What’s Happening in East Lothian This Summer? Your Guide to Summer Events Across the Region
Planning a summer trip to East Lothian? June, July and August are some of the best months to visit, with the region packed full of festivals, gala days, live music, sporting events and community celebrations.
From events in North Berwick to countryside shows in Haddington and family-friendly events in Musselburgh and Dunbar, there’s something happening almost every weekend across East Lothian this summer.
Here’s a list of some amazing events and goings-on across the region.
Dirleton Fete & Games (20 June) – Traditional fete with baking and growing competitions, dog shows, beat‑the‑goalie, bouncy castles, classic cars and more.
Harbour Hoolie (21 June) – Outdoor live event at North Berwick Harbour with Ceilidh Dancing, Fire Performance, huge Sea Shanty singalong and headlining Dlù.
Summer Solstice Yoga & Art (21 June) – Mindful beachcombing, mandala‑making, yoga and meditation on Belhaven Beach to welcome summer.
Haddington Show (27 June) – Long‑running agricultural show with livestock classes, crafts, food and entertainment.
Wee Fair Makers Market (28 June) – Monthly artisan market in Tyninghame Village Hall supporting the MADE in East Lothian initiative, featuring locally crafted goods.
Leuchie Lighthouse Trail (1 July – 21 Aug) – Fifteen full‑size lighthouse sculptures appear around North Berwick, celebrating the 15th anniversary of Leuchie and raising funds for people with neurological conditions.
Genesis Scottish Open (8 – 12 July) – Stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy compete at The Renaissance Club; expect strong fields and lively fan‑zone entertainment.
Exclusively Highlands Artisan Market (10 July) – Gosford House hosts an indoor/outdoor market featuring lovingly crafted Scottish art and handmade products.
European Land Art Festival & Stone Stacking Championships (14 – 19 July) – Artists create land art from natural materials on Dunbar’s beaches and woods; the weekend culminates in stone‑stacking competitions.
East Lothian Open Tennis Tournament (19 – 25 July) – Scotland’s largest open tennis event draws more than 500 players across 40 events in multiple towns; spectators are welcome.
North Berwick Law Race (29 July) – A true East Lothian classic. Runners race from North Berwick Harbour to the top of the iconic Law and back down again, with locals lining the route to cheer them on. A tough climb, brilliant atmosphere and a much-loved summer tradition.
Evans Family Funfair (24 July – 1 Aug) – Travelling funfair sets up in Gullane with rides and amusements for all ages.
Fringe by the Sea (31 July – 9 Aug) – Ten‑day festival in North Berwick with over 250 comedy, music, book and foodie events. A real highlight of the summer with something for everyone to enjoy.
Oldhamstocks Flower Show & Hill Race (15 Aug) – Village flower show accompanied by a 6.5 km hill race that climbs 200 m through the Lammermuir Hills.
Scottish Half Marathon & 10 k (16 Aug) – Flat, coastal running event taking participants from Tranent to Musselburgh along the East Lothian Golf Coast.
Open‑air Theatre: The Pirates of Penzance (16 Aug) – Illyria Theatre stages Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta outdoors in Stenton; bring a picnic.
Nae Bad Beer Fest (28 Aug) – Craft‑beer festival at Dunbar’s Station Yard featuring Scottish brewers, food trucks and live music.
East Lothian Triathlon Festival (30 Aug) – Multisport event in Haddington with sprint, duathlon and novice options on quiet roads and riverside paths.
Monthly Markets – Haddington Farmers’ Market runs on the last Saturday of each month, while North Berwick’s Harbour Market takes place on the second Saturday
From world-class sporting events to village traditions that have been running for generations, this is just a snippet of what East Lothian has to offer. Whatever your idea of a perfect summer day looks like, chances are you’ll find it here.
