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.
The spiritual heart of Edinburgh's independent film scene.
Historic arthouse cinema hosting festival screenings and Q&As.
Boutique cinema setting for festival galas and special previews.
Featured shows and performances at Edinburgh International Film 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.
