If autumn in Edinburgh wasn’t already magical enough, October just levelled up. Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 is officially back. It runs from Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 12 October. This year’s programme proves why it’s the UK’s leading cocktail festival. Imagine ten days filled with £5 cocktails. Picture more than 100 participating bars. There’s also a brand-new Street Food Market. Enjoy dog-friendly afternoons. Don’t miss the seriously Instagrammable Cocktail Village at Festival Square.
Basically, it’s the city’s biggest excuse to sip, stroll, and socialise—and you’re invited.
Why Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 is a must-do
The Cocktail Village at Festival Square
The beating heart of the festival, Cocktail Village, is back with a glow-up. Expect a record 24 pop-up bars. Each will pour at least two £5 signature cocktails. Enjoy live music from DJs and local artists. There will be more seating than ever, 60% more to be exact. This year also introduces an outdoor drinks terrace with castle views. You will also find a cosy Village Pub zone complete with trad music, darts, and board games. And the best part? It’s officially dog-friendly on weekdays. Yes, you can sip an espresso martini while your pup makes friends.
Over 100 Edinburgh bars joining the fun
Beyond Festival Square, over 100 bars in the city will be shaking and stirring cocktails. They’ll serve their best creations for just £5. Enjoy chic speakeasies and cocktail institutions like The Dome, Tigerlily, and The Alchemist this week. You can also explore trendy new arrivals such as BABA, Bar Uno, and Pizza Pilgrims. It’s the ultimate bar-hopping experience.
Prestige Cocktails: treat yourself
If you’re in the mood to level up, don’t miss the Prestige Cocktails collection. For £9, you can enjoy elevated serves crafted by award-winning bartenders. These drinks are available at hot spots like Panda & Sons, which was recently crowned with the World’s Best Cocktail Menu. Other locations include The Hoxton, Lucky Liquor, and Lady Libertine. These drinks aren’t just cocktails—they’re art in a glass.
Foodie debut: Street Food Market
Cocktails taste even better with food, and 2025 marks the debut of the Street Food Market at Cocktail Village. Expect crowd-pleasers from Dough La La, Truck Sri, and The Wee Taqueria—all serving up treats to keep you fuelled between sips.
Wristbands: your golden ticket
To access £5 cocktails and the Cocktail Village, you’ll need a wristband. Prices are super reasonable, especially considering the savings:
| Wristband Type | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend 1 | Fri 3–Sun 5 Oct | £12.50 |
| Weekday | Mon 6–Thu 9 Oct | £8 |
| Weekend 2 | Fri 10–Sun 12 Oct | £12.50 |
| Ten-Day Pass | Fri 3–Sun 12 Oct | £18 |
How it works:
- Buy online at edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk.
- Collect your wristband at Festival Square Box Office from Thu 2 October onwards (open 10 am–11 pm, Sundays till 8 pm).
- Flash it at participating bars for access to £5 cocktails, Prestige Cocktails, and entry to Cocktail Village.
Student deal: Score a weekday wristband for just £5 (valid all ten days with ID). Affordable cocktails + student discount = best study break ever.
Why you’ll love it
- It’s incredible value: £5 cocktails across the city plus a £9 Prestige range.
- It’s social and inclusive: whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just here for the vibes, there’s something for everyone.
- It’s Insta-ready: castle backdrops, neon lights, and colourful cocktails begging to be snapped.
- It’s a tradition: with more than 25,000 visitors expected, you’ll be part of Edinburgh’s annual cocktail culture moment.
- It’s flexible: pick a weekend, a weekday, or go all in with the Ten-Day Pass.
Tips for making the most of ECW 2025
- Plan your route: with 100+ bars, narrowing it down is key. Start with the Cocktail Village, then branch out.
- Try something new: from Hendrick’s Gin to 818 Tequila. Bars will be showcasing unique serves. You won’t find these on a regular night out.
- Eat while you sip: hit up the Street Food Market or swing by the food trucks.
- Bring your dog (weekdays only): furry friends are welcome at Cocktail Village, so your pup doesn’t miss out.
- Don’t wait to book: wristbands sell fast, and you don’t want FOMO when your feed fills with £5 cocktail snaps.
The final shake
Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 isn’t just another festival. It’s ten days of creativity, community, and cocktails. Whether you’re in it for the £5 classics, Prestige experiments, or just the buzz of Festival Square, there’s something for everyone.
So grab your wristband, text your cocktail crew, and get ready to sip your way through Scotland’s capital. Trust us, this is the autumn glow-up you’ll want on your calendar.
Book your wristbands now at edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk.
