Edinburgh International Festival: Where to Stay for Scotland's Celebration of the Performing Arts

For almost 80 years, the Edinburgh International Festival has welcomed the world's leading musicians, performers and creative talent, earning its place as one of the most respected celebrations of the performing arts. 

Running from 7th - 30th August 2026, this year's Festival returns with an ambitious programme inspired by the theme All Rise. Described by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti as "a rallying cry to artists and audiences", it celebrates the power of the arts to bring people together through shared experiences and deeper understanding. Across 24 days, the Festival will present 147 performances by artists from 44 countries, showcasing world-class music, theatre, opera and dance. 

Taking place alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience an extraordinary month of culture while staying in the heart of Scotland's capital.

Perfectly positioned on one of Edinburgh's most prestigious streets, 100 Princes Street places guests within easy reach of the Festival's iconic venues, while offering an elegant retreat to return to between performances.

What is the Edinburgh International Festival?

Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival was created to celebrate the power of the performing arts to bring people together following the Second World War. Today, it remains one of the world's most respected arts festivals, presenting a carefully curated programme of exceptional artists, orchestras, opera companies, theatre productions and dance performances. 

Unlike the open-access Fringe, every International Festival performance is hand-selected, creating a programme recognised for its artistic excellence and international reputation.

Tickets can be purchased directly through the Edinburgh International Festival website, where the full programme, venue information and performance dates are available. Many of the Festival's headline events sell out well in advance, so booking early is recommended, particularly if you're planning to visit during the peak festival weekends. 

Is the Edinburgh International Festival the Same as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Although they take place at the same time each August, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are two separate events, each offering a distinctly different experience.

The Edinburgh International Festival is a carefully curated celebration of world-class performing arts. Every production is selected by the Festival's artistic team, bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians, orchestras, opera companies, theatre productions and dance ensembles in some of the city's most prestigious venues.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, meanwhile, is the world's largest open-access arts festival. Anyone can apply to perform, resulting in thousands of comedy shows, theatre productions, live music performances, cabaret acts, spoken word events and family entertainment taking place across hundreds of venues throughout the city.

Many visitors choose to experience both. Spend an afternoon enjoying a world-renowned orchestra or opera at the International Festival before heading to the Fringe to discover emerging comedians, independent theatre companies or late-night live music. With both festivals running alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh offers an unrivalled cultural programme that can easily fill every day of your stay.

Highlights of the 2026 Programme

The Edinburgh International Festival's carefully curated programme brings together some of the world's finest musicians, orchestras, theatre companies and dancers. From landmark premieres to internationally acclaimed performers, here are just a few of the standout events taking place this August.

Opening Concert: All Rise (8th August)

The festival opens in spectacular style at Usher Hall with Wynton Marsalis' monumental twelve-movement symphony All Rise. Performed by more than 200 musicians, the concert brings together the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, setting the tone for this year's festival theme of collaboration, resilience and artistic ambition. 

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (14th - 15th August)

One of classical music's most celebrated partnerships returns to Edinburgh as Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in two major concerts at Usher Hall. Marking Dudamel's final Festival appearance as the orchestra's Music Director, these performances promise to be among the highlights of the 2026 season. 

The Galloping Cure (9th – 12th August)

Making its world premiere at the Festival Theatre, composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek present The Galloping Cure, a powerful new opera exploring the global opioid crisis. Combining contemporary storytelling with an evocative score, it is one of five world premieres debuting during this year's Festival. 

Verdi's A Masked Ball (26th – 30th August)

Opera enthusiasts can experience the UK premiere of Zurich Opera House's acclaimed production of Verdi's A Masked Ball. Staged at the Festival Theatre, this elegant new interpretation transports the classic opera to America's Gilded Age while retaining Verdi's timeless themes of love, betrayal and political intrigue. 

Mere Mortals by San Francisco Ballet (28th – 30th August)

Dance takes centre stage with the European premiere of Mere Mortals, presented by San Francisco Ballet at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Combining classical ballet with striking digital visuals and an original live score by electronic artist Floating Points, this ambitious production offers a thought-provoking reimagining of the Pandora myth for the modern age.

Edinburgh's Most Iconic Festival Venues

One of the pleasures of attending the International Festival is experiencing performances across some of Edinburgh's most beautiful venues.

Usher Hall

Home to many of the Festival's orchestral concerts, Usher Hall has welcomed the world's leading musicians for over a century. Its magnificent auditorium and outstanding acoustics make it one of the city's most celebrated performance spaces.

The Queen's Hall

Housed within a former church, The Queen's Hall offers an intimate setting for chamber music, recitals and smaller concerts throughout the Festival.

Festival Theatre

The Festival Theatre hosts many of the International Festival's opera, ballet and large-scale theatre productions, combining impressive architecture with an outstanding performance programme.

The Hub

Recognisable by its distinctive Gothic spire overlooking the Royal Mile, The Hub serves as the Festival's headquarters while also hosting talks, performances and events throughout August.

Each venue is easily reached from 100 Princes Street, allowing guests to enjoy a full day of performances without lengthy journeys across the city.

Make the Most of Festival Days

One of the pleasures of the Edinburgh International Festival is that performances are spread throughout the day, leaving plenty of time to experience the city between concerts, productions and recitals.

Stroll through Princes Street Gardens, explore the Royal Mile's historic closes, or spend an afternoon discovering the collections at the Scottish National Gallery, located just moments from 100 Princes Street. Those looking to delve deeper into Edinburgh's cultural heritage can also visit the National Museum of Scotland, the Writers' Museum, or the Georgian House before making their way to an evening performance.

With the Festival Fringe and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo taking place throughout August, every day presents opportunities to experience something new, from internationally acclaimed productions to spontaneous street performances and late-night entertainment.

A Taste of Scotland Between Performances

Festival days often begin early and finish late, making exceptional dining an important part of the experience.

Dining at 100 Princes Street is reserved exclusively for hotel residents, giving The Wallace a discreet, intimate atmosphere. Looking directly towards Edinburgh Castle, the hotel’s signature restaurant combines elegant interiors with warm, attentive service, offering guests a peaceful setting for breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, or a final drink after the Tattoo.

The menus celebrate Scotland’s natural larder through local produce and generous, carefully prepared dishes. Highlights include haggis bonbons with whisky sauce, Scottish smoked salmon served with oatcakes and pickled cucumber, beer-battered North Sea haddock, Scottish salmon with caviar and chive beurre blanc, and a selection of Scottish cheeses. Traditional accompaniments, including neeps and tatties, further reflect the restaurant’s sense of place.

Afternoon tea is another highlight, served in the refined surroundings of The Wallace with views across to the castle. The experience brings together delicate savouries, freshly baked scones, and Scottish-inspired sweet treats, accompanied by a carefully chosen selection of teas and the option of Champagne. The hotel’s Millionaire Shortbread Tart offers a particularly indulgent nod to one of Scotland’s best-loved traditions.

As evening falls, The Wallace Bar is the perfect place to reflect on the day's performances. Choose from expertly crafted cocktails, carefully selected wines and an outstanding collection of Scottish whiskies while soaking up the warm and sophisticated atmosphere before returning to your room.

Local Knowledge to Enhance Your Stay

No two visits to Edinburgh during festival season are ever the same. Whether you're planning an itinerary centred on the Edinburgh International Festival, securing tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, or discovering standout performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the concierge team are on hand to help you make the most of your stay. Drawing on their extensive local knowledge, they can arrange everything from sought-after restaurant reservations and private city tours to bespoke cultural experiences and recommendations that reveal a different side of Scotland's capital, ensuring every day is tailored to your interests.

Those looking to immerse themselves in Scotland's heritage can also take advantage of the hotel's thoughtfully curated collection of exclusive experiences. Guests can step inside the studio of renowned textile designer Araminta Campbell to discover the artistry behind Scotland's celebrated tartans, work alongside master craftspeople to design and commission a bespoke Scottish kilt, or create a personalised fragrance with Edinburgh's luxury perfume house, Kingdom Scotland, inspired by the country's landscapes. 

For lovers of the outdoors, bespoke excursions such as salmon fishing on the River Tweed offer an opportunity to experience Scotland's sporting traditions first-hand, while guided literary walks, Harry Potter-inspired tours, and private explorations of the city's historic streets reveal Edinburgh through the eyes of expert local storytellers. Each experience has been carefully chosen to offer a deeper connection to Scotland's culture, craftsmanship, and history, creating lasting memories beyond the festival programme.

A Must for Whisky Enthusiasts 

Ghillie's Pantry offers one of the city's most distinctive whisky experiences. Inspired by the traditions of Highland sporting estates, this beautifully appointed private dining room provides an intimate setting for expertly guided whisky tastings featuring rare and exclusive drams, thoughtfully paired with Scottish cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal produce. While guests of 100 Princes Street can enjoy these curated experiences as part of their stay, the whisky tastings are also open to members of the public by advance reservation, making them a memorable addition to any visit to Edinburgh.

Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or discovering Scotland's national drink for the first time, The Ghillie's Pantry offers an engaging introduction to the craftsmanship, stories and regional character behind some of the country's finest whiskies. Pairing an immersive tasting with an evening at the Edinburgh International Festival creates an authentic Scottish experience that combines the country's rich culinary heritage with its internationally celebrated performing arts. 

Experience Edinburgh's Festival Season from 100 Princes Street

Staying at 100 Princes Street places you within easy reach of the city's celebrated performance venues while offering a rare sense of calm amid the excitement of Edinburgh's festival season. Reserved exclusively for residents and their guests, the hotel has the intimate feel of a private members' club, providing a peaceful sanctuary away from the energy of the city's bustling streets. Whether you're returning after an orchestral performance, an evening at the theatre, or a night at the Tattoo, it is a place to relax, recharge and reflect before the next day's discoveries.

With beautifully appointed accommodation, exceptional Scottish dining and warm, personalised hospitality, every detail is thoughtfully considered to enhance your Festival experience. Our team looks forward to welcoming you and helping you discover the very best of the Edinburgh International Festival and the remarkable cultural experiences that make August one of the most exciting times to visit Scotland's capital.