Festival Square

Festival Square is a public square beside Lothian Road in Edinburgh’s West End.

The open paved space sits between the Sheraton Grand Hotel and the busy Lothian Road corridor, close to several major cultural venues.

The square is regularly adapted for temporary events, festival structures, food and drink activations, and other city-centre pop-ups. Its role changes through the year, so it can look very different during major event periods compared with an ordinary weekday.

Location and Events

Festival Square is just off Lothian Road, opposite the Usher Hall area and close to the Traverse Theatre. Princes Street, Haymarket, and the West End tram stop are all within walking distance.

There is no single year-round attraction operating in the square. For visits tied to a festival, market, or ticketed event, use the organiser’s event information for opening times, entry arrangements, and temporary access changes.