A vibrant three-day celebration of live music that transforms the historic pubs and independent breweries of Leith and Newhaven into a dynamic cultural trail.
Join in the fun with festivals in Edinburgh
During the month of August, Edinburgh is home to some of the biggest and most renowned festivals in the world; Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, and Edinburgh Book Festival.
Tourists flock from around the world to attend some of the most prestigious, weird, whacky and exciting events you'll find. There are performers on the streets, and almost every single pub and club is turned into a venue for the Fringe. We're big fans, but it can also feel like a lot when you haven't experienced it before.
Luckily, there are handy brochures and all the information you'll need is online - from high-ticket, exclusive and limited-run shows, to free Fringe shows where you can just turn up on the night, and only pay what you feel like. There's something for everyone, and we're here to cover as much of it as humanly possible!
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Review: Hector Kreeping’s Book of Despair @ Cymera Festival
Birdy made it back to Cymera for the ominous-sounding Hector Kreeping’s Book of Despair, in need of grim horror funsies.
Review: Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch @ Cymera Festival (Pleasance Theatre)
Birdy made it along to the Pleasance for her first event of Cymera 2026 – a live theatre performance of Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch. And wow, what a show!
Radar: Organisers send out an SOS to keep Deadinburgh Festival alive
Organisers of gothic musical festival DEADINBURGH have sent out a message for those planning to attend but haven’t bought their tickets yet, hinting the festival could be in danger of cancellation if more tickets aren’t purchased in time.
Fiends in the Furrows 2026: ‘Enys Men’ (Review)
I was delighted to have been able to attend an outdoor screening of Enys Men at the inaugural Fiends in the Furrows folk horror festival in Leith. The three-day long event has been described as “a mix of pop-up outdoor and indoor screenings & events across Leith, from 23-26 April.”
Radar: Porty Festival 2026
Porty Festival returns to Portobello this May Bank Holiday with music from Mànran, beach markets, and free community events. Plan your seaside weekend here.
Interview with Gayle Chong Kwan: The Great Instauration
Edinburgh Reviews’ creative director Bronwen (AKA Birdy) leapt at the chance to attend a media call to view artist Gayle Chong Kwan’s The Great Instauration, and to have a chat with Gayle about her work.
Radar: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for EJBF26
Jools Holland returns to Edinburgh in July 2026 for the Jazz & Blues Festival. Join him and special guest Roachford at the Usher Hall.