The following are a selection on what is on in Edinburgh for more information please visit Edinburgh Inspiring Capital
The 7th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
Film, Festival, Special Interest
16 Oct-18 Oct
The EMFF is dedicated to the promotion of adventure through films, lectures and exhibitions. The festival aims to entertain, enlighten and inspire.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat
Days Out, Festival, Animals/Countryside
18 Sep 19:15
In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy the NTS invites you to take a look at the stars and, hopefully, bats.
Blackford Hill Festival
Days Out, Festival, Galas & Family
13 Sep 13:00
The first festival on Blackford Hill. An afternoon packed with history, activities, and fun for all the family.
NAYO Festival of British Youth Orchestras 2009
Music, Festival, Classical
15 Aug-5 Sep, not Sundays. 12:30; 19:30
The best of young British talent - and selected overseas visitors - perform over 40 concerts of classical music alongside light-hearted musical treats.
EH1 Festival
Clubs, Festival, Club Night
15 Aug 12:00
Big dance music festival packed with quality DJ action over nine arenas. Line-up includes Carl Cox, Above & Beyond, Adamski, Nightmares on Wax, Frankie Knuckles, Derrick May, Danny Rampling, Darren Emerson, Fergie, Herman Cattaneo, Danny Howells, Fabio & Grooverider, Lenny D, Lisa Lashes, Roger Sanchez and many more.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Book Events, Festival
15 Aug-31 Aug. 09:30-00:00
The festival for literature fans everywhere returns to its picturesque location in the West End of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature for another celebration of the written word. Expect events featuring writers of all genres and many countries, from debut novelists to old masters.
Edinburgh International Festival
Music, Theatre, Festival, Classical
14 Aug-6 Sep. (Times vary)
Edinburgh's annual cultural extravaganza works tirelessly to secure the best of the world's practitioners of dance, opera and theatre. 2008 took the theme of Europe and 2009 is sure to attract the biggest of stars for another spectacular line-up. The programme launches on 25 March.
Fringe By the Sea
Music, Festival, Folk & World, Rock & Pop
11 Aug-16 Aug. (Times vary)
Returning for its second airing after its hugely successful 2008 debut, 'Fringe By the Sea' pack another full programme with performances, music, films, comedy and 'In Conversation' sessions with book authors. A fabulous La Gayola Spiegeltent will make a cracking flagship venue, playing host to acts such as Orkestra del Sol, Dougie Maclean, Karine Polwart, Michael Marra and Bombscare; Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain will round off the festival.
Edinburgh Mela Festival
Days Out, Festival, Kids, Activities & Fun
7 Aug-9 Aug
This year's festival is set to bring a variety of acts to Pilrig Park, including a family friendly programme and a selection of stalls and performances.
Edinburgh Mela
Days Out, Festival, Fairs, Galas & Family, Activities & Fun
7 Aug-8 Aug. (Times vary)
Edinburgh's biggest intercultural festival hosts its usual exciting array of activities replete with music, dance, art, fashion, food and children's activities.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009
Art, Comedy, Music, Theatre, Festival
7 Aug-31 Aug. (Times vary)
As arts festivals go, the Edinburgh Fringe is quite simply the biggest and best in the whole world, and it continues to grow: 2009 sets a new record with 2,098 different shows being performed around the city for three crazy weeks. From weird and wonderful experimental theatre to school musicals to the biggest names in stand-up comedy, entertainment abounds on Edinburgh's streets and in every nook or cranny someone dares to call a venue.
Edinburgh Art Festival
Art, Festival, Mixed media
5 Aug-5 Sep. (Times vary)
A celebration of the capital's visual art community involving galleries and museums, smaller independent spaces, and artist-led organisations across the city.
The Edge
Music, Festival, Alternative, Rock & Pop
1 Aug-27 Aug
The Edge is the contemporary music strand of the Edinburgh Festival. Concerts take place at various venues across the city from a range of artists.
Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival
Music, Festival, Jazz & Blues
31 Jul-9 Sep. 18:00
Internationally acclaimed festival with over 100 events across Edinburgh - from major concert halls to parks, churches, and small clubs.
Edinburgh Treefest and Woodmarket
Days Out, Festival, Fairs, Galas & Family, Activities & Fun
18 Jul-19 Jul. 11:00-17:00
Returning bigger and better than ever before, this two day festival offers displays, demonstrations, crafts, activities, games, entertainments, and refreshments for young and old alike.
Public Evenings
Days Out, Festival, Science
Fridays. Fri 19:00-20:45
See the Royal Observatory's telescope dome, go on a journey through the Solar System, and hold a meteorite. If it's clear, observe the skies using the telescopes which are available for public use.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Film, Festival
17 Jun-28 Jun. (Times vary)
One of the most important festivals in the film season, the EIFF's move to June in 2008 has seen it gain breathing space from the many other Edinburgh festivals in August. This 63rd year promises many more new films, star-studded premieres, industry-led workshops and red carpet glamour. The programme is still to be announced, see website for updates.