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Fringe Festival street performance
Fringe Festival street performance

Edinburgh Fringe Festival guide for first time visitors

Become a Fringe Festival expert navigator in no time with our new guide!

PublishBlogs 15 Jul 2024

First time at Edinburgh Fringe? We’ve got you covered! This guide will share everything you need to know so you can make the most of your time at the world’s biggest arts festival. 

1. Stay open-minded and take advantage of Half Price Hut bargains
If there’s something great about Fringe it’s that you are spoilt for choice, quite literally. There’s so much to see and do, that you will not want to miss anything, we get it! And while it’s always a great idea to book in advance any headline shows you really want to watch to avoid disappointment, it’s also important to stay open-minded. This eclectic festival is an excellent opportunity to discover some new talent. So, if you head to the Fringe Box Office from the first Wednesday of the festival, you will be able to find half-price tickets to a range of shows every day – comedy stand-ups, theatre plays, you name it!

2. Don’t skip the Royal Mile!
Yes, you can also enjoy Fringe without spending a fortune or anything at all, really. Although the festival attracts a number of household names and big productions, there are also many exciting buskers, street performers, and young artist trying to make a name for themselves. If you have some time to spare, walking along the Royal Mile is a great way to enjoy free performances suitable for all audiences. Click here for more information.

3. Did you know there are four other festivals happening simultaneously in Edinburgh throughout August?
Yup, you heard it right! There are five festivals taking place in August across the city of Edinburgh – The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, and, of course, Edinburgh Fringe. Pretty impressive, right? While Fringe might be the main event for most, the remaining four are just as show-stopping. If you have an interest in body art, literature, art installations, or multiculturalism, then make sure to add these to your list!

4. Be sure to make room for some street food!
The Fringe Festival might be all about culture – but food is certainly another stand-out. Many outdoor and indoor spaces are transformed into social spaces, featuring a wide range of street food traders. While Underbelly beer garden in Bistro Square is always a safe bet, there are many pop-ups across the city offering a taste local and international flavours. 

5. Going to the festival with kids?
Yes, the festival attracts a great number of visitors, which might seem a little daunting when bringing little ones, but you would be surprised at how children-friendly the Fringe is. The majority of shows last about an hour (perfect for fidgety kids!) and there are plenty of children’s shows, including The Cat in the Hat, the Amazing Bubble Man, and variety shows.

You can book your tickets to Edinburgh with Lumo on our website or app. For the best value tickets book early, tickets go on sale up to 26 weeks in advance.