World-class Opera, Music, Theatre and Dance 

Spanning 24 days and 147 performances, The Edinburgh International Festival returns 7–30 August 2026. With five world premieres and ten works commissioned by the International Festival, this year marks Nicola Benedetti's fourth year as Festival Director.

It's time to delve into our handpicked programme of some of the world's greatest artists ⬇️

2026 Theme: All Rise

All Rise is a rallying cry encompassing collaboration, resilience and ascendance. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, our 2026 programme examines the ideas and impact of the USA. 

Experience themes of freedom, ingenuity, prejudice, and hypocrisy, alongside the creative achievements made possible by the friction and energy of America's cultural melting pot. 

Opera

The 2026 opera programme hosts two staged operas at the Festival Theatre. Verdi's A Masked Ball from Zurich Opera is set in the opulent American Gilded Age, whilst The Galloping Cure, a world premiere from Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s confronts the global opioid crisis. Scottish companies lead the charge with two thrilling operas-in-concert at the Usher Hall.  

View the Opera Programme 

Classical Music

World-leading orchestras and artists showcase their outstanding musicianship across 23 spellbinding concerts at Usher Hall and 21 intimate recitals at The Queen’s Hall.

Our residency model returns with three of the world’s most exceptional orchestras: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 

View the Classical Music Programme 

Theatre

Three European premieres, five UK premieres, and three Scottish premieres. Our theatre programme features leading international artists in their field, foregrounding themes of resilience, exile and belonging.

View the Theatre Programme 

Dance

2026’s dance programme offers a powerful call to rise together, celebrating the strength of the human spirit through outstanding work by international and Scottish choreographers.

View the Dance Programme 

Contemporary Music

Music from across the globe and across folk, electronic, classical and jazz – all at our Festival home, The Hub. Following unprecedented demand from the First Night in the Hub, you can experience the iconic Up Late sessions with guest artists.

Explore Contemporary Music

🎶 Festival for Families

Hostile is a one-man Spaghetti Western from French theatre company Bakélite.  Recommended for ages 8+.

The Family Concert is an introduction to classical music perfect for children from the age of 7–11 and their grown-ups.

The interactive workshop Art of Listening for children and families comes to Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, our multi-year Community Connections partner.

Find out more.

🗣️ Calling All Singers 

We have two free workshops on offer. Join the acclaimed Jason Max Ferdinand Singers in a lively gospel workshop. Or Come and Sing Bach Chorales, guided by Edinburgh Festival Chorus Director James Grossmith.   

🌟 The Search for Music's Rising Stars

The International Festival’s Rising Stars programme continues into its fourth year, providing budding musicians with access to world-class training, networking and development opportunities. Applications to be part of the programme close 29 March.

🎷Dementia-Friendly Concerts

Following the sell out success of the Festival’s first Dementia-Friendly concert in 2025, this year there are two performances designed for people with dementia, alongside their caregivers, family and friends. Performed by the Scottish Rising Stars of Jazz cohort with presenter Lucy Drever, you can enjoy familiar music in a relaxed environment.

👂Access

With 43 accessible performances, the highest number of captioned performances to date, and an updated free Access-Pass scheme, we are continuing our commitment to accessibility. Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are all entitled to a 50% concession discount. Find out more.

Cost Shouldn't be a Barrier to Cultural Discovery

Try something new for less. Our £10 Give it a Go Tickets are available for every event in the programme to anyone who might benefit from them.

Over 50,000 tickets for the 2026 International Festival will be available for £30 or less. Thousands of free tickets through the Young Musicians Pass for 8–18-year-olds and Tickets for Good for NHS staff, charity workers and low-income benefit recipients, will also be available across the programme.

Discover Affordable Ticket Options. 

See you soon

General booking opens on Thursday 26 March, with tickets available to members from Thursday 19 March. 

Keep in touch @edintfest on socials.