The greatest arts festival in the world. The fringe transforms the whole city of Edinburgh beyond recognition. Enveloping the whole city centre and countless churches bars and shops. When the worlds largest Arts festival hits Edinburgh the population of the city doubles. Some of the planets biggest acts arrive for theatre, comedy, dance, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events. August in Edinburgh is like nowhere on earth 02 - 26 August https://www.edfringe.com/

Exhibitions by international and local artists are installed throughout the city. They are in galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, alongside new public art commissions. 01 August - 01 September http://www.edinburghartfestival.com/

Like the fringe, the international fesival sprawls across the city in theatres, museums and public. For a more high brow audience, there is world class ballet opera and theatre. You can sleep in September 09 August - 02 September http://www.eif.co.uk/

Premiering some of the worlds biggest films alongside lesser known foreign films, short films and documentaries. Alongside are many events, discussions and lectures by industry leaders. 19 - 30 June http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/

One of the worlds biggest New Year's celebrations, 100 000 people pack onto Princes Street to bring in the bells. Lots of events surround the street party, concerts by world famous artists and fireworks from the Castle. http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/

The largest public celebration of the written word in the world. Over 700 events each year from novelists, poets, scientists, philosophers, sportsmen, illustrators, historians, musicians, biographers, Nobel and Booker prize-winners 11 - 27 August https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

Now the biggest jazz and blues festival in Scotland, the programme ranges from star names to new Scottish-based players, and from trad to the avant garde. 19 - 28 July http://www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/