Top spots to visit before the Fringe ends!

With the Fringe Festival due to end on 25th August there's still time to check out the top spots to visit!

Article Source: Edinburgh University Students’ Association
Last Updated: 20 August 2025 10:37

Pleasance Courtyard
Traditionally seen as the heart of the Fringe and described as the ‘Centre of the Culture Universe’ by The Scotsman, Pleasance Courtyard hosts 19 performance spaces, six bars, mobile hawking units and six food outlets. This venue is a bustling area which is a great spot to enjoy the festival come rain or shine, sitting under a canopy of umbrellas and stretch tents in the traditional cobbled courtyards.

Pleasance Dome & Plaza
First opened in 1973, Pleasance Dome is a relaxed mini botanical garden, protected from the elements under its dome-shaped roof. You wouldn’t know it from the entrance, but this hidden gem offers a huge space with plenty of seating for groups of all sizes. During the Fringe, Pleasance Theatre Trust transforms the to host six performance spaces. Sitting just outside is the Potterrow Plaza, named by The Edinburgh Reporter as one of the Fringe’s top places to be.

Charles Street Lane
Between Pleasance Plaza and Appleton Tower (which this year hosts Gilded Balloon) sits Charles Street Lane. Missing from the Festival 2024, it's exciting to welcome back this beloved food hot spot lined with street food staples.

Appleton Tower
Located near George Square, Appleton Tower is home to seven versatile performance spaces ranging from 40 to 300 seats, plus a lively bar and event space with a few food traders outside. Here, you can grab refreshments from Pink Lady Bar, which offers a wide selection of draught, bottles, spirits, coffee and cakes. You can also find the UK's best bao buns, served just outside Appleton Tower's Chapel Street entrance.

Bedlam Theatre
Bedlam Theatre has returned with their 18-strong show running across the Fringe programme. A nice spot for a quiet drink or a snack at its Fat Cat Café, this space has an exciting programme of theatre, dance and comedy.

Shedinburgh (Wee Red Bar)
Gilded Balloon has taken over the Wee Red Bar (Edinburgh College of Art) this Fringe, with a live venue launch of Shedinburgh – the new, sustainable and artist-led Fringe venue. Shedinburgh is reimaging the Festival structure where every artist is paid and every show has a pay what you can ticket option. This project hosts an area to collaborate and broadcast shows during the day and at night is a live entertainment venue with a small bar and outdoor seating area.
You can find out about our programme and book tickets for shows here

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities

Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.

Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.

Top spots to visit before the Fringe ends!

With the Fringe Festival due to end on 25th August there's still time to check out the top spots to visit!

Growing Matters announces exciting plans for Open Day event at Gilmerton Walled Garden

Growing Matters is thrilled to announce the date for this year's eagerly anticipated event at Gilmerton's Kitchen Walled Garden - Sunday, 7th September.

Bar Prince at The Balmoral unveils a limited edition wine and gelato pairing with iconic Jannettas Gelateria

Bar Prince at The Balmoral has joined forces with the iconic, family-run Jannettas Gelateria of St Andrews to launch an exclusive wine and gelato pairing from 25th August - 7th September.

Entrepreneur behind Lost Shore Surf Resort launches Adventure Sports Led Workspace in West Edinburgh

Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, has unveiled The Lighthouse at the EICA - a premium flexible workspace inside the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho.

New Rewards app Shuffle launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow, rewarding diners and backing local hospitality

The first 1,000 people to join will receive six months of free access when Shuffle officially launches, along with an exclusive 40% cash reward on the first use of the app.

Watsonian Football Club honours its legacy by celebration over a century of its iconic kits

The Watsonian Football Club kicked off its milestone 150th anniversary celebrations with generations of players and members coming together to honour the club’s rich heritage.

Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025

Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.

Week two winners of the 2025 Besties announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the week two’s The Besties.

Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies

From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!

Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now

One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!

Chart topping headliner to perform at Edinburgh University Welcome Week

Edinburgh University Students’ Association announces mega line-up of events with a chart-topping headliner.

Fifty Thousand visitors access zoos using universal credit scheme

Over 50,000 people have visited Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, thanks to a discounted ticket offer for anyone receiving universal credit.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Expands Global Ink Programme with EXPO Funding

The Edinburgh International Book Festival this week announced an expansion of its acclaimed Global Ink programme for 2026, made possible through EXPO funding from the Scottish Government.

Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oasis fans Roll With It at Fort Kinnaird with free Oasis Tribute

Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.

St James Quarter Sessions: Pop up vinyl lounge brings soulful sounds to the heart of Edinburgh

St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions!

Morningside venue in Edinburgh gets tails wagging with pet charity event

A community venue in Edinburgh's Morningside is getting tails wagging with a 'Pooch Coffee Morning' being staged especially for local neighbourhood dogs on Sunday 24th August.

Italian singer wins first ever Wonderwall World Championships

A NEW rock ‘n’ roll star was born in Edinburgh on Saturday as the world’s first Wonderwall World Champion was crowned.

Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools

Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.

The Taste of Edinburgh Fringe, a must have map

From rooftop bars to street food halls, Michelin-trained chefs to quirky cocktail spots, this is your interval indulgence sorted.

First winners of The 2025 Besties announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils an Elevated Fringe Festival Experience

This August, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites fringe-goers and city explorers to indulge in a specially curated menu and weekly live music.

Castle view bar reveals Supernova makeover for Oasis fans in Edinburgh

Cold Town House, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop bars, is being given a ‘Supernova’ makeover in time for Oasis fans arriving in the capital for 3 nights of gigs.

Pop up karaoke booths come to Edinburgh Fringe Festival

This Edinburgh Fringe, festival goers can sing their hearts out to the top thirty karaoke belters mathematically proven to boost people’s moods.

Pink Wednesday at Gilded Balloon

Join Gilded Balloon’s staff and performers as they bring out their most fabulously pink outfits to fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care on Wednesday 6th August!