1. Jurassic Kingdom Glasgow
Botanic Gardens, Saturday until September 10
THIRTY full-scale prehistoric creatures will be lurking in the west end park as the UK-wide dinosaur tour stops off in Scotland. The outdoor animatronic dino-tour with snarling jaws, moving eyes, swaying tails and roaring sound effects will make a great day out for people of all ages. Tickets are in high demand so book early. The event will run daily from 10am to 6pm, last entry 5pm.
Tickets prices vary and online booking is recommended. Visit jurassickingdom.uk/glasgow for more information.
2. Beyond Borders International Festival
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Saturday and Sunday
Aiming to create a vibrant international platform within Scotland, this year’s event features a host of local and international artists, writers, journalists, politicians, and diplomats for a weekend of panel debates and discussions. The event will also incorporate poetry readings, music, art, film, walks, and cycle rides in the beautiful surroundings. Historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes will talk about her latest book, while journalist and broadcaster Angus Roxburgh discusses his memoirs and perspective on Russia.
Ticket prices vary. Visit beyondbordersscotland.acom to book and to see the complete schedule of events.
3. Acelere by Circolombia
Underbelly Circus Hub, Edinburgh, until Sunday
Direct from the Colombian capital, and one of the more popular shows at this year’s Fringe, company Circolombia promises to be no ordinary circus. The sheer power of a dozen performers with mind-boggling skill and a willingness to take terrifying risk, delivers world-class, gravity-defying performances guaranteed to stay with audiences long after the show’s over.
Tickets are £19.50, plus booking fee. Book at tickets.edfringe.com.
4. Cocktails in the City
The Briggait, Glasgow, tomorrow
Celebrating the rich diversity and quality of Glasgow’s vibrant cocktail culture, the UK’s leading cocktail event arrives in the city for the first time. Mixing together some of the finest bars in pop-up form under one roof – from the east end to the west – guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of the UK’s leading bartenders to discover something new and to raise a glass to the art of the mixed drink. Fourteen bars, from secret speakeasies to party bars to restaurant bars and five star hotels, are set to be in attendance all under the one roof.
Tickets are £13.20, with booking fee, and include a welcome drink. Visit cocktailsinthecity.com to book.
5. The Pearl Fishers
Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, tomorrow
Opera Bohemia, an up-and-coming opera group based in Scotland, have been taking French composer Georges Bizet’s moving tale around the country over the past month. Set in Ceylon, two men’s vow of friendship is threatened by their obsession with the same woman, a beautiful priestess, who battles to suppress her feelings of love in order to uphold her sacred oath. The star-studded cast is led by Monica McGhee, who was part of the internationally successful opera group, Amore. Welsh tenor Thomas Kinch takes the role of Nadir, with Scotland’s Douglas Nairne and Michael MacKinnon as Zurga and Nourabad. Featuring opera’s most famous duet, this magical production is not to be missed. In French with English subtitles.
Tickets cost between £6 and £15, plus booking fee. Book at beaconartscentre.co.uk Production then moves onto Aberdeen Arts Centre on Saturday.
6. Aberdeen Booked! Festival
Aberdeen Arts Centre, today and tomorrow
Celebrating words and stories where international authors share the stage with some of best local writers, the event is back after a successful run last summer. Bringing the buzz of the Edinburgh International Book Festival to the city, alongside two days of free sessions for local schools, there are also great events for both timid readers and book lovers alike. Bringing together crime fiction events, the festival will also showcase local voices featuring writers from the north-east.
Events are a mixture of free and priced. Head to booked.edbookfest.co.uk for more information.
7. Beer Makes Glasgow
Glasgow School of Art, tomorrow and Saturday
Following the cancellation of the Great Scottish Beer Celebration (GSBC), after organiser Hippo Beers Ltd went into liquidation, a small group of brewers and beer enthusiasts have stepped in to save the day, allowing fans of the drink to sample the best of Scottish craft beer. There will be four sessions held across the two days.
Tickets cost £9 per session and can be booked via bookitbee.com. All profits will be donated to the Drumchapel Food Bank. GSBC ticket-holders will get in with their existing tickets. Email beermakesglasgow@gmail.com for more details.
8. Canteen Street Food Festival
Archerfield Walled Garden, Dirleton, Saturday
As East Lothian’s only street food festival featuring a selection of the UK’s most acclaimed traders, organisers have created a family-friendly carnival atmosphere within the restored 18th century venue. There are more than a dozen acclaimed food traders, an open-air bar, resident DJs, acres of gardens to explore, a Fairy Trail and play area for children as well as a gift shop and food market supporting local producers in what will be a perfect day trip for foodies, families or those just looking for a country escape.
Entry is £1 per adult and children go free. No booking required. Visit roguevillage.com for more information.
9. Kirk Brandon aKoustiK
Village Inn, East Kilbride, tomorrow
The voice of Spear of Destiny, Theatre of Hate and Dead Men Walking is touring Scotland With more than 15 studio albums and countless single releases, his career now spans over 30 years, having enjoyed worldwide success with all three bands. He is also a leader in every punk rock poll by being the singer and songwriter in The Pack. Joined by cellist Sam Sansbury, audiences can expect some very special shows featuring all the hits, including Never Take Me Alive, Do You Believe In The Westworld? and Worldservice.
Tickets cost £10 and can be booked via kirkbrandon.com/shows. He will be at Dreadnought in Bathgate on Saturday.
10. Tayport Sea Eagle Festival
Tayport Common, Fife, Saturday
Celebrate 10 years since the first sea eagles were reintroduced on the east coast of Scotland at the RSPB’s Fife location. Help weave a giant willow eagle nest and create an Eagle Antics cartoon with local artist Karen Hartnell. There will be storytelling sessions with Kate from Chatterbox Stories and a guided walk with a sea eagle project officer.
Event runs from noon to 4pm and is free, although donations are welcome. Visit rspb.org.uk.
DON'T MISS...
STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL
John Hastie Park, Strathaven, Saturday and Sunday
THE annual hot air ballooning event combines the magnificent sight of the balloons with family fun events, bringing music, dancers, birds of prey, a fun fair, stalls and classic vehicles.
Entry to the festival is free, though donations are appreciated. Visit strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk.
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