Edinburgh’s busiest month of the year is finally upon us. The city is bustling. Visitors and locals alike are taking in the thrill of everything that the city has to offer. And there is no shortage of shows to see, activities to do, or concerts to dance the night away at.
From the world-famous art festivals to an all-star line-up at the Royal Highland Showgrounds for Summer Sessions, this month is jam packed. And we’ve got our top picks for you.
Please note, trams are still currently running from Edinburgh Airport – West End only. Ticket acceptance is still in place on Lothian services 16 and 25.
You can Tap On and Tap off with a contactless card or device to pay for your travel. Contactless daily capping works together with Lothian services so you can hop from tram to bus to not miss any of the excitement. Just don’t forget to Tap OFF when you leave the tram.
Revel in festival season
Every August, we welcome the return of the world-renowned festival season to Edinburgh, which brings in visitors from across the globe to experience almost a whole month of performances, shows, talks and so much more.
If you’re a local, you’ll know the city comes alive, and if you’re visiting the city for the first time, you’re in for a treat as you’ll soon understand why Edinburgh has become synonymous with the arts.
If you’re not sure what festival is for you, we’ve pulled together a quick festival guide to help you figure out what tickles your fancy.
Edinburgh Foodies Festival – Inverleith Park – Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August
Enjoy a two-day celebration of quality local food and drink at the UK’s largest food and drink festival. Expect local producers and street food traders, giving top chefs the chance to show off their cooking skills. Plus, there’s a live music stage with performances from the likes of Scouting For Girls and Gareth Gates.
Edinburgh Deaf Festival – Various locations – Friday 7 - Sunday 16 August
This accessible festival is a celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage, with the aim of bringing the arts to deaf audiences in a way they haven’t experienced before. It’s not just for hard of hearing and deaf audiences, the festival also gives the chance for mainstream audiences to learn more about deaf culture.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Various locations – Friday 7 - Monday 31 August
Perhaps the most well-known of the list, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest performing arts festival with over 4,000 unique shows across three weeks. Expect the unexpected, with shows from cabaret, comedy, dance, musical, theatre and so much more. There truly is something for everyone.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – Edinburgh Castle Esplanade – Friday 7 - Saturday 29 August
Performed on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the Tattoo is a celebration and performance from military and cultural acts from around the globe, bringing together the best of British Military, Scottish heritage and international culture. This year’s theme is ‘A Call to Gather’ – so gather your friends and family for this spectacle highlight in front of the impressive Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh International Festival – Various locations – Friday 7 - Sunday 30 August
Edinburgh’s original festival and where it all started and put Edinburgh on the map as the world’s Festival City. Expect a programme of performances in dance, opera, music, and theatre. This year is an invitation to ‘All Rise’.
Edinburgh International Film Festival – Various locations – Thursday 13 - Wednesday 19 August
Recognised as the world’s oldest continually running film festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival showcases the very best of filmmaking talent and is a pure celebration of film and cinema.
Edinburgh Art Festival – Various locations – Friday 14 - Sunday 30 August
The Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual festival of visual arts. With a programme of exhibitions, performances, gatherings, and residencies, the festival will showcase local and global artists in its 22nd year.
Edinburgh International Book Festival – Various locations – Saturday 15 - Sunday 30 August
Here to bring you together with outstanding writers and thinkers from around the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates the power of words and sparks essential conversations about the world around us, our place in it, and how we can improve it.
Edinburgh TV Festival – Edinburgh International Conference Centre – Tuesday 25 - Friday 28 August
Delegates from across the television and digital world are brought together at the Edinburgh TV Festival to debate the major issues facing the industry. Join in on the debate to learn, connect, and most importantly, have fun.
Dance and sing the night away at summer concerts
The last week in August is filled to the brim with music as Summer Sessions return this year to the Royal Highland Showgrounds, and it’s bigger than ever! And it's a short walk from Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop to get you to the Showgrounds. Plus, rock and roll legends Bon Jovi take to the stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. It’s the perfect week for music lovers, so get your dancing shoes on and singing voices ready for a week of good vibes and good tunes.
Biffy Clyro – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Friday 21 August
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro are kicking off the Summer Sessions week, supported by Nothing But Thieves and Swim School.
Heather on the Hill Festival – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Saturday 22 August
Heather on the Hill is a brand-new family-focused one day festival, promising a lively mix of music and all-day entertainment for all ages. Expect performances from Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band, Cammy Barnes, Brooke Combe and much more.
The Cure – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Sunday 23 August
English rock band The Cure takes to the stage on Sunday, with support from Mogwai, Slowdive, and Just Mustard.
Florence + The Machine – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Monday 24 August
Bringing indie rock to the Summer Sessions stage, Florance + The Machine will be joined by Self Esteem and Jacob Alon.
Lorde – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Tuesday 25 August
Taking a piece of New Zealand to Scotland, Lorde will be headlining Tuesday’s Summer Sessions show, with Zara Larsson, Audrey Hobert and Alessi Rose supporting.
Deftones – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Thursday 27 August
American alternative metal band Deftones, supported by IDLES and Ecca Vandal take to the stage for the penultimate show at Summer Sessions this year.
Bon Jovi: FOREVER TOUR – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Friday 28 August
Rock and Roll legends Bon Jovi hit the stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium with their FOREVER TOUR. Expect a mixture of classic hits and new songs from their album ‘Forever’. You can glide to the show as Murrayfield Stadium tram stop takes you right outside the stadium.
The Prodigy – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Saturday 29 August
Ending the week of Summer Sessions shows is The Prodigy, joined by Carl Cox, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, David Rodigan, and SCARLXRD.
Enjoy a show at Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse is a staple for shows in Edinburgh all year round, so don’t give it a miss this month whilst you’re searching for things to do in the city.
Forth on the Fringe – Edinburgh Playhouse – Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August
Daniel Sloss: BITTER – Edinburgh Playhouse – Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August
Troy Hawke: Never Stop, Never Change! – Edinburgh Playhouse – Friday 21 August
Connor Burns: FLOW – Edinburgh Playhouse – Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Michelle Wolf: Best Job in the World – Edinburgh Playhouse – Monday 24 August
Sigur Ros with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra & Chorus – Edinburgh Playhouse – Monday 31 August
