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Edinburgh International Festival

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

Edinburgh International Festival

About Edinburgh International Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh
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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.

Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh International Festival

1st August 2025 - 24th August 2025
Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh International Festival returns from 1st to 24th August 2025 with live performance throughout the city.

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, Various Locations Edinburgh

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The Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.

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Edinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 1st to 3rd March 2024.

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Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.

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Sponsored Links

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Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Escape The Past
Kevin Quantum
Mowgli
Fayre Play
Parkdean
Kids Pass
Edinburgh Dungeons
ATG
Rabbies

Popular Events

Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
Cinderella
Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young with a new magical pantomime for all the family at the Festival Theatre!
Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!
Castle Of Light
Enjoy the Defender of the Nation illuminated in a spectacular after-dark trail when Castle of Light returns with an all-new show for its fifth year at Edinburgh Castle!
Laithwaites Edinburgh Wine Festival
Discover the world of wine in Edinburgh with an evening of tastings, masterclasses, and music – all for just £30 - when Laithwaites Wine Festival comes to the Assembly Rooms!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall