Edinburgh International Festival

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

About Edinburgh International Festival

	, Various Locations Edinburgh
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Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh International Festival are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

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.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Festival

Theatre

Verdi’s A Masked Ball

26th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Zurich Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s stunning opera, A Masked Ball, filled with desire, treachery and political peril.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival

30B Grindlay Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AX

Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.

Festivals

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!

Festivals

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!

Festivals

Syn Festival Edinburgh

, Various Locations in Edinburgh

Join us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!

Festivals

Cymera Festival

The Pleasance 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh South EH8 9TJ

Cymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 6th to 8th June.

Festivals

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2025 with the theme 'Lights of the North'.

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

Festivals

Just Festival

St John's Church Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4BJ

Edinburgh’s Just Festival Celebrates 21st Year With Bumper Programme. Free to attend programme online and at St. John’s Church, Princes Street from 6th – 30th August.

Festivals

Edinburgh International University Film Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

The Edinburgh International University Film Festival (EIUFF), launching in 2025, is driven by a mission to champion and support the creative talents of university students across the UK.

Festivals