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 budget.

Want an orientation to the festivals? Begin at the Festivals Edinburgh website.
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 and time frame. We can decide which of my services meet your needs and schedule our next steps.
Let’s schedule a 15-minute introductory meeting. You can request one here.
SERVICES OFFERED
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Level 1 ($129)
    Based on our initial conversation, a survey about your interests, and your visit dates, I’ll organize a personalized roadmap and tools. At your leisure, you’ll efficiently learn what’s available of interest to you. Next, you're ready to plan your itinerary with some further input from me.
   Your curated roadmap directs you to events that meet your needs, including how to find pertinent details and opportunities for ticket discounts or early access. You'll be advised how best to book ahead and how to navigate same-day tickets during the festivals. I’ll share a list of 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 a 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.
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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 events, particularly at The Fringe. Beyond the popular street shows are free events in venues ranging 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. Try the great system of buses and trams.
  • If you're doing multiple events per day, cluster them geographically so you can easily walk from one venue to the next.  
  • Talk to strangers when you’re queued up to enter a venue. Ask them 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.
  • Do a guided or self-guided tour of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
  • Visit magical Rosslyn Chapel. Use the #37 Penicuik bus, and not the express!
WHAT'S ON and TICKETS

​This section is updated as programmes and schedules become available for each festival.

Here's the tentative schedule to anticipate in 2025:

Military Tattoo tickets are already available.
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February: First set of Fringe shows announced and on sale.
March:  International Festival Programme released and tickets available.
April and May: More Fringe shows announced.
June: International Book Festival programme released and tickets available. Full Fringe programme released. 
June/July: Art Festival and Film Festival details available.

Book Festival events happen once and many sell out. Some 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 yourself a ticket