Hosted by Assembly in George Square Gardens until 27th July
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The Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival is on – and if you’re looking for a relaxed, flavour-filled, music-rich experience in the heart of the city, then you absolutely need to carve out some time before it wraps up on the 27th July.
Set in the well-known festival home of George Square Gardens, the event brings together some of Scotland’s finest street food alongside a rich programme of live folk music – and it really is a feast in every sense. I visited on press night with an old friend, and we left full (in both body and soul!).
A Delicious Wander
One of the joys of the festival is just wandering. There’s something lovely about taking your time, discovering new smells and sounds around each corner, and deciding – often on impulse – what to eat next.
We sampled a real mix of delights:
Fresh, flavourful pizza slices
Gyoza with a crispy bottom and tender filling
Popcorn chicken with just the right crunch
Thin, buttery crepes – each one with a pun-filled name and packed with delicious fillings
Halloumi wraps that delivered on salt and spice
And to wash it all down? Beverages from Belhaven Brewery, one of Scotland’s most loved names in beer.
And don’t skip dessert – finishing the evening with warm, sugary hot doughnuts was a shared highlight.
Music That Moves You
But food is just one part of the experience.
The true magic for us happened under the canopy of the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent, where we were lucky enough to catch Duncan Chisholm live – with Finlay Napier opening the evening with a brilliant set.
Finlay kicked things off beautifully – easy storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and humour all wrapped into one. Then came Duncan. Two sets of breathtaking music followed, mixing old favourites with new discoveries. For me, “Beneath the Fortress” is now firmly added to my playlist, and “Isaac’s Welcome to the World” felt especially poignant (I know a few much-loved Isaacs myself).
It’s hard to fully explain the emotional pull of Duncan’s music – it evokes places, people, and memories. As I sat there, I thought of the Scottish landscapes I love, of evenings with friends, of quiet family moments. I remembered playing his music (from a CD!) at my wedding, and also one simple night after dinner, playing a board game with my parents and my dad bouncing around to the music, loving it.
The atmosphere in the Spiegeltent was full of peace, warmth, and connection. It was a joy to sit and let the music wash over us. There were moments of stillness and moments when the energy built and you could see people swaying or tapping along without even realising it. My friend and I kept turning to each other with the same delighted words: “This is so good!”
Family Friendly and Wonderfully Flexible
The beauty of the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival is that you can pop by for a bite, stay for a set, or spend an entire evening soaking it all in. There’s plenty of space to sit, chat, and snack – and with such a mix of food options and musical styles, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re heading into town this week – with kids, friends, or flying solo – this is a brilliant way to enjoy some of the best that Edinburgh in summer has to offer.
The festival runs until 27th July – don’t miss it.
More info and tickets here
