Seven things to do in Scotland this week
Pop these dates in your diary… here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in Scotland this week.
Ideal Home Show Scotland
Get plenty of interior inspo at the Ideal Home Show Scotland, which arrives in Glasgow this Friday. Whether you’re on the hunt for on-trend decor or want to learn more about the latest smart home technology, the exhibition brings together hundreds of top brands - from high street favourites to independent Scottish retailers.
As well as talks from the experts, Ideal Roomsets to explore and exhibitor stalls, visitors can also tuck into local artisan produce at the Eat & Drink Festival to complete the day out.
If you’re planning on heading along this weekend, click here to order tickets and use the code HOODFREE to claim a pair of free tickets on us!
May 24-27, tickets £13, SEC Glasgow, G3 8YW - idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk
Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival
The Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival returns to the capital this weekend, with a bigger and better line-up than ever before. Sample your way around 40 different brewers, with everything from local favourites like 6° North and Fierce Beer to global craft breweries including Norway’s Lervig and Firestone Walker from the USA. And the best part? Your ticket price includes all your beer!
For those who aren’t beer drinkers, there are also plenty of craft sodas, wines and ciders to try, plus food from top vendors including Aizle, Harajuku Kitchen and the Buffalo Truck. Also look out for the music stage to see sets from Belle & Sebastian, DJ Yoda, Hip Hop Karaoke and Gentleman’s Dub Club Sound System.
May 24-25, tickets £45, The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, EH6 5NP - edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
Grampian Pride
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Grampian Pride, a special one-day event highlighting Aberdeen’s LGBT+ community and history. As well as celebrating the achievements and lives of LGBT individuals and creating a future of acceptance and tolerance, Grampian Pride is also a great opportunity to have some fun.
Following a colourful parade along Union Street, visitors will be able to join in the festivities at the Pride Village down at the beach, complete with live entertainment, stalls and fun for the whole family.
May 25, Aberdeen - grampianpride.org
Platform Food & Makers Market
The Argyle Street Arches are sure to be Glasgow’s must-visit weekend hangout, as the Platform Food & Makers Market becomes a weekly feature. As of this weekend, the popular foodie market will be joined by a new retro clothing and accessories section, B’s Vintage @ Platform.
The market is packed with lots of local suppliers, selling produce and handmade crafts, serving up street food and even hosting workshops where you can learn how to arrange flowers, watch a cooking demo or make something for your home. Traders to look out for include The Keddar Cheese Co, Madamoiselle Macaron, Kintyre Smokehouse, Aye Pickled, Little Dot Creations, Hakon Clothing, Nautical & Nice, Studio Tellin and many more.
May 26, Argyle Street Arches, Glasgow, G2 8DL - facebook.com/PLATFORMgla
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Put your fitness to the test at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, with nine different events to choose from for runners of all ages and abilities. The marathon itself takes place on Saturday, with a fantastically scenic route which takes in the city’s Old Town and some of its most iconic landmarks - including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish Parliament - before heading out to the coast and finishing up near Musselburgh.
If a whole marathon is a bit much to manage, there’s also a half marathon, 10k, 5k, team relay and various children’s routes. Entries close on Friday, so get your running shoes on - why not run on behalf of a charity and raise money at the same time?
May 25-26, Edinburgh - edinburghmarathon.com
Perth Festival of the Arts
Music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts all come together at the 10-day long Perth Festival of the Arts. This year’s line-up has something for everyone, from live performances of Horrible Histories to get the whole family laughing, to music from rising star Lewis Capaldi.
The festival runs until Saturday, so there’s still plenty of time to head along - whether you fancy a night at the theatre or a foot-stomping gig. Look out for a performance from Hue and Cry on Tuesday 21 and the Contemporary Music Showcase on Wednesday 22, featuring music from students of the Perth College UHI Popular Music Department.
Until May 25, Perth - perthfestival.co.uk
Dirty Dancing
Everyone’s favourite ‘80s chick flick is now a smash hit musical, and you can catch it in Glasgow this week. Following two West End runs and two UK Tours, the classic story of Baby and Johnny is back, featuring the hit songs ‘Do You Love Me?', ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’ and more.
The story needs no introduction, so grab your girlfriends and book some tickets now - you’re sure to find yourself singing along in no time.