Ten Days of Cocktails, Pop-Ups & Events: Friday 2nd — Sunday 11th October 2026
Now in its ninth year, Edinburgh Cocktail Week has grown into the UK’s leading cocktail festival — ten days each October when a single wristband unlocks £6 Signature Cocktails at more than 120 of the city’s best bars, plus free entry to the Cocktail Village, a pop-up “clubhouse for cocktail lovers” in the heart of the West End.
Whether you’re building a full festival weekend around it or just fancy a well-made Espresso Martini on the way home from work, here’s everything you need to plan your visit.
How the Wristband Works
£6
Signature Cocktails
Unlimited access to £6 Signature Cocktails at 120+ participating bars across the city, each created for the festival in partnership with a premium spirit brand.
See the bar list →
£9
Prestige Cocktails
Sip on Prestige Cocktails at a handful of five-star venues across the capital, each serve created exclusively by Edinburgh’s award-winning mixologists.
See the bar list →
Free
Cocktail Village Entry
Your wristband also grants free entry to the Cocktail Village at Festival Square — 25 pop-up bars, live music, DJs, street food and lawn games.
Wristbands are sold via Edinburgh Cocktail Week’s official ticketing partner, Citizen Ticket. Prices and bar line-ups are correct at time of writing and subject to change by the organiser.
The Cocktail Village at Festival Square
The bustling social hub of Edinburgh Cocktail Week, the Cocktail Village is the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike every October. Expect 25 pop-up bars — think Grey Goose Vodka, Teremana Tequila, Crossfire Rum, Moët & Chandon, Guinness, Tito’s and more — pouring cocktails from £6, alongside live music, DJ sets, street food traders and a proper champagne bar.
Location: Festival Square, Edinburgh
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm daily (8pm close Sundays)
Entry: Free with a festival wristband
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Edinburgh
Edinburgh Cocktail Week’s official travel partner is Lumo, running direct low-cost rail services into Edinburgh Waverley — a short walk from Festival Square and the festival bars.
Best Time to Buy
Wristbands are sold in tiered batches and typically rise in price closer to the festival, so it’s worth booking early — especially for weekend dates, which sell out first.
Make a Weekend of It
October in Edinburgh pairs well with a wider city break — pair your wristband with a look at the city’s hidden speakeasy bars or a stay in one of our favourite neighbourhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2026?
The festival runs for ten days, from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 11th October 2026.
Do I need a ticket for every bar, or just one wristband?
Just one wristband. It covers £6 Signature Cocktails at all participating bars across the city for the full ten days, plus free entry to the Cocktail Village.
Is the Cocktail Village included in the wristband price?
Yes — entry to the Cocktail Village at Festival Square is free once you have a wristband.
How many bars take part?
Over 120 bars across Edinburgh take part in 2026, alongside a smaller selection of five-star venues serving Prestige Cocktails.
Ready for Edinburgh Cocktail Week?
Secure your wristband for £6 cocktails at 120+ bars and free entry to the Cocktail Village.