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Edinburgh International Festival

The Playhouse

People enjoying the sunshine outside in bars and restaurants on the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh International Festival

pubs and restuarants on the Royal Mile

The Mike Vass Band perform during one of the McEwan's Sessions in a pub during the Edinburgh International Festival

the Mike Vass Band lead one of the McEwan's Sessions

Fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle to mark the end of the Edinburgh International Festival

Bank of Scotland fireworks concert

The Edinburgh International Festival is the official centerpiece of Edinburgh’s summer festival with a growing programme of dance, music, theatre and opera.

Part of the Edinburgh Festivals programme and official centerpiece of Edinburgh’s summer festivals, the Edinburgh International Festival was founded in 1947 and continues to go from strength to strength each year. This magnificent festival is quite possibly the most exciting, accessible and innovative festival of the performing arts anywhere in the world. A whole host of dance, music, theatre and opera lies before you.

Every summer, millions of visitors head to Edinburgh for the International Festival - three unforgettable weeks of the very best in international opera, music, theatre, dance and visual arts.

During the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Edinburgh International Festival was at the heart of the country’s creative calendar. The fascinating festival programme included the dramatic Speed of Light event which was part of the London 2012 Festival celebrations and was a dramatic fusion of sporting endeavour and art.

The Edinburgh International Festival will be back in 2013 for its 67th year from 9 August to 1 September. Join this exciting journey through three weeks of the arts that transform the city and bring people together from all corners of the globe.