Edinburgh has a vibrant vegan scene, with lots of events happening in Scotland’s capital. Whether you’re into activism, supper clubs or just fancy a browse around a vegan-friendly market, there is pretty much something for everyone.
Scottish Vegan Festival
Sunday 23 April, 10am – 5pm
The O2 Academy (AKA Corn Exchange), 10-11 New Market Road, Edinburgh EH14 1RJ
The Scottish Vegan Festival is returning to Edinburgh on Sunday 2nd April 2023 for an event hosting all-vegan stalls selling food, drinks, crafts, clothes, cosmetics, and gifts as well as stalls and talks from other animal rights charities and speakers.
VIP tickets are available from scottishveganfestival.com for £15. These come with early entry, a goodie bag, and help to support Farplace Animal Rescue even more
Standard tickets are £4 and are available in advance on the website or on the door. Under-16’s go free.
All profits raised by the festival go directly to Farplace Animal Rescue, a no-kill animal sanctuary.
Leith Vegan Quarter and other street food markets
Grab a treat for yourself at the Leith Market Vegan Quarter on the first Saturday of every month, 10am to 4pm. Previous stallholders include Faceplant Foods, Herbivore Kitchen, Rawsmary, Planet Kuku, Vegan Tipples, Sly Fox and many many more.
Of course, that’s not to say Leith Market isn’t vegan-friendly the rest of the month. In fact, there are normally at least two or three vegan-friendly vendors at their market every Saturday. Check the Leith Market website for this week’s traders.
The same company At The Market also runs the Grassmarket and Stockbridge Markets. They don’t make as big a fuss about vegans at these markets, but options are still there. It’s also worth noting that all of these markets are free to enter, and are on every weekend all year round.
During the spring and summer, you can also visit The Pitt at its purpose-built location in Granton. While it’s not completely vegan, you can always count on there being at least a few vegan options to choose from.
Vegan Tipples Wine Tasting
First Friday of the month
24 Forth Street, Edinburgh EH1 3LH
Join Susan from Vegan Tipples for some vegan wine tasting. This fun, intimate evening includes tasting six vegan wines, with lots of nibbles to enjoy on the side. And all for a ticket price of just £15.
Email Sue directly to book. Follow Vegan Tipples on Facebook or Instagram to be the first to find out the next date!
Kimchi & Kraut Masterclass
Second Sunday of the month, 1pm
Edinburgh Fermentarium, Leith Pilates, 3 Queen Charlotte Lane Edinburgh EH6 6AY
The aim of this workshop is for participants to learn how to make kraut and kimchi and how to feel confident to make them at home – a brilliant use of leftover veggies!
The Edinburgh Fermentarium founder, Ruth Munro, will introduce participants to the delicious and nutritious world of fermented vegetables. The techniques you will learn have been used for centuries across the world – and the result is a tangy treat that not only packs a punch in the flavour department but is full of health-promoting nutrients and bacteria.
Participants will make their own Kraut and Kimchi to take home and ferment, with various optional ingredients for a personalised and seasonal twist. There will also be tasters of fermented food and drinks.
More information and book on Eventbrite.
Vegan Rum and Doughnuts
Every second Friday, 7pm to 8.30pm
Summerhall Drinks Lab, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Join the experts from Summerhall Drinks Lab on a sweet voyage around the world of rum and doughnuts. Indulge your sweet tooth and taste rum from Scotland and the rest of the world, perfectly paired with delicious plant-based doughnuts from Considerit Chocolate.
You’ll start by shaking up a tasty rum cocktail, and over the course of an hour you’ll discover a range of delicious rum and doughnut pairings, learn about the interesting, complex and often controversial history of rum, and Scotland’s role in its global trade. Your rum and doughnuts will come pre-boxed, so any leftovers are yours to take home.
Find out more and book on the Summerhall Drinks Lab website.
If you want your vegan event listed on this page, drop me a line!