Every August, incredible creative energy flows through the streets of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival transforms Scotland’s capital into a playground for alternative art, music, and culture, giving performers from around the world a stage to showcase their unique work.
Explore the Big Bus guide to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, all you need to know for an incredible Fringe 2025.
What is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
The Edinburgh Fringe dates back to the Edinburgh International Festival in 1947. Eight performance groups crashed the festival, staging their shows on the fringes of the official program. This spark of creativity led to performers formalising the Fringe in 1958 with the establishment of the Festival Fringe Society.
The programme features a wide range of entertainment genres, including dance, cabaret, children’s shows, comedy, magic, music, musicals, opera, physical theatre and spoken word.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe gives you the chance to support up-and-coming artists before their big break. The festival provided a platform for many breakout shows, including Baby Reindeer, Nanette, The League of Gentlemen, Fleabag and Stomp.
Top tip: Discover more fun festivals and activities to enjoy in June, July and August in our Edinburgh summer guide.
All About the Fringe Festival Edinburgh
Here’s what you need to know for a fabulous Fringe 2025.
Getting Your Edinburgh Fringe Festival Tickets
Browse over 3300 shows and book your Edinburgh Fringe tickets on the official website.
When is Edinburgh Fringe?
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival dates fall within the first three weeks of August each year, coinciding with the Edinburgh International Festival. Fringe 2025 is set for August 1-25.
Best Venues at Edinburgh Fringe
There are over 300 performance spaces, but these four Edinburgh Fringe venues dominate the programming.
Assembly Hall
Assembly operates 17 performance spaces during the Fringe, programming hundreds of shows that range from serious plays to musicals.
Big Bus Stops near Assembly Hall: The Mound (5), George IV Bridge (6)
Gilded Balloon
The comedy headquarters of the Fringe. Specialising in stand-up and solo shows, this space has launched comedy careers since 1988.
Big Bus Stops near Gilded Balloon: Lothian Road (3), National Museum (8), George IV Bridge (#6)
Pleasance
Home to large-scale productions and international acts. With multiple venues, including the central courtyard with a large beer garden and Pleasance Dome, it’s known for hosting major shows.
Big Bus Stops near Pleasance: National Museum (8), George IV Bridge (6)
Underbelly
The most visually distinctive venue is the one featuring the iconic purple cow-shaped tent called the Udderbelly. Underbelly features offbeat and unusual performers.
Big Bus Stops near Underbelly: National Museum (8), George IV Bridge (6), Underbelly George Square: Lothian Road (3)
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Accommodation
With several Edinburgh festivals taking place in August, demand for accommodation is high. It’s worth booking early to secure the best locations and prices.
Find the best location for your festival needs, whether central or peaceful, in our helpful guide to where to stay during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tips for Easy Fringe 2025 Travel
Getting to and from Edinburgh Airport is easy, and even fun, on our Bright Bus Airport Express. Stay in the playful spirit by hopping on a double-decker Bright Bus. We offer two routes to help you navigate the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
You’ll find central venue clusters between Stops 5 and 8 on the Red Route, but Fringe events are available at every stop along the way.
Our City Tour – Red Route is packed with performance spaces just steps apart.
- Stop 1: Waterloo Place
Fringe hubs nearby: Greenside @ Royal Terrace, Edinburgh Playhouse, Hill Street Theatre, Assembly Rooms
- Stop 2: St Andrew Square
Live show locations nearby: Assembly Rooms, The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemasons’ Hall (PBH Free Fringe), Hill Street Theatre, Rose Theatre, Broughton St venues
- Stop 3: Lothian Road
Fringe hubs nearby: Traverse Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Filmhouse, Central Hall, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly George Square, Assembly George Square
- Stop 4: Bread Street
Fringe hubs nearby: The Lyceum, Ghillie Dhu, Charlotte Chapel, Close to Tollcross & West End venues
- Stop 5: The Mound
Live show locations nearby: Assembly Hall, Paradise Green @ Augustine’s, Greenside @ Riddles Court, Edinburgh Art College, Gilded Balloon @ Museum, National Museum of Scotland
- Stop 6: George IV Bridge
Show spots nearby: Gilded Balloon @ Teviot. Underbelly Cowgate, Just the Tonic @ Caves, Assembly George Square, Pleasance Courtyard (6–8 min walk), C venues, National Museum, Bedlam Theatre
- Stop 7: Grassmarket
Performance zones nearby: Sweet Venues @ Apex, Dance Base, Frankenstein Pub, Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters. PBH @ Cowgate, Just the Tonic @ The Caves
- Stop 8: National Museum of Scotland
Fringe hubs nearby: Pleasance Courtyard, Underbelly Cowgate, Gilded Balloon, Assembly George Square, Zoo Southside, Just the Tonic @ Caves, Greenside @ Nicholson Square
- Stop 9: Canongate Kirk
Live show locations nearby: Scottish Storytelling Centre, PBH Free Fringe @ Canongate, various Free Fringe pubs along the Royal Mile, Pleasance
- Stop 10: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Show spots nearby: Lower Royal Mile Free Fringe pubs, Dynamic Earth, Scottish Parliament (fringe-adjacent events)
Our Britannia Tour – Blue Route is an excellent opportunity to experience the creative energy of The Shore.
- Stop 1: Waterloo Place
(Same as Red Stop 1)
- Stop 2: St Andrew Square
(Same as Red Stop 2)
- Stop 3: The Shore
Fringe hubs nearby: Leith Arches, Leith Depot, Malmaison pop-ups
- Stop 4: Victoria Quay
Show spots nearby: Leith Theatre, Ocean Terminal pop-ups, Biscuit Factory
- Stop 5: Royal Yacht Britannia / Ocean Terminal
Performance zones nearby: Ocean Terminal pop-ups, Leith-based immersive events, Visual arts exhibitions
- Stop 6: Royal Botanic Garden
Fringe hubs nearby: Stockbridge Church, Canonmills Fringe pop-ups, street shows and experiences nearby
Keep your festival schedule on track with our Big Bus mobile app. Real-time tracking means you’ll never miss your next show because you were waiting for a bus.
Big Bus Tours: Fun Edinburgh Fringe Festival Transport
Make the most of the Edinburgh Festival season with Big Bus Tours. Our hop-on, hop-off buses put you right in the heart of the action, with stops near major venues and those spontaneous street performances that make August in Edinburgh so special.
Book your airport transfer with our Airport Express and secure your tour tickets sorted before the curtain rises.