Scottish International Storytelling 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.

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.
Atmospheric tented venue hosting headline jazz and blues concerts.
Subterranean institution offering late-night jam sessions and live sets.
Host to sublime acoustic jazz and sacred vocal performances.
Featured shows and performances at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues 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.