Edinburgh Events

Burns' Night

Scotland pays tribute to Robert Burns, the National Bard of Scotland, on his birth anniversary each year. Traditionally this takes the form of a Burns supper (a hearty feast with haggis, neeps and tatties, rounded off with drams of whisky). After the meal, recitals (the Immortal Memory, Toast to the Lassies, Reply to the Toast to the Lassies) are performed. Then everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne.

Date: 25 January 2021 - 25 January 2021
Venue: Various venues.

Beltane Fire Festival

Before the Romans divided the seasons into a calendar of 12 months, the Celtic year was marked by Gaelic seasons: Beltane, Lughnasadh, Samhain and Imbolc. The modern Beltane Fire Festival, first started in 1988, now sees members of the communities come together to celebrate summer's arrival at the end of April.

Date: 29 April 2021 - 30 April 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Calton Hill.
Website: http://www.beltane.org

Royal Highland Show

A show of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, along with agricultural machinery, competitions and demonstrations make this a landmark event. Passionate topics such as wildlife conservation, renewable energy, rural skill education and woodland planning are also discussed. Then there are numerous arts and crafts, and performances by musicians, dancers and pipe bands.

Date: 17 June 2021 - 22 June 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Royal Highland Centre.
Website: http://www.royalhighlandshow.org

Edinburgh International Film Festival

This dynamic festival has been running since 1947, showcasing both new talent and established directors. The programme is packed with British and international feature films, documentaries, star-studded premieres, glitzy gala screenings and interviews with leading actors and directors.

Date: 23 June 2021 - 04 July 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various venues.
Website: http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Edinburgh Science Festival

With a mission to inspire, encourage and challenge people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them, this two-week festival of science covers a wide range of subjects in an enjoyable format.

Date: 26 June 2021 - 11 July 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Website: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk
Cost:

Various

Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival

A 10-day extravaganza celebrating the best of jazz, blues, swing, soul and samba, this festival takes place across several venues across Edinburgh.

Date: 16 July 2021 - 25 July 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various indoor and outdoor venues in Edinburgh.
Website: http://www.edinburghjazzfestival.com
Cost:

Various

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe has outgrown its parent event, the Edinburgh International Festival, which runs in tandem. Expect theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, children's shows, music and cabaret – quite a few of them are performed by unknown artists looking to build their careers.

Date: 06 August 2021 - 30 August 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various
Website: http://www.edfringe.com
Cost:

Various

Edinburgh International Festival

This cultural event brings a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance to the city for three weeks every August.

Date: 06 August 2021 - 30 August 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various venues in Edinburgh
Website: http://www.eif.co.uk
Cost:

Various

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, performers from across the globe provide an abundance of entertainment on the floodlit esplanade of the city's top attraction. The action-packed programmes include performances from the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands.

Date: 06 August 2021 - 28 August 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Edinburgh Castle
Website: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk
Cost:

Various

Edinburgh International Book Festival

The city's vibrant literary festival attracts authors from Scotland and around the world, covering a huge range of topics, offering thought-provoking entertainment and inspiration for adults, children, schools and communities.

Date: 14 August 2021 - 30 August 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Charlotte Square Gardens.
Website: http://www.edbookfest.co.uk

Hogmanay

Hogmanay, the Scottish name for new year celebrations, starts on the last day of the year and lasts till 2 Jan. Over these days there is a relentless succession of fun events, including live music and fireworks.

Date: 31 December 2021 - 02 January 2022
Website: http://www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Loony Dook

Join hundreds of people to kick off the New Year with a bracing dip in the Forth. Participants join a grand parade along South Queensferry's High Street before plunging into chilly water beneath the historic Forth Bridge. The event raises enormous sums for charity, attracts large crowds of amused onlookers, and is now officially part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. Register in advance.

Date: 01 January 2022 - 01 January 2022
Venue: South Queensferry