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Events in Edinburgh
No matter what time of year you visit Edinburgh, you're guaranteed to find a great event or world-class festival to enjoy. Galleries and museums host a variety of phenomenal exhibitions while the city's event spaces pack their programmes with top names from comedy, music, theatre, sport and more.
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Edinburgh's Summer Festivals Various venues, Edinburgh
When? Annually, April - August
You may be familiar with Edinburgh’s world-renowned International Festival that takes over the city every August, but did you know that there are seven Edinburgh Summer Festivals running from April to August each year? The festivities include the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
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Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Edinburgh Castle
When? 1-23 August 2025
This highly anticipated event takes place on the stunning Edinburgh Castle esplanade each August to celebrate the end of another vibrant series of Edinburgh Festivals. Get ready for an array of energetic music, dance and military pageantry that sees almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform.
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Edinburgh Winter Festivals Various venues, Edinburgh
When? Annually, November - January
Christmas in the capital is truly unique and definitely bucket-list worthy. The city lights up with the festivities running from late November through to early January and sees a range of events, theatre shows, markets, stalls, fairground rides, celebrations and much more. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience Edinburgh in the snow too – a truly magical sight!
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Edinburgh's Hogmanay Various locations, Edinburgh
When? 29 - 31 December 2024, 1 January 2025
If you’re here for Christmas, make sure you stay for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. With live music events, age old traditions and a countdown to the bells, it’s a great way to see in the New Year with close family and friends, and welcoming in a brand-new year.
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Edinburgh Science Festival Various venues, Edinburgh
When? 5 - 20 April 2025
Not just for the wee ones, the Edinburgh Science Festival is an educational and exciting addition to the capital’s vibrant events scene in 2025. Get ready for a range of hands-on activities, talks, performances, tours and trails, special events, installations, and more that are suitable for all ages and taking place in venues across the city.
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Scottish Vegan Festival Assembly Rooms, George Street
When? 6 April 2025
For our veggie and vegan friends, head along to the Scottish Vegan Festival in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms this April. Browse the many stalls on offer, join in fascinating talks, get hands-on at demonstrations, tuck into delicious dishes, explore new cosmetics, learn about campaigns and so much more!
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Edinburgh International Children's Festival Various venues, Edinburgh
When? 24 May - 1 June 2025
This fun and eclectic festival is a great choice for a family day out in the city! It showcases a variety of exceptional Scottish and international performances in theatre, dance, storytelling and puppetry and more from around the world. Previous years have seen audiences of around 19,000 children, their teachers and their families. It’s one not to miss!
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Pride Edinburgh Across Edinburgh
When? June 2025 (TBC)
Pride Edinburgh is back for 2025! Details and information will be released shortly, but it will no doubt be another colourful celebration filled with laughter, music, friendship and acceptance. Stay tuned!
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Edinburgh Food Festival George Square Gardens
When? Summer 2025 (TBC)
Calling all foodies! The Edinburgh Food Festival is back with a smorgasbord of stalls and street food to try out in the city’s George Square Gardens. The event is also Edinburgh’s largest free to enter food festival bringing a delectable palette of dishes to the capital.
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