Events in Edinburgh

No matter what time of year you visit Edinburgh, you're guaranteed to find a great event or world-class festival to enjoy. Galleries and museums host a variety of phenomenal exhibitions while the city's event spaces pack their programmes with top names from comedy, music, theatre, sport and more.

  1. Edinburgh's Summer Festivals Various venues, Edinburgh

    Artwork sculpture from Christian Newby at the Edinburgh Art Festival

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    When? Annually, April - August

    You may be familiar with Edinburgh’s world-renowned International Festival that takes over the city every August, but did you know that there are seven Edinburgh Summer Festivals running from April to August each year? The festivities include the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

  2. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Edinburgh Castle

    The finale of the 2023 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    When? 2 - 24 August 2024

    This highly anticipated event takes place on the stunning Edinburgh Castle esplanade each August to celebrate the end of another vibrant series of Edinburgh Festivals. Get ready for an array of energetic music, dance and military pageantry that sees almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform.

  3. Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre

    Scottish Storytelling Centre

    When? 18 - 31 October 2024

    Delve into a world of literature, books, poetry, and more through captivating live storytelling sessions, performances, workshops, talks and children's events, with guest storytellers from across the globe too.

     

  4. Edinburgh Winter Festivals Various venues, Edinburgh

    A father and his daughter enjoying the Edinburgh Christmas Market

    © VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

    When? Annually, November - January

    Christmas in the capital is truly unique and definitely bucket-list worthy. The city lights up with the festivities running from late November through to early January and sees a range of events, theatre shows, markets, stalls, fairground rides, celebrations and much more. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience Edinburgh in the snow too – a truly magical sight!

  5. Edinburgh's Hogmanay Various locations, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh's Hogmanay

    When? 29 - 31 December 2024, 1 January 2025

    If you’re here for Christmas, make sure you stay for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. With live music events, age old traditions and a countdown to the bells, it’s a great way to see in the New Year with close family and friends, and welcoming in a brand-new year.

  6. Edinburgh Science Festival Various venues, Edinburgh

    Scottish Parliament and Our Dynamic Earth

    When? 5 - 20 April 2025

    Not just for the wee ones, the Edinburgh Science Festival is an educational and exciting addition to the capital’s vibrant events scene in 2025. Get ready for a range of hands-on activities, talks, performances, tours and trails, special events, installations, and more that are suitable for all ages and taking place in venues across the city.

  7. Scottish Vegan Festival Assembly Rooms, George Street

    Fresh local produce including asparagus, cherries and tomatoes

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    When? 6 April 2025

    For our veggie and vegan friends, head along to the Scottish Vegan Festival in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms this April. Browse the many stalls on offer, join in fascinating talks, get hands-on at demonstrations, tuck into delicious dishes, explore new cosmetics, learn about campaigns and so much more!

  8. Edinburgh International Children's Festival Various venues, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh International Children's Festival 2023

    © Edinburgh International Children's Festival

    When? 24 May - 1 June 2025

    This fun and eclectic festival is a great choice for a family day out in the city! It showcases a variety of exceptional Scottish and international performances in theatre, dance, storytelling and puppetry and more from around the world. Previous years have seen audiences of around 19,000 children, their teachers and their families. It’s one not to miss!

  9. Pride Edinburgh Across Edinburgh

    Pride, Edinburgh

    © @prideedinburgh

    When? June 2025 (TBC)

    Pride Edinburgh is back for 2025! Details and information will be released shortly, but it will no doubt be another colourful celebration filled with laughter, music, friendship and acceptance. Stay tuned!

  10. Edinburgh Food Festival George Square Gardens

    George Square

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    When? Summer 2025 (TBC)

    Calling all foodies! The Edinburgh Food Festival is back with a smorgasbord of stalls and street food to try out in the city’s George Square Gardens. The event is also Edinburgh’s largest free to enter food festival bringing a delectable palette of dishes to the capital.

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