If your idea of a good time includes galleries, gigs, crafts, or getting inspired by local talent, you’re in the right place. Edinburgh isn’t just a student city, it’s a cultural capital, and Welcome Week is the perfect time to dive in. Whether you're a creator, a performer, or just someone who loves the buzz of a good exhibition or open mic night, this guide is for you.
Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) has curated a range of artsy, expressive, and culture-filled events to help you meet fellow creatives, get involved in campus life, and explore the city's rich cultural scene, from historic landmarks to hidden gems.
So, bring your curiosity, your sketchbook, or your camera and let’s get inspired.
Saturday, 5th September
Coffee & Book Crawl, 2pm @ Uplands Roast
Grab your comfiest shoes and get ready to discover Edinburgh's cosiest bookshops and cafes - it's time for a book crawl! We’ll be kicking things off at Uplands Roast with a hot drink in hand, then heading on a guided wander through the city’s iconic sights, stopping in at the coolest bookshops Edinburgh has to offer.
Click here for free tickets!
Monday, 7th September
Sighthill Garden Party, 1pm @ Sighthill Campus
Sighthill, get ready to celebrate the start of uni with your students' union, ENSA! Expect an exciting afternoon with lawn games, alpacas, ice cream, painting and a chill space to hang out and make new friends at your campus. This event is open to students at any campus, but Sighthill students are especially welcome!
Please note this event is not the same scale as Napier Fest, and we encourage all students to join us for that as well.
Click here for free tickets!
An Evening at The Edinburgh Bookshop, 6:30pm @ The Edinburgh Bookshop
Get ready for a cosy private shopping event for Napier students at The Edinburgh Bookshop, just round the corner from our Merchiston Campus. The bookshop is yours to explore. Please note that spaces are limited, so make sure you grab a ticket. Any books purchased are at your own expense.
Click here for free tickets!
Tuesday, 8th September
Welcome Fair, 10am-3pm @Corn Exchange
Don’t miss Scotland’s biggest Welcome Fair, the ultimate place to kickstart your active student life at Napier! With around 150 stalls to explore, you’ll find exclusive deals, freebies, and the inside scoop on all the sports clubs and societies waiting for you. Whether you’re into creative arts, reading, or just want to find something new, this is your chance to meet the people behind Napier’s societies, ask questions, and discover how to get involved.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant, active side of Napier and make the most of everything student life has to offer!
Click here for free tickets.
Napier Ceilidh, 8pm @ Ghillie Dhu
Don yer kilts and fancy dresses, it's time for a ceilidh! Come along for an elegant night of Scottish music and dance - don't worry, we'll teach you all the steps!
Taking place at the famous Ghillie Dhu ceilidh venue, expect fantastic live music, gorgeous decor and an in-house bar, including a welcome drink (soft drink for those under 18). Whether this is your first ceilidh or you've been learning the steps since you were old enough to walk, everybody is welcome at this event!
Click here for tickets.
Wednesday, 9th September
Napier Fest, 1pm @Craiglockhart Lawn
Start the academic year with a burst of colour, creativity, and connection! Join your Students' Association for an afternoon of carnival-inspired fun—featuring inflatables, nostalgic games, a petting zoo, candy floss, and more.
This playful event captures the spirit of student life and offers a great way to explore campus culture, meet new people, and enjoy a lively, atmosphere that celebrates expression and community.
Click here for free tickets!
Drag Bingo, 7pm @ Three Sisters Live Room
This isn't your grandma's bingo night, babe; join us for a night of fierce competition and slay the night away with a bingo sesh hosted by Lacy Rain - guaranteed to eat with no crumbs. Whether you’re a fresher still finding your crew or a third-year who needs a wild midweek, this is everyone’s moment to shine.
Click here for tickets!
Thursday, 10th September
NSFF Film Screening, 3pm @B55 Merchiston Campus
Looking for a cozy, creative activity? Settle in for an afternoon of student-made cinema at our Film Festival Night! We’ll be showcasing a selection of standout short films from the Napier Student Film Festival, featuring works by talented Napier students as well as winners from other institutions.
This is your chance to get comfortable, enjoy some popcorn, and maybe even get inspired to create your own masterpiece!
Click here for free tickets (hybrid event)
Friday, 11th September
Culture Crawl, 1pm @ National Gallery, The Mound
Join us for a day of exploring some of the city’s most vibrant museums and galleries, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh. We will be starting at the National Gallery, then exploring the Fruitmarket Gallery and the National Museum, with a stop at Black Medicine for coffee along the way!
This free, open-to-all event is perfect for art lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about Edinburgh’s cultural gems. Come alone or bring your pals and comfortable shoes!
Click here for free tickets.
Edinburgh Castle Visit, 3pm @Edinburgh Castle
Explore Edinburgh Castle with a small group of other Napier students and learn about exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
Click here for tickets.
Sip & Paint, 6:30pm @ Teviot
Get creative over a drink! Whether you're an aspiring artist or just looking to unwind and meet other students, this event promises a chill evening of fun. Canvases, paint, and brushes will be provided as part of your ticket.
Click here for tickets!
Saturday, 12th September
Pitlochry Highland Games, 8am @ Merchiston Campus
Experience the traditions of Scotland at the Pitlochry Highland Games!
Join us for a day trip to Pitlochry, 70 miles north of Edinburgh, for a day filled with traditional Scottish festivities, a huge bagpipe and drums parade, sports competitions like 'tossing the caber', Highland dancing, and traditional food!
Click here for tickets.
Craft Club (Bring Your Own Craft with Girls Craft Club), 10am @ Levels Cafe
Hosted by the Girls Craft Club Edinburgh, come along for a relaxed session to hang out with other crafters and work on any creative project you've got. This space is for everything from drawing to scrapbooking, knitting to painting - if it's creative, bring it along! Coffee and food are available from the cafe at your own expense.
Click here for tickets!
Sunday, 13th September
Charity Shop Crawl, 2pm @ Potterrow
Get ready for an afternoon of awesome finds and hidden gems, filling in the bits of your wardrobe you forgot to bring with you. The route involves a short walk in a student-dense area, so you're guaranteed to find some exciting, trending pieces!
Click here for free tickets.
photo of a petting zoo at Napier Fest.
Enjoy Welcome Week and let us know in the comments if there is an event you think is missing and you would like us to host!
Click here for the full programme.