Festivals

Edinburgh is home to the most varied and dynamic calendar of international events and festivals in the world.

There are a number of major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the globe to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city's culture.

Science Festival

April. Innovative and educational events fostering dialogue about the future of our culture, our nation, our planet and our understanding.

Edinburgh International Children's Festival

May. International festival of performing arts for children and young people.

Jazz & Blues Festival

July. The world's finest jazz and blues talent perform everything from bop, boogie-woogie and blues-rock, to samba, swing and soul.

Art Festival

August. The UK's largest annual celebration of visual art through exhibitions, performances, screenings, artist talks and guided tours.

Royal Military Tattoo

August. Spectacular performances by military bands and display teams on the Castle esplanade. An iconic Edinburgh institution that sells out year after year.

International Festival

August. Showcasing the best the world has to offer in classical and contemporary dance, music, opera and theatre.

Festival Fringe

August. The world's largest arts festival: thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages across the city to present shows for every taste.

Film Festival

August. Intimate yet ambitious festival promoting the very best in international cinema, feature films, shorts and documentaries.

Book Festival

August. The greatest writers and thinkers in the world gather to share ideas, entertain, inform and challenge.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

October. A celebration of live storytelling, oral traditions and cultural diversity.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

December. One of the world’s greatest New Year celebrations, and one of the largest street parties in the world.