Edinburgh Festival - Information on all 12 of Edinburghs Annual Festivals

Edinburgh’s Festivals

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is proudly known as the world’s leading festival city. Hosting no fewer than 12 major annual festivals, the city comes alive throughout the year with international talent, creativity, and cultural celebration. From world-class theatre and live music to film, literature, science, art and storytelling, Edinburgh’s hundreds of venues provide the stage for unforgettable experiences.
The city is home to iconic events including the Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe, Film Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Jazz & Blues Festival, International Book Festival, Art Festival, Science Festival, Imaginate, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Edinburgh Mela, and of course, the legendary Hogmanay.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there’s always something inspiring happening in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh International Festival

01 Aug – 24 Aug 2025

First launched in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival was created to bring light and inspiration to a country recovering from the Second World War. By welcoming world-class artists and performers to the city, the festival aimed to lift spirits and celebrate creativity.
Today, it’s one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the world, showcasing the very best in dance, music, opera, and theatre. The main programme takes place across six of Edinburgh’s top venues, along with several other performance spaces throughout the city.
Running alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the International Festival helps turn the Scottish capital into a global stage every August. It’s a time when the city comes alive with energy, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

02 Aug – 26 Aug 2025

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is, without question, the largest arts festival in the world. Every August, thousands of performers from around the globe descend on the city to take part in this extraordinary celebration of creativity. From award-winning stars to fresh new talent, the Fringe is open to everyone and packed with surprises.

There are no limits when it comes to what you’ll see. Cabaret, theatre, musicals, comedy, opera, children’s shows, dance, spoken word, and live music all feature heavily across hundreds of venues. Whether it’s a polished act from a household name or a bold debut from a first-time artist, the Fringe gives performers the freedom to experiment, challenge, and inspire.

With over 3,000 shows taking place across more than 300 spaces—from traditional theatres to pop-up stages in pubs, gardens, and basements—this festival transforms Edinburgh into a giant, buzzing performance venue. It’s no wonder the Fringe is widely considered the number one arts festival in the world.
Whether you're here for a weekend or the whole month, the Fringe offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival

14 - 20 Aug 2025

Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is one of the world’s longest-running celebrations of cinema. With a strong focus on innovation and emerging talent, the festival has a proud history of discovering filmmakers and bringing their work to international attention.
Past premieres include acclaimed titles such as Billy Elliot, Little Miss Sunshine, and The Hurt Locker, all of which went on to global success. Each year, the EIFF presents a packed programme of UK and international films, from bold new indie debuts to cutting-edge documentaries and boundary-pushing short films.
Whether you’re a serious film buff or just love the atmosphere of red carpet premieres and director Q&As, the festival offers a unique window into the future of film.
Check this year’s programme and discover the next big thing in cinema at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

22 October - 01 November 2025

The much-loved celebration of the spoken word returns to Edinburgh this October for 11 days of captivating stories, age-old fables, and modern-day reflections. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival brings together storytellers, poets, and performers from across the globe, all gathering in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town to share the magic of live storytelling.
With a theme of “Stories Without Borders,” this year’s festival invites audiences to explore the power of storytelling to connect cultures, spark imagination, and foster understanding in a fast-changing world.
From intimate sessions in candlelit rooms to family-friendly performances and thought-provoking talks, the programme offers something for all ages and interests. Expect powerful tales that inspire, challenge, and entertain.
Check out the full programme of events and featured artists taking part in this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival—a unique chance to experience the world through stories.

Imaginate Festival

24 May – 1 June 2025

The Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people. Designed specifically for a younger audience, the festival features a rich mix of theatre, dance, music and storytelling—all created to inspire, delight, and spark the imagination.
Each show is carefully chosen to support creative development in children of all ages. Through vibrant performances full of light, sound and emotion, the festival encourages curiosity, empathy, and confidence. Imaginate’s mission is to bring world-class children’s theatre to Scotland, nurturing not only young minds but future generations of thinkers and creators.
Following the success of previous years, the 2025 edition promises another fantastic programme for schools, families, and anyone with a sense of wonder.
Explore this year’s performances and plan your visit to Imaginate Festival 2025—a celebration of creativity for the young and young at heart.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

11 – 20 July 2025

Running since the late 1970s, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the most vibrant musical events in Scotland’s calendar. Celebrated for its focus on musicality over celebrity, the festival champions live performance, improvisation, and artistic collaboration.
Each year, it brings together an exciting mix of international stars, rising talent, and some of Scotland’s best homegrown jazz and blues musicians. From traditional New Orleans-style brass bands to cutting-edge modern jazz, the programme spans a wide variety of styles and settings—ranging from intimate venues to open-air concerts.
With a rich legacy of innovation and community, the festival continues to forge creative connections between local artists and global performers, enriching Edinburgh’s musical landscape and offering unforgettable live experiences.
Explore this year’s lineup and discover the soulful sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

New Dates to be Released

The Edinburgh International Science Festival was the first of its kind in the world when it launched in the late 1980s—and it’s still one of the most dynamic celebrations of science, technology, and innovation today.
Each spring, the festival brings together brilliant minds and curious visitors for a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions, interactive experiments, and family-friendly events. Designed to spark interest and inspire imagination, the festival explores how science, technology and design influence our lives and shape the future.
With events aimed at all ages—from hands-on learning for kids to thought-provoking talks for adults—the Science Festival is a brilliant way to explore the world around us and see how discovery and innovation can improve everyday life.
Check out this year’s exciting programme and get involved in one of Edinburgh’s most enlightening and inspiring annual events.

Edinburgh Art Festival

07 August – 24 August 2025

The Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art, running alongside the city’s major summer festivals including the Fringe and the International Festival. It brings together leading galleries, museums, and artist-run spaces across the capital to showcase a rich mix of contemporary and historic work.
Featuring both well-known names and emerging talent, the festival presents exhibitions, installations, public art projects, and artist talks in venues throughout Edinburgh. Many of the exhibitions are free, making it an accessible and inspiring way to experience the city’s thriving art scene.
Whether you're a serious art lover or just curious to explore something new, the Edinburgh Art Festival offers a unique cultural journey through the city’s most creative corners.
Explore this year’s full programme of exhibitions and events at the official Edinburgh Art Festival 2025 website.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

09 – 24 August 2025

A highlight of Edinburgh’s cultural calendar, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is a must for anyone who loves the written word. Held each August in the beautiful surroundings of Charlotte Square Gardens and Edinburgh College of Art, the festival brings together a vibrant mix of authors, poets, journalists, historians, illustrators, philosophers, and thinkers from across the globe.
With hundreds of events covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, politics, science, and children's literature, the programme is designed to spark conversation and connect people through stories and ideas. The festival welcomes all ages and interests, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and fresh inspiration.
Whether you want to hear from a bestselling author, take part in a writing workshop, or just browse the bookshop and soak up the atmosphere, this festival offers a brilliant day out for book lovers.
Explore the full programme and join thousands of readers at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

01 – 23 August 2025

Set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most breathtaking and unforgettable live events. Each August, this world-renowned spectacle combines military precision, music, dance, and cultural performance into an extraordinary evening experience.
Featuring massed pipes and drums, military bands, dancers, and performers from across the globe, the Tattoo is a moving celebration of tradition, unity and showmanship. With dramatic lighting, fireworks and the historic Castle Esplanade as a stage, it's a must-see for visitors from around the world.
Tickets sell out fast every year—so if you're planning a trip to Edinburgh during August, be sure to book early via the official Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website.

Edinburgh Mela Festival

No Current Dates have been announced

The Edinburgh Mela is a vibrant celebration of Scotland’s rich cultural diversity, bringing together music, dance, art and food from communities around the world. Held each August in Leith, this two-day festival showcases the energy and creativity of Edinburgh’s multicultural population.
From live music and traditional dance to family activities, food stalls and fashion, the Mela is all about community, expression and connection. It’s a joyful, welcoming space where cultures meet, and where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate what makes us different—and what brings us together.
With thousands attending each year, the Edinburgh Mela continues to grow as one of the city’s most colourful and inclusive festivals.
Check the Edinburgh Mela Festival website for this year’s line-up and programme.

Edinburgh Hogmanay

30 December 2025 – 1 January 2026

Few places celebrate the New Year quite like Scotland—and Edinburgh Hogmanay is at the heart of it all. This world-famous, three-day festival draws over 150,000 people from across the globe for a high-energy mix of live music, street parties, ceilidhs, and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays you’ll ever see.
Set in the historic heart of the city, Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the torchlight procession on the 30th to the massive street party on Princes Street and the soulful ‘Loony Dook’ dip on New Year’s Day, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking to end the year on a high (and start the next one with a bang), make your way to Scotland’s capital for the biggest New Year’s celebration in the world.
Check out the full Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025/26 programme and start planning your trip.

Top-class accommodation is available year-round through Holiday Home Edinburgh, perfect for couples, families, and groups attending the city’s world-famous festivals. Browse our selection of stylish self-catering apartments and serviced accommodation located in Edinburgh’s New Town, West End, and Old Town—all within easy reach of the main venues and attractions.