Looking for a mind-blowing, captivating and enthralling summer festival? In Edinburgh, you’re spoilt for choice!
From music, theatre and dance, to art, books and film, however you like your summer entertainment, you’re sure to find it in Edinburgh.
Take a look at our roundup of what you can expect at Edinburgh’s six summer festivals and clear a space in your diary – there’s lots going on!
Edinburgh International Festival
unique collaborations, world premieres and critically acclaimed productions.
Featuring world premieres, retellings of classic works and critically acclaimed productions in the fields of music, theatre, opera and dance, Edinburgh International Festival is a true celebration of the performing arts.
Since its establishment in 1947 when it sought to encourage the ‘flowering of the human spirit’ in post-war Scotland, it has continued to capture and showcase artistic creativity.
Running over 24 days and featuring 147 performances and 2,000 artists from 46 countries, the 2026 festival explores the theme, All Rise, a rallying cry encompassing collaboration, resilience and ascendance. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the 2026 programme offers a multifaceted examination of the USA featuring the Festival’s largest-ever representation of American artists.
The Edinburgh International Festival takes place from 07 to 30 August 2026.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
spotting up-and-coming artists, as well as well-known names.
Spanning theatre, dance, circus, physical theatre, comedy, music, musicals, opera, cabaret, variety, children’s shows, spoken word, exhibitions and events, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cornucopia of entertainment.
The concept of the Fringe is simple – it is open to anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them. 2026 will see 3,649 shows across 258 venues, making up 53,884 performances. It’s not difficult to see why this is the largest arts festival in the world.
The Fringe is also a hotspot for talented street-performers. Music, magic, circus and sideshows – you’ll see them all here.
Be part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 07 to 31 August 2026.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
music, dance, culture, and military traditions against a stunning background.
Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s impressive castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most special events in Edinburgh’s calendar.
From humble beginnings in 1950, it now attracts local and international audiences and a dazzling display of over 800 UK and international performers. Massed pipe bands, precision drilling, dancing and stunning imagery transform the Castle’s esplanade into a scene of wonder.
Bringing together the traditional, the new and the spectacular, audiences can expect a brand-new show for 2026, featuring acts from around the world. More than 800 performers will take part, including the German Army Band Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band, the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team and the United States Army Field Band.
See the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo between 07 and 29 August 2026.
Edinburgh Art Festival
meaningful art exhibitions, events and projects.
Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. Each year it brings together the capital’s leading galleries and museums to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects.
The 2026 programme brings together galleries and community spaces from across Edinburgh. Audiences can expect a programme of genre-pushing commissions – from alternative queer images and reimagined relics overlooking the city, to late-night parties in a sculpture park.
Edinburgh Art Festival runs from 14 to 30 August 2026.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
discovering both prize-winning and emerging writers.
Celebrating the written word, literature and ideas, Edinburgh International Book Festival includes around 600 writers from 41 countries, presenting events spanning fiction, politics, science, history, music, and live performance.
With the theme of Changing Your Mind, this year’s programme invites audiences to stay open and curious, and to encourage new and alternative thinking.
Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from 15 to 30 August 2026.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
showcasing the most exciting and innovative new film talent.
Exploring new concepts and innovative approaches in cinema, the Edinburgh International Film Festival features short films, experimental cinema and documentary films across a range of genres.
The hand-picked selection programme sees film lovers treated to a variety of films from renowned film makers, as well as showcasing the work of a new generation of UK and international talent.
Film goers are able to experience new work from filmmakers from across the world, with screenings shown at a variety of venues in the city, including Cameo Picturehouse, Filmhouse, Monkey Barrel Comedy and Leith Theatre. A number of performances are available as audio described and subtitled screenings.
Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from 13 to 19 August 2026.
Please note, Edinburgh will be busier than usual during the Festivals. Plan ahead to avoid delays from planned road closures.
Looking for more things to see and do in Edinburgh this summer?
From theatre performances and workshops, to exhibitions and events, there’s lots going on in Edinburgh.
