| , Various Locations Edinburgh | |
| 01314732000 | |
| Edinburgh International Festival Website | |
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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.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MORERare Books Edinburgh is a festival dedicated to rare, collectable and important books and the history of the book.
READ MOREEdinburgh Science Festival is an educational charity that aims to inspire all ages and backgrounds.
READ MOREFalastin 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.
READ MOREPorty Festival is a brand new family friendly festival coming to Portobello on Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May - highlighting all things Portobello.
READ MOREFormerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.
READ MOREEdinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!
READ MOREThe Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2025 with the theme 'Lights of the North'.
READ MOREFounded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival works with local and international partners to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects across the city.
READ MOREThe 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!
READ MOREPortobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.
READ MORECurious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s annual festival of knowledge – a free, open-to-all celebration of ideas, discovery, and conversation.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s Hogmanay is back to celebrate the end of 2025 and the new year with an unforgettable experience for Edinburgh and beyond.
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