Featured: Things to do in Edinburgh this summer

Edinburgh – The Festival City

Edinburgh is world renowned for its International Festival and Fringe Festival that take place every August, transforming the entire city into one huge, living theatre. But did you know that this is only part of the story? Edinburgh’s actually a festival city all summer long. Book a Travelodge in one their many locations in Edinburgh and you’ll never be far from the action!

Edinburgh International Film Festival, 18-29 June 

This June Edinburgh will turn into a film buff’s paradise, with its long-established International Film Festival that showcases some of the best new film making from around the world and attracts industry bigwigs and ordinary film lovers in equal measure.

Leith Festival, 14 – 22nd June 

Once a rundown, no-go zone for tourists, Leith is now a fashionable, thriving area with great shopping and a brilliant choice of upmarket waterside bars and restaurants. And to celebrate, they’ve even got their own festival with a gala day and pageant kicking it off on June 14th.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival, 28 June – 5 July 

Now in its fifth year, this brilliant family festival kicks off with a gala night on Friday 27th June that’s sure to have everyone applauding wildly in delighted disbelief! And if one of your brood has ambitions to be a future Dynamo, you can even enroll them in  magic school. Be warned though, ordinary lessons will seem very dull in comparison!

Scottish Real Ale Festival, 10-13 July 

One for the beer enthusiast in your life (yes I think we all know who that is!), this ale festival is a great chance for connoisseurs to sample the best of Scottish ale. And if you’re interested in all things alcoholic, make sure you pay a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile too.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, 19-28 July 

If jazz and blues are your thing then this festival is unmissable. Featuring big names (Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra were a highlight last year) and little-known gems, there should be something for everyone. And of course, Edinburgh’s relaxed licensing laws make it the perfect city to listen to cool, sultry melodies well into the wee small hours.

Edinburgh International Fashion Festival, 18-28 July 

Move over London, Paris and New York! Edinburgh’s fashion festival is now in its third year and getting bigger than ever. Featuring catwalk shows, talks and exhibitions, it’s going to be absolutely fabulous darling!

Edinburgh Art Festival, 31 July-31 August 

Running alongside the main festival this huge, multi-venue festival celebrates art old and new, traditional and avant-garde. One of the main events this year will be the American Impressionism: A New Vision exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. And it’s not just about the exhibitions – art aficionados can immerse themselves in talks and many other special events.

So as you can see, when it comes to Edinburgh, it’s probably harder to find something they don’t have a festival celebrating than something they do!

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