1 Wee Write
Mitchell Library, Glasgow, Sat
This annual curtain-raiser for Glasgow’s spring literary festival Aye Write and aimed specifically at children and young people brings together a day of stories, workshops, and talks from authors and illustrators such as Nick Sharratt, Chae Strathie, and Barry Hutchison. Highlights include sessions on the science of Star Wars and Doctor Who, an appearance by Knife and Packer from TV’s Fleabag Monkeyface, and events honouring the genius of Roald Dahl. Ticketed events are £5. www.ayewrite.com
2 North Hop
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Sat
The Highlands and Islands’ largest craft beer festival goes out on tour with its first ever event in Scotland’s capital. A packed day showcasing beer, cider, gin, cocktails and street food from local brewers, distillers and vendors, each five-hour afternoon or evening session will also include music, talks, and food and drink demonstrations. Look out for festivals in Aberdeen and Glasgow before a return to Inverness in late summer. Tickets are £17.50. www.northhop.co.uk
3 StAnza
St Andrews, Fife, until Sun
Scotland’s only festival of live poetry and the spoken word is back with another five days of big names from the literary world. Joining headliners including Andrew McMillan, Don Paterson and Fiona Benson are over 60 poets from across the UK and Europe, as well as Australia and the USA. Along with readings, performances, workshops and open mic events, there’s also a visual art programme inspired by Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Tickets from £3, with many events free. www.stanzapoetry.org
4 Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts Show
SECC, Glasgow, Thu-Sun
This huge consumer show arrives with four days of fun for fans of knitting, sewing, dressmaking, cross stitching and creative crafts. As well as hundreds of exhibitors, attractions include workshops, talks and demonstrations, as well as Yarnia, a life-sized knitted display inspired by children’s classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Tickets will also get you into The Quilting Show, celebrating the UK’s finest patchwork and quilting. Entry is £9-£10, under 16 free. www.ichfevents.co.uk
5 Dunbar SciFest Weekend
Various venues in Dunbar, Fri-Sun
East Lothian’s award-winning community science festival kicks off for a sixth year with another entertaining weekend of interactive drop-in sessions, inspiring stage shows, fascinating family-friendly workshops, and storytelling and soft play for younger children. On from 10am to 5pm on both days, family day tickets are £15, with under-fives free. Running until March 13, the festival programme includes events for adults, and a spectacular free evening light show at Torness power station. www.dunbarscifest.org.uk
6 Italian Film Festival
Various venues, from Fri
The 23rd edition of this international cinematic feast brings another batch of new and established directors and top acting talent from Italy to audiences in Scotland. Classic and contemporary screenings over the next fortnight include Call Me Francesco - looking at the early years of Pope Francis - along with coming of age superhero film The Invisible Boy and a recent restoration of legendary director Luchino Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers. Venues include Edinburgh’s Filmhouse, Glasgow’s GTF, Dundee’s DCA, and Eden Court in Inverness. www.italianfilmfestival.org.uk
7 Meadows Marathon
Edinburgh, Sun
Another opportunity to blast away the winter cobwebs at this charity fitness event organised by students from Edinburgh University. Made up of 26 miles in laps of The Meadows, the day boasts a friendly atmosphere, plus musicians and performers to keep runners and spectators entertained. You don’t have to be mega-fit to take part - there’s also a 5K fun run as well as 10K and half marathon distances, with entry available right up to the day itself from £15-£45. www.meadowsmarathon.org.uk
8 Fair Trade Festival
Southside Community Centre, Edinburgh, Sat
Celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight (February 29-March 13) with this free event promoting fair trade in Edinburgh and beyond. Running from 10.30am to 2.30pm, there will be stalls to browse from a range of organisations, alongside talks from speakers including an international Fairtrade producer. There are also free refreshments, children’s activities, music from the Edinburgh Choir and tales from Kenyan Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies. For more on Scottish Fair Trade Fortnight see scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk
9 Declaration
CCA, Glasgow, Thu-Sun
This thought-provoking mini arts festival programmed by the team behind the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival features a mix of performances, debates, film screenings, and workshops, each inspired by one of the 30 articles in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among writers, musicians and visual artists appearing will be novelist Louise Welsh, architect Jude Barber and performance poets Jenny Lindsay and Rachel McCrum. Suitable for ages 15 and up, events are free subject to booking. www.declarationfest.com
10 National Stallion Show
Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Sat
Said to have been held as far back as 1844, the Glasgow Agricultural Society’s annual showcase for Scotland’s three native draft horse breeds is being staged at Ingliston for a second year on the trot. Featuring Clydesdale Horses, Shetland Ponies and Highland Ponies, animal lovers can watch as the winners are decided in a range of competitive classes within each breed range. Open from 8am, tickets are £10 (under 12s free). www.royalhighlandcentre.co.uk
Don’t Miss: Mums Go Free on Mother’s Day
National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride, Sun
Escape to the countryside and explore National Museums Scotland’s historic museum and working farm for less this Sunday. To qualify, mums must be accompanied by at least one child under 16. Tickets from £3.50 (under 5 free). www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-rural-life
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