Do you plan to visit Edinburgh in August 2026? Let us tempt you with an insight into the festivals that take place throughout the month.
Do you plan to visit Edinburgh in August 2026? Let us tempt you with an insight into the festivals that take place throughout the month.
Whatever your tastes, you'll find what you need in Edinburgh.
No one visits Edinburgh without stepping into the world of at least one of the Edinburgh Festivals in August!
The city will be alive with activities, actors, and action, with bubbles of anticipation filling the air.
A testament to the boundless creativity, diversity, and vibrancy of the performing arts.
As the world's largest arts festival, it transforms Scotland's historic capital into a bustling hub of artistic innovation and cultural exchange every August.
With thousands of shows taking place in venues of all shapes and sizes across the city, the Fringe offers something for everyone, catering to diverse tastes, interests, and sensibilities.
What? Festival
When? 7th - 31st August 2026
Where? Many Locations
Perfect for ? Everyone
Iconic legends Bon Jovi will bring their 'Forever' tour to Edinburgh in August 2026, returning to Murrayfield after more than a decade.
What? Concert
When? 28th August 2026
Where? Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Perfect for ? Everyone, Music Lovers, Rock Music Lovers
Heather On The Hill is a new day out for families, a full day of entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live music, face painting, immersive story sessions, arts and crafts, workshops, kids yoga, messy play, a dedicated music and singing tent, lively funfair attractions and entertainers.
What? Festival
When? 22nd August 2026
Where? Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Perfect for ? Everyone, Family
A vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity. Held annually, the festival transforms Edinburgh into a dynamic hub of contemporary art, showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists from Scotland and around the globe.
What? Art Festival
When? 14th - 30th August 2026
Where? Many locations
Perfect for? Everyone, Art lovers
Spanning 7 days, the relaunched EIFF will honour 70+ years of festival history, showcasing the very best talent in filmmaking in a re-energised format that is rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression.
What? Film Festival
When? 13th - 19th August 2026
Where? Edinburgh
Perfect for? Everyone, Film lovers
"Every August, the EIBF presents the largest public celebration of the written word in the world, bringing together over 500 events with the most exciting writers and thinkers on the planet to ignite imaginations, foster human connection, and challenge the status quo."
What? Book Festival
When? 15th - 30th August 2026
Where? Edinburgh
Perfect for? Everyone, Book lovers
English rock band The Cure is set to electrify Edinburgh's Summer Sessions at the Royal Highland Showgrounds, marking their visit to Scotland with special guests, Mogwai, Slowdive and Just Mustard.
What? Concert
When? 23rd August 2026
Where? Royal Highland Centre
Perfect for? Everyone, Music lovers
Florence + The Machine is set to perform in Edinburgh in August 2026, as part of the Edinburgh Summer Sessions, as part of their "Everybody Scream" tour.
What? Concert
When? 24 Aug 2026
Where? Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh
Perfect for? Everyone, Music lovers
A spectacle like no other, a celebration of military tradition, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Held annually during the month of August, the Tattoo has become one of Scotland's most iconic events, drawing performers and spectators from around the world to witness its breath taking displays of music, dance, and pageantry.
What? Cultural Festival
When? 7th - 29rd August 2025
Where? Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Perfect for? Everyone
Visit Edinburgh in August 2026 for an explosion in all forms of art, taking place across the city.
Get in touch for help finding the right accommodation for your stay.
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