Closer to Cultures: 2026 Spring/Summer Season

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival presents "Closer to Cultures", a Spring/Summer season of free world-culture performances and participatory workshops hosted in city libraries across Edinburgh. The programme features music, dance and storytelling from China, Japan and South Africa delivered by the Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association, Mio Shudo, and African Connections / Morgan Njobo.

Events combine staged performances with hands-on elements such as African drumming workshops and Japanese storytelling and movement. Events are family-friendly and open to the local community - the listing encourages attendees to bring friends and family and to book free tickets for specific dates and library locations.

The season is delivered in partnership with Edinburgh City Libraries and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, Awards for All Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council. Book free tickets for the individual dates via the Eventbrite page.

Locations and specific programme items are listed per date (Muirhouse, Stockbridge, Ratho, Wester Hailes / Origami and Gilmerton libraries).