If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly day out in Edinburgh this July — one that involves great food, music, and plenty to keep the kids happy — then pop the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival in your diary. Running from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 July 2025, this is the first year that the much-loved Edinburgh Food Festival has officially joined forces with a folk music line-up, and it’s shaping up to be something really special.
You might already be familiar with George Square Gardens during the Fringe — it’s usually packed with street food and performers in August — but this year it’s all kicking off a little earlier. With school holidays in full swing, the gardens will be buzzing from mid-July, offering a rare chance to enjoy this central green space before the Fringe crowds arrive.
The festival has been running since 2014 and has grown into one of Edinburgh’s best free events – although you will want to budget for food and expect to pay for ticketed events. In previous years, it’s hosted top chefs and food writers, from Carina Contini to Sarah Rankin, and brought together some of the best street food stalls Scotland has to offer. Last year’s event even hosted the Scottish heats of the British Street Food Awards, with local favourites Knights Kitchen and Planet G taking home the top spots.
But this year it’s not just about food — it’s about flavour and folk music, all in one place. Expect to find more than 30 food vendors, a lively music line-up from Scotland and beyond, and a packed programme of workshops and activities for all ages.
What makes it family-friendly?
One of the things I love about this festival is how easy it is to bring the kids along without feeling like you’re dragging them through something “grown-up”. The gardens are mostly enclosed and there’s always a relaxed, safe atmosphere – particularly earlier on in the day. You can pick up everything from churros and dumplings to wood-fired pizza and local ice cream — perfect for little appetites and picky eaters alike.
This year, the Piccolo Kitchen is the place to head if you’ve got kids who like getting stuck in. There’ll be interactive workshops, foodie games, and sessions led by the brilliant team at Edinburgh Food Social, who are brilliant at making food fun for children. Think hands-on activities like making your own dough or learning how to taste chocolate like a pro — all aimed at building confidence and encouraging curiosity around cooking and ingredients.
If you’re visiting with toddlers or younger children, earlier in the day is usually quieter and easier to navigate with a buggy. There’s often seating dotted around and lots of green space for a picnic, even if you’re picking up lunch from the stalls.
Meanwhile, the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent will be filled with live folk music, so you can soak up the sounds of Scotland while tucking into lunch. Don’t worry — it’s more fiddles and foot-tapping than loud festival vibes, so it’s suitable for younger ears (though it’s always a good idea to bring ear defenders if your child is sensitive to noise).
Need-to-know for parents
- Free entry – no tickets required
- Dates: Friday 18 – Sunday 27 July 2025
- Location: George Square Gardens, EH8 9JU
- Opening hours are typically late morning to early evening – perfect for daytime visits
- Toilets and baby change facilities are usually available on site
- Buggies are welcome, though a sling or carrier can be helpful during busier times
- Plenty of options for gluten-free, veggie, and kid-sized portions
Whether you’re popping in for lunch and a mooch or making a day of it with friends, it’s a relaxed, easygoing festival that genuinely works for families. And because it’s free to enter, you can spend as much or as little as you like — a massive bonus during the school holidays.
There’s a LOT going on in Edinburgh this summer and we’ll be sharing sharing our top family picks and budget tips — so whether you’re a seasoned festival family or trying one out for the first time, keep checking back for updates!
