Your Essential Guide to Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 will be a thrilling festival of arts and culture from throughout the world. This renowned open-access event will transform Edinburgh into a creative playground from August 1 to 25, featuring hundreds of acts in theatre, comedy, dance, music, circus, and more.

This guide has everything you need to know about the world's biggest arts festival, whether you've been before or are going for the first time. It provides information on must-see acts, ticket purchasing details, travel recommendations, city highlights, and recommended items to bring. Get ready to be swept away by the enchantment of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 Overview

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the world's most important arts and culture festivals. For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an influx of creative energy from around the world.

Artists and entertainers take to hundreds of stages across the city, presenting entertainment for every taste. From great names in the world of entertainment to undiscovered artists seeking to expand their careers, the festival accommodates everyone. It features a diverse range of performances, including theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's performances, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events.

Its origins can be traced back to 1947, when eight theatrical groups arrived uninvited to play at the Edinburgh International Festival. Year after year, more and more performers followed in their footsteps, until in 1958 the Fringe Society was formed to aid development but take no role in vetting the festival's programme - a stance that remains at the heart of the event to this day.

When Does It Take Place?

From August 1 to 25, 2025, Edinburgh will host a three-week celebration of creative energy from around the world. Cabaret, children's shows, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, music, musicals, opera, and theatre are just a few of the genres presented by artists and performers.

What's New For 2025?

Even though the festival is only a month away, the 2025 edition of the Fringe is already gaining traction. The first batch of announcements included nearly 1,200 concerts, and early ticket sales suggest that the record-breaking attendance of previous years may be surpassed. Such was the response. The programming consists of approximately 3,400 shows across 265 venues, featuring a significant increase in new work, first performances, and works that defy genre boundaries.

As a preview of the 2025 edition, the schedule features notable theatrical performances, including Cliff Cardinal's unconventional Shakespeare reinterpretation and Jack Holden's immersive nightclub drama. Internationally renowned dance and circus companies, including Circa and Gravity & Other Myths, are preparing to present highly anticipated shows. Comedy remains a popular genre, with both established and emerging acts on the bill.

Ethos And Significance

The Fringe is an open-access festival. The Fringe Society's primary role is to facilitate the festival, with a focus on the complex logistics of producing such a massive event. Alistair Moffat (Fringe administrator 1976-1981) described the Society's mission by saying, "As a direct result of the participants' wishes, the Society was established to help the performers who come to Edinburgh and to promote them collectively to the public.

It was not designed to invite or artistically vet groups. Each Fringe company was solely responsible for what and how they performed." This approach is now commonly referred to as an unjuried festival, an open-access arts festival, or a fringe festival.

Over time, this method has resulted in negative feedback regarding the Fringe's quality. Much of this criticism comes from individual arts critics in national publications, die-hard fans of the Edinburgh International Festival, and, on occasion, the festival itself.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets for all Fringe shows can only be purchased at the Box Office.

Book online at edfringe.com.

Book Tickets Through The App

During August, use the Fringe app to browse and purchase tickets on the go. Use 'nearby now' to see events starting near you. The app will be released before the Fringe. Visit edfringe.com for more information and to sign up for updates.

Book In Person Or By Phone

The Fringe Box Office is located at Old Assembly Close, High Street, EH1 1QS, just next to the Fringe Shop.

Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0000.

For bookings, call +44 (0)131 226 0002.

For bookings, use WhatsApp: +44 (0)7923 525799 (text only).

Open from：

June 3 to July 6 (Monday through Friday). 10:00 - 18:00

July 7 - July 27 (Monday to Saturday) 10:00 - 18:00

July 28–August 25 (daily) 10:00 - 18:00

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Shows in 2025

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the world's most outstanding arts and culture festivals. The festival features a wide range of live performance genres, including theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's performances, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events. Below are some of the best Fringe shows to visit in 2025:

Theatre Shows

As You Like It: A Radical Retelling

Church Hill Theatre, 20-23 August

Whenever you witness a performance in Canada, it will begin with a land acknowledgement, which is a method of recognising those who were there before the Europeans arrived. Cliff Cardinal, an Indigenous playwright, explores the motivations behind such claims in a broadside that employs Shakespeare's pastoral comedy to comment on our attitude towards the natural environment.

Club NVRLND

Assembly Checkpoint, 30 July-25 August

Jack Holden, the formidable star of Cruise and Kenrex, wrote this party-themed rendition of Peter Pan, which has songs by Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake celebrating the millennial generation that refuses to grow up. "A full-blown pop fantasy" is how director Steven Kunis describes it.

Consumed

Traverse theatre, 30 July-24 August

Paines Plough, which has left its Roundabout pop-up theatre at home, has a lower-than-usual profile at this year's Fringe, but is responsible for one of the Traverse's hallmark plays, a story about four generations of Northern Irish women. Katie Posner directed Karis Kelly's disturbing family drama, which won the 2022 Women's Prize for Playwriting.

The Ego

Zoo Playground, 12-24 August

Anemone Valcke and Verona Verbakel, performers from Belgium, discuss where social boundaries should be for young women growing up in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. In a show about seeing and being observed, they draw on their personal experiences of sexism and abuse to explore issues of guilt and internalised misogyny.

Faustus in Africa!

The Lyceum, 20-23 August

William Kentridge revisits his 1995 version of the soul-selling fable and modifies it for the age of the climate disaster. Handspring Puppet Company (of War Horse renown) imagines a predatory Faustus stealing the African continent out of colonial avarice, while the rest of the globe foots the bill.

Hamlet: Wakefulness

Summerhall, 3-15 August

Song of the Goat has captivated fringe audiences for two decades with their exotic polyphonic singing inspired by classical tropes. This time, the Wrocław company offers Shakespeare's tragedy a pagan twist.

Dance And Circus Shows

Because You Never Asked

Summerhall, 31 July-25 August

We All Fall, a Quebec company, received positive feedback during last year's fringe festival for their show Papillon. This year, they present another blend of music, dance, and storytelling in a performance based on discussions between co-creator Roger White and his Jewish grandmother, who grew up near Hamburg and escaped Nazi Germany for Edinburgh in 1939.

Gravity and Other Myths: Ten Thousand Hours

Assembly Hall, 31 July-24 August

The Australian circus crew returns with their hit show Ten Thousand Hours, a showcase of the abilities that such a long commitment can produce. A reminder of just how difficult circus work is, with all of the danger, risk, and excitement involved.

Circa: Wolf

The Lafayette at Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, 1-23 August

Always consistently good, Australian company. Circa combines heart and muscle, as well as strong concepts, choreography, and perfectly developed circus skills. This latest act abandons beautiful grace in favour of the raw, savage, and vicious, with the acrobatic performers motivated by animal impulses.

Shaper/Caper: Small Town Boys

Zoo Southside, 1-17 August

Shaper/Caper, winner of the Creative Arts Prize at last year's Proud Scotland Awards, tells the story of LGBTQ+ nightlife in the 1980s and early 1990s, in the face of AIDS and widespread homophobia, as well as the people who sought sanctuary, escapism, and community on the dance floor.

The Dan Daw Show

The Lyceum, 2-4 August

A show with trigger warnings and no ambiguity about its themes: sex, disability, and kink: in this unique duet meditating on power, pleasure, caring, and permission, self-described "queer crip" Dan Daw takes control of his own story by allowing himself to be controlled. These are the final performances following four years of travelling.

Barrowland Ballet: Wee Man

Assembly @ Dance Base, 5-17 August

In Wee Man, choreographer Natasha Gilmore explores the theme of masculinity, a topic closely related to one of 2025's key issues. Inspired by Gilmore's own experience as a mother of teenage boys, it features an intergenerational cast that explores the changing conventions of masculinity throughout history with dynamic movement and tenderness.

Comedy Shows

Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath

Monkey Barrel, July 28 to August 10

Desiree Burch's last standup show was six years ago, and she has since become a regular on television comedy shows. The theatre-maker-turned-comedian, who has always been engaging and insightful onstage, returns with a set described as "a madcap voyage" through midlife crisis and menopause.

Ahir Shah: Work-in-Progress

Monkey Barrel, 14-24 August

Shah's most recent show, Ends, surpassed all expectations: a touching, witty, and characteristically intelligent look at his family's "generational sacrifice" and the reality of multicultural Britain, it went from Edinburgh comedy award glory to a Netflix special and more. After a two-year wait, the follow-up is finally here, albeit in work-in-progress form.

Andrew Doherty: Sad Gay Aids Play

Pleasance Dome, July 30 to August 24

If you saw Doherty's Gay Witch Sex Cult on the Fringe last year, an excellent solo Wicker Man knock-off starring an arrogant and ditzy estate agent, you'll have a hard time rejecting the sequel. Sad Gay Aids Play focuses its satirical gaze on worthy homosexual drama in an attempt to win its author the coveted Pulitzer Prize.

Bridget Christie: Work-in-Progress

Monkey Barrel, 2-9 August

Bridget Christie dominated the Fringe for a few years after winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2013, presenting show after must-see (clownish, political, and original). She is now a TV star and a rare visitor, making this week-long trial run with new material even more appealing.

Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty

Monkey Barrel, July 29 to August 24

An unexpected contender for the festival's main honours in 2023, with Crushing, standup Smith established himself as Rhod Gilbert's successor as the stressed-out everyman overwhelmed by daily life—his unlikely-to-be-calm first show since tackles jigsaw puzzles, fertility, and attempting to remain northern.

Cat Cohen: Broad Strokes

Pleasance Courtyard, July 31 to August 24

Cohen's fringe run was thwarted by a "health scare" in 2023. Two years later, the New York cabaret diva explains the story behind the cancellation. Judging by her prior electrifying performances (including 2019's award-winning The Twist? "She's Gorgeous" will be hilarious, snappy, wonderful, and breathtakingly oversharey.

How to Get to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? 

The Fringe is a world-renowned performing arts festival held annually in Scotland's gorgeous capital city, Edinburgh, on stages and in locations throughout the city.

Whether travelling by rail or road, via the Highlands or the Borders, the scenery is beautiful. Your trip to Edinburgh has an impact on the environment, and flying from UK cities can take as long as going by train when check-in times are taken into account, so why not try taking the train or bus instead?

By Rail

Waverley Station (Edinburgh's major railway station) is conveniently located in the city centre, near to popular festival locations and several bus routes serving Princes Street (the central shopping district).

Be sure to plan your trips, as cheaper advance tickets from many UK destinations go on sale 12 to 24 weeks in advance of travel.

By Road

Whether by automobile or bus, the drive to Edinburgh is scenic. Edinburgh is linked to the UK's east coast via the A1(M); a quick trip to Glasgow on the M8 connects you to most towns in the west via the M6 and the Lake District. Coach services run straight to Edinburgh from around Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Car Share

Car-sharing is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get to Edinburgh. You save money while also helping the environment, and you get to know some of your fellow Fringe-goers along the way.

By Air

Most domestic airlines and a select number of international companies serve Edinburgh International Airport. The airport is conveniently positioned about eight miles (12 kilometres) west of Edinburgh's city centre.

Getting Around In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a small city, and most locations are within easy walking distance of one another. During August, walking between locations is generally the quickest option. Some venues are just a stone's throw away from one another, especially in the Old Town, where it takes no more than five to ten minutes to walk from the Royal Mile to many Old Town venues.

Edinburgh has a large cycling population, so if you plan on taking your bike, you'll be in good company. Remember, the city is fairly hilly! Innertubemap.com provides a detailed cycling map of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's Lothian bus network is good, serving not only the city but also its environs, including Queensferry, East Lothian, and Midlothian; most venues have a bus stop nearby.

Single fares cost £2, but if you make three or more journeys in a day, a Lothian Day Ticket (£5) or a LATE Ticket (£4.50) is the best value.

Things To Consider for Attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Thinking about going to the world's most fantastic arts festival - the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2025, but not sure where to begin? Before going to the festival, answer these questions.

How Do I Decide What To See?

With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming; seek out 'best picks' articles before the festival, and anyone you know who has already been is sure to have a favourite comedian or business who will be appearing again. You should also allow some time in your itinerary for when you're actually in Edinburgh, as word of mouth is frequently the best way to locate a treasure.

What Time Can You See The Shows?

Almost any moment. The earliest shows at the Fringe often begin around 9-10 a.m. - some are children's shows, while others include classics like Shakespeare Shorts - and continue throughout the day and evening into the early hours, with some acts entering the stage just before midnight. There will also be a variety of hikes and exhibitions available during the day, so the choice is entirely yours.

How Long Are The Performances?

The average is 1-1.5 hours, particularly for standup events. Some are full-length (2.5 hours), while others are only 20-30 minutes long. The most gigs we've watched in a single day is ten, but by the end of the last show on that particular day, we had almost forgotten who we were.

How Much Are Tickets?

The Fringe offers a wide range of ticket pricing, from free (for events like the Free Fringe) to approximately £35. On average, you can expect to pay around £ 10. You may also take advantage of the Fringe Society's half-price hut, and several shows offer two-for-one days early in their runs.

Safety Information

If you suffer an urgent illness or injury while in Edinburgh, call NHS24 at 111 to talk with a healthcare expert. Calling 111 will connect you to the Right Care in the Right Place, ensuring that you receive care as soon as possible.

NHS24 also provides an interpretation service. Please do not visit a hospital unless you require immediate life-saving care.

If you have a minor illness, seek advice from a pharmacy first, followed by a visit to NHS Inform for additional information on 'Right Care, Right Place'.

In the event of an emergency, always dial 999.

What to Bring to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Being well-prepared will help you get the most out of your time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. August weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to have a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and a warm jumper. You'll need to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be strolling around various venues throughout the mountainous parts of the city.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle for those rare but wonderful sunny days. A compact backpack is perfect for carrying everyday essentials, such as snacks, portable chargers, a power bank like the Jackery Explorer 500, and a copy of your schedule, whether on paper or your phone. Don't forget your tickets, ID, and a contactless payment card that works at most venues and food vendors. Finally, a notepad or festival app can help you remember the shows you want to see and keep track of the ones you hear about.

Jackery Portable Power Station for Outdoor Events

Taking a Jackery Portable Power Station to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or other outdoor events offers numerous advantages, primarily centred around reliable and convenient power access in environments where traditional outlets are scarce or nonexistent.

Outdoor events often mean long days away from power outlets. A Jackery lets you keep your phone, camera, smartwatches, and other personal electronics charged, ensuring you can capture memories, stay connected, and navigate without worrying about a dead battery.

Beyond personal devices, a Jackery can power small appliances that enhance your event experience, such as portable fans (essential in warm weather), small speakers for personal music, LED lights for evening gatherings, or even a mini cooler for drinks and snacks if you have a larger unit.

Jackery Portable Power Stations are designed to be easily carried, often featuring handles. This makes them ideal for manoeuvring through crowds at an event like the Edinburgh Fringe, or for packing into a backpack for a camping trip or festival. We recommend the Jackery Explorer 500 here.

Jackery Explorer 500

Taking a Jackery Explorer 500 (or a similar portable power station) to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or other events can significantly enhance your experience.

Charging Essential Devices: Festivals like the Fringe are long days filled with navigating schedules, taking photos and videos, and staying connected. Your phone, camera, smartwatch, and even a small tablet will all require constant charging. The Jackery Explorer 500 (518Wh capacity) can charge a mobile phone (18W) over 30 times, a laptop (200W) for over 10 hours, and a DSLR camera charger for nearly 28 hours, ensuring you don't miss out on capturing moments or staying in touch.

Powering Small Appliances: While you might not be running a full kitchen, a Jackery can power small, convenient items like portable fans (instrumental in crowded, warm venues), LED lights for your accommodation or late-night reading, or even a mini-fridge for keeping drinks cool if you have a designated spot.

Off-Grid Convenience: Many festival activities, particularly street performances or pop-up venues at the Fringe, might not have readily available power outlets. A portable power station enables you to establish your power hub anywhere.

Versatility and Multiple Outputs: The Jackery Explorer 500 typically features multiple output ports, including AC outlets (for standard plugs), USB-A ports (for phones and tablets), and a 12V car port. This allows you to charge or power a variety of devices simultaneously, catering to the diverse needs of festival-goers.

Quiet and Eco-Friendly Operation: Unlike traditional gasoline generators, portable power stations like the Jackery are virtually silent and produce no emissions. This is crucial in a festival setting where noise pollution is already high, and environmental consciousness is growing. You won't disturb others or breathe in fumes.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025:

1. Who is playing at the Fringe in 2025?

Some of the familiar faces at this year's Fringe are Nish Kumar and Jason Byrne at Assembly, Andy Parsons, Chloe Petts, Deirdre O'Kane, Elf Lyons, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Marjolein Robertson, and Rhys Darby at Pleasance; Paul Sinha and Richard Herring at The Stand; and Geoff Norcott and Ali Woods at Underbelly.

2. What is the Edinburgh Festival 2025?

The festival will be back from August 1 to 25, 2025. It has a long history as an open-access platform where artists from all over the world can show off their work in a wide range of disciplines, including theatre, dance, comedy, circus, and even the dying art of spoken word.

3. How much does the Edinburgh Fringe cost?

What is the price of tickets? There are various ticket costs for the Fringe. Some places, like the Free Fringe, don't charge anything, while others charge around £35. You'd probably expect to pay around 10 dollars on average.

4. What festival is in Scotland in 2025?

In 2025, Scotland boasts numerous fun festivals featuring music, arts, movies, storytelling, and more. Some of the most important festivals in Edinburgh include the Edinburgh Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. The Orkney Folk Festival, the Tiree Music Festival, and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival are also important events.

5. Is the Fringe Festival worth it?

There are some fantastic shows during Fringe, but most of them aren't. Still, Fringe has a certain appeal. It is art for art's sake, and if you are interested in theatre, art, or the avant-garde, you should spend an afternoon doing it.

Final Thoughts

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 will be a dynamic, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enjoyable celebration of creativity in all its manifestations. By striking a balance between tradition and innovation, artistic freedom and the realities of funding and access, the Fringe has consistently demonstrated why it is one of the most significant cultural phenomena of our time. Regardless of skill level, everyone can enjoy this year's festival, which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the arts.