Visiting Edinburgh for the vavious festivals in August can be an expensive business - show tickets, accomodation, food and drink soon add up.
But the truth is that there are many ways to have some festival fun withouy spending a penny.
Admittedly some of the shows that are billed as 'free', particularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, ask for a donation after the show - but if you don't like them you don't have to put your hand in your pocket.
And there are many other attractions and events that are genuinely free.
Here are 10 of our favourites.
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1. Rise up with the Edinburgh International Festival
In recent times the Edinburgh International Festival has organised a free launch event to get proceedings underway - and this year is no different. Head to Princes Street Gardens from 2pm on Sunday, August 9, for 'Together We Rise'. Stroll through Princes Street Gardens for a series of pop-up performances featuring over 300 performers, from a brass band to a gospel choir, before gathering together for a grand finale. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Get a taste of the Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from August 7-29 and is one of the hottest tickets of the summer. It can be expensive though. For a free taster, head to the Royal Mile, just down from the Castle when the show is due to finish at around 11pm. Not only will you get a great view of the fireworks on the esplanade, you'll also have the chance to see some of the cast march away from the venue. | Getty Images
3. Have a show on Auntie
The BBC broadcasts a number of shows from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year - and audience tickets are free. This year the live recordings include the likes of Front Row, Loose Ends, Breaking the News, Scotcast and Travelling Folk. They are being held at the Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh International Book Festival from August 17-21. You can get tickets from the BBC's website on a first come first served basis, and there are still some available - there's not even a booking fee. | BBC
4. Try the PBH Free Fringe
Founded by comedian Peter Buckley Hill (pictured) in 1996, the PBH Free Fringe has a whole programme of shows you don't need to book - just turn up and enjoy. Pick up a programme or pop onto the website and make your pick. As many performers joke though, it's free to get in , but not necessarily to leave. Expect a collection bucket at the end on the understanding that, if you enjoyed it, a £5-£10 donation is reasonable. | TSPL