Things to do in Edinburgh in August 2023
10th Aug 2023
August is exciting in the Scottish capital city! If you’re visiting Edinburgh this month, here are just some of the things you can add to your itinerary.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: 4th - 28th August
Indulge in the largest arts festival in the world! You can attend everything from live comedy to street shows to debut performances from future awards winners. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag originally debuted at the Fringe, as did the hit musical SIX.
Treasures of the Old Town: 11th and 25th August
Escape the festival and discover more quiet spots on our August featured walking tour! Relax off the beaten track while uncovering the hidden history of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh International Book Festival: 12th - 28th August
Celebrate literature of all kinds with some of your favourite authors, including Scottish writers Carol Ann Duffy and Kirsty Logan. The Edinburgh Book Fest has events for all interests and all age groups.
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania: from 12th August
Opening soon at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, Rising Tides features Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists and explores contemporary responses to climate change. The exhibition will be running until 14 April 2024 and is free to attend.
Cinema Under the Stars: 19th and 20th August
A part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Cinema Under the Stars brings a weekend of open-air cinema to the Old College Quad. It includes a mix of family-friendly and artist films. For the full programme, visit their website.
The West End Fair: until 27th August
Browse through handcrafted jewellery, candles and accessories, and maybe even find some new art for your walls! The West End Fair can be found on the grounds of St John’s Church at the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road and is open daily from 11am - 6pm.
Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perception: until 28th August
Dovecot Studios is celebrating the work of women who helped shape the art landscape of Scotland. From pioneering students to radical post-war artists, the exhibition even features some never before displayed work. They offer guided tours at lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Underground Vaults Tours: every day
Escape the crowds and the heat in Edinburgh’s underground vaults! Visit the Blair Street Underground Vaults with us for a break from the festival madness. Choose from ghost tours or history tours (or do both!) and let our storytellers bring you on a trip through time.
Thinking of visiting Edinburgh? Sign up for our email newsletter to receive exclusive updates on what’s happening in the city. And get a chance to win tickets, prizes, and more!