12 upcoming events in Edinburgh
August 2026
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The world's largest arts festival takes over Edinburgh every August with thousands of shows — comedy, theatre, cabaret and street performance in venues across the city.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
The world's largest arts festival, with thousands of shows spanning theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance, music and spoken word.
Edinburgh International Festival 2026
A programme of world-leading opera, music, theatre and dance across Edinburgh over 24 days.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Massed pipes and drums, military bands and international performers light up the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in this spectacular evening showcase.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 - A Call to Gather
Stirring music and performances from British and international military regiments on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026
Showcase of the best in international cinema, from short films to feature-length productions.
Edinburgh Art Festival 2026
Scotland's largest annual celebration of visual art with exhibitions across galleries and venues citywide.
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026
Author readings, Q&As and talks covering all types of literature.
Edinburgh Summer Sessions 2026
Open-air concert series in Princes Street Gardens featuring major headline acts against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
October 2026
Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival 2026
A celebration of live oral storytelling with performances and events across Edinburgh.
November 2026
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026
Edinburgh's famous Christmas market returns to East Princes Street Gardens and George Street with traditional wooden chalets, festive food and drink, fairground rides, and an ice rink beneath the castle.
December 2026
Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2026/27
Edinburgh's world-famous four-day New Year festival featuring a torchlight procession, outdoor concerts, street parties, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display over the castle.