Seasonal Events
4 April – 19 April
Edinburgh Science Festival
The world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a Festival. Celebrating the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Festival programme includes explosive shows and hands-on activities for families and engaging talks and immersive experiences for adults.
30 May – 7 June
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
The annual celebration of exceptional Scottish and international theatre and dance for young audiences, with a focus on performances that are deeply engaging, innovative, and inspiring.
17 July – 26 July
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
A showcase of the very best jazz and blues artists that the world has to offer. Held over 10 days and with over 130 performances a year, the festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe, creating moving and memorable experiences for both residents of the city and visitors from around the globe.
7 August – 30 August
Edinburgh International Festival
The premier annual, three-week performing arts festival held every August in Edinburgh since 1947. It showcases world-class, curated performances in opera, music, theater, and dance from international artists.
7 August – 29 August
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
An experience like no other, the Tattoo brings together the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast. Presenting emotionally charged entertainment featuring cutting-edge lighting, sound, and military precision.
7 August – 31 August
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
For three weeks in August, Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers present shows that span many genres, including cabaret, children’s shows, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, music, musicals, opera, and theatre.
13 August – 19 August
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Heralded as a “77-year-old start-up” in 2024, EIFF leverages its history as the world’s oldest continually running film festival to bring a fresh and innovative programme of emerging and established talent and cutting-edge storytelling to curious local, national, and international audiences.
14 August – 30 August
Edinburgh Art Festival
The UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. The festival was founded in 2004 to provide a dedicated platform for the visual arts at the heart of Edinburgh’s summer festivals.
15 August – 30 August
Edinburgh International Book Festival
The world-leading festival of words, literature, and ideas. Every August, we celebrate the written word, bringing together over 600 events with the most exciting writers and thinkers on the planet to ignite imaginations, foster human connection, and challenge the status quo.
21 October – 31 October
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival
One of the most admired storytelling events in the world and the largest of its kind – both from a programming and participation perspective – encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions, and styles.
December – January
Edinburgh’s Christmas
Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more. We can’t wait to see you all again this year!
29 December – 1 January
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Bring in the New Year at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’. Celebrations kick off with the Torchlight Procession, then the Night Afore Concert, and finally, the legendary Street Party. Expect a feast of live music, DJs, Street Theatre, Pipes & Drums, and so much more throughout the city centre. Look forward to a night of anthems, energy, and, of course, the world-famous Midnight Moment Fireworks, all set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.