Discover the unmissable festivals coming to Edinburgh this spring.
While Edinburgh is well known for its world famous summer festivals, springtime can be just as an exciting time to visit, with a host of unique festival experiences to entertain all ages.
From the wonders of science to traditional music and food and drink, take a look at some of the fantastic festivals coming to Scotland’s capital this spring.
Edinburgh Science Festival
The world’s first and largest celebration of science, Edinburgh Science Festival has a bumper programme of workshops, shows, talks, exhibitions and nights out, all with a fun and interesting scientific twist that aim to educate and inspire.
Exploring the theme Going Global, this year’s Festival includes over 100 events to entertain all ages. Play the role of scientist and let your curiosity run wild at venues across the city, including Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo, National Museum of Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Science Festival runs from 04 to 19 April 2026.
Baroque Music Festival
Returning for its second anniversary, the theme for this year’s Baroque Music Festival is Europe.
Across five concerts, the festival invites you on a rich musical voyage through the great Baroque traditions of France, England, Scotland, and Italy. Concerts take place at the Institut français d’Écosse and the Reid Concert Hall, and include performances by local and European musicians and ensembles.
Baroque Music Festival runs from 09 to 18 April 2026.
Edinburgh International Harp Festival
Established in 1982, Edinburgh International Harp Festival is the UK’s premier harping event.
Over the course of its 5 day programme, which takes at the city’s George Watson’s College, there are a variety of concerts, courses and workshops to choose from. The popular family ceilidh returns and the festival’s concerts will feature an eclectic mix of UK and international genres.
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival takes place from 10 to 14 April 2026.
Scottish Tulip Festival
Experience the colour and beauty of springtime at Craigies Farm’s first Scottish Tulip Festival.
Located in South Queensferry, wander through fields bursting with colour and enjoy 220,000 tulips in bloom. Discover unique photo opportunities, and soak up the fresh air of this peaceful farm. Any Day and Set Date tickets are available to book
See Scottish Tulip Festival between 13 and 26 April 2026.
Beltane Fire Festival
Wave goodbye to winter with a bang with Beltane Fire Festival.
A modern reinterpretation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual celebrating the first signs of summer, acrobatics, drummers, dancers, clowns, musicians, actors and puppeteers all take to Calton Hill in an awe-inspiring cavalcade of dancing, music and theatre.
Experience Beltane Fire Festival on 30 April 2026.
Edinburgh Tradfest
Celebrating traditional music from Scotland and across the world, Edinburgh Tradfest features an exciting programme of live music, workshops, film and traditional storytelling.
Running for 11 days, performances will take place at various city venues, including Potterrow and the Traverse.
Edinburgh Tradfest runs from 01 to 11 May 2026.
Porty Festival
Running over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Porty Festival celebrates all that’s great about Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside town.
The full programme is yet to be announced, but will take place at four locations across Portobello, and over the 3 days, features something for everyone to enjoy beside the seaside.
Join Porty Festival from 02 to 04 May 2026.
Festhailes Country
If you love your country music, head along to Newhailes House and Gardens in Musselburgh for Festhailes Country.
This family-friendly country music festival will be held in the house’s grounds, and, as well as country music performances, will have funfair rides, food stalls and face painting.
Festhailes Country will be on 09 May 2026.
Edinburgh Tartan Parade
This May, don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Scotland.
Edinburgh Tartan Parade is a celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. The spectacle will include a display of tartan-clad participants, from traditional bagpipers to highland dancers.
Experience Edinburgh Tartan Parade on 09 May 2026.
Green AF
Ideal for all green fingered enthusiasts, Green AF is Scotland’s first houseplant festival.
Running over 2 days at The Pitt in Granton, learn how to care for your plants with beginner-friendly, hands-on workshops and talks from horticulturists.
Join Green AF on 22 and 23 May 2026.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Established in 2003, Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the biggest running festival in Scotland.
Taking place over 2 days, there are 9 different events and distances to choose from, including junior events. Participants can enjoy backdrops of some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and scenic routes, all while raising vital funds for their chosen charity.
Join Edinburgh Marathon Festival on 23 and 24 May 2026.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
A festival for the young, and the young at heart, Edinburgh International Children’s Festival celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world.
Presenting a mix of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre and with an emphasis on striking visual productions, the programme aims to inspire and engage children, from toddlers to teenagers.
Experience Edinburgh International Children’s Festival between 30 May and 07 June 2026.
Leith Food Festival
New for 2026 – The Leith Food Festival celebrates global flavours, performing arts, and the very best of Edinburgh’s independent scene.
Take your pick from live music, a cookery theatre, where the region’s leading chefs share crash courses in mastering your favourite dishes, and artisan markets, where you’ll find melt-in-the-mouth cheeses, homemade crafts, luxury chocolates, vibrant artwork, and much more.
Enjoy Leith Food Festival on 30 and 31 May 2026.
And that’s not all! Looking ahead to the summer months, there’s a huge selection of festivals to enjoy. Hidden Door will be back with a bumper programme of music, art, theatre, dance and spoken word. The Royal Highland Show celebrates the best of Scotland’s food, farming and rural life, and Foodies Festival will be turning Inverleith Park into foodie heaven with a selection of mouth-watering street food stalls. Not to mention, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival to look forward to.
Keep up to date with all the top events and festivals coming to Scotland’s capital city.
