Top 8 Festivals in Edinburgh for Every Season & Taste!
In Scotland, tradition is at the heart of everything, and I make it a point to take part in as many celebrations, commemorations, and national events as I can.
As a mother to young boys, I want them to grow up with a strong connection to their roots, heritage, and the unique charm of their homeland. And what better way to teach them than through Scotland’s vibrant festivals?
If you also want to connect to the local culture, make sure to join these top festivals in Edinburgh. You won’t regret it!
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival
– Media from scotstoryfest
Address: 43-45 High St
Contact Details: +44 131 652 3272
Operating Hours: Hosted every October
Admission Fee: Between £8 to £12 per festival event or £24 per person for a festival pass
Every October, as the crisp Scottish air settles in and families huddle up to stay warm before winter’s chill, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes centre stage.
This event honours the rich tradition of storytelling in all its forms—films, books, poetry, and music.
It offers a platform for artists, authors, and poets to share their craft, showcasing how oral traditions are passed down and connecting people through the power of a good story.
Tips:
- I highly recommend you buy a festival pass instead of a regular ticket to each of the events during the festival. Not only will you gain access to the Festival Launch event, but you’ll also receive discounts at the bookshop and the cafe and promotions on tickets for events not included in the pass privileges. Learn more about the passes here.
- The festival is managed and operated by the Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, a registered charity in Edinburgh. You can show your support all year by donating any amount to the organisation and helping them encourage traditional arts to flourish in the community!
Hogmanay
– Media from edhogmanay
Address: The Meadows, Melville Drive
Contact Details: +44 131 529 5151
Operating Hours: Usually every December 29 to 30, at 6:30 pm
Admission Fee: Starts at £18 per person
If you’ve spent the holidays in Scotland, you’re no doubt familiar with Hogmanay. This lively celebration marks the end of the year, with its name directly translating to “last day of the year.”
Hogmanay is a deeply cherished Scottish tradition brimming with customs such as the torchlight procession. Hundreds of locals gather in the streets bearing torches as they make their way to Edinburgh Castle.
Locals and visitors flock to the pubs, raising a pint and singing “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns, to ring in the new year with true Scottish spirit.
Tips:
- Avoid wearing fragile fabrics during the torchlight procession, as the wind can cause the torch flames to blow toward you, potentially damaging delicate materials.
- The procession typically begins at the Meadows and concludes near Edinburgh Castle. For any updates or changes to the route, check this page for the latest information.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
– Media from edbookfest
Address: 74 Lauriston Pl, The Edinburgh College of Art, the University of Edinburgh
Contact Details: +44 131 529 5151
Operating Hours: Usually every August
Admission Fee: Starts at £6 for live events
If you’re a book lover like me, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is an absolute must. Held every August, this incredible event runs alongside the Edinburgh International Festival, making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in culture.
This festival brings together some of the world’s finest writers and thinkers. Whether it’s an up-and-coming author or a Nobel Prize winner, you’ll find yourself in the midst of fascinating discussions and thought-provoking ideas.
It’s one of those festivals where you can truly connect with the stories behind the books and discover new voices that might just become your next favourite read.
Tips:
- The festival offers a pay-what-you-can scheme for some live events. This means that any guest who attends an event that offers this scheme is not obligated to pay anything. Do note that not all events during the festival offer this!
- If you’re disabled and need a companion to attend the festival with you, they can get a free ticket. Simply email the staff after booking your ticket to arrange this. A disabled concession ticket doesn’t automatically include a companion ticket or reserved seating, and companion tickets can’t be booked online.
Edinburgh Science Festival
– Media from edscifest
Address: Multiple locations across Edinburgh
Contact Details: +44 131 553 0320
Operating Hours: Usually every Easter
Admission Fee:
Starts £10 per event; rates vary depending on event proper
Contact festival management for more info
The Edinburgh Science Festival, the first of its kind in the world, is the UK’s largest science celebration held annually during Easter. Events span galleries, museums, labs, and public spaces, showcasing groundbreaking inventions, research, and demos.
Brilliant minds, both young and old, come together to showcase groundbreaking inventions, cutting-edge research, and captivating demos.
My favourite part of the festival, though, has to be the engaging discussions and debates on fascinating scientific ideas. And let’s not forget—the food is a treat too!
Tips:
- Please note that the festival takes place in multiple locations across the city. This means that there are different accessibility services and facilities in each location, so make sure to sign up for events where the venue can accommodate your needs. Learn more about accessibility during the festival here.
- The festival management aims to minimise their carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. That said, if you plan to attend events all day, bring reusable utensils and water jugs. This way, you can reduce trash (and the management will thank you for that!).
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
– Media from edfringe
Address: 180 High St, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
Contact Details: +44 131 553 0320
Operating Hours: Every August
Admission Fee: Ranges between £5 to £15 per show, excluding free live events
Every August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe transforms the city into a buzzing hub of creativity. Performers from all corners of the globe descend upon Auld Reekie, filling stages with everything from laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking circus acts.
I still remember wandering down the Royal Mile for the first time, surrounded by fire jugglers, musicians, and the hum of excited chatter. It felt like stepping into another world entirely! For me, it’s a reminder of why I love this city and its endless charm!
Tips:
- If you want to know who will be participating and performing during the festival, you can tune in to this page for announcements. They usually release the show dates and performers a few months before August. This way, you can plan your visit to the city accordingly!
- A booking fee of £1.25 per ticket, capped at £5 per transaction, is added to all ticket purchases, including those made at the box office! This fee helps fund the Fringe Society’s charitable efforts and supports the artists, venues, and creators.
Edinburgh International Festival
– Media from edintfest
Address: The Hub, Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 131 473 2065
Operating Hours: Every August
Admission Fee: Ranges between £5 to £15 per show, excluding free live events
Just like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival happens every August and focuses on the musical and performing arts scene of the city. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Scotland and welcomes thousands of guests from all over the world.
Aside from live performances, guests will also be treated to a series of talks, art exhibitions, workshops, classes, and many opportunities to meet other artists and showcase their talents to the public.
Tips:
- To stay updated on the festival’s lineup of participants and performers, keep an eye on this page for announcements. Details about show dates and acts are typically shared a few months ahead of August, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip to the city!
- I highly recommend signing up to become a member of the festival before August comes around. Not only will you get to help and support the staff financially, but you’ll also get exclusive perks and priority access to several festival events and shows. Learn more about becoming a member here.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
– Media from edinburghtattoo
Address: The Tattoo Office, 1-3 Cockburn St
Contact Details: +44 131 225 1188
Operating Hours: Every August
Admission Fee: Ranges between £47 per person to £1,040 per person, per package
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must-see celebration of Scotland’s heritage, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Featuring the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands, it’s a mix of bagpipes, drums, Highland dancing, and thrilling displays like motorcycle stunts and battle re-enactments.
If you’re a sucker for emotionally-charged entertainment, history, and military traditions, this festival may just be your cup of tea!
Tips:
- You can immerse yourself in the festival through unique experiences like Tales of the Tattoo, which includes a guided tour of a whisky collection, a tasting session, and more. Each experience also comes with a ticket to the festival’s live events. Discover all the exciting festival offerings here.
- In case you can’t make it to your chosen event during the festival, you can sell your unused and valid ticket on the festival’s resale platform. You can easily do that online. However, if you’re trying to resell a holiday or travel package, you’ll need to send a request via email instead.
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
– Media from edinburgh_jazz
Address: 88 Giles St, Leith
Contact Details: +44 751 007 4868
Operating Hours: Every July
Admission Fee: Ranges between £12 to £35 per person, per live event or show
When it comes to good music, there’s no beating the buzz of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival every July. It’s a particular favourite of my mum’s, and it’s easy to see why she’s so smitten with it.
As the name says, the festival is a full-on celebration of the finest jazz and blues artists from across the globe. The city’s pubs and venues transform into lively havens, spilling music all throughout the night.
Get ready to dance your heart out—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to the tunes!
Tips:
- The festival is known to be quite hard to find if you’re heading to the main live event spaces at Giles Street. They’re located just behind the building. If you’re in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for directions!
- Don’t miss out on the festival parade that happens at The Mound. Timings may vary depending on the weather, but you can check out this page for updates and announcements on parade dates and times!