Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of music, theatre, opera and dance performed across our beautiful city.

About Edinburgh International Festival

	, Various Locations Edinburgh
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Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

The Edinburgh International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood, the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and leaders from the City of Edinburgh. It was established in 1947 as a world class cultural event to bring together audiences and artists from around the world, and over 70 years has gone from strength to strength.

For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations. The International Festival presents a programme featuring the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.

Our impact extends beyond the annual programme: our community learning and engagement and professional development programmes run throughout the year, reaching the widest possible audiences and contributing to the cultural and social life of Edinburgh and Scotland.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh International Festival are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Festival

Theatre

Verdi’s A Masked Ball

26th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Zurich Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s stunning opera, A Masked Ball, filled with desire, treachery and political peril.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!

Festivals

TravFest 2025

Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED

TravFest 2025 sees the iconic festival and fringe venue showcase an incredible programme of brilliant and bold theatre.

Festivals

FuturePlay Festival

54 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2LR

Formerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.

Festivals

Bedlam Festival

Bedlam Theatre 11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1EZ

Welcome to BedFest 2025. Strap in and snuggle up, it’s the Bedlam Festival: Cosy Style.

Festivals

Edinburgh Gaelic Festival

, Edinburgh

A festival celebrating Edinburgh Gaelic community past and present. A' dèanamh fèill air coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.

Festivals

Edinburgh Art Festival

Edinburgh Art Festival , Various Locations Edinburgh

Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival works with local and international partners to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects across the city.

Festivals