Festival Information
Scotland
Overview
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest performing arts festival, taking place annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, for three weeks in August. Established in 1947 as an unofficial offshoot of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe has grown into a major cultural event.
What sets the Fringe apart is its open-access model, allowing anyone with a venue and a show to participate. This results in a diverse array of performances spanning theatre, comedy, dance, music, spoken word, and more. In 2018, the festival featured over 59,600 performances of 3,841 different shows across 322 venues.
The Fringe transforms Edinburgh into a vibrant hub of creativity, with performances held in traditional theatres, repurposed spaces, and even on the streets. While comedy makes up the largest section, comprising over one-third of the programme, the festival showcases a wide range of artistic expressions.
Supported by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the event attracts thousands of visitors and offers a unique platform for both established artists and newcomers to showcase their talents.
Location
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place at venues all over Edinburgh. Getting around you can walk, cycle, catch buses, use the tram, taxis and rickshaws. If you are using your own car please be aware that parking is limited and plan your journey as best you can. Please see this link for more information.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £0 - £20
Tickets are available (June - August) online at https://edfringe.com or over the phone by calling +44 131 226 0000.
Alongside in-person events, many Fringe performances are now available online, either streamed live or available on-demand. The Fringe Society, a registered charity, is the organisation which oversees the festival.
Street Events
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival's street events turn the city into a pulsating canvas of free performances. Over 500 buskers bring music, magic, and more, while professional street performers blend comedy and circus thrills. Living statues surprise passers-by, and festival vendors offer unique skills. Family-friendly and interactive, these events encourage audience participation for an unforgettable experience. Safety is a priority, with staff ready to assist, especially with lost children. Performers thrive on your donations, so if you enjoy a show, feel free to contribute, but a simple "thank you" is also cherished. For assistance, look for the red-shirted Fringe Street Team or contact them at streetevents@edfringe.com or +44 (0) 131 226 0032.
Accommodation
Edinburgh Fringe has partnered with Stay22 which provides an interactive map (see below) of accommodation options. You can check availability and prices, and use filters to suit your budget and number of guests. If you have any issues, please visit the Fringe Website directly.
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Access enquiries and ticket bookings are handled by a dedicated crew at the Fringe Box Office. Please contact them via email accessbookings@edfringe.com, or call 0131 226 0002.
