It’s nearly time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to take over the theatres, gyms, hotels, and streets of Scotland’s Capital.
Taking place from August 2-26 (although there are previews in the days running up to the official launch), there are over 3,500 shows taking place, from music and comedy, to theatre and dance.
In recent decades, pubs have increasingly been joining the fun by hosting shows - particularly those programmed by the PBH Free Fringe and the Laughing Horse Free Festival (although it should be noted that while the shows are technically free, audience members are encouraged to drop some cash into the collection bucket at the end).
It means you can enjoy a drink in one of the city’s most famous boozers and catch a show without leaving the building - particularly good if the weather isn’t playing ball.
Here are 13 of the best, and some of the great shows they are hosting in basements and backrooms.
9. Bannerman's Bar
Another PBH Free Fringe venue, Bannerman's is a popular venue on the Cowgate that has regular live music nights. There are 10 shows on in its Back Cave venue this year - including legendary poet Attila the Stockbroker, who is performing 12 completely different shows on 12 consecutive days. Photo: Google Maps
10. The Banshee Labyrinth
Billed as 'Scotland's most haunted pub', the Banshee Labyrinth is also the only bar in Edinburgh that has its own cinema. During the PBH Free Fringe, it stages a number of shows in three separate rooms - the Cinema Room, Banquet Room and Chamber Room. This year's highlights include Fringe stalwart Markus Birdman and the intriguing-sounding 'The Moon Pact Trial' - billed as a one-man horror comedy. Photo: Google Maps
11. Whistlebinkies
Located on Niddry Street, Whistlebinkies is a pub much-loved for its late-night live music. It also hosts shows during August, with 16 shows in its 2024 programme - including several free mixed bill standup shows, such as 'The Alternative Black Comedy Showcase', 'The Full Irish' and 'Jocks, Geordies and Asians'. If you don't like a comedian, another will be along in about five minutes. Photo: Google Maps
12. The Voodoo Rooms
You won't find a more opulent venue for festival shows than the lavish interiors of the famous Voodoo Rooms. It's traditionally home to some of the most popular music, cabaret and magic shows over August. This year that means the likes of musician Beans on Toast, magician Chris Cross and burlesque courtesy of 'Illicit Thrill: Generation XXX'. Photo: Google Maps