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What’s On Guide Edinburgh August 2026
August is Edinburgh’s sunniest summer month, with average temperatures around a pleasant 15°C, although wind and rain can still make an appearance. This is the height of festival season, when Edinburgh bustles with visitors from around the world. The city hosts some of its most iconic events during this month, including the world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival, Festival Fringe and Royal Military Tattoo.
All details given here are subject to change or error, and no tickets are sold on this website. Please contact the event organisers directly for the most up-to-date information and ticket sales.
Music, theatre and comedy
- Forth On The Fringe, Edinburgh Playhouse, 7 – 8 Aug
- The Cure, Royal Highland Showgrounds, 23 Aug
- Bon Jovi, Murrayfield, 28 Aug
Festivals and special events
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, 7 – 29 Aug
- Edinburgh Foodies Festival, TBC
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe, TBC
- Edinburgh International Festival, TBC
- Edinburgh Art Festival, TBC
- Edinburgh International Book Festival, TBC
- Edinburgh International Film Festival, TBC
- Edinburgh International Television Festival, TBC
Activities, tours and experiences
Markets and fairs
- Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat
- Grassmarket Weekly Market, Grassmarket, every Sat
- Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat
- Edinburgh Car Boot Sale, Edinburgh Corn Exchange, every Sat & Sun
- Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun
- Edinburgh Street Food, Leith Street, every day
- Tron Kirk Market, Tron Kirk on Royal Mile, every day
- West End Fair, TBC
- Castle St Fair, TBC
- Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC
Museums, galleries and exhibitions
- Giants, National Museum of Scotland, 31 Jan – 14 Sep
- Gwen John: Strange Beauties, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 1 Aug – 4 Jan
- Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, Scottish National Gallery, 8 Aug – 1 Nov
Most viewed attractions listings in August
- Cramond, picturesque village in Edinburgh with beach and historic island
- Portobello, sandy Edinburgh seaside spot, perfect for walks and relaxation
- Grassmarket, historic Edinburgh market square with shops, pubs and restaurants
- The Real Mary King’s Close, underground network of streets, offering history tours
- Pentland Hills, scenic trails, rolling landscapes and outdoor adventures
- Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street with iconic views of the castle
- Edinburgh Dungeon, immersive, theatrical tours showcasing the city’s dark history
- Circus Lane, charming cobbled street in Edinburgh, lined with quaint cottages
- Dean Village, picturesque area of Edinburgh by the Water Of Leith
- Arthur’s Seat, volcanic hill in Edinburgh offering stunning panoramic views
- View more attractions…
See also
- Virtual tours, take a look around Edinburgh from the comfort of home
- Q&As, a few questions answered about Edinburgh and Scotland
