Summer in Edinburgh

16 December 2022|Read time 2 mins

Summer in Edinburgh is truly an experience to remember.

Here we give you a glimpse into some of the fun, fascinating and exciting events coming your way each year.

Visit Edinburgh this summer

Edinburgh is an ever-changing city, dressed in delightful German markets at Christmas, farmers' markets during spring and dazzles with the biggest International Festival in the world in August.

Discover what is in store for your next summer break to our wonderful city.

Top Edinburgh festivals

The Edinburgh festival season begins each year with Leith Festival which includes parades and performances in the port district of the city.

The fun continues in July with the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival while August sees all sorts of fun in the capital at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Edinburgh Festival

Of course, we have to mention the Festival. You know the one - the Edinburgh International Festival.

During August, Edinburgh becomes a cacophony of music, comedy, art, drama and so much more.

It’s world-renowned for a reason, and you’d be a fool not to at least glance at a festival programme if you’re heading our way this August.

There truly is something for everyone - from sugar-high kids to off-duty businessmen.

We can assure you that you’ll never be bored until the nights start to draw in and frost settles on the castle.

Edinburgh Art Festival

For art aficionados and those looking to gulp down a bit of good, traditional culture, the Edinburgh Art Festival takes place each August, featuring pop-up exhibitions, events and specially programmed evening gallery tours.

Over the past ten years, the festival has grown to become the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art and seeks to engage new audiences with the visual arts.

Check out the Edinburgh Art Festival’s website for up-to-date information about the myriad of events they have planned for this season’s programme.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Next on our whistle-stop tour of upcoming Edinburgh events is the Edinburgh International Book Festival. We highly recommend you check this one out.

Set at a delightful venue in Edinburgh City Centre, the book festival welcomes more than 800 authors every year, including Nobel and Booker prize winners.

Events include seminars, readings and signings and some of literature's big names who have appeared in the past include Malorie Blackman, Sophie Kinsella, Michael Morpurgo and Ian Rankin.

Even if you’re not a book lover, the on-site cafes await to offer you a variety of fair-trade hot and cold snacks.

If that wasn’t enough for you, there’s also a fully licensed bar, so you won’t have to miss out on any of the prime Pimms season!

Events at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Everyone needs a good walk to burn off all that yummy food, so we’d suggest exploring Holyrood House, a stunning building which is a must-see at any time of the year.

Holyrood hosts several activities throughout the summer months.

These include exclusive evening tours, which during August allow guests to go 'behind the ropes' in areas of the house which are normally closed off to the public.

Dynamic Earth

Finally, something for the little ones. Dynamic Earth is one of Scotland’s most fascinating attractions - a splendid mix of science, exploration and good old-fashioned fun, and their summer programme promises to be more of the same.

Featuring a wide range of activities for kids, this attraction offers the chance to learn the history of this amazing planet, as well as Edinburgh's role in its study.

Book with Reserve Apartments

Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but there is something truly special about the city during festival season.

Remember, if you haven't booked your Festival Accommodation, view our self-catering options to find a luxury apartment during your time here.