesday 31st October, Edinburgh Horror Festival is on and it is one of the most popular Halloween events in Edinburgh.
You can expect theatre performances, comedy and magic shows, movies, games, improv, workshops and more, all of which will take place in either the Banshee Labyrinth in the city centre of Edinburgh, or Lauriston Castle, which is a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh.
The full programme for this festival has not been released yet, but you can click on this link to be kept up-to-date.
16. Prepare For Cheesy Singalongs And Epic Dance-Offs At 'Bongo's Bingo Edinburgh Halloween Special'
Don your best Halloween costume, and head down to Edinburgh's O2 Academy for Bongo's Bingo Halloween Special. This event takes place on Friday 27th October, and is guaranteed to be a memorable night out!
Bongo's Bingo combines both bingo and a rave with cheesy singalongs, dance-offs, great prizes and money to be won.
Tickets for the event are already on sale and they are selling fast, so you'll need to be quick with this one. Get them here.
17. Regina George Was Wrong, Fetch Is Happening At The 'So Fetch - 2000s Halloween Party Edinburgh'
La Belle Angele in Edinburgh's Old Town is throwing a So Fetch - 2000s Halloween Party. If you haven't already guessed the inspiration behind the name of this party is from the iconic film, 'Mean Girls', which was released in 2004 and is still quoted on a regular basis to this day.
The event unfortunately does not take place on a Wednesday, so you don't need to wear pink but instead, it will be happening on Friday 27th October from 11pm-3am.
Get on your best Mean Girls inspired fancy dress (think Cady Heron at the Halloween Party), and expect all your favourite hits from the 00s including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne, Busted and much, much more.
As a 90s kid, this event sounds absolutely incredible and not to be missed! Get your ticket here.
18. Enjoy A Witchy Lunch At 'The Witchery By The Castle'
Just down from Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile is The Witchery By The Castle. This enchanting, boutique restaurant is the perfect setting for a Halloween lunch with it's rich tapestries, spooky artefacts and tales of its haunted history.
On Saturday 28th October from 12.45-2.45pm, they are offering a 2-course witchy lunch, which incorporates traditional Scottish ingredients and is inspired by the season.
If you'd like to secure a spot for lunch at the Witchery, then you can do so through this link.
19. Rock Out At 'Vampires Rock: Day Of The Dead Symphonic'
The country's most successful classic rock musical concert, Vampires Rock featuring the Day Of The Dead Symphonic Rock Orchestra, comes to Edinburgh's Usher Hall on Saturday 28th October at 7.30pm.
You can expect to hear some of the greatest rock songs of all time from Metallica, AC/DC, Meatloaf, Queen, Guns 'N' Roses and more. All of which are performed by some of the best rock voices in the country, a live orchestra and dancers.
Sure to be one hell of a show, you can get your tickets here.
20. Be Captivated By The Most Haunted Place In Scotland; Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the cities most famous landmarks and has recently been voted the most haunted place in Scotland to visit.
With this 1.5 hour tour, you'll skip the line and be guided through the castle by a professional guide, who will explain the dramatic and bloody history of the Kings and Queens who used to live there.
You'll visit the famous Great Hall and Royal Palace on this tour, as well as three museums and two prisons. All whilst being able to admire the beautiful view over to Edinburgh's old town.
If you'd like to book your spot on this tour, just click here.
21. Get Creative At The 'Halloween Cupcake Decorating Masterclass'
At 3D Cakes Edinburgh, only 15 minutes from Edinburgh's city centre, David Duncan Sugarcraft School is hosting a Halloween Cupcake Decorating Masterclass on Sunday 29th October at 10am-12.30pm.
You'll learn how to perfect your piping skills and create a range of spooky sugarcraft toppers, which you'll decorate your delicious cupcakes with. You'll then be able to take your six beautifully-decorated, Halloween-themed cupcakes home.
This event is for beginners, so if this is something that you'd like to try - book your spot here.
22. Make Your Own Scary Jewellery At The 'Halloween Polymer Clay Jewellery Workshop'
Mud & Marsh Jewellery Design is running a Halloween Polymer Clay Jewellery Workshop on Monday 30th October from 6-8pm. It takes place at The Crannie Community Hub in Edinburgh's city centre.
The 2-hour workshop will guide you in making two 3D Halloween themed charms, including a ghost and a pumpkin. You can then decide if you want to keep them as charms, or make them into earrings or key rings.
Tea, coffee, spooky biscuits and scary music are all provided on the night. If you'd like to book a space, click here.
23. Don Your Spookiest Costume For A Night Of Dancing At The 'Halloween Nightmare: Club Tropicana & Venga'
Club Tropicana & Venga, next to Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh's city centre, is hosting a Halloween Nightmare event on Monday 30th October, from 10pm till 3am.
It claims to be the UK's Scariest Halloween Experience, with them hosting the same sell-out event in various cities all over the UK.
The club will be decked out in spooky decor and will feature walk-around festival of the dead circus performers, a live freak show and even, a midnight giant confetti balloon drop. With Halloween-inspired music, you'll be dancing all the way to 3am.
Grab your spookiest costume and get down to Club Tropicana & Venga to celebrate Halloween 2023. Buy your tickets via this link.
24. Get Freaky At The 'Halloween Freakshow Edinburgh 2023'
On Monday 30th October, the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh's Old Town hosts the 'Halloween Freakshow Edinburgh 2023'. The event starts at 10pm and will take you dancing into the wee hours as it's open to 3am.
The club and live music venue will be transformed with spooky decor, impressive purge visuals, incredible performers and even, professional make-up artists to help you look the part.
Voted the number 1 Halloween event in Edinburgh for 6 years running. This event is guaranteed to sell out so you'll want to get your tickets sorted as soon as possible!
25. Go Back In Time With The 'Samhuinn Fire Festival 2023'
Brace yourself for the Samhuinn Fire Festival, taking place under Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park on Tuesday 31st October at 7pm. This immersive Celtic experience is to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter.
Celebrate the celtic ritual of Samhuinn with performances, fire-play, acrobatics, drummers, dancers, musicians, mysterious creatures and more. Sure to leave you captivated!
Full details for the 2023 event haven't been released yet, but if you are interested, keep visiting this link for up-to-date information.
26. Explore 'Mary King's Close' Underneath The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh's most important and well-known streets, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
However, did you know that there is actually a street underneath the Royal Mile that dates back to the 17th century?!
This street is called "Mary King's Close" and you can take a tour through it. On this fully guided 1-hour tour, you will discover the close's 400 year old history, including the people who lived, worked and died there.
The tour has actually been voted Scotland's Best Heritage Experience. If you'd like to book a spot on the Mary King's Close tour, click here.
27. Laugh Your Head Off At The 'Halloween Special At The Stand Comedy Club'
Right in the heart of Edinburgh city centre is The Stand Comedy Club. On Tuesday 31st October from 8-10pm, they are hosting a Halloween Special Comedy event.
The line up for the event is still to be confirmed but you can rest assured that it'll be a great night, full of ghoulish gags. You can buy tickets for this event now.
This post is all about Halloween Events In Edinburgh
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