TonightComedy8:30 PM
Red Raw
The Stand Comedy Club · New Town
"The ultimate rite of passage for Scottish comedians—book ahead online as this £6 institution always sells out."
£6Venue ↗
Wednesday, October 7
Tonight Nearby Edinburgh
Midweek Laughs, Sweaty Gigs, and Autumn Arts
Tonight, quickly
Wednesday is the new Friday in Edinburgh. Kick things off with £6 comedy at The Stand's legendary Red Raw, catch some unfiltered local indie at Sneaky Pete's, or hunker down for a pint and free trad music at Sandy Bell's. Don't sleep on The Traverse for sharp, contemporary theatre if you want a more cultured evening.
This weekend · Oct 9–Oct 11
The crisp October weekend brings proper autumn energy to the city. Expect heavy bass at The Bongo Club on Friday, expertly curated indie gigs at Summerhall on Saturday, and the ultimate Sunday hangover cures via artisan street food at Stockbridge Market.
What's on tonight
Music7:00 PM
Midweek Indie Showcase
Sneaky Pete's · Cowgate
"Catch the next big Scottish indie export in a legendary sweatbox venue the size of your living room."
£10-£12Venue ↗
Music9:00 PM
Evening Folk Session
Sandy Bell's · Old Town
"Grab a malt whisky and squeeze into a corner for the most authentic, unamplified trad music in the city."
FreeVenue ↗
Theatre7:30 PM
Autumn Mainstage Play
Royal Lyceum Theatre · West End
"The Lyceum's autumn season is in full swing—perfect for a cultured Wednesday night date in a stunning Victorian auditorium."
£15-£35Venue ↗
Nightlife11:00 PM
Heatwave Club Night
Sneaky Pete's · Cowgate
"Sweat out your midweek stress with cheap entry and relentless, high-quality house and techno."
£5Venue ↗
Film8:30 PM
Independent Arthouse Screening
Cameo Cinema · Tollcross
"Grab a pint from the retro bar and settle into the plush seats for top-tier foreign language and indie cinema."
£12Venue ↗
Theatre8:00 PM
New Writing Preview
The Traverse Theatre · West End
"Scotland's powerhouse for new writing rarely misses; midweek preview nights are a cheaper way to see bold new work."
£15Venue ↗
Music11:00 PM
Late Night Jazz Session
The Jazz Bar · Old Town
"Support this recently community-saved basement gem by catching some top-tier late-night jazz."
£5Venue ↗
The weekend ahead
NightlifeFri · 11:00 PM
Bongo Club Fridays
The Bongo Club · Cowgate
"Heavy bass, jungle, and techno for those who like their clubbing dark, loud, and delightfully unpretentious."
£10Venue ↗
TheatreFri · 8:00 PM
Friday New Writing
The Traverse Theatre · West End
"Kick off the weekend with sharp, contemporary Scottish theatre at the Fringe's spiritual year-round home."
£20Venue ↗
MarketSat · 10:00 AM
Leith Market
Dock Place · Leith
"Start your Saturday right with artisan street food, locally roasted coffee, and vintage finds by the water."
Free entryVenue ↗
MusicSat · 8:00 PM
Nothing Ever Happens Here
Summerhall · Southside
"Consistently the coolest curated gig series in town, set in the old veterinary school's iconic Dissection Room."
£15-£20Venue ↗
FilmSat · 11:00 PM
Late Night Cult Cinema
Cameo Cinema · Tollcross
"A midnight movie staple for the 20-40 crowd—expect cult classics or horror with a lively, appreciative audience."
£10Venue ↗
MarketSun · 10:00 AM
Stockbridge Market
Jubilee Gardens · Stockbridge
"The ultimate Sunday ritual: grab a paella, a flat white, and some independent crafts while aggressive dog-watching."
Free entryVenue ↗
MusicSun · 3:00 PM
Sunday Afternoon Folk
Sandy Bell's · Old Town
"The perfect hangover cure: a relaxed, drop-in afternoon session of traditional Scottish tunes in a cozy pub."
FreeVenue ↗
ComedySun · 8:30 PM
Sunday Night at The Stand
The Stand Comedy Club · New Town
"A cheaper, slightly more relaxed alternative to the weekend's headline comedy shows, featuring a great mix of local pros."
£10Venue ↗
Edinburgh going-out FAQ
✦What's the best live music in Edinburgh tonight?
For sweaty indie and punk, Sneaky Pete's in the Cowgate is unmatched. For a completely different vibe, Sandy Bell's in the Old Town hosts free, unamplified traditional Scottish folk music every night.
✦Where can I find cheap comedy in Edinburgh?
Wednesday's 'Red Raw' at The Stand Comedy Club is legendary. It's a beginner and new-material night where you might see absolute car crashes or the next big thing, all for just £6. Book well in advance!
✦Any free things to do this weekend?
Leith Market on Saturday and Stockbridge Market on Sunday are perfect for free browsing and soaking up local vibes. Summerhall also offers free entry to its cutting-edge contemporary visual arts galleries.
✦What are the best LGBTQ+ friendly nights?
Paradise Palms is a superb pre-club bar with drag and cabaret elements. For later, CC Blooms is a vibrant staple, and Sneaky Pete's frequently hosts highly inclusive, queer-friendly techno and house collectives.
✦How do I get home late at night?
Lothian NightBuses are your best friend. They run past midnight across the city departing from the centre (look for the 'N' routes). Just tap your contactless card for a £3 flat fare.
✦Where's the best spot for independent films?
The Cameo Cinema in Tollcross is a beloved local institution with a great retro bar. The newly revived Filmhouse on Lothian Road is also a must-visit for arthouse, foreign, and repertory screenings.