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The days are growing colder, but Scotland’s cultural calendar is keeping us warm. From a Nordic Music Festival to Diwali celebrations there’s so much to explore this November in Scotland.

Nordic Music Days Festival

For the first time in 136 years, one of the world’s longest running festivals for contemporary classical music, Nordic Music Days, comes to Scotland. Join musicians from Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Scotland for five days of uplifting music and cultural exchange.

Nordic Music Days Festival runs 30 October – 3 November 2024 in venues across Glasgow, with performances in Edinburgh, too.

Borealis with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

At the 2024 Festival, The Scottish Chamber Orchestra performed in the pit for Opera-Comique's new production of Carmen to Mozart’s comedy Così fan tutte in Usher Hall.

As part of Nordic Days Music Festival, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra presents new sounds from the Nordic Nations with Borealis.

The concert features Swedish composer Anders Hillborg’s thrilling 2021 Viola Concerto and Madeleine Isaksson depiction of the ethereal beauty of her country’s far north. It concludes with a composition from closer to home with Sir James MacMillan’s powerful Ayrshire-inspired Second Symphony, written for the SCO in 1999.

Hear Borealis on 31 Oct, 7.30pm at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh and 1 Nov, 7.30pm at City Halls, Glasgow.

A Streetcar Named desire at The Lyceum

The Lyceum played host to a rich tapestry of performances during August. From Penthesliea, Songs of the Bulbul, Hamlet and The Fifth Step by National Theatre Scotland.

This autumn The Lyceum present the Pitlochry Festival Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. It follows the story of former southern belle Blanche DuBois, who, after losing her family home and prosperous life, moves into the shabby apartment of her younger sister Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski in a poor neighbourhood in New Orleans.

A Streetcar Named Desire is at The Lyceum from 24 Oct – 9 Nov.

Celebrate Diwali, The Festival of Light, for free in Edinburgh’s city centre

Edinburgh Diwali transforms the Capital for its 10th celebration of the Indian festival of lights.

A colourful and multicultural parade will take to the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, followed by dance, live music and fireworks in Princes Street Gardens to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.

More information can be found on their Facebook page.

Attend this event for free on Sun 3 Nov.

Hidden Door Venue Launch Party

You might not know that the International Festival brings artists and performances to hospitals, community centres and museums - to name a few different settings. If you love experiencing art in expected places, you'll want to keep an eye on Hidden Door.

Hidden Door is a volunteer-run arts organisation which puts on on multi-arts events in disused or unusual spaces. This year they have chosen The Paper Factory on the western edge of Edinburgh which will host the Festival in Spring 2025.

The Paper Factory launch party is on Fri 22 and Sat 23 Nov with performances from Jane Weaver and Hot Wax.

You can also attend the venue for free during the day on Sat 23 Nov.

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite with the RSNO

Misty waters, dancing cygnets, a wicked sorcerer and a swan princess – who doesn’t love the story of Swan Lake?

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra explored the concerto in August. Conducted by Elim Chan, Alison Balsom performed Wynton Marsalis trumpet concerto.

Don’t miss the Tchaikovsky’s wildly romantic music of Swan Lake this November. The concert begins with a rediscovered masterpiece by one of Edwardian Britain’s favourite composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and stars the astonishing young Scottish pianist (and 2022 BBC Young Musician finalist) Ethan Loch in Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto.

Catch Swan Lake on Fri 29 Nov 2024, 7.30pm at Usher Hall, Edinburgh or Sat 30 Nov 2024, 7.30pm at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow.

Catch Braebach at The Queen’s Hall

Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative Scottish music scene.

Braebach performed at The Hub in our sold-out Preview night to kick off the 2024 International Festival. If you couldn’t make it then, you can catch them at the Queen’s Hall at the end of the month.

Experience Braebach at The Queen’s Hall on Fri 29 Nov 2024 with DOORS 7pm.

The Caledonian Edinburgh

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our partners The Caledonian Edinburgh have opened an exciting new destination for dining and drinks. Stop by The Court to experience their vibrant menus, signature patisserie, or a cocktail while enjoying live music.

Find out more and plan your visit today.