Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Every August, Edinburgh becomes the world's leading stage as thousands of performers take to hundreds of venues across the city to present shows for every taste. From huge names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events. Since its inception in 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe has grown to become a true global phenomenon. The sheer scale and variety of the Fringe means that whether you are a dedicated arts lover or a casual visitor, you are guaranteed to find something that sparks your imagination.
Year-Round Calendar
Festivals by Season
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet
Every August, Edinburgh becomes the world's leading stage as thousands of performers take to hundreds of venues across the city to present shows for every taste. From huge names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events. Since its inception in 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe has grown to become a true global phenomenon. The sheer scale and variety of the Fringe means that whether you are a dedicated arts lover or a casual visitor, you are guaranteed to find something that sparks your imagination.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Show the world how to party at the home of New Year
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's greatest New Year celebrations. For three days, the Scottish capital goes wild with spectacular street parties, breathtaking fireworks, and a torchlight procession that creates a river of fire through the historic streets. Nowhere celebrates the turn of the year quite like Scotland, and Edinburgh is the epicentre of the festivities. The iconic Street Party beneath the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle attracts thousands of revellers from across the globe. With live music across multiple stages, traditional ceilidh dancing, and the famous midnight moment featuring the Auld Lang Syne singalong, it's an unforgettable way to welcome the new year.
Beltane Fire Festival
Welcome the coming of summer with fire, drums, and revelry
The Beltane Fire Festival is a spectacular, immersive re-imagining of the ancient Celtic festival of May Day. Held on Calton Hill on the night of April 30th, it marks the turning of the wheel of the year and the return of the summer. The festival is a mesmerizing blend of fire-play, drumming, acrobatic performances, and wild, immersive storytelling. Organized by the Beltane Fire Society, the event features hundreds of volunteer performers who lead the procession of the May Queen and the Green Man. As the drumbeats echo across the city and the bonfires are lit, visitors are drawn into an anarchic, primal celebration that feels completely removed from the modern world below.
Edinburgh International Festival
The world's leading performing arts festival
The Edinburgh International Festival brings the very best in classical music, opera, theatre, and dance from across the globe to Scotland's capital. Founded in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War to 'provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit', it remains one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world. Curated by festival directors, the EIF presents high-quality, large-scale productions featuring international stars and world-renowned companies. It occupies Edinburgh's grandest venues, from the magnificent Usher Hall to the historic King's Theatre, offering a sophisticated and breathtaking cultural experience that perfectly complements the wider August festival season.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
A spectacular celebration of music, dance, and military pageantry
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a globally recognized spectacle that draws over 200,000 live spectators each year. The event brings together military bands, precision drill teams, pipers, drummers, and cultural performers from across the Commonwealth and beyond, creating a breathtaking display of international talent. The show is renowned for its spine-tingling moments, particularly the massed pipes and drums emerging through the castle gates, and the solitary Lone Piper playing from the castle ramparts to conclude the evening. It's a deeply moving, immaculately choreographed celebration of heritage, unity, and spectacular entertainment.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
The largest public celebration of the written word in the world
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a haven for literature lovers, bringing together leading thinkers, politicians, prize-winning authors, and up-and-coming writers from across the world. Founded in 1983, it has grown to host over 900 events every August, offering a vibrant forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas. The festival's tented village is a magical space where you can browse extensive independent bookshops, sip coffee on the grass, and rub shoulders with literary giants. From passionate political debates to enchanting children's storytelling sessions, it is a truly inclusive event that celebrates the power of stories to change lives.
Edinburgh Science Festival
Europe's largest celebration of science, technology and innovation
Founded in 1989 as the world's first public celebration of science and technology, the Edinburgh Science Festival transforms the city every spring into a giant interactive laboratory. Spanning two weeks during the Easter holidays, the festival delivers inspirational workshops, hands-on experiments, thought-provoking debates, and immersive exhibitions for all ages. From cutting-edge artificial intelligence and climate solutions to space exploration and biomedical breakthroughs, the festival connects world-leading researchers with the public in accessible and exciting ways.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
The world's longest continually running film festival
Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is renowned for discovering and promoting the best in international cinema. Celebrating groundbreaking independent features, world premieres, gripping documentaries, and retrospectives, EIFF draws filmmakers and cinephiles from every corner of the globe. From glamorous red-carpet premieres to intimate Q&As with iconic directors and actors, EIFF shines a spotlight on the power of cinematic storytelling.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Scotland's premier celebration of swing, soul, groove and blues
Every July, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival kicks off the city's summer festival season with ten days of soul-stirring music. Featuring international jazz legends, explosive blues guitarists, brass bands, and cutting-edge fusion acts, EJBF fills historic halls, intimate clubs, and outdoor parks with irresistible rhythms. Highlights include the famous Mardi Gras in the Grassmarket and the colorful Edinburgh Festival Carnival through the city centre.
Edinburgh Art Festival
The UK's largest annual celebration of visual arts
Founded in 2004, the Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK's largest annual festival dedicated to visual art. Every August, it brings together Edinburgh's leading galleries, museums, and pop-up artist spaces to present commissions, exhibitions, and public art installations across the capital. From major retrospectives of world-famous masters to groundbreaking contemporary works, EAF transforms the city into an open gallery.
Edinburgh International Children's Festival
World-class theatre and dance for young audiences and families
The Edinburgh International Children's Festival (formerly Imaginate) is Scotland's annual celebration of performing arts for children and young people. Held every May, it showcases high-quality, inspiring, and emotionally resonant theatre and dance productions from around the world. Designed specifically for audiences aged 0-18, the festival inspires imagination and creative curiosity in young minds.