Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of music, theatre, opera and dance performed across our beautiful city.

About Edinburgh International Festival

	, Various Locations Edinburgh
	01314732000
	Edinburgh International Festival Website
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow edintfest on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

The Edinburgh International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood, the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and leaders from the City of Edinburgh. It was established in 1947 as a world class cultural event to bring together audiences and artists from around the world, and over 70 years has gone from strength to strength.

For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations. The International Festival presents a programme featuring the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.

Our impact extends beyond the annual programme: our community learning and engagement and professional development programmes run throughout the year, reaching the widest possible audiences and contributing to the cultural and social life of Edinburgh and Scotland.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh International Festival are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Festival

Theatre

Verdi’s A Masked Ball

26th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Zurich Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s stunning opera, A Masked Ball, filled with desire, treachery and political peril.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

Festivals

TravFest 2025

Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED

TravFest 2025 sees the iconic festival and fringe venue showcase an incredible programme of brilliant and bold theatre.

Festivals

Edinburghs Hogmanay

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is back to celebrate the end of 2025 and the new year with an unforgettable experience for Edinburgh and beyond.

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.

Festivals

Edinburgh Horror Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Horror Festival is one of the most popular Hallowe'en events in Edinburgh. Incorporating theatre, comedy, magic, spoken word, movies, games, improv, workshops and more!

Festivals

Audacious Women Festival

Audacious Women Festival , Various Locations Edinburgh

Audacious Women Festival encourages and empowers women to break personal, political, institutional barriers, and celebrates inspirational women.

Festivals

The Saltire Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

The Saltire Festival returns for 2022 celebrating St. Andrew's Day in the Home of the Flag!

Festivals

Red, Red Rose Street

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Red Red Rose Street returns for 2018 with a festival of Burns’ music and words running from 25th - 27th January.

Festivals

Edinburgh Tradfest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 2nd to 12th May 2025.

Festivals

Falastin Film Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Falastin Film Festival (FFF) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit collective of Palestinians and allies dedicated to bringing Palestinian art to the Edinburgh and Highland audiences.

Festivals

Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival returns in 2024 with a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Dragon.

Festivals

Syn Festival Edinburgh

, Various Locations in Edinburgh

Join us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!

Festivals