Edinburgh is known by many as the Festival City, and when it hits August it’s clear to see why! Yes, Edinburgh Fringe Festival plays a huge part in why thousands flock to the city at this time of year, but there’s way more to it than just that. Everything from art and culture to music, dance and even food can be expected if you’re visiting Edinburgh during August. The city bursts into a massive celebration of life, making the atmosphere unlike anything you’ll have ever experienced.
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EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
3rd - 27th August
Edinburgh Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world with more than 3000 shows and 50,000 performances across 300 venues in the space of 3 weeks. The population of Edinburgh doubles in size during Fringe with people travelling from far and wide just to experience it. This festival should be on everyone’s bucket list, this year it kicks off on 3rd August.
Heading to Edinburgh for bank holiday weekend? Check out
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
3rd - 2nd August
The Edinburgh International Festival is a 3 week celebration of performing arts from all over the world. Some of the best in dance, opera, music and theatre will take to the stages of Edinburgh with thousands of people watching for free who have come from a whole host of countries.
EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL
1st - 26th August
If you’re a lover of visual art, Edinburgh Art Festival is the one for you. This one shows off and celebrates the city’s best galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, featuring the best international and UK artists as well as amazing up-and-coming talent. Most of the festival is free to visit.
INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
11th - 27th August
There’s a reason Edinburgh is known as a festival city… ANOTHER festival on the agenda is the International Book Festival. It might not sound quite as exciting as the others, but it’s a key event in Edinburgh’s August calendar and has been for years! Each year it welcomes around 1000 authors in more than 900 different events. Expect to see and hear from novelists, poets, scientists, sportsmen, comic creators, musicians, environmentalists and way, way more.
ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
3rd - 25th August
Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo is one of those things that you just can’t pass up if you’re in the city at the time - it’s an absolute spectacle. Tickets aren’t cheap (ranging from £25 to over £300!) but even in the cheapest seats you won’t be disappointed. Watch as armed forces, dressed up in their Scottish kilts, march around the Castle Esplanade in unison to the sound of bagpipes. Some nights will conclude with a huge fireworks display over the castle. The perfectly rehearsed performance and amazing music is what makes millions of people from all over the world tune in to see it on their TVs - so if you’re in the city in August, make the most of it!
FOODIES FESTIVAL
3rd - 5th August
Foodies Festival in Inverleith Park is, you guessed it, a festival full of all things food. Watch Michelin star chefs demonstrate how they make some of their tastiest dishes, join a wine, beer, cocktail or champagne masterclass and munch your way around the Street Food Village for the whole afternoon! Ticket prices start from £18 which includes entry to the festival plus a music concert later on.
EDINBURGH SUMMER SESSIONS
6th - 19th August
Get online and book your tickets ASAP! Cos the line-up for this Edinburgh music event is pretty damn great. Edinburgh Summer Sessions is 6 nights of HUGE concerts in Princes Street Gardens, where the castle makes for a truly magical backdrop. Tom Jones and Kasabian are sadly sold out already, but there’s still a chance to grab tickets to Bastille, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Paloma Faith and Brian Wilson before someone else does!
MACMILLAN ART SHOW
24th - 26th August
As part of Edinburgh’s festival season, Macmillan Cancer Support group have organised a weekend art show - putting together the best of the city’s amateur artists’ work. Head to Bonhams by Queen Street Gardens to see some amazing pieces of art whilst supporting a fantastic British charity.
JUST FESTIVAL
3rd-26th August
Taking place in St John’s Church throughout most of the month, Just Festival celebrates the cultural, political or religious differences between us all. Just encourages those who attend to explore the views and beliefs of others through hosting engaging talks, exhibitions and musical and theatrical performances. It really is fascinating and it’s a free event, so take a look at the programme and set aside some time to check it out.
EDINBURGH VEGAN FESTIVAL
19th August
The Vegan Festival is returning based on popular demand, so they’ve made the venue the absolute biggest they can! On 19th August Murrayfield Rugby Ground will be transformed into a veggie, vegan or vegan-curious’ dream with over 100 vegan stalls taking over. Expect tonnes of free samples, discounts, food tasting, food stalls, animal sanctuaries and clothes stalls dotted around the field for you to enjoy!