What to do this weekend: 27-28 August

ALL WEEKEND

Edinburgh Art Festival

It's the last weekend of the festival month so make sure to make the most of it! We plan to visit some Art Festival venues which are not normally open to the public, for example the Burns Monument, the Old Royal High School or the Trinity Apse. Another cool outdoor project we checked out during last Thursday's Art Late event is called the Rust Garden - it's located at Castle Mill Works in Fountainbridge and it's going to be the home of Edinburgh Printmakers from 2019.

Richard III

Last weekend we went to see Shakespeare's Measure for Measure in Russian. Now Richard III is on at the Lyceum so I can practice my German (or rather practice reading the supertitles). The production by Berlin's Schaubuhne Theatre has pretty good reviews and you might still get lucky to get the odd ticket to one of the weekend shows.

27TH AUGUST, SATURDAY

Walk in Dean Village

Last weekend we had a lovely architectural walking tour by Olga of Cobble Tales in Dean Village. The weather was not perfect but the rain did not scare us away. After nearly 5 years of living in the 'burgh she still managed to show us hidden spots we did not know about! The walk is part of this year's Festival of Architecture events and the last festival tour will run this Saturday from 11am. If you can't make tomorrow's walk you can always book a private tour by contacting directly Olga.

28TH AUGUST, SUNDAY

Blondilox & Lululemon

Celebrate the launch of the Blondilox online store this Sunday from 10.30am at Lululemon's George Street store. Never heard of Blondilox? Better check her out if you're into porridge. Read Laura Kate's story and sign up for the Facebook event here. 

Have a nice weekend!

What to do this weekend: 20-21 August

ALL WEEKEND

Measure for Measure

Shakespeare in Russian? Adult themes and nudity? Edinburgh International Festival brings this unusual Measure for Measure performance to the Lyceum Theatre. For pre-theatre nibbles visit the lovely Mademoiselle Macaron just opposite the theatre in Grindley Street.

20TH AUGUST, SATURDAY

Hidden Gardens of the Royal Mile

We were lucky to attend this fab tour a couple of weeks ago and can only recommend it - we have been residents in the 'burgh for nearly 5 years, but the lovely Jean of Greenyonder Tours still managed to show us some hidden gems. Her hidden garden tours during the Fringe might be sold out, but she accepts private bookings or alternatively you can purchase her book online/from the Scottish Storytelling Centre and use it as a self-guided tour itinerary. Our favourite newly discovered closes/gardens include the White Horse Close, Tweeddale Court and Chessel's Court. Also worth checking out Jean's website for other tours for example Scotland's Democracy Trail.

NURonTOUR at Edinburgh Food Studio

For nearly a month, between 18 August and 10 September the Edinburgh Food Studio will be run by the chefs behind NUR Hong Kong. We are pretty excited visiting them during their first weekend in Scotland. Book in advance via book@edinburghfoodstudio.co or 0131 258 0758. The £35 set menu price is a proper bargain, given Michelin starred chefs will be cooking for you.

21ST AUGUST, SUNDAY

Secret Edinburgh at Cockenzie House

Meet Secret Edinburgh author Hannah Robinson and visit the Cockenzie House secret garden in East Lothian between 2-5pm this Sunday. By the way, did you know that their cafe is operated by Falko Konditormeister? Pretty much a guarantee for delicious German cakes and pretzels.

Have a nice weekend!

What to do this weekend: 13-14 August

ALL WEEKEND

Hendrick's Gin Bus

Hendricks gin is back at the festival after last year's pop-up success. This year you can ride a giant cucumber named HERBERT and operated by Hendrick's Ministry of Marginally Superior Transport - don't worry it's just a double decker bus painted funky cucumber green.Book a trip here.

Milk Money at Brew Lab West End

Don't be sad if you cannot get a ticket to ride HERBERT. Milk Money Drinks is having a pop-up at Brew Lab West End with craft beer, pre-mixed cocktails in cute milk bottles and fizz. 

Dram and Smoke

August's Scran Salon this Monday was hosted by Dram & Smoke at the Biscuit Factory and it's been a great success. We had the chance to taste the signature dishes they are serving at their festival pop-up - everything was so tasty but being a dessert person for us the rhubarb & custard with heather honeycomb stole the show. Looking forward to having it again when we return with Mr Enthusiast this weekend. Interested? You can buy tickets on their website £40pp including welcome drink and a 4 course tasting menu.

13TH AUGUST, SATURDAY

Local Heroes

Have you been at Edinburgh Airport recently? You might have noticed the Local Heroes pop-up promoting Scottish designers - including Karen Mabon's Rain Dance umbrella and the Nummer Wans print by Warriors Studio. They also have a pop-up in town, visit the G&V Royal Mile Hotel to pick up their free catalogue. Check out Local Heroes' website and sign up for one of their events happening this Saturday at Codebase.

Art Early

Edinburgh Art Festival has launched a specially programmed art event for families this year, called Art Early. The event is free, but booking via Eventbrite is essential. Three venues will be involved: the Fruitmarket Gallery, Talbot Rice Gallery and Dovecot Gallery. Check out also the Art Festival's weekly Art Late programme and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Bourbon Launch Party

We were lucky to attend this Friday's press launch party thanks to the lovely Bourbon people. We are delighted to announce that our favourite Ninja Buns are back in the 'burgh with other tasty treats. Not sure how we survived 8 full months without Ninja Buns since they moved out of Paradise Palms. They also developed a new bar snacks menu: the Korean fried cauliflower is amazing - even Mr Enthusiast (who otherwise would not go anywhere near cauliflower) loved this. 

14TH AUGUST, SUNDAY

Pekoetea Stockbridge Moving Out Sale

You might have read that sadly Pekoe Tea is closing the doors of their Stockbridge shop to concentrate on their original Tollcross tearoom. We were frequent visitors at Pekoetea Stockbridge for a Sunday matcha so will definitely pop in during the last couple of days to stock up on our favourite green tea.

Have a nice weekend!

What to do this weekend: 6-7 August

ALL WEEKEND

Coburg Open Studios

Visit the Coburg House Art Studios and Gallery in Leith for their Summer Open Studios event: 50 studios open to the public showing works by 80 artists, including lovely papercuts by Emily Hogarth. We have plenty of wallspace free in the bathroom but Mr Enthusiast needs some convincing on this idea.

Foodies Festival

A must event for foodies in Inverleith Park - there will be street food, cookery demonstrations, live music and Fringe performers. Time to check out our favourite chefs at the Chef's Theatre: Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honore and Stuart Ralston of Aizle. The chilli eating competition on both days at 17.30 at the Cake&Bake Theatre sounds like fun (to watch). Finally the Drinks Theatre will keep beer enthusiasts, wine lovers and whisky fans happy. Learn more here.

6TH AUGUST, SATURDAY

Little Sparta Stonypath Days

The secret garden of Little Sparta will be hosting a garden party this Saturday. There will be tours and buffet lunch. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. If you don't have a car, you can book return transport by bus starting at 10am beside Jenners.

Nemoralia

Nemoralia is a one-off art performance by artist Alexa Hare at the grounds of Jupiter Artland, followed by a food and drinks reception by Paleo Futurists. More info here, also there is a free bus service from the Ingliston tram stop - advance booking required though as places are limited.

7TH AUGUST, SUNDAY

Deep Time

What is Deep Time, apart from the fact that it's the title of the Edinburgh International Festival launch event this Sunday? Have a look at artist Graeme Mcnee's cute illustrations to learn more about James Hutton and the history of Deep Time.

If you have not booked your free tickets yet, you still have a chance - this means an early wake up on Saturday to queue for tickets at the Hub, but we think it's totally worth it. Alternatively you can join Mademoiselle Macaron's private party for a small fee, enjoy complimentary macarons and drinks by Milk Money. Book via Eventbrite.

Have a nice weekend and enjoy the start of the festival season!