Edinburgh's Festivals Galore

Bringing waves of colour and pulsing excitement to the city, Edinburgh is host to a multitude of magnificent year round festivals. Whether you love the arts, are science mad, or want to experience world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations, get ready to be served an amazing smorgasbord of culture…

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Learn about spaceships, weather, dinosaurs, the human body and much more at one of Europe's largest science festivals this Spring. Jam-packed with interactive exhibitions, events, workshops, performances, screenings and debates, the annual programme delivers a range of amazing experiences for all ages.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Enter the fringe and you’ll be captivated by an immense cornucopia of delights, elegance and total fantasticality! During the month of August, The Edinburgh Fringe explodes across the city with theatre, dance, cabaret, comedy, musicals, opera, children’s shows and more. Prepare to be delighted, shocked and spellbound by the largest arts festival in the world.

Edinburgh International Festival

Experience first-class examples of artistic expression from around the world at the festival that started them all! With performances of opera, theatre, dance and classical music in some of Edinburgh’s grandest venues over August, you’ll be spoilt for cultural choice. And don’t miss the grand finale - live classical music accompanied by a phenomenal firework display from the castle ramparts above.

Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is truly dazzling during the Christmas season. From late November until early January, the city centre comes alive with bustling festive markets, thrilling rides and unforgettable shows and street performances. Make your Christmas a real cracker this year in the winter wonderland of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

There's nothing quite like belting out Auld Lang Sang amongst a street full of joyous people. Edinburgh celebrates the New Year better than most with their Hogmanay Festival lasting three days! Start the festivities with a spectacular torchlight procession on the 30th December and prepare to be blown away with dazzling nightly firework displays at this internationally known event.

Edinburgh Mela

For two days in September, Leith Links transforms into a hive of colour, music and dance as Edinburgh Mela comes to town. This dynamic festival delivers a colourful range of music, art and dance from around the world, making it one of the most impressive and exiting events on Edinburgh's annual calendar.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

For ten groovy days in July, venues across Edinburgh play host to the best jazz and blues talent from all over the world. From samba to swing, from soul to boogie-woogie and blues, there’s something to suit every mood and musical taste!