It doesn's cost a penny to watch the street entertainers on the Royal Mile in August - although they'd be grateful for a donation if you enjoy the performance.placeholder image
It doesn's cost a penny to watch the street entertainers on the Royal Mile in August - although they'd be grateful for a donation if you enjoy the performance. | Getty Images

Edinburgh Festivals For Free: Here are 11 fun things to enjoy in August without spending a penny

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 30th Jul 2024, 17:09 GMT

Edinburgh is preparing to transform into the cultural capital of the world - but you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy the festivals..

It’s nearly time for the various Edinburgh festivals to take over the theatres, gyms, hotels, streets and pubs of Scotland’s Capital.

Taking place on a variety of dates from August 2-26, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme alone contains over 3,500 shows - then there’s the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and several more.

Of course the majority of shows, events and attractions require you to shell out cash for tickets and, as with most things, recent years have seen prices creep up.

But there’s no need to spend a fortune to enjoy Edinburgh in August.

Here are 11 things to enjoy for free.

From August 7-20 the BBC will be broadcasting a series of shows from Our Dynamic Earth, next to the Scottish Parliament building, in front of a live audience. You can check (free) ticket availability on the BBC's website, or just pop along and see what's happening.

5. Visit the Beeb

From August 7-20 the BBC will be broadcasting a series of shows from Our Dynamic Earth, next to the Scottish Parliament building, in front of a live audience. You can check (free) ticket availability on the BBC's website, or just pop along and see what's happening. | BBC

Photo Sales
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 donation is reasonable.

6. 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 donation is reasonable. | Contributed

Photo Sales
Fringe-goers don't have to worry about the history of why there are now two different free fringes (or the associated politics) - they can just be happy at the extra choice they have. The Free Festival began in 2004, was set up by Laughing Horse Comedy promoters and operates from pubs and other venues across the city - most notably The Counting House (pictured) and The Free Sisters. Pretty much the same rules apply - watch a show and then pay what you want at the end. You can pick up a full programme from any of their venues.

7. Try the other Free Fringe

Fringe-goers don't have to worry about the history of why there are now two different free fringes (or the associated politics) - they can just be happy at the extra choice they have. The Free Festival began in 2004, was set up by Laughing Horse Comedy promoters and operates from pubs and other venues across the city - most notably The Counting House (pictured) and The Free Sisters. Pretty much the same rules apply - watch a show and then pay what you want at the end. You can pick up a full programme from any of their venues. | Google Maps

Photo Sales
The Monkey Barrel has become known as one of the best places to see stand-up comedy in Edinburgh - both during and outwith the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. During August you can book a ticket in advance to guarantee a seat or just turn up and see if they'll let you in to occupy any empty seats - on a 'pay what you want' model. Of course, many of the shows sell out well in advance (particularly at weekends), but it's always worth a shot if you're passing.

8. Take a chance at the Monkey Barrel

The Monkey Barrel has become known as one of the best places to see stand-up comedy in Edinburgh - both during and outwith the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. During August you can book a ticket in advance to guarantee a seat or just turn up and see if they'll let you in to occupy any empty seats - on a 'pay what you want' model. Of course, many of the shows sell out well in advance (particularly at weekends), but it's always worth a shot if you're passing. | Contributed

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Edinburgh Festival FringeTheatre
Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice