Edinburgh's Festivals 2025: Here are all the festivals taking place in the Capital this August - and what's happening at them

To let visitors know their Edinburgh Festival Fringe from their Edinburgh International Festival, we're giving you a quick rundown of everything cultural happening in the coming weeks.

Taken together these events offer something for everyone, and earn Edinburgh the undisputed title of Festival City.

Here’s everything happening this August.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

What is it?

The Edinburgh Fesival Fringe is the world's largest performance arts festival, set up in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. On a global scale only the Olympic Games and the World Cup sell more tickets and it takes over venues all over the city for much of August. It is an open-access festival, meaning anybody can participate in any genre of art. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society publish a thick free programme every year containing most of the performances - which can be picked up in venues across Edinburgh before and during the event.

When does it take place?

This year's event is scheduled to take place between August 1-25, although there are often preview performances in the week before and a few extra events at the start of the week after.

Where does it take place?

In venues across Edinburgh - from proper theatres to temporary venues. The largest venues include The Pleasance, The Underbelly, The Gilded Balloon, The Monkey Barrel, The Stand, and the Assembly.

What are the highlights?

There is genuinely something for everybody at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - including hundreds of free events. Big names appearing at this year's event include Miriam Margolyes, Alan Davies, Rosie O’Donnell, Alan Davies, Tapeface and Michelle Collins.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for all events are available to buy here.

Edinburgh International Festival

What is it?

First held in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has taken place every year since, other than in 2020 when the global pandemic forced it to be cancelled completely. It sees notable figures from the worlds of music and the performing arts invited to perform in the city. In recent years contemporary music has started to play a part, but traditionally the majority of events are classical music concerts, opera, theatre productions, and dance performances.

When does it take place?

The Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 1-25.

Where does it take place?

Like the Fringe, the International Festival takes place in venues across the city, with its headquarters at The Hub on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Key venues include The Lyceum, The Edinburgh Festival Theatre, The Usher Hall, The Queen's Hall, and The Edinburgh Playhouse.

What are the highlights?

This year’s hot ticket seems to be Make it Happen, James Graham’s new play about the rise and fall of The Royal Bank of Scotland that stars Dundoneon actor Brian Cox. Other eyecatching events include Mary, Queen of Scots, Orpheus and Eurydice, Holst’s The Planets, and Book of Mountains and Sea.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for all events can be bought here.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

What is it?

First taking place in a single tent in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival was originally a biennial event but became an annual literary celebration in 1997. It invites hundred of authors, journalists, politicians and famous faces from around the world to come to the city to speak about both their books and those of others.

When does it take place?

The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from August 12–28.

Where does it take place?

The festival moved from its former home in Charlotte Square a few years ago, initially moving to Edinburgh College of Art. This year, for the second time, it will be taking place at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) next to the Meadows - which is the festival’s new ‘long-term’ home. Alongside a range of event venues the EFI offers gardens to relax in and a huge bookshop. Bigger events take place in the McEwan Hall, a few minutes walk away.

What are the highlights?

More than 470 authors and personalities are appearing including Ian McEwan, Sam Heughan, Brian Cox, Adam Buxton, Maggie O’Farrell, Nicola Sturgeon, Ally McCoist, Ruth Jones, Viggo Mortensen, Vanessa Redgrave and Tim Key.

Where can I get tickets?

You can buy tickets here.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

What is it?

Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world's oldest continually running film festival. Threatened by financial problems in 2022, including the closing of its Edinburgh Filmhouse home, it continued as a shortened event. This year the Filmhouse is back, as is the festival, showcasing a selection of films from around the world, from festival favourites to world premieres.

When does it take place?

The festival takes place over six days from August 14-20.

Where does it take place?

The majority of screenings are taking place in the Filmhouse and, a short walk up Lothian Road, at the Cameo.

What are the highlights?

The opening film is the UK premiere of Eva Victor’s dark comedy Sorry, Baby the UK premiere of , while Irvine Welsh documentary Reality is not Enough will close proceedings.

Inbetween, popular screenings will include new Ben Wheatley film Bulk, the UK premiere of The Toxic Avenger, and a retrospective of Sean Connery James Bond films. There are also in person events with the likes of Andrew and Kevin Macdonald and Andrea Arnold

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available here.

Edinburgh Arts Festival

What is it?

The UK's largest annual celebration of visual art takes place across the city featuring everything from paintings to installations.

When does it take place?

The festival runs from August 7-24.

Where does it take place?

You can find art festival exhibitions in galleries across the city. If you piock up a programme it includes a map of all the venues and what you can see in them.

What are the highlights?

Highlights include a range of newly commissioned, EAF-initiated works, including a performance by Linder, film work by CJ Mahony and Lewis Hetherington, and performance by Lewis Walker.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for many of the exhibitions are free, but for those you have to pay for, you can buy tickets here.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

What is it?

First held in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual show performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams.

When does it take place?

The tattoo is held most days between August 1-23.

Where does it take place?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tatto takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

What are the highlights?

To mark its 75th anniversary, this year’s event will feature a journey through the Tattoo's history, titled The Heroes Who Made Us. It will include returning fan favorites like the Massed Pipes and Drums, military musicians, and Tattoo dancers, alongside international acts such as the Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, and the United States Honor Guard Drill Team.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available here.

Foodies Festival

What is it?

Dedicated to all things culinary, the Foodie Festival incldes cooking and baking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, cocktail tasting, street food stalls, artisan producers, music, and a while host of other attractions.

When does it take place?

The Foodie Festival takes place over the weekend of August 1-3.

Where does it take place?

The festival's home is Edinburgh's Inverleith Park.

What are the highlights?

Chefs and bakers appearing include Gary Mclean, Dean Banks, The Hebridean Baker, Jak O’Donnell and AJ Park. There will also be music from The Wanted 2.0 and Scouting For Girls.

Where can I get tickets?

You can pick up tickets for the event here.