Edinburgh: festivals

Festivals in Edinburgh at a glance

Our Edinburgh calendar has 5 listings under festivals: 4 with fixed dates and 1 whose next dates are not yet announced. Every listing links to its organiser, so check opening times and tickets there before you travel.

When they happen

• Jan0 listings
• Feb0 listings
• Mar0 listings
• Apr1 listing
• May0 listings
• Jun1 listing
• Jul0 listings
• Aug2 listings
• Sep0 listings
• Oct1 listing
• Nov0 listings
• Dec0 listings

The busiest month for festivals here is August, counting each month an event runs in. Months for listings without confirmed dates come from the organiser's usual timing, so treat them as a guide.

What our Edinburgh guide says about those seasons:

Spring (March to May)

A good time for hill walks and the gardens, before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer (June to August)

The longest days and the biggest festivals. Book rooms and tickets well ahead for August.

Autumn (September to November)

Quieter streets once the festivals finish, and good light for the Old Town skyline.

Where they happen

• Venues across Edinburgh · 2 listings
• Calton Hill · Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill
• Edinburgh Castle Esplanade · Old Town & Royal Mile
• Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston

Other events in Edinburgh

• Comedy 1
• Sport 1
• Arts & exhibitions 1
• Heritage & tradition 1

Festivals elsewhere

Festivals across the UK: 55 listings in London and our other destinations. By destination:

• Cambridge 5
• Manchester 4
• Oxford 4
• York 4
• Glasgow 3
• Bath 2
• Bristol 2
• Cornwall 2
• The Cotswolds 2
• Northern Ireland 2
• The Peak District 2
• The Scottish Highlands 2
• Wales 2
• The Jurassic Coast 1
• The Lake District 1
• Liverpool 1

Plan the rest of your visit

• Edinburgh guide: areas, sights, food and stays
• Getting around Edinburgh
• Where to stay in Edinburgh
• Every event in Edinburgh