"Our 2026 Edinburgh International Festival is an invitation to All Rise. It’s a rallying cry to artists and audiences to stand with us, in our belief that through artistic endeavour we will see each other more truthfully and more tolerantly" - Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director

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.

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.