Edinburgh International Festival

About

The Edinburgh International Festival transforms Scotland's capital into a world-class celebration of performing arts each August, offering families an extraordinary opportunity to experience theater, dance, opera, and music from around the globe. With dedicated family-friendly performances, street entertainment, and a magical atmosphere that takes over the entire city, it's a cultural adventure that introduces children to the arts in an accessible and exciting way. The festival coincides with the famous Edinburgh Fringe, creating an unparalleled buzz that makes the whole city feel like one giant creative playground.

What to Expect

Families can expect a carefully curated program of world-class performances across multiple historic venues including the Usher Hall, Festival Theatre, and the King's Theatre. The festival specifically programs family shows with shorter run times, interactive elements, and age-appropriate content, from classical music concerts designed for young ears to captivating dance and theater productions. The city center buzzes with street performers, outdoor installations, and pop-up entertainment, creating an electric atmosphere where culture is accessible at every corner. Many venues offer pre-show activities and workshops for children, making the experience educational as well as entertaining.

Highlights for Kids

• Spectacular opening event concert featuring fireworks and world-class orchestras that creates a magical introduction to the festival
• Interactive family workshops and pre-show activities where children can try instruments, learn dance moves, or meet performers
• Street theater and impromptu performances throughout the Royal Mile and city center that captivate children between scheduled shows
• International dance and circus performances with visual storytelling that transcends language barriers
• The chance to experience historic and beautiful theater venues like the Festival Theatre with its grand architecture

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book tickets well in advance (sales typically open in April) as family-friendly shows sell out quickly, and consider the Festival Pass for multiple performances to save money
2. Download the official Edinburgh International Festival app to plan your itinerary, get real-time updates, and discover last-minute ticket availability
3. Stay near the city center if possible to avoid long commutes between shows, as performances happen across multiple venues and the August streets are crowded during festival season
4. Check out free events like outdoor concerts at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, which are perfect for families and don't require advance booking

Best Time to Visit

Midweek performances (Tuesday-Thursday) tend to be less crowded than weekends, making venue navigation easier with children. Afternoon matinee performances, typically starting at 2-3pm, work best for families as they align with children's energy levels and allow for dinner afterward. The opening weekend offers spectacular inaugurations and a special buzz, while the final weekend features closing celebrations but much larger crowds. Arrive at venues 30-45 minutes early to collect tickets, visit restrooms, and get children settled without stress.

Food & Drinks

Most festival venues have cafés and bars serving light meals, snacks, and children's options like sandwiches, soup, and baked goods, though prices are premium. The city center offers numerous family-friendly restaurants, from chain options on Princes Street to traditional Scottish pubs serving fish and chips and haggis (many kids enjoy trying it!). Pack snacks and water bottles as performances can run late and children get hungry, though most venues allow you to bring food into public areas but not auditoriums. Pre-theater dining is popular, so book restaurants in advance or plan to eat early (before 5:30pm) or late (after 7:30pm) to avoid peak times.

Parking & Access

Edinburgh city center has limited parking and it's expensive (£2-4 per hour), so most visitors use public transport or taxis; the Park & Ride services at Hermiston or Ingliston offer affordable alternatives (around £4 return per adult). Most major venues are accessible by bus from Waverley Station (the main train station), which connects to Edinburgh Airport via tram (30 minutes, approximately £6.50 adult single). Venue accessibility varies significantly as many are historic buildings; contact venues in advance about stroller storage, elevator access, and wheelchair facilities. Edinburgh's city center is built on hills with cobblestone streets, so lightweight, compact strollers work best, though many families with older children prefer to go stroller-free for easier mobility between venues.