Looking for a guide to Edinburgh’s best festivals? From world-class music and comedy to seriously delicious eats, there’s a reason why Edinburgh is known as the world’s leading festival city. Throughout the summer, our city hosts some of the best live events you could wish to see and we think it’s a great way to explore the city while meeting fellow travellers from different corners of the globe.
So, if you’re heading to see us this year – or are thinking about it – we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Edinburgh’s festivals that you should definitely add to your ‘must-see’ bucket list…
Movie lovers, we’ve got you all covered. The Edinburgh International Film Festival showcases the very best in international cinema, bringing together a community of people who are passionate about film and cinema. From short films to experimental cinema and documentaries across a range of genres, there really is something for everyone. Be a part of the world’s longest continually-running film festival and meet the stars behind the film, by booking tickets here.
Fun fact: Past film premieres have included Ratatouille, Billy Elliot, The Imposter, 35 Shots of Rum and more.
When: 17 to 28 June 2020
In July, Edinburgh will be home to the very best jazz and blues musicians, artists and groups. Whether you’re a fan of bop and blues-rock or partial to samba, swing or soul, you can definitely expect to be up on your feet and dancing the days away during Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. Better yet, you even get to enjoy live music performances (oh, did we mention there’s a huge 170 gigs?) at some of the very best venues throughout the city.
When: 17 to 26 July 2020
You better be coming hungry because the Edinburgh Food Festival is back for its fifth year and we’re so ready. After welcoming over 35,000 foodie visitors last year, the festival is returning in July and we’re expecting big (and obviously delicious) things. This year’s event will be showing off the best of Scottish produce with meet-the-producer events and chef demos, with over 20 local producers and street food stallholders to whet your appetite. Whether you’re up for some infamous Alandas Gelato or fancy going savoury with one of Jarvis Pickle’s pies, we can pretty much bet you’ll be rolling back to the hostel.
When: 24 July to 2 August 2020
Edinburgh Art Festival brings together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces for a city-wide celebration of the very best in visual art. With everything from leading international and UK artists to a special programme of newly commissioned artworks, you can expect it to be a whole month of unforgettable beauty.
Added bonus: The vast majority of the festival – which includes events, exhibitions, performances, screenings, artist talks and guided tours – is free to attend. Culture without a cost!
When: 30 July to 30 August 2020
Because one food festival isn’t enough, right? Foodies Festival 2020 is going to be one delicious celebration with top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music all right here in Edinburgh.
You’ll get to try sweet treats from the Bake Off winners and taste new flavours as you delve in the delicious street food from around the world. There will also be a range of new wines, champagne and cocktails to try out too. Oh and did we mention, the bravest among you can even enter chilli eating competitions (good luck!)…
Fun fact: 2020 will welcome a brand new Dog Arena! Food and floof – can it get any better?
When: 7th – 9th August 2020
As Edinburgh’s most famous event of the year, The Fringe is the world’s largest festival showcasing an extraordinary collection of cultural and artistic performances every August. Completely open-access, it’s a platform for anybody with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them. As a result, it boasts a diverse range of comedy, musicals and exhibitions.
So, if you want to witness performances from the most famous people in the industry and discover new artists breaking through in their careers, this is your chance. Trust us – you’ll want to be here as Edinburgh comes alive with vibrant colours, shows and events.
Added bonus: We’re right where the action happens on the Royal Mile too so come experience the Fringe with us at The CoURT.
When: 7 to 31 August 2020
Last but not least, The Tattoo is an iconic Edinburgh institution and a summer sellout year after year. It celebrates musicians and performers from all around the world and, with a new theme every year, each event is a totally new and unique experience. Be one of the 220,000 festival attendees and enjoy world-class, public military events which are rooted in Scottish tradition.
When: 7 to 29 August 2020
Enjoyed our guide to Edinburgh’s best festivals? Well, come and say hello! Book with our flexible code PODPERKS on our site for 20% off plus you can change your dates anytime up to three days prior to your stay.
