Author: Anthony St. Clair

Breakdown of Edinburgh’s Festivals


Search for around the world ticket

FAQ: How do I use this trip planner?
  • Start by typing your departure city in the box above. Suggestions will appear as you type.
  • Drag and drop destinations to change the order of your trip.
  • Your return city can be the same as your starting city, or you can change it.
  • After adding your cities, click Next to continue planning your trip.


Edinburgh Military Tattoo

August 4-26.

Office: 32 Market Street. Box office: 0131 225 1188.

Military performances from Scottish and worldwide forces, including the Massed Pipes and Drums, and the Canadian Mounted Police.

Festival Fringe
August 6-28.

Office: 180 High Street (Royal Mile). Box office: 0131 226 5138.

Dance, drama, comedy and music, from the zany and avant-garde to the dead serious. Also includes T on the Fringe, Aug. 8-28, a concert series including acts from Glenn Tillbrook, Toploader and Pulp. Box office: 0141 339 8383, and Tickets Scotland, 0131 220 3234.

International Book Festival
August 12-28.

Office: The Scottish Book Centre, 137 Dundee Street. Box Office: 0131 624 5050.

Book sales and signings, as well as debates and lectures that aren’t all just for bibliophiles.

54th International Film Festival
August 13-27.

Office: The Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road. Box office: 0131 228 4051.

UK, European and world debuts of films featuring powerhouses such as Anthony Hopkins, as well as obscure actors and filmmakers, from all around the world, in every sort of genre, along with more than a few experimentals.

Edinburgh International Festival
August 13-September 2.

Office: The Hub, Castlehill. Box office: 0131 473 2000.

The main and ‘official’ festival, bringing in the proper culture to balance the zaniness of its Fringe counterpart.

Planet Pop Music Festival
August 5-30.

Venues include The Attic/Legends, 71 Cowgate, 0131 225 8382; Gaia, Kings Stables Road; and The Venue, Calton Road, 0131 557 3073.

Since 1996, this smaller music festival has showcased modern music acts.

Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert
September 2, 10:30 p.m.

A 30-minute long fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle, set to a classical score played in Princes Street Gardens by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, is the annual festival finale. There are paid tickets, but don’t bother. You can go free to many local parks, bring your own booze, and watch the fireworks light up the Castle, whilst the music is broadcast live over speakers.