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.
The ancient volcanic hill where the ritual takes place.
The Acropolis-like structure that forms the backdrop for performances.
The flaming gateway the procession passes through.
A symbolic portal on the hill.
Another elemental portal for the ritual journey.
The final elemental portal before the lighting of the bonfire.
Featured shows and performances at Beltane Fire Festival
A world-celebrated gathering uniting Scottish tradition-bearers, Gaelic balladeers, and international oral storytellers for fortnight-long evenings of fireside mythology, folklore, and live music.
The Beltane Fire Society's thunderous Celtic celebration marking the turn of the seasons. Witness the theatrical battle between the Summer and Winter Kings amidst drumming, acrobatics, and roaring pyrotechnics.
Scotland's premier winter attraction illuminates central Edinburgh with traditional alpine timber chalets, artisanal Scottish craft gifts, spiced glühwein, the illuminated Big Wheel, and open-air ice rink.
Spectacular high-definition 3D projections, immersive audio design, and mythical folklore light up the volcanic crag, Crown Square, and ancient battlement walls of Edinburgh Castle.
Tens of thousands of torchbearers carry blazing flames through Edinburgh's historic UNESCO wynds accompanied by pipe bands, Celtic drummers, and Shetland Viking Jarl squads.
The globe's most iconic New Year celebration. Multiple stages of international live music, world-class DJ arenas, giant street dancing, and the climactic castle fireworks countdown.
Commemorate Scotland's beloved poet Robert Burns with ceremonial bagpipe processions, the theatrical cutting of the haggis, neeps and tatties, single malt whisky toasts, and spirited dancing.
Europe's largest celebration of scientific discovery, engineering breakthroughs, and space exploration with over 200 interactive hands-on workshops and public debates.
A modern Celtic rebirth ritual atop Calton Hill. Spectacular procession of the May Queen, the symbolic death and resurrection of the Green Man, colossal bonfires, and primal drumming.
The world's largest arts festival transforms the city every August with thousands of performances ranging from stand-up comedy to avant-garde theatre across hundreds of venues.
A spectacular, world-renowned showcase of military bands, pipes, drums, and cultural performers set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Witness thousands of pipers and drummers from across the globe compete in this spectacular display of Scottish musical heritage.
Accommodation fills up rapidly during festival season. We strongly advise booking in advance.
