| , Various Locations Edinburgh | |
| 01314732000 | |
| Edinburgh International Festival Website | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
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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.
Zurich Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s stunning opera, A Masked Ball, filled with desire, treachery and political peril.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Festival of Cycling is back with a nine-day festival, across Edinburgh (and maybe beyond) between Friday 31st May and Sunday 9th June.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MOREEdinburgh Deaf Festival is an accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. Join us for a variety of performances and events throughout the week.
READ MOREThe 19th edition of Manipulate Festival will take place between 4th and 10th February 2026.
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 MOREEdinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.
READ MOREEdinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 20th to 23rd March 2025.
READ MOREThe Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2025 with the theme 'Lights of the North'.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.
READ MORENT Art Month is a month-long celebration of the incredible arts quarter in Edinburgh's New Town.
READ MORELammermuir Festival is East Lothian's celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.
READ MOREJoin us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!
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