The other August festivals
"Edinburgh Festival" is really several festivals running at once in August. They have separate programmes and ticketing - here is how they fit together so you can combine them without overbooking.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
7-31 August 2026The world's largest open-access performing arts festival - the focus of this site.
Official site →Edinburgh International Festival
August 2026 (confirm on official site)The curated, invitation-based festival of music, theatre, opera and dance that the Fringe originally grew up alongside.
Official site →The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
August 2026 (confirm on official site)The ticketed massed-bands spectacle on the Castle Esplanade - books up far in advance.
Official site →Edinburgh International Book Festival
August 2026 (confirm on official site)Author talks, readings and debate - a calmer daytime complement to the Fringe.
Official site →Edinburgh Art Festival
August 2026 (confirm on official site)Visual art across the city's galleries and public spaces, much of it free to drop into.
Official site →Edinburgh International Film Festival
August 2026 (confirm on official site)Screenings and film events that form part of the August festival season.
Official site →If you are combining festivals, protect your Fringe schedule: a Tattoo or International Festival evening can swallow a whole night. Confirm each festival's own dates and ticketing on its official site - they do not share a Box Office.