What's On
Events & Festivals
Edinburgh is a city of festivals. Throughout the year, world-class events transform the city into a global cultural destination.
Major Festivals
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
August
The world's largest arts festival featuring thousands of shows across comedy, theatre, dance, circus, cabaret, and more.
Learn moreEdinburgh International Festival
August
Three weeks of world-class performing arts including opera, theatre, music, and dance from around the globe.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
December 30 - January 1
The world's biggest New Year celebration with a legendary street party, torchlight procession, and fireworks.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
August
Spectacular military pageant on Edinburgh Castle esplanade featuring music, dance, and precision performances.
More Events & Festivals
Christmas in Edinburgh
November - January
Festive markets, Santa experiences, ice skating, Christmas shows, and winter attractions with Edinburgh Castle as backdrop.
Learn moreEdinburgh Festival for Kids
August
Family-friendly shows, street performers, and activities for children during Edinburgh's festival season.
Learn moreEdinburgh Science Festival
April
The UK's largest science festival with interactive events for all ages.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
August
One of the world's oldest film festivals, showcasing new cinema from around the globe.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
July
Ten days of jazz and blues performances across the city's venues.
Edinburgh Art Festival
August
Scotland's largest annual festival of visual art featuring exhibitions and events.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
August
The world's largest public celebration of books and ideas.
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Burns Night celebrations (25th)
February
Chinese New Year, Six Nations Rugby
March
Edinburgh Yarn Festival
April
Edinburgh Science Festival, Beltane Fire Festival (30th)
May
Whisky Month, Meadows Festival
June
Edinburgh International Film Festival, Pride Edinburgh
July
Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Food Festival
August
Festival Season (Fringe, International Festival, Tattoo, Book Festival, Art Festival)
September
Open Doors Day, Doors Open Days
October
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
November
Edinburgh Christmas begins, St Andrew's Day (30th)
December
Edinburgh Christmas, Hogmanay celebrations
Festival Season Tips
Book Accommodation Early
August is peak season. Book your accommodation months in advance for the best options and prices.
Plan Your Shows
With thousands of Fringe shows, use the official programme and reviews to plan your schedule.
Free Events
Many free performances happen on the Royal Mile and in venues across the city during festival season.
Explore Beyond the Fringe
Don't miss the International Festival, Book Festival, and Art Festival running alongside the Fringe.