Thousands of performers, and entertainment seekers, are gearing up for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Running for three weeks from 2–26 August, this year's programme is brimming with incredible shows, spanning everything from comedy to theatre and just about everything in between (there's even a musical based on the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial).
With so much to see, here's our pick of the best shows to catch, plus where to stay and dine for a memorable trip to the Scottish capital this summer.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What to see
Ten years on from its debut, a new production of Duncan Macmillan's "funny and beautiful" monologue "Every Brilliant Thing" is returning to the Fringe, said Andrzej Lukowski in Time Out. The "unmissable" show charts a seven-year-old boy's attempts to ease the suffering of his depressed mum by making her a list of everything in the world that's worth living for.
Another "joyous, life-affirming" show is "My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)", which recreates the amateur childhood productions of its "charismatic" writer, Rob Madge. Nominated for an Olivier award in 2023, the performance is coming to Scotland following its West End success.
For a musical parody "packed with camp references, choreography from Arlene Phillips and a cracking cast" check out "I Wish You Well – The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial Musical'', said The Stage. Roger Dipper and Rick Pearson take on the "surreal" court case that saw retired optometrist Terry Sanderson sue the Goop founder for a collision on the slopes in Utah.
Hannah Gadsby is making a hotly anticipated return to the Fringe seven years after "making it big" in Edinburgh with the hugely influential "Nanette", said Dominic Maxwell in The Times. Covering everything from Taylor Swift to panic attacks, reports from early stagings of "Woof!" suggest a "less epochal but still zesty stand-up show". It's definitely one to watch.
The "effortlessly able" Ania Magliano turns her attention to her boyfriend's ex and her parents' divorce in "Forgive Me, Father" at Pleasance Courtyard. Nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award for last year's show about a bad haircut, she's one of only a handful of comics to "dress up big ideas in casual clothes so skilfully".
Where to dine
For the type of snacks that "I would run naked, bare feet on cobbled stones through a howling gale with lashing rain just to get my chops around", said William Sitwell in The Telegraph, pay a visit to Tipo. Located on Hanover Street in the city's New Town, expect "delicious" dishes rooted in Italian cuisine with plenty of homemade pasta and "exquisite OTT puds".
Or, for something a bit more laid-back, said Ellie Smith at Country and Town House, try Edinburgh's "hugely popular" Ting Thai Caravan for "interesting, hearty dishes at great prices".
Where to stay
Finding reasonably priced accommodation during the Fringe can be tricky, said Time Out. So it's worth looking into staying at one of the city's empty student halls or even finding somewhere "much more affordable to kip in Glasgow", which is only an hour away by train.
Other options in the capital include 14 Hart Street – a "pretty Georgian bed and breakfast" located on a quiet residential street just five minutes walk from the York Place tram stop. The cosy residence feels like "staying with a good friend who has an eye for antiques", said Linda Macdonald in The Telegraph, and the "attentive hosts", James and Angela, are "helpful to a fault but never obtrusive".
Finally, those with a heftier budget could splash out on a stay at Gleneagles Townhouse. The "chic boutique hotel" has a "more than fabulous" restaurant and "epic" rooftop bar, said Steve King in Conde Nast Traveller. Located in the centre of Edinburgh on St Andrew Square, the swish hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city.
-
August 10 editorial cartoonsCartoons Sunday's political cartoons include a global plastics problem, GOP enthusiasm over tariffs, and more
-
5 thin-skinned cartoons about shooting the messengerCartoons Artists take on unfavorable weather, a look in the mirror, and more
-
Is Trump's new peacemaking model working in DR Congo?Talking Point Truce brokered by the US president in June is holding, but foundations of a long-term peace have let to be laid
-
The return of 'Wednesday,' an 'Alien' prequel and a dramatic retelling of the Amanda Knox trial all happening in August TVthe week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Alien: Earth,' 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' and a new season of 'Wednesday'
-
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years – a 'beautiful and raw' exhibitionThe Week Recommends This superb career retrospective in Edinburgh brings together more than 200 works from the misunderstood artist
-
Alan Davies: Think Ahead – 'gifted' comedian's first stand-up show in a decadeThe Week Recommends The QI panellist 'rawly' discusses childhood abuse in this 'compelling' show
-
Go beyond the islands you already know in these 8 countries. Surprises await.The Week Recommends These destinations fly under the radar
-
The most fun road trips are the ones with the least curveballs. Use these tips to get there.The Week Recommends The music blaring, the windows wide open and a carefree drive
-
Ssh! Secret gardens to visit this summerThe Week Recommends These leafy havens are the perfect place to escape the crowds
-
Destination unknown: the exciting ins and outs of mystery travelThe Week Recommends Surprise yourself the next time you vacation
-
5 cultural and scenic trails to wander on four wheelsThe Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home
