Know Before You Go: Attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

One of the world’s best celebrations of arts and culture, the Fringe—officially known as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but also commonly called the Ed Fringe, Fringe, or Fringe Festival—began in 1947 when eight theater groups showed up, uninvited, to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Over the years, so many other performers followed their example that the Festival Fringe Society was formed to formalize these "fringe" performances. The festival has grown to encompass many acts—including theater, comedy, dance, and music—but retains its guerilla ethos. There is no selection committee, and anyone can take part in any type of show, meaning performances are often unconventional and experimental.

The Fringe takes place over three weeks in August (this year the Fringe Festival is from August 02 through August 25, 2024) and attracts thousands of artists who perform for visitors from around the world city at venues big and small, traditional and makeshift.

In past years the Fringe has drawn a huge audience, meaning you’ll want to book tickets early for your preferred events. Tickets are available online through the Fringe’s website and in person at the Fringe box office on the High Street in Edinburgh. Browse the official program before booking your tickets, and keep checking as shows continue to be added in the run-up to (and even during) the festival.

First-time visitors will want to book at least one show at a storied Fringe venue—the Assembly Rooms, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, or Pleasance—but the festival is also all about taking a chance on an unknown show in a tiny venue. Many performers got their big break at the Fringe, from Rowan Atkinson to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, so don’t be afraid to accept flyers when you’re walking around and keep an open mind. Who knows who you might see before they’re famous?

Not all of the Fringe’s events take place indoors. Every year, the Royal Mile and Mound Precinct are transformed into huge open-air venues for hundreds of street artists, from circus performers and comedians to opera singers and living statues, many of which encourage audience participation. The performances are all free of charge, but, if you can afford it, drop some change in the hat that is passed around afterward.

Related: 7 Must-See Edinburgh Neighborhoods and How To Visit

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) is well connected to other UK and European cities and serves a few routes farther afield, including Doha, New York City, and Toronto. It’s also a relatively pleasant airport to fly in and out of, with typically short lines and good public transportation connections. If you’re traveling from London, you can also consider taking the train: It’s around a 4.5-hour journey from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, with stops in York and Newcastle. Make sure to book your train tickets in advance.

Edinburgh is a compact (albeit hilly) city and many venues are within walking distance of one another and from Edinburgh Waverley railway station. If you are planning to travel farther outside the city center, you can rely on Edinburgh’s Lothian Buses network, which serves the city as well as the suburbs, including Queensferry, East Lothian, and Midlothian. You’ll find plenty of bus stops close to Fringe venues. But, of course, an on-foot exploration is always enjoyable, and there are plenty of plenty of Edinburgh walking tours to take advantage of.

The bad news is that Edinburgh has a scarcity of short-term accommodation at the best of times, and hotel and rental home rates jump exponentially during the Fringe. You’ll need to make your reservations as early as realistically possible. The good news is that Edinburgh is small and easy to get around, so you may find a decent deal outside the center. Worst case scenario: If you can’t find anywhere to stay in Edinburgh, consider Glasgow, just one hour away on the train.

A number of other events happen in August that are often referred to collectively as the “Edinburgh Festival.” These include the Edinburgh International Festival, which hosts performances of opera, theater, and dance; the Edinburgh Art Festival; the Edinburgh International Book Festival; the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in which military bands and display teams perform against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Note: The Art Festival is free, but tickets for the International Festival and Tattoo can be pricey and tough to secure—check the events’ websites for details.

Of course, the city also offers plenty of other activities, from tours of cathedrals, palaces and botanic gardens to whiskey experiences.

Related: 8 Best Weekend Getaways From Edinburgh

• What is the difference between the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe? While both run in August, it all comes down to curation. The Fringe is open to anyone as long as long as they can secure a venue while the Edinburgh International Festival is hand-picked performances in the world of opera, dance, and music.
• Are there different types of performances at the Edinburgh Fringe? Yes, the performances span all genres, from theater to music to dance to comedy.
• How can I find the schedule of events for the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh? The schedule of events can be found online at The Fringe Society.
• Can I bring my family to the Fringe Festival? Some venues and performances are kid-friendly, but check age restrictions for each venue and performance.