CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh International Festival

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

Edinburgh International Festival

About Edinburgh International Festival

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

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.

Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Festival

Related Links

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

More Festivals in Edinburgh

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns in October 2024.

READ MORE

Lammermuir Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

Lammermuir Festival is East Lothian's celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.

READ MORE

Festival of Politics

, Edinburgh Old Town EH99 1SP

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.

READ MORE

Edinburghs Christmas

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!

READ MORE

The Saltire Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

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

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

Burns&Beyond

,

Burns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Science Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh Science Festival is an educational charity that aims to inspire all ages and backgrounds.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Film Festival

88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 14th to 20th August 2025 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Gaelic Festival

, Edinburgh

A festival celebrating Edinburgh Gaelic community past and present. A' dèanamh fèill air coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.

READ MORE

Push the Boat Out

Summerhall 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh South EH9 1PL

Push the Boat Out returns for 2023. Join us for three epic days, 24th – 26th November, throughout Edinburgh’s iconic Summerhall.

READ MORE
All Festivals listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Edinburgh Street Historians
MNB
TGC Leisure
Escape The Past
Escape The Past
Guide Dogs
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Edinburgh Street Historians
MNB
TGC Leisure
Escape The Past
Escape The Past
Guide Dogs
Hilton Glasgow
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Blast 5km Series @ The Meadows 2025
Join Blast Running in the heart of Edinburgh for the Monthly Blast 5K Series at The Meadows – a lively lunchtime race that’s become a firm favourite on the city’s running calendar.
Palestine Fundraiser Music Night
Come along to Leith Arches on Friday 5th September for a night of great music, with all ticket and raffle proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestine!
Contemporary showcase of 25 displaced Ukrainian Artists
The showcase 'a match is silent, but it speaks' brings together the voices and new artworks of 25 Ukrainian artists, each of whom has endured a year shaped by displacement and deep transformation!
Houseplant Market - Edinburgh
The Houseplant Market is returing to Edinburgh! Taking place in the Bristo Square Marquee for 3 days only this September!
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall