Home to nearly a dozen world-class festivals, Edinburgh is renowned as one of the world’s leading festival cities, attracting an audience of over 4.5 million every year. This year, live events are returning to the Scottish capital after COVID with a plethora of activities big and small, not to mention the 75th anniversaries in August of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Here’s a snapshot of the three milestone events, and some other notable favourites:
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Aug. 5-29)
Born from a belief that every story should be heard and celebrated, Edinburgh Fringe Festival is now the world’s largest arts festival, where visitors can watch a wide range of performances including theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, opera, spoken word, and more. And with an open-access policy, anyone with a story to tell and a venue to host them can put on a show.
Edinburgh International Festival (Aug. 6-28)
The Edinburgh International Festival was the original Edinburgh Festival, dating back to 1947, celebrating the performing arts with dance, music, opera, and theatre from around the world. It brings ground-breaking art, unique collaborations, world premieres, unexpected takes on classic works, and more to captivate and entertain global audiences, all in one place in Scotland.
Edinburgh International Film Festival (Aug 12-20)
Edinburgh International Film Festival features the very best of international cinema. Film fans can be part of the buzz and meet both local and international stars as they make their way down the red carpet. Exploring new ideas and experimental cinema, as well as documentaries, world premieres and shorts, the Festival offers theatrical delights for all on the world’s greatest stage.
Among the other Edinburgh festivals that are back and taking centre stage throughout the year, include:
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (July 15-24): Visitors are invited to experience exhilarating music and a spine-tingling atmosphere from both international and Scottish Jazz and Blues musicians.
Edinburgh Art Festival (July 28-Aug. 28: Edinburgh Art Festival, the newest addition to Edinburgh’s summer festival line-up, will bring together over 40 galleries, pop-up spaces and museums presenting the most captivating pieces of visual art.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Aug. 5-27): Returning to its iconic home on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle for the first time since 2019, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is planning on being back with a bang for 2022.
Edinburgh Science (Aug. 9-24): With almost 270 events designed to get families and adults interested in science, Edinburgh Science is the UK’s biggest festival of its kind. In 2022, the Festival will explore lifeforms, lifecycles and revolutionary science.
Edinburgh International Book Festival (Aug. 13-29): Held in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. Enjoyable for all ages, visitors can take part in creative workshops, meet famous authors, and attend panel discussions.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival (Oct. 14-30): The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is an annual celebration of storytelling, oral traditions, and cultural diversity. Visitors can let their imagination run wild with range of talks, tours, and activities.
For further events and festivals taking place in Scotland throughout the year, click HERE.