Edinburgh Festivals Begin 2026

As the Edinburgh festivals begins, the cobble streets that surround at Giles, will spring back to life, with the colourful sights and sounds of worldwide performers, who will visit. The many footprints of the packed crowds of both tourists and locals. 

It’s a joy filled exuberance, to celebrate not only culture, but the uplifting spirit of the best of us. 

There are shows for all tastes here – from the main festival’s choral music, premiers, world class orchestral, musicals, comedy, dance, renowned theatre and opera.

Enemy of the People

The Edinburgh International festival shows explore many challenging themes – morality, hierocracy, ignorance, politics, corruption, freedom, democracy, prejudice. 

An Enemy of the People. Famous actor Wagner Moura performed in an adaptation of the play by Henrik Ibsen of. A public trial in modern day Brazil

The festivals always attract controversy – this year at the Fringe Amanda Knox show. She was wrongly accused and imprisoned for four years in Italy for the murder of her friend Meredith. Reviews of her show say it is about motherhood and the persecution of women. 

Wynton Marsalis

**EIF SHOWS 2026

All Rise Opening concert, Usher hall was recorded and filmed – marking the 250 years of American independence. All Rise received excellent reviews and celebrated the profound influence of American creativity with the improvisation of jazz. Led by musician WYNTON MARSALIS iExamined the nation's paradox of freedom alongside prejudice, hypocrisy, and cultural friction. Plus the evolving crisis, joy and nature of life.

 

The Galloping Cure, Festival theatre: 9-12. A new opera. Franz Kafka, a country doctor on opioid crisis.

The Last Drop, 200 Playground. Dante Passarelhs figurative play about an aging apartment resistant to change in Edina (showcase Brazil)

 

Mayflies, Browns of Leith. Adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s book with themes of friendships and aging. It evokes the rock music sounds of 1980s Manchester.

Mrs Stern wanders the of Russian State Library, Traverse: 6- 30 Aug. a play by Jenny Lyn Bader, inspired by Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt (the banality of evil of Adolf Eichmann.

 

Clown Show at Kings theatre: 27- 30 Aug. a play by Geoff Sobella. A political metaphor – with acrobats and jugglers have gone, clowns are desperately trying to hold things together.

Endgame, at the Pleasance. Based on a play by Samuel Beckett, the great Irish playwright.

Angels in America, Kings theatre. explores the mentor to Trump, Roy Cohen, with David Bowie music.

 

**

A major part is the comedy at the Fringe, with around a mind boggling 4,000 shows! 

Scotland is in the world’s top three nations for culture and festivals, bringing in around 145 Billion. But the arts must be properly supported by government if they are to continue at this level. 

 

2026 Edinburgh International Festival addresses complex and challenging themes under its overarching "All Rise" theme, notably marking the 250th anniversary of American independence by examining the nation's paradox of freedom alongside prejudice, hypocrisy, and cultural friction.