What to Do in Edinburgh - February
Ok, it’s still cold and let’s face it, there will be snow.
So how do we make the most of the month ahead? I thought I’d do a top 10 list of things I’ve got my eye on in this, the month of miniscule measure. We may be short on time but we’re definitely not short of things to do!
1. Manipulate Festival. 1-11 Feb, various locations
Bringing animated film, puppetry and visual theatre together in an exciting mixing pot of creativity, this is the 17th edition of the Festival, taking place between 1-11 Feb 2024. It’s the best of international and Scottish work in some of Edinburgh’s favourite venues; mainly the Traverse, Summerhall, Fruitmarket and the Studio, Festival Theatre.
It’s too difficult to pick just one from this lineup so I’ll let you choose between things like a pickle party and organic-looking robot dancers…
2. 356 EAT Food Fest. 26 Jan-4 Feb, various eateries
You can just catch the tail end of 358 EAT which is a chance to support the smaller local and independent eateries that may miss out on the old Google searches. Participating venues offer a taster selection for the price of £3 / £5 / £8 and you need to buy a ticket to the event to access the taster menu.
Check out the eateries involved here and go get fed!
3. Chinese New Year Concert. 7:30pm 10 Feb, Usher Hall
A mash-up of Scottish and Chinese culture with Highland dancing, Peking opera and the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra providing the spectacle. It’s a warmly welcomed event in the city and this Feb we get to say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and bring in the Year of the Dragon. Exciting!
4. RSNO Season 2023-24, Romantic Valentine’s: Romeo and Juliet. 16 Feb, Usher Hall
It couldn’t possibly be February without a mention of a Valentine here and there, would it? Old and young romantics alike can go enjoy (amongst other pieces) a selection of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet (in small part recognisable from The Apprentice!) - with the RSNO, pianist Simon Trpčeski and conductor Thomas Sndergård bringing it all to life.
Or
A slightly different offer along the same lines, with a string quartet playing a mix of classical and contemporary pieces by candlelight in the beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral in the West End of the city. More music, more romance!
5. Bona Fide. 7:30pm 11 Feb, The Stand
The Stand has plenty of comedy to keep you going through the cold month of Feb and lots will be worth checking out. Jay Lafferty is always a great host and here she’ll be wrangling the best of Scotland’s comics to perform material written especially for the night and the theme, whatever that is. And by mid Feb, I am going to need some laughter in my life!
6. FORM: Artist Talks. 11am-4pm 17 Feb, Anatomy Lecture Theatre Summerhall
Summerhall Arts’ inaugural exhibition season, FORM: a season of exhibitions by female contemporary artists, presents a series of 4 free but ticketed Artist Talks between 12pm-4pm. You’ll have the chance to view the galleries and meet the artists between 11-12 beforehand and grab a tea/coffee from the Library Gallery.
7. Blue Giant Orkestar ‘Consellate’ Album Launch. 7:30-10:30pm 17 Feb, Dissection Room Summerhall
If you want to hear what the end product of a whole load of blood, sweat, tears and trumpets sounds like, then this is your chance! It’s a debut album release (order via Bandcamp) from a group mashing brass, fiddle, accordion and percussion and Balkan, Serbian, Turkish and Scottish influences. With support from Bado Reti Group, this’ll be a riot. In a good way.
8. Pottery Painting. 7pm-late 22 Feb, Cask Smugglers
Perhaps you don’t want to go out and dance the night away but you would like a Prosecco or two with pals, paired with something creative? Ok then! Pottery Painting & Prosecco is exactly what it sounds like. You can paint a mug in the open plan surrounds of Cask Smugglers above Waverley Mall; drink, eat and catch up; and collect your fired artwork a few days later!
9. Do Not Look Away: The Story of Medusa. 7:30pm 24 Feb, Scottish Storytelling Centre
Lily Asch brings the storytelling performance and Dimitris Kounatiadis the musical accompaniment to this old story that can still see modern parallels drawn. How did Medusa come to be that familiar snake-haired monster? A worthwhile hour of your time and it still leaves the rest of the night to enjoy a drink or food from one of the many options along the Royal Mile.
10. Distant Views. 3-24 Feb, &Gallery (other art galleries are available on Dundas St)
A group exhibition featuring Susan Laughton, David Mankin, Anke Roder and Anna Somerville, all influenced by natural surroundings and their home countries of England, Scotland and Holland. Now, ideally I’m having the Veggie Stack and coffee for breakfast at the New Town Fox before exploring the various art galleries round and about the top end of Dundas Street. But that’s just me.
Perhaps I’ll see you round town, drinking coffee, looking through art gallery windows or enjoying some music? I hope this snapshot of things to do in Edinburgh has helped with any February plans!