When people talk about “the Edinburgh Festival,” it can sound like one big event — but it’s actually a mix of lots of different festivals that happen across the city every summer. From comedy and cabaret to high art and family fun, there’s something for everyone. We’ve already had the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival earlier this year, and now it’s time for the next wave — including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival (EIF for short), which brings music, theatre, dance, and spectacle to the capital.
If you’re looking for something that’s welcoming, inspiring, and do-able with kids in tow, here are three brilliant events at the start of August that are worth popping in the calendar.
A relaxed, family-friendly concert introducing children to live classical music — no experience required! This one’s perfect if your kids are curious about instruments or love a good story set to music. It’s aimed at ages 7–11, but suitable for anyone who enjoys a bit of musical adventure. Expect bold sounds, a welcoming atmosphere, and a chance to see passionate young musicians up close.
Affordable, engaging and indoors — ideal if you’re keen to dip a toe into the Festival scene without breaking the bank or worrying about noise levels.
📅 Monday 4 August 2025
📍 Ross Bandstand (Princes Street Gardens)
The Ceilidh Sessions 💷 From £20 | £10 tickets for groups of 4+ ⏱ Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins (no interval)
An outdoor music and dance event with a Scots twist, perfect for kids who like to move. There’ll be a mix of traditional ceilidh dances (yes, even Strip the Willow!) plus lively folk tunes from Norway’s Barokksolistene. It’s informal, energetic and full of character — and the open-air setting makes it easy to join in or take a break whenever suits.
Need to Know: This is an outdoor event, so come prepared for sun, showers, and everything in between.
A good pick if you’re already in town for the day — maybe pair it with a wander through the gardens and a Festival treat or two?
The award-winning Barokksolistene’s “The Alehouse Sessions” transform the Usher Hall into a London pub straight out of the 1680s, with beanbags.
📅 Sunday 3 August 2025, 4.00pm
📍 Ross Bandstand (Princes Street Gardens)
The Big Singalong 🎟️ Tickets currently unavailable ⏱ Duration: Approx. 1 hour
What could be more feel-good than hundreds of voices joining together to sing “Caledonia” with Dougie MacLean himself? Led by Stephen Deazley and the Love Music Community Choir, this free outdoor singalong welcomes all voices — from shower singers to budding performers.
Even if you didn’t manage to grab tickets before they were snapped up, the good news is you’ll definitely be able to hear the music from Princes Street. Why not swing by and soak up the sound?
Another open-air event, so bring waterproofs and suncream — and maybe a snack for little ones who need to refuel between verses.
How to Do the EIF on a Budget (Especially With Kids)
It’s easy to assume the Edinburgh International Festival is out of reach for families, but that’s not necessarily the case. Here are some quick tips for making the most of it without overspending:
Look for £10 tickets – Many EIF events offer low-cost options, especially for families and schools. NYO2 is a great example.
Take advantage of group discounts – Events like The Ceilidh Sessions offer reduced prices when booking in groups of four or more.
Free events really are fantastic – From The Big Singalong to open rehearsals and pop-up performances, there’s always something happening for £0.
Outdoor venues = flexibility – If you can’t get tickets or want to avoid indoor settings, head to outdoor venues like Princes Street Gardens, where you can hear and feel the buzz without being part of the formal audience.
Pack snacks, layers, and water – It keeps things simple and saves on last-minute café dashes (and grumpy children).
Browse the Festival website by price – Use their filters to search by ticket cost, age suitability, or venue type to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Whether you’re festival veterans or first-timers with young kids, the Edinburgh International Festival can be a welcoming and inspiring experience. And with a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You might even create some unforgettable family traditions in the process.
