The Summer may almost be over as we look ahead to shorter days and the bright lights of the Autumn and beyond, however in Edinburgh the summer festivities are just beginning across the city.
Edinburgh in August is a fascinating experience for residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city each and every year. With an event, a show, a concert or a play seemingly taking place on every street corner, Lothian will as always be best placed to take you to all of your festival favourites this year.
Explore what’s on your doorstep this summer with Lothian.
1. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
2 – 26 August 2024
The Edinburgh Fringe is a world-famous festival of performing arts that promotes Edinburgh to the centre-stage of the performing world. Each year the world’s best in theatre, comedy and other performing arts assemble in Edinburgh for three weeks of world-class entertainment. With over 3,300 shows to choose from at over 260 venues across the city, Lothian will take you to the door of the best shows this summer.
2. Edinburgh International Film Festival
15 – 21 August 2024
The world’s oldest continually running film festival will again be celebrating the best of both UK and International film during the week of 15-21 August in Edinburgh. Dotted around various locations including Summerhall, Tollcross Central Hall and the Assembly Rooms in George Square Gardens, the Edinburgh International Film Festival will feature various world premieres in its programme. So, if you want to be among the world’s first to see a production from the best minds in film, hop aboard our buses to get there in style.
3. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
2 – 24 August 2024
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must for thousands of visitors who come to Edinburgh every summer. This show brings the best of British Military together with international performances from a cast featuring artists and performers from around the world. Taking place in the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle, well into its eighth decade, the Tattoo highlights exquisite pipers and drummers, the finest horses and dancers and of course, all done with true Military Precision.
Our Services 9, 23 and 27 will take you to Victoria Street, a short walk down from the Castle.
4. Edinburgh International Book Festival
10 – 25 August 2024
For literary lovers in Edinburgh over August, the Edinburgh International Book Festival presents a large public celebration of the written word across the world. With over 500 events featuring the most exciting writers on the planet, the festival promises to ignite your imagination.
Based at their new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place, with events being held close by, Lothian has a plethora of services that will take you there in one piece. Maybe you could read your favourite book on the way there?
5. Fringe by the Sea
2 – 11 August 2024
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick.
Take in some amazing shows including comedy, the arts and musicals. Over 250 events will take place in the community and the festival brings together East Lothian’s finest under one community. East Coast Buses X5 and 124 will take you from Edinburgh to the event. For those travelling from further afield in East Lothian, Eve Coaches Services 120 and 121 stop right outside the festivities.