Edinburgh's Festivals 2026: Here are all the festivals taking place in the Capital this August - and what's happening at them
As ever, there’s a LOT going on in Edinburgh this August.
While you may hear people talk about 'The Edinburgh Festival', there’s really no such thing - with Scotland's Capital hosting a number of different events over the summer.
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 7-31, 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, The Travese, Summerhall 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 Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Amanda Knox, Julian Clary, Gyles Brandreth, Frank Skinner, Jack Dee, Graham Norton, Kristen Schaal, Simon Amstell and Jack Docherty,
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 7-30.
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 newly-refurbished King’s Theatre, The Usher Hall, The Queen's Hall, and The Edinburgh Playhouse.
What are the highlights?
This year’s hot ticket seems to be A Trial – after An Enemy of the People, a “radical sequel” to Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, starring Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Wagner Moura.. Other eyecatching events include opera The Galloping Cure, Ivo van Hove’s five hour-long reworking of AIDS crisis drama Angels in America, Verdi’s A Masked Ball, and classical concerts from the Berlin Philharmoniker.
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 15–30.
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 third 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 600 events are included in the programme, with authors and personalities appearing including Tim Key, Jeremy Hunt, John Grisham, Ian Rankin, Ann Patchet, Maggie O'Farrell, Ali Smith, Diana Gabaldon, Irvine Welsh, Alan Davies, Colson Whitehead and Gorden Brown.
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. Last year the Filmhouse reopened, welcoming back the festival, showcasing a selection of films from around the world, from festival favourites to world premieres, along with some big-name guests.
When does it take place?
The festival takes place over seven days from August 13-19.
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. The special ‘in-conversation’ events take place at nearby Tollcross Central Hall.
What are the highlights?
The opening film is the International premiere of Scotland-set comedy The Incomer starring Domhnall Gleeson, while the world premiere of BEL, Louise Lockwood’s documentary about Kenyan-Scottish musician Beldina Odenyo, will close proceedings.
Inbetween, popular screenings include a screening of Trainspotting and club night at Leith Theatre with stars Ewen McGregor and Ewen Bremner joining in the fun, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s acclaimed new film Sheep in a Box, John Hannah starring in Bad Day at the Office, and ‘in converation’ events with Ken Burns, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Ewen McGregor and Bruce Dern.
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 14-30.
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?
Exhibitions include Jamie Fitzpatrick’s Memorials To Sausage Politics Katie Paterson’s Afterlife, Gwen John’s Strange Beauties and Emii Alrai’s Guardian, a colossal relic inspired by icons of ancient civilisations perched on Calton Hill.
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 7-29.
Where does it take place?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tatto takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
What are the highlights?
This year, the theme of the show is ‘A Call To Gather’ and there will be a global cast. Those taking part include the United States Army Field Band, the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, the 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes and Drums, the German Army Band Koblenz, the Vancouver Police Pipes and Drums and the New Zealand Army Band,
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 7-9.
Where does it take place?
The festival's home is Edinburgh's Inverleith Park.
What are the highlights?
Chefs and bakers appearing include Nikolas Zalonis, Jilly McCord, Rohan Wadke, Harry Maguire, Sophie Sugrue, Jacqueline Wise and Clare Coghill. There will also be music from Gareth Gates and Scouting For Girls.
Where can I get tickets?
You can pick up tickets for the event here.
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