Festival of Politics
The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in August, with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.
About Festival of Politics
| , Edinburgh Old Town EH99 1SP | |
| 01313485000 | |
| Festival of Politics Website | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow scotparl on Instagram | |
The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics returns this August with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in Holyrood, the home of Scottish politics.
This year’s Festival promises lively debates, thought-provoking panels and inspiring voices tackling some of the most pressing social, political and environmental issues of our time.
BBC journalist Clive Myrie will appear as part of the line-up this year, in conversation with the Deputy Presiding Officer Liam McArthur MSP where he will discuss his incredible 30-year broadcasting career.
Professor Danny Dorling, renowned social geographer, will explore the impact of politics on the UK’s housing, education, poverty and inequality levels, and will offer robust solutions on how to address these challenges of our age.
In addition, our Festival programme features leading experts from the worlds of politics, the arts, business, the media and the third sector. With events on topics such as the use of AI, peace in the Middle East, how we tackle misogyny and our use of technology.
In addition, there is a lively free programme of entertainment, exhibitions and even a robot in the Festival Café Bar.
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.
Upcoming Events at Festival of Politics
More Festivals in Edinburgh
Leith Comedy Festival
,
Leith
The first full Leith Comedy Festival will take place in popular live venues and community hubs across Leith this October.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Improv Festival
Monkey Barrel Comedy Blair Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QR
The Edinburgh International Improv Festival brings the best of American-style long-form improv comedy to Scotland's beautiful capital city.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Leith Festival
,
Leith
Leith Festival is an array of colour, sound, culture and pageantry that takes place over nine days in June.
READ MORE
Red, Red Rose Street
NA NA,
NA NA
Red Red Rose Street returns for 2018 with a festival of Burns’ music and words running from 25th - 27th January.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
,
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival
88 Lothian Road,
Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ
The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 13th to 19th August 2026 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest
,
Various Locations Edinburgh
The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 1st to 11th May 2026.
READ MORE
Baroque Music Festival
Institut français d'Ecosse West Parliament Square,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RF
In April 2026, join us for a musical journey through Europe with the second edition of the Baroque Music Festival!
READ MORE
Luminate Festival: Edinburgh & Lothians
NA NA,
NA NA
Luminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
READ MORE
FuturePlay Festival
54 George Street,
Edinburgh New Town EH2 2LR
Formerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
,
Various Locations Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MORE
All Festivals listings in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links
Leith Comedy Festival
The first full Leith Comedy Festival will take place in popular live venues and community hubs across Leith this October.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Improv Festival
The Edinburgh International Improv Festival brings the best of American-style long-form improv comedy to Scotland's beautiful capital city.
READ MORE
TravFest 2025
TravFest 2025 sees the iconic festival and fringe venue showcase an incredible programme of brilliant and bold theatre.
READ MORE
Leith Festival
Leith Festival is an array of colour, sound, culture and pageantry that takes place over nine days in June.
READ MORE
Red, Red Rose Street
Red Red Rose Street returns for 2018 with a festival of Burns’ music and words running from 25th - 27th January.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival
The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 13th to 19th August 2026 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest
The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 1st to 11th May 2026.
READ MORE
Baroque Music Festival
In April 2026, join us for a musical journey through Europe with the second edition of the Baroque Music Festival!
READ MORE
Luminate Festival: Edinburgh & Lothians
Luminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
READ MORE
FuturePlay Festival
Formerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links