What’s on Edinburgh summer 2026: Check out events at this budget-friendly super-cool venue & beer garden

placeholder image — Kick Ass Hostel | Supplied

A summer season of friendly and fun events is in store at this unique Edinburgh venue – complete with castle views and beer garden.

From whisky tastings to cooking demos, World cup screenings to bar crawls, Karaoke nights to Whisky flights, this is the place to head for by those in the know, or anyone new to the city.

Edinburgh residents will often avoid the most touristy areas – especially in summer – but this is one venue which offers a budget-friendly night out for locals and visitors alike, and it’s right in the heart of our historic capital city.

Kick Ass Hostels runs two modern hostels at either end of Grassmarket –one across from the Castle and Greyfriars Hostel, at the opposite end of the square, with a third due to reopen soon.

Here you can you enjoy the summer sun in a gorgeous beer garden with superb castle views, sipping premium drinks at budget-friendly prices, enjoying great food and company.

What’s on Summer 2026

There’s a packed programme of organised events designed to enjoy with friends or to offer a chance to meet new people – and you don’t have to be staying here to enjoy the food and drink or sign up for any of the events, so it’s ideal for locals.

This year’s World Cup is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great sporting moments with friends – or indulge in some friendly rivalry with supporters of other nations.

With big TVs inside and in the beer garden at Greyfriars Hostel you need never miss a major sporting event. And with Scotland in the World Cup this year, you can expect plenty of flags, balloons and a footie-themed party atmosphere out as Kick Ass Hostels joins the rest of the country with football fever.

If you like Italian food you’ll love this. Live cooking demonstrations are lined up for the beer garden this summer. San Ciros is a well-known Italian restaurant in Edinburgh, and its chef Ciro, a Naples native, will be sharing his skills and knowledge at live demos, cooking up some traditional Neopolitan dishes including aranchini balls and potato and cheese croquettes

Why not get into the spirit and order up an Aperol Spritz, a cheeky Italian red, or a thirst-quenching Peroni and enjoy a little taste of Italy. And of course you’ll be able to try them for yourself with a portion of either for just £5 to enjoy indoors, out in the garden or even as a carryout – fillings will vary but there will always be vegetarian options.

And when Edinburgh Fringe takes over the city in August there will be some live Fringe events right here to enjoy.

Daily programme of events

There’s something for Edinburgh’s residents to enjoy here every day, with events kicking off around 8pm. They include:

· Pub crawl of six bars* – Every day except Wednesdays and Sundays

· Whisky Tasting – Learn your malts with this six-dram tutored tasting every Tuesday night

· Quiz Night – Everyone loves a pub quiz and this free event happens every Wednesday – the winning team gets a tab at the bar.

· Karaoke – Sing your heart out to your favourite tune every Sunday

Events are bookable through the hostels or via the website.

Premium experience, budget-friendly prices

The Grassmarket Hostel has a variety of accommodation and communal areas, including a café and a chill-out area with a breath-taking view of Edinburgh Castle, whilst the Greyfriars Hostel and bar is an ideal spot to enjoy inexpensive meal or a few drinks.

Its new summer menu also includes matcha, iced lattes, Dubai style iced chocolate and cocktails and all at competitive prices – the price of a pint could be a pleasant surprise here.

With light bits from £5 upwards you can grab a snack such as fries or mozzarella sticks or something more substantial such as fish and chips or their infamous “Kick Ass burger” and it won’t break the bank.

Linger longer

The hostels offer private accommodation or shared rooms –whether it’s bunks for four or a room for 30. They also have pods for those who don’t want to sacrifice privacy for budget.

Popular with the 18-30 age bracket the hostels are welcoming to everyone and all ages. Communal areas, including the bar, and chill out zone (accessed via a spiral staircase) offer comfy sofas and board games, or a quieter space for digital nomads to get to work, publish their posts or catch up with socials and friends online.

Find out more about the hostels, the bar and events by visiting the website here

*#BeDrinkAware