Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
The Edinburgh International Children's Festival is a 9-day festival dedicated to offering family-friendly entertainment in the form of theatre and dance!
About Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
| 30th May 2026 to 7th Jun 2026 | |
| See event website for details | |
| Various Locations Edinburgh | |
| See event website for details | |
| Event organiser/part of Edinburgh International Childrens Festival | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow edchildrensfest on Instagram |
The Festival celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world, showcasing high quality, distinctive Scottish and international performances to an audience of children, their teachers, and their families each year.
The festival has established itself as one of the best places for programmers from all over the world to see work of the very highest standard. It is also a place where artists meet, see and discuss work, and take part in professional development activities.
Numerous pop-up events take place across the city centre, showcasing performances designed for audiences ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Though it's primarily targeted towards children, the festival offers quality entertainment for older members of the family to enjoy as well.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
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.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Various Venues or Edinburgh International Childrens Festival
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Day
Edinburgh International Children's Festival will once again host a day of free pop-up performances and artist interventions for families in the beautiful settings of the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Mirkids
Mirkids is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. The audience lies on the stage around a cylindrical structure, gazing at a suspended mirror and glimpsing dancers reflected on its surface.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Cringe
Fast-paced, funny, and painfully true, Cringe is a story about surviving the minefield of growing up, standing up to bullies, and finding the friend who makes you braver than you ever thought!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl
The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl is the touching story of a girl who wants to be a monster and a boy who wants to fly!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Boys Don’t Dance
Boys Don't Dance is a poignant dance theatre show by acclaimed disabled artist Marc Brew, reflecting on his journey as a boy who defied society's expectations to embrace his love for dance.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: In Time
In Time is a playful, gentle, and highly visual show that, through humour and absurdist touches, shares the joys and frustrations of parenting a new life.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Toto Kerblammo!
Tim Crouch's powerful new play, Toto Kerblammo!, is a tender and powerful story about listening, friendship and finding hope in the darkest of places!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Gretel
Gretel is a joyful and profound reflection on the meaning of home and a tribute to determination and perseverance!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Walangaan
A singer & a percussionist from Senegal follow the course of the water, revealing its sounds and playing with their voices and bodies, from the drop to the downpour, from the splash to the waterfall!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: WOW!
WOW! is a physical and musical performance that reveals the world through the eyes of toddlers, who delight in everyday objects and situations!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: ISLAND
Join dancers and a live musician in a multi-sensory landscape, where your baby is free to explore whilst you take a moment to reflect on the joys and challenges of new parenthood.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: It Would be Such a Shame if You Missed Out
The creators of the 2019 Festival sell-out show Invisible Man returns with an absurdist play full of humour where the most unexpected events take place on stage!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Cheeky Zippy Violette
Violette dives into her wild imagination with humour and tenderness to bring everyday objects to life, and draws the audience into accomplices in her whirlwind adventure!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Everything/Nothing
How can we make people see, feel and grasp the passing of time using movements? Circus artist Alexis Rouvre takes up this challenge in his circus of objects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: The Fabulous Tale of BasarKus
The Fabulous Tale of BasarKus is a dazzling display of juggling and acrobatics. But BasarKus isn't one but two!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Find Out Fridays
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Arthur’s Secrets
Come along to Holyrood Park and join this guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
READ MORE
Grassmarket Market
Every Saturday the centre of the Grassmarket becomes a flurry of excitement with the arrival of the weekly market... home to art, crafts, jewellery, gifts, not to mention amazing locally made food!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Farmers Market
If you're looking for a great place to find fresh, local produce and delicious food, Edinburgh's Farmers Market, held every Saturday, is a must-visit!
READ MORE
Stockbridge Market
The weekly Stockbridge Market is a foodie heaven featuring creative crafts, original artwork, superb street food. Eat, meet, greet or treat - there is something for everyone!
READ MORE
Underground Magic: Edinburgh’s Live Magic Night
Experience incredible magic when the Edinburgh Magic Company presents a fresh lineup of magicians, mind-readers, and the occasional wild-card variety act at the Gilded Saloon!
READ MORE
Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History - Walking Tour
Join Surgeons' Hall Museums on their 5* weekend walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town and hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment!
READ MORE
Musselburgh Toy, Train & Sci-Fi Fair
Northern Toy Fair returns to Musselburgh Sports Centre in 2026 with their huge Toy, Train & Sci-Fi Fair featuring a fantastic selection of vintage, retro & new toys, models & collectables!
READ MORE
Royal Rhyme Time
Join the team at Palace of Holyroodhouse in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for their special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers!
READ MORESponsored Links