Planning your next self-catering holiday in Scotland?
East Lothian is the perfect place for a family holiday, a romantic weekend away, a golfing break, or for attending one of our many world-class sporting events throughout the year.
Browse our portfolio and book your accommodation now!
Here is a list of upcoming events so you can plan the best time to visit.
2025/6 Events in East Lothian
January 2025
The Rocket Man - A celebration of Sir Elton John | 10 January 2025
A live music evening remembering the work of Sir Elton John.
Corn Exchange, Haddington
February 2025
Snowdrops at Shepherd House Garden | Various dates
Enjoy the carpet of snow drops at various dates during February. Check their website for exact dates and times.
Shepherd House Garden, Inveresk, Musselburgh, EH21 7TH
April 2025
Aled Jones - Full circle, Wed 16 Apr at 7:30pm / Meet & Greet 6:00pm
Prepare to hear Aled Jones as you've never heard him before. He was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice.
Corn Exchange, Haddington.
Summer 2025/6
British Red Cross Open Gardens | March-October 2025
Visit some of East Scotland’s most beautiful gardens with British Red Cross Open Gardens.
Haddington Show | 28 June 2025
A day out for all the family, with childrens activities, live pipe bands, Falconry and presentations.
East Fortune Race Circuit, East Lothian, EH39 5JX
The Edinburgh Cup Raceday | 7 June 2025
It's the perfect time to position yourself alongside the running rail and experience the power of the horses as they thunder up the final straight.
Musselburgh Racecourse.
Boat tours
If you like getting outdoors, why not book a Ferry Trip?
The Seabird Catamaran seats 55 passengers and takes you around Craigleith and Bass Rock, providing plenty of opportunities to see birds, seals and sometimes even dolphins!
Please note that although these ferry trips are seasonal they are weather dependent.
For rainy days, the Seabird Centre in North Berwick offers interactive exhibits to learn about Scotland's marine life, including Bass Rock, home to the world's largest northern gannet colony.
July 2025
The Racing TV Raceday | 1 July 2025
Sample the delights of Musselburgh Racecourse with your friends and family. This mid-week raceday is a relaxed way to experience the splendour and spirit at Musselburgh Races.
Musselburgh Racecourse.
Musselburgh Festival Family Day | 19-27 July 2025
Each July all are welcome to the Musselburgh Festival Family Day.
Enjoy live music, bouncy castles, games, and food galore at this free event.
Musselburgh Racecourse.
European Land Art Festival & World Rock Stacking Championships | 14-19 July 2026
Europe's largest gathering of land artists and stone stackers come together to create art with nature.
Includes:
- Land Art Demonstrations
- Rock Stacking Competitions
- Community Workshops
- Live Music & Entertainment
Variety of locations around Dunbar. See the website for more details.
Genesis Scottish Open | 8-12 July 2026
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick
Keep an eye out for ticket sales for the 2025 Scottish Open, one of Europe's top golfing events.
In 2025 this event will be held at the Renaissance Club again.
Make sure to book your accommodation early as it is very popular!
August 2025/6
Ladies Day 2026 at Musselborough Races | 7 August 2026
Scotland's biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day. It's an annual sell-out event with Style. Elegance. Glamour.
Musselburgh Racecourse.
Scottish 10K 2026 | 16 August 2025, 9am & Scottish Half Marathon | 16 August 2026, 11am
Challenge yourself to run out-and-back along the magnificent East Lothian Golf Coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Musselburgh Racecourse, Linkfield Rd Linkfield Road, East Lothian, EH21 7RE
Family-friendly tour of Newhailes House | Throughout the year, check the website for more information
See the treasures and hear the stories of the beautiful Newhailes House.
Follow in the footsteps of other children and explore the grand dining room, the eerily empty library and leave the house through the spooky servant’s tunnel!
Farmers’ markets
A regular event, taking place on the third weekend of every month, March to December, within the Stables Courtyard and feature a fantastic selection of stalls.
North Berwick International Highland Games | Dates TBC
The North Berwick International Highland Games, are a fantastic day out for anyone, featuring Pipe Bands from around the world and Highland Dancing and the Hammer and Tossing the Caber competitions.
There are also plenty of craft stalls, amusements, and rides to enjoy.
Fringe by the Sea | 1-10 August 2025
With a spot of sea air and an entertaining line-up of music, comedy, theatre, film, author and children's events, North Berwick's multi-arts festival offers a respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season.
Fringe by the Sea will take place again 1-10 August 2025 - you can find the line-up and buy tickets on their website.
Events at Gosford House, 31 July- 25 August 2025
Gosford House, located in Longniddry, is situated on 5,000 acres of coast and parkland, making it an ideal venue for family-friendly events!
Two open day tour types are available:
- a 45-minute experience (maximum duration): touring the ground floor of the South Wing only. This tour is suitable for visitors short on time or those who cannot manage standing up for longer periods of time and plenty of stairs. Tour times are 10.30am and 1.30pm.
- a 1.5 hours tour, covering the South wing (downstairs and upstairs in the Marble Hall and private family apartments) as well as the Central Block of the house. Tour times are 11.30am, 12pm, 2pm, and 2.45pm.
East Linton Crafts, Art and Flower Show 2025 | 30 August 2pm-4.30pm
An afternoon of the best crafts, art and flower displays with prizes for the best in class.
East Linton Community Hall, East Linton.
September 2025
East Lothian Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight | 30 August-14 September 2025
Visitors can join experts throughout East Lothian each September to dig into the past, with guided walks and talks, excavations and surveys, as well as online exhibitions and videos.
See the full list of events on the John Gray Centre Website.
Lammermuir Festival | 4-15 September 2025
Lammermuir Festival brings together Baroque Music, Scottish Opera and Mozart in 35 concerts across a variety of locations around East Lothian.
Rollin' Sky — Dunbar Music Festival | 28 September 2025, 7pm-9pm
Dunbar favourites Rollin’ Sky are back to play a mix of Americana, Rock ’n’ Roll, Blues, Folk and some original songs too.
Royal Mackintosh Hotel, Station RoadDunbar, Scotland, EH42
Dunbar Music Festival | 27-29 September 2025
A family-friendly musical takeover of Dunbar, an East Lothian harbour town.
Over 40 free gigs, big name headliners, community performers, buskers and more.
Garleton Singers Summer Concert | 24 October 2025
The Garleton Singers bring music from stage and screen in a join concernt with the Vörðukór Choir from Iceland.
Knox Academy School Main Hall, Haddington, EH41 4 DT
December 2025
Pantomimes
Pantomimes are a must for the winter and nowhere less than at The Brunton in Musselburgh.
Enjoy family-friendly performances full of songs and comedy.
The Wizard of Oz | 4-27 Dec at 1:00pm / 2:00pm / 5:00pm / 7:00pm
A Panto twist on the classic tale.
The Corn Exchange, Haddington
Garleton Singers, Winter date to be confirmed
Remembrance Day Concert, all proceeds will be donated to Poppy Scotland.
St Marys Parish Church Haddington, Haddington, EH41 4BZ
Christmas markets
Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, boasts some of the most spectacular Christmas markets in the world.
Discover the magic of the festive season with a day trip to the city from our East Lothian holiday homes.
Whenever you choose to visit the fantastic region of East Lothian, there is always something to enjoy.
Head to our portfolio and find the perfect holiday home for your next self-catering break today.