Summer 2026: FREE Festival Fringe events at budget-friendly venue in the heart of Edinburgh

Kick Ass Hostels runs two modern hostels at either end of Grassmarket –one across from the Castle and Greyfriars Hostel, at the opposite end of the square, with a third due to reopen soon. Complete with a beer garden, castle views and fun events and in-house entertainment, Kick Ass Hostels are more than just a great place to stay.

These budget-friendly venues are right in the heart of Edinburgh in gorgeous Grassmarket – which boasts a lively nightlife, plenty of restaurants, bars and shops and is in an ideal spot for making the most of all that the Fringe Festival has to offer.

Free Fringe events at Kick Ass

Best of all when Edinburgh Fringe takes over the city in August there will be some live Fringe events right here to enjoy throughout the month till midnight, and all are either free or pay what you can.

Kick Ass Hostel has been a Free Festival venue since 2023. The venue is at the junction of Cowgate, Grassmarket and Candlemaker Row, putting it right in the centre of all things Fringe-related and a stonesthrow from the Royal Mile.

The Kick Ass Café and Bar on the ground floor is a trendy and uniquely designed spot, great for food and drink and free Fringe events – it’s also fully wheelchair accessible. The intimate space is ideal for solo and small performances.

Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate will showcase new comedy and Fringe favourites from home and abroad, which should have you merry with mirth.

Here’s some highlights:

· The Irish Mob: This wild and exciting compilation show brings together the best of Ireland's up-and-coming comedians, rising stars, alongside seasoned headliners.

· All Time Best Comedy Champion: War of the Flags – The World Cup of comedy, this gig brings comedians from across the globe to pit their wits and gags against each other – only you can decide who is the funniest nation.

· 3s Comedy Lunchtime – Enjoy a bite to eat with a few laughs. Featuring Ben Searle, Lewis Garnham & Prue Blake, three of the best of the new wave of Australian comedians at the festival.

· Devin Grey: Golden Retriever Energy - Golden Retriever Energy is Devin Gray’s third consecutive show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and it sees him evolve his comedy while doubling down on everything audiences already love.

· A Complete Idiot’s Guide to New Zealand - In this insider’s guide to his eccentric homeland, award-winning Kiwi comedian Sully O’Sullivan answers all the questions about New Zealand you never knew to ask in the first place….

Beyond the Fringe

From whisky tastings to sports screenings and bar crawls to karaoke nights, this is the place to head for by those in the know, or anyone new to the city.

Here you can you enjoy the summer sun in a gorgeous beer garden with superb castle views, sipping premium drinks at budget-friendly prices, enjoying great food and company.

And with new photobooths fitted for this summer, you can be sure never to miss an Instagrammable moment!

What’s on Summer 2026

There’s a packed programme of organised events designed to enjoy with friends or to offer a chance to meet new people – and you don’t have to be staying here to enjoy the food and drink or sign up for any of the events, so it’s ideal for locals.

Don’t miss the Bon Jovi tribute with a live band in the beer garden that will take place on the 27th August starting at 7pm.

This year’s World Cup has proved the perfect opportunity to enjoy great sporting moments with friends – or indulge in some friendly rivalry with supporters of other nations. With big TVs inside and in the beer garden at Greyfriars Hostel you need never miss a major sporting event.

Daily programme of events

There’s something for Edinburgh’s residents to enjoy here every day, with events kicking off around 8pm. They include:

· Pub crawl of six bars* – Every day except Wednesdays and Sundays

· Whisky Tasting – Learn your malts with this six-dram tutored tasting every Tuesday night

· Quiz Night – Everyone loves a pub quiz and this free event happens every Wednesday – the winning team gets a tab at the bar.

· Karaoke – Sing your heart out to your favourite tune every Sunday

Events are bookable through the hostels or via the website or through the link in their Instagram bio.

Premium experience, budget-friendly prices

The Grassmarket Hostel has a variety of accommodation and communal areas, including a café and a chill-out area with a breath-taking view of Edinburgh Castle, whilst the Greyfriars Hostel and bar is an ideal spot to enjoy an inexpensive meal or a few drinks.

Its new summer menu also includes matcha, iced lattes, Dubai style iced chocolate and cocktails and all at competitive prices – the price of a pint could be a pleasant surprise here.

With light bites from £5 upwards you can grab a snack such as fries or mozzarella sticks or something more substantial such as fish and chips or their infamous “Kick Ass burger” and it won’t break the bank.

Linger longer

The hostels offer private accommodation or shared rooms – whether it’s bunks for four or a room for 30. They also have pods for those who don’t want to sacrifice privacy for budget.

Popular with the 18-30 age bracket the hostels are welcoming to everyone and all ages. Communal areas, including the bar, and chill out zone (accessed via a spiral staircase) offer comfy sofas and board games, or a quieter space for digital nomads to get to work, publish their posts or catch up with socials and friends online.

Find out more about the hostels, the bar and events by visiting the website here

*#BeDrinkAware