Edinburgh Festivals: August 1 - 25, 2025
Let's design the perfect adventure for you!
​The August Edinburgh Festivals are an absolute delight, offering performances and events that are unrivaled in variety and global representation. With six festivals, hundreds of venues, and over 4,000 events, it can be overwhelming to navigate your way to an enjoyable, stress-free experience. But it can be done - especially with some guidance, like mine.
 
Together, we'll design an experience that meets your wishes, schedule, and budget. Whether you want to explore all the festivals, or focus on a few, I’ll help you create a personalized itinerary that secures your top priorities and leaves room for well-informed spontaneity. Whether for a few days or several weeks, make the most of your time and resources.

Want an orientation to the festivals? Begin at the Festivals Edinburgh website.

Just looking for some guidance and free advice? Continue down this page!
PictureYour Festivals Connoisseur, Michele
In my many years of attendance and unbounded explorations since 1987, I’ve learned how to get the most from each day.  Having found my way to hundreds of events, few of them disappointing, I'll help you discover delightful, unforgettable experiences.
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The festivals have something for everyone. Traveling with youngers? No worries, The Fringe and International Book Festival offer much to delight children, teens, and young adults. 
Ready to begin curating your 2025 Festivals adventure?
​We'll begin with a brief, complimentary meeting so I can learn a bit about you, including which festivals and types of events are appropriate for your interests, schedule, and location. You'll decide which of my services meet your needs and then schedule our next steps.
I invite you for a FREE, 15-minute introductory meeting. You can request one here.
SERVICES OFFERED
2025 Festival Season​

Level 1 ($129)
    Based on our initial conversation, your interests, and your dates, I’ll organize a personalized roadmap for planning. At your leisure, you’ll efficiently learn what’s available of interest to you. Next, draft your itinerary with some further input from me.
   Your curated roadmap directs you to events that meet your needs and opportunities to access discounts or early access. You'll learn how best to book ahead and to navigate same-day tickets during the festivals. I’ll share some food recommendations – from simple to fine dining, much of it off the beaten track.
    This option is perfect for anyone wanting to do most of the research and planning themselves, with invaluable guidance and navigation tools.

​​Level 2 ($229)
   Level 1 services, plus 7 curated event recommendations for a stay of up to 7 days. Includes emailed updates and helpful tips until August 1.
    Option to book a brief walking orientation with me, should our schedules coincide.
    This level serves those who’d like some personalized, specific suggestions for performances and events.
​Level 3 ($299)
    Level 1 services, plus 15 curated event recommendations for a stay of up to 20 days. Includes emailed updates, special opportunity announcements, and helpful tips until August 1.
    Option to book an extended walking orientation with me, should our schedules coincide.
    This level provides tailored, specific suggestions for performances and events during an extended stay - perfect for those seeking an immersive, substantial festival experience.
Special Arrangements
    This option is available to partner organizations. I offer planning services for performers, authors, or other guests who are visiting briefly, have multiple commitments, but long for a taste of the festival experience. If you've been referred to me by an organization, please contact me through the meeting request link or the email address provided to you.
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​Please understand, I'm a Travel Designer, not a Travel Agent: 
  • You'll make your own reservations, bookings, and ticket purchases.
  • No discounts or access to tickets, lodging, or other services are guaranteed.
  • No emergency services during your visit or otherwise.
FREE ADVICE
  • First step: reserve your accommodation.
  • Want to attend the Royal Military Tattoo? Once you’ve set your dates, grab tickets. They sell out. Every night. 
  • Don’t overlook free Fringe events. Beyond the popular street shows are free events in venues from cozy pubs to stunning churches.
  • Become a Fringe Friend and access 2-for-1 tickets to over 1,400 shows.
  • Plan for lots of walking. Venues can be a mile or more apart. Also use the buses and trams.
  • When doing multiple events per day, localize them so you get between venues on time.  
  • Ask other festival-goers what performances or exhibits they enjoyed or didn’t. ​
  • Enjoy Edinburgh's diversity of ethnic foods.
ESCAPE THE FRENZY

The high energy of the festivals and crowds can become staggering. Here are some ways to take a break (as my client, receive more ideas and details):
  • Stroll through Royal Botanic Garden; don't miss the gift shop.
  • Meander through Dean Village or Stockbridge.
  • Take a walk up Calton Hill for history and beautiful views.
  • Hike up majestic Arthur’s Seat.
  • Walk, bus, or tram to Leith: tour The Royal Yacht Britannia, visit Richie Collins Gallery, eat at The Fishmarket.
  • Visit an exhibit at The National Library of Scotland; enjoy their cafe and gift shop. 
  • Explore magical Rosslyn Chapel. Use the #37 Penicuik bus, and not the express!
WHAT'S ON and TICKETS

All 3,300+ Fringe shows are on sale! It truly is "the world's greatest platform for creative freedom."

The Traverse Theatre is not to be missed if you enjoy innovative, high quality theatre at the Fringe. Check out the TravFest25 programme.

Summerhall is one of my favorite, most reliable Fringe venues and they have a lovely Programme to browse.

Shedinburgh Fringe is a great place to see creative, provocative performance.

The quintessential International Festival offers world class performances, from the classics to groundbreaking new pieces, that are unparalleled. Talent from across the globe lands here.
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International Book Festival full programme released June 10th and tickets available 21st. Tickets are already available for their series "The Front List." There are few places you'll witness such intelligent, thoughtful conversations.

The Edinburgh Art Festival programme is available. Check out the exhibits throughout Edinburgh and the events.

Military Tattoo tickets are available, but getting scarce.

Book Festival events happen once and many sell out. Many International Festival performances sell out, as well. Most Fringe performances repeat, creating less urgency for those. My advice: if there's something you're certain you want to see - get a ticket!
 RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEWS
this is updated as useful articles are published
MY "FAVE" TRAVEL RESOURCES