Edinburgh is the largest city in Scotland. Tourists can find plenty of reasons for visiting this old city. You can enjoy a taste of what life was like in the medieval age, as well as find modern, upscale attractions to enjoy and top hotels and bed and breakfast to stay at. One reason for visiting Edinburgh is because of their love of festivals. It would seem like, no matter what time of year it is, there is a party or event happening. We have put together a list of the best festivals in Edinburgh to help you plan your Scottish vacation. You are sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy and may even scratch an item, or two, off your bucket list.
1. Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Established in 1989, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) is a gathering of Scottish and international musicians and storytellers that will narrate inspiring tales to all audiences. The event is held in October of each year and seeks to inspire people with music, stories, and characters that embody our culture. Its main venue is the Netherbow Theatre in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Participants don’t only get to hear amazing tales during the event, they can also hone their skills through workshops and development talks. SISF also has a Festival on Tour program where they take their stories to other Scottish islands.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Website: Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Takes place: October
2. Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
No one is ever too old for a little magic in their life. If you happen to be in the city during its show season, you must definitely catch a performance at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. Established in 2010, the annual festival is a wondrous showcase of heart-stopping and innovative magic and theatrical art. The non-profit organization also aims to promote magic as a form of art and celebrates the endless capabilities of our minds and imagination. Make your Edinburgh trip extra magical by catching a show!
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Website: Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Takes place: December
3. Edinburgh People's Festival [Event has passed]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A festivity in the city that deeply celebrates its history is the Edinburgh People’s Festival. This labor festival highlights the indigenous talent and cultural entertainment for a minimal fee so that everyone may participate and celebrate their heritage. The arts festival was inspired by the Labour Government in 1945. Some of the events during this festival continue the old traditions of the original People’s Festival from 1951 to 1954. Other highlights include the works of poet Hamish Henderson, folk singer Ewan MacColl, and theater director Joan Littlewood.
Edinburgh People's Festival
Website: Edinburgh People’s Festival
4. Leith Festival [Last event in 2019]
Leith Festival is the own arts festival of the port neighborhood of Leith in Edinburgh. The community-based festival facilitated by Leith Festival Association was established in 1907 as a Gala day, where locals gather and simply catch up with the community, and a pageant to raise funds for Leith Hospital. The pageant and gala day is maintained to this day, just with additions of Leith Festival Tattoo and live performances of music, theater, workshops, and other exhibitions. There’s also an excellent showcase of poetry, film, sports, and comedy.
Leith Festival
Website: Leith Festival
Takes place: June
5. Edinburgh International Children's Festival
A Scottish festival that you must absolutely check out when visiting the city with your kids is the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, formerly known as Imaginate Festival that was established in 1990. The performances in this festival are made to inspire and engage young audiences and spark their creativity. The festival includes theatre and dance, as well as pop-up activities that will surely keep the youngins busy. Of course, witnessing this artistic event is for the young-at-heart, too. For 2021, the festival takes place from 25 May until 6 June.
Edinburgh International Children's Festival
Website: Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
Takes place: May
6. Edinburgh International Festival
Since 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has been captivating and entertaining folks from around the world. For three weeks every August, the city celebrates the performing arts with productions and actors that are at the top of their industry. The festival honors the best dance, opera, theater and music from around the globe, with performances held in all of the major theaters and concert halls. Throughout the day and into the night, visitors can enjoy a broad range of artistic productions from classic theater to modern dance. At night, the festival ends with a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the night sky. The Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 3rd - August 27th.
Edinburgh International Festival
Website: Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
Takes place: August
7. Jazz & Blues Festival
Jazz, blues, bop, boogie woogie and soul are just some of the music styles you will enjoy at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. Visitors will boogie till they drop over the 10-day music packed event. Performers from around the globe are brought together to perform in the concert halls and hip jazz clubs around the city. Celebrate the early days of jazz music and be delighted by the best bands and musicians performing today. During the course of the event, you can also enjoy the free Mardi Gras-type carnival that is held with plenty of food, rides, and fun. The Jazz & Blues Festival runs from July 12th - July 21st.
Jazz & Blues Festival
Website: Jazz & Blues Festival
Takes place: July
8. Art Festival
Every summer, the city brings together the best artists from Scotland to showcase their work. The festival runs for one month and includes over 40 visual art exhibits. During the course of this Edinburgh festival, take part in guided tours, enjoy talks by the artists and enjoy the many artistic screening and performances. Most of the events at the festival are free to the public. You will see stunning, modern art alongside pieces depicting historical periods by the best, up-and-coming Scotish artists. The Art Festival is held from July 26th - August 26th.
Art Festival
Website: Art Festival
Takes place: July to August
9. Fringe Festival
The Fringe Festival takes place at the same time as the International Festival, August 3rd - August 27th. The Fringe also celebrates the performing arts, but while the bigger festival hosts the well-known names in the entertainment industry, the Fringe showcases up-and-coming talent at the smaller venues. You will be entertained by the spoken word, children’s shows, music, dance, comedy and cabaret performances. This festival also brings out the producers and the media looking to discover the next big talent in the entertainment industry.
Art Festival
Website: Fringe Festival
Takes place: August
10. Christmas Festival
Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit faster than visiting Edinburgh during their annual Christmas festivities. For the six weeks leading up to December 25th, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland. Two of the biggest draws are the huge outdoor markets where you can find one-of-a-kind items for everyone on your gift list. The market on Princes Street is open from November 16th to January 5th. Here, you will find crafters, artists, retailers and unique food items for sale. The other market is located on George Street and it is open from November 16th to December 24th. Here, you will find holiday decorations and traditional Scottish liquors. Besides the outdoor markets, visitors can enjoy the carnival alongside George Street that includes an outdoor ice rink and many free shows and attractions.
Christmas Festival
Website: Christmas Festival
Takes place: November to January
11. International Book Festival
Every year, Charlotte Square Gardens and the west end of George Street are transformed into a book lover’s paradise. The International Book Festival is a great place to meet your favorite authors and discover new ones. Three major book retailers are set up under the big tents carrying books of all genres, for every age. You will find over 800 events, with many that are exclusive to young readers. You can attend book signings, writing workshops, author meet and greets and so much more. The two-week event is free to the public and takes place from August 11th to 27th.
International Book Festival
Website: International Book Festival
Takes place: August
12. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual event that showcases music, military bands, and performers from around the world. Each year, the event is designed around a central theme like nature, creativity or Scotland’s homecoming. The event draws visitors by the hundreds of thousands and many of the performances are televised. You will be entertained by dance troupes, the precision of military bands, and the highlight of the event, the lone piper playing in front of Edinburgh Castle. This event takes place in summer, usually from August 3rd to 25th.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Website: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Takes place: August
13. International Science Festival
The International Science festival runs for two weeks, over the Easter holiday. The interactive, family festival offers an educational program through hands-on exhibits, learning workshops and events. During the day, the kids will love learning about cutting-edge technology, the human body, and even dinosaurs, through fun workshops and displays. At night, the adults can take part in science-based nights out, with food, drinks, performances, discussions and events, with an opportunity for audience participation. This event in Edinburgh takes place from April 6th to 21st.
International Science Festival
Website: International Science Festival
Takes place: April
14. Edinburgh Mela
The Edinburgh Mela takes place on the first weekend of September. The two-day festival celebrates music and dance from around the world. You will be entertained by performers from Europe, China, Australia and even India. The Mela is a non-profit organization that works to create opportunities in the arts. Their goal is to connect with the various cultures and performers in the world of music and dance. Along with the performances, there will be vendors from around the world, set up to display and sell their handmade items. The festival is held yearly at Leith Links, usually from September 1st to 2nd.
International Science Festival
Takes place: September
15. Hogmanay
Hogmanay is a three-day festival that celebrates the new year. It runs from December 30th to January 1st, and it is probably the world’s largest street party. Besides the many events and concerts, you can take part in some very unique, Scotish traditions to usher in the new year. Enjoy the game of birling by the Edinburgh Castle. This is a game of skill where you and an opponent try to stay balanced on a log, over a pit of water. Take part in one of the largest firelit parades as you, and thousands of other folks, march through the streets with torches. On New Year’s Eve, gather at Princes Street Gardens for an amazing concert and as the clock strikes midnight, be part of the globe’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Then top it off with the traditional new year’s jump into the waters of the River Forth.
Hogmanay
Website: Hogmanay
Takes place: December to January
The world's festival city
Edinburgh likes to boast that it is the world’s leading festival city. As you can see from the list above, they may just be right. It would seem that no matter when you choose to visit, the city will welcome you with a festival or party to attend.
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