Culture, Sunshine and Outdoor Adventures

May marks the beginning of Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural season – and it’s a beautiful time to be in the city! The parks are turning vibrant green, cherry blossoms are blooming and in the evenings there is light until 9pm. Whether you’re hiking up Arthur’s Seat, enjoying a peaceful walk in Princes Street Gardens or chatting with friends in the evening light, it’s the perfect moment to combine learning English with experiencing Scottish culture.

This month, Edinburgh is buzzing with exciting events. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

🎉 What’s On in May

  • Whisky Month (1–31 May): Celebrate Scotland’s most famous drink with tastings, tours and special events across the city. A great way to explore local history and vocabulary at the same time!
  • TradFest Edinburgh (2–12 May): Enjoy traditional music, storytelling and folk culture in venues all over Edinburgh – a fantastic way to experience Scotland’s roots.
  • Porty Festival (10–11 May): Head to Portobello for a weekend of community spirit, local food, music and family-friendly fun by the sea.
  • Pint of Science Festival (19–21 May): Love science? These relaxed, engaging talks take place in pubs and cafés, making complex topics accessible – and entertaining!
  • Edinburgh Marathon Festival (24–25 May): Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, this energetic weekend brings together athletes from around the world for races of all distances.

🏃‍♂️ Sports & Outdoor Fun

Let’s talk about Scottish sport! Football (that’s soccer to some) and rugby are always popular, with passionate fans and thrilling matches. But have you heard of shinty? It’s a fast-paced traditional game you might not know yet – come and find out!

What is shinty?

Would you like to play this sport?

Highland Games

For something truly Scottish, try visiting some Highland Games. These energetic festivals feature bagpipes, dancing and unique events like tossing the caber. It’s an unforgettable cultural experience, especially if you’re looking for a fun day out. There are Highland Games all over Scotland check out the places and dates for this summer here.

Highland Games

Have you tried any of the activities?

Language Tip:

Attending local events is a great way to practise your listening and speaking skills in real situations. Don’t be shy – chat with people, ask questions and enjoy the moment. Every conversation is a learning opportunity and you never know who you might meet. Last year some of our ECS Scotland students even bumped into the King and Queen.

Visit our free lesson on natural interaction to see how to improve your speaking in English.