| , 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.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MOREEdinburgh’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 MOREThe Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.
READ MOREFormerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Iranian Festival is a non-political showcase for world-class Iranian culture.
READ MOREEdinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.
READ MOREWelcome to BedFest 2025. Strap in and snuggle up, it’s the Bedlam Festival: Cosy Style.
READ MOREEdinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!
READ MOREThe 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 MOREThe 18th edition of Manipulate Festival will take place between 12th and 15th February 2025.
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 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 MOREEdinburgh Science Festival is an educational charity that aims to inspire all ages and backgrounds.
READ MORE