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.
An iconic venue sitting proudly on the Mound.
The buzzing heart of the Fringe, famous for comedy.
One of the Big Four venues, a legendary home for comedy.
Famous for its purple cow upside-down venue.
A year-round institution and the cornerstone of Scottish comedy.
An award-winning venue in the former Royal Dick Veterinary School.
Featured shows and performances at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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.
