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What's on

Local events in East Lothian

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 and cultural events throughout the year.

Plan ahead

Something to enjoy in every season

Planning your next self-catering holiday in Scotland? Here is a round-up of the highlights across the year, so you can plan the best time to visit and book your stay early.

Dates and details change from year to year, so always check the organiser's website before you travel. Popular events such as the Scottish Open sell out fast, so book your accommodation early.

Spring and early summer

Gardens, races and open days

February

Snowdrops at Shepherd House Garden

Enjoy the carpet of snowdrops on various dates through February at Shepherd House Garden, Inveresk, near Musselburgh. Check the garden's website for exact dates and times.

March to October

British Red Cross Open Gardens

Visit some of East Scotland's most beautiful private gardens as they open their gates in aid of the British Red Cross.

June

The Edinburgh Cup Raceday

Position yourself alongside the running rail at Musselburgh Racecourse and feel the power of the horses as they thunder up the final straight.

June

Haddington Show

A day out for all the family at East Fortune, with children's activities, live pipe bands, falconry and presentations.

High summer

Golf, festivals and days at the races

July

Genesis Scottish Open

One of Europe's top golfing events returns to The Renaissance Club near North Berwick. Keep an eye out for ticket sales and book your accommodation early, as it is very popular.

July

Musselburgh Festival Family Day

A free day of live music, bouncy castles, games and food galore at Musselburgh Racecourse.

July, Dunbar

European Land Art Festival & World Rock Stacking Championships

Europe's largest gathering of land artists and stone stackers, with demonstrations, competitions, community workshops and live music at locations around Dunbar.

August, North Berwick

Fringe by the Sea

North Berwick's multi-arts festival serves up music, comedy, theatre, film and children's events, with a welcome spot of sea air away from the Edinburgh crowds.

August

Ladies Day at Musselburgh Races

Scotland's biggest and most prestigious five-star Ladies Day, an annual sell-out of style, elegance and glamour at Musselburgh Racecourse.

August

Scottish 10K and Half Marathon

Challenge yourself along the magnificent East Lothian golf coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Late July to August

Events at Gosford House

Gosford House at Longniddry sits on 5,000 acres of coast and parkland, opening for family-friendly guided tours of the South Wing and Marble Hall on selected days.

Summer, dates vary

North Berwick Highland Games

A grand day out with pipe bands from around the world, Highland dancing, tossing the caber, craft stalls, amusements and rides.

Autumn and winter

Music, heritage and festive markets

Late August to September

East Lothian Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight

Dig into the past with experts across the county, with guided walks and talks, excavations, surveys and online exhibitions. See the John Gray Centre website for the full programme.

September

Lammermuir Festival

Baroque music, Scottish Opera and Mozart come together in dozens of concerts across a variety of locations around East Lothian.

September, Dunbar

Dunbar Music Festival

A family-friendly musical takeover of the harbour town, with over 40 free gigs, big-name headliners, community performers and buskers.

December, Musselburgh

Pantomime at The Brunton

A festive must, full of songs and comedy. Family-friendly performances make a perfect winter outing during your stay.

December, Edinburgh

Christmas markets

Scotland's capital boasts some of the most spectacular Christmas markets in the world, an easy day trip from your East Lothian holiday home.

Third weekend, March to December

Farmers' markets

A regular fixture within the Stables Courtyard, featuring a fantastic selection of local stalls and producers.

Out on the water

Boat tours and wildlife trips

If you like getting outdoors, why not book a ferry trip? The Seabird Catamaran seats 55 passengers and takes you around Craigleith and the Bass Rock, with plenty of chances to see birds, seals and sometimes even dolphins. These trips are seasonal and weather dependent. For rainy days, the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick offers interactive exhibits about Scotland's marine life, including the Bass Rock, home to the world's largest northern gannet colony.

Book your stay

Time your visit around what's on

Whenever you choose to visit the fantastic region of East Lothian, there is always something to enjoy. Browse our holiday homes and find the perfect base for your next self-catering break.