Porty Festival returns to Portobello this May Bank Holiday with music from Mànran, beach markets, and free community events. Plan your seaside weekend here.
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!
Our Edinburgh Festival Guide partners
Edinburgh Reviews is not an "influencer" and the site relies on tips and partners.
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.
Review: TAGS Fest 2025, Fruitmarket
TAGS Fest 2025 is a must-visit for geeks. Held at the Fruitmarket, this free event celebrates small press comics and indie RPGs. With 50+ stalls, talks, and games, it’s a fantastic location to support a true labour of love.
Review: A Wizard Guide to Saving the World, Fringe 2025
The wizardly wizard Wotizz Moist takes us through a comedy hour of how best to save the world, and needs our help to do it.
A review of Bill Bailey: Thoughtifier, Fringe 2025
A brilliant performance from much-loved comedian Bill Bailey, with music, stories and laughs aplenty! Five stars, and highly recommend.
A review of Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man, Fringe 2025
Rice lives off his nerves. He shields himself with vulnerability and then parades it before us, a man who wants to be cool but ends up being more like Leslie Nielsen in Naked Gun, a clown you can’t help but feel sorry for, even as you howl with laughter.
A review of Lianna Holston and Michael McPheat: Starter Pack, Fringe 2025
Starter Pack lives up to its name, delivering fresh comedy from two rising talents. Lianna Holston and Michael McPheat bring sharp wit, contrasting styles and infectious chemistry to their Fringe debut. Michael McPheat revels in oddities First up is Michael, with his anxious but radiant energy. He riffs on the quirks of his living situation […]