Major Events in Edinburgh

Looking for a list of upcoming events in Edinburgh? From iconic international festivals to beloved local celebrations, this curated list covers the major events you won’t want to miss in 2025.

Whether you’re a local or visiting the capital, these highlights showcase the very best of Edinburgh’s cultural calendar — all hosted at top Edinburgh venues including historic theatres, open-air arenas, and vibrant community hubs.

This page is regularly updated with new events in Edinburgh so bookmark this page.

🌾 June

Leith Festival

• Date: Approx. June 9–17 (annually confirmed)
• Location: Various venues across Leith
• Description: A community-led arts celebration featuring theatre, music, poetry, art exhibitions, and the famous Leith Gala Day.

Royal Highland Show

• Date: June 19–22, 2025
• Location: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, EH28 8NB
• Description: Scotland’s biggest farming and countryside event with livestock shows, food stalls, crafts, and rural entertainment.

🎷 July

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

• Date: July 11–20, 2025
• Location: Citywide – including George Square, Assembly Rooms, and outdoor stages
• Description: 10 days of incredible live music from international jazz, swing, and blues acts. Some free events and parades included.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

• Date: Early July (typically 1st week)
• Location: Traverse Theatre, Summerhall, and other city venues
• Description: Family-friendly wonder with illusionists, stage shows, workshops, and a magic castle experience.

Kasabian – Live in Edinburgh

• Date: July 23, 2025
• Location: O2 Academy Edinburgh (formerly Corn Exchange), New Market Road, EH14 1RJ
• Description: The indie-rock legends return for a night of explosive hits and crowd favourites.

🎨 August (Festival Season!)

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

• Date: August 1–25, 2025
• Location: Citywide – from street performances on the Royal Mile to hundreds of official venues
• Description: The world’s largest arts festival with over 3,000 shows from comedians, actors, dancers, and musicians.

Edinburgh International Festival

• Date: August 1–25, 2025
• Location: The Usher Hall, The Hub, and other premium venues
• Description: A curated showcase of world-class opera, classical music, theatre, and dance.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• Date: August 1–24, 2025
• Location: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
• Description: A dramatic display of music, fireworks, and military precision with performers from around the globe.

Edinburgh Art Festival

• Date: August 7–24, 2025
• Location: Galleries across the city – including Fruitmarket Gallery, Dovecot Studios, Collective
• Description: Scotland’s largest visual arts celebration, featuring established and emerging talent.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

• Date: August 14–20, 2025
• Location: Charlotte Square Gardens, EH2 4HQ
• Description: Author talks, panel discussions, readings, and book signings from the literary world’s biggest names.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

• Date: August 14–20, 2025
• Location: Filmhouse Cinema and various independent cinemas
• Description: Premieres, retrospectives, and Q&As at the world’s longest continually running film festival.

Oasis Reunion – “Live ’25”

The iconic Britpop band Oasis is reuniting for the first time since 2009 with their “Live ’25” tour. In Edinburgh, they’ll play Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on:

• Friday 8 August 2025 (doors c.17:00)
• Saturday 9 August 2025
• Tuesday 12 August 2025

All Oasis tickets for Edinburgh shows are currently sold out.

🎆 December 2025

Christmas Events in Edinburgh

Edinburgh transforms into a magical winter wonderland each December, drawing thousands of visitors to its festive streets, twinkling lights, and seasonal celebrations.

Whether you’re after traditional markets, joyful concerts, or sparkling city views, there’s something for everyone during the Christmas season in the Scottish capital.

• Edinburgh’s Christmas Market: Held in East Princes Street Gardens, this iconic market features wooden stalls with festive food, mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and a family-friendly fairground complete with a Big Wheel and ice rink.
• Christmas at the Botanics: A spectacular after-dark light trail through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with immersive installations, fire pits, and festive music – perfect for all ages.
• Festive Shows & Pantomimes: Enjoy seasonal theatre productions at top Edinburgh venues like the Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre, and Traverse. Classic pantos, ballets, and concerts bring warmth and laughter to chilly nights.
• Santa’s Grotto & Family Fun: Visit Santa in his magical grotto at St James Quarter or the Royal Mile, plus enjoy storytelling, craft workshops, and winter trails at attractions like Edinburgh Zoo and the National Museum of Scotland.
• Late Night Shopping & Winter Walks: Wander down George Street or the Royal Mile beneath glittering lights, enjoy festive window displays, and sip hot chocolate while ticking off your gift list.

From romantic nights under the lights to family outings and cultural events, Christmas in Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience filled with joy and sparkle.

Edinburgh Hogmanay

• Date: December 30 – January 1
• Location: Princes Street Gardens and city centre streets
• Description: Iconic New Year’s Eve street party with fireworks, torchlight procession, concerts, and ceilidhs. A global bucket-list event. Visit https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay