It’s back, baby! The world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, will return to the cobbled streets of the Scottish capital in 2022 to blow out the candles for its 75th birthday.
Following a Covid-enforced cancellation in 2020 and a slimline open-air edition in 2021, the bells, whistles, costumes and camaraderie of the Fringe will once again transform Auld Reekie into one giant entertainment venue.
In just over three weeks, Edinburgh will host a staggering 3171 shows from 58 countries, encompassing comedy, theater, dance, cabaret, music, and a plethora of performances loosely categorized as art and entertainment. Sounds overwhelming, right? Wait until you hear there’s audience participation too…
Here’s how to make the most of the Edinburgh Fringe 2022 (without getting called up on stage).
What is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival was “established” in 1947 when eight renegade theater troupes gatecrashed the budding Edinburgh International Festival, having not been invited to perform. Undeterred, they staged their own shows on the “fringes” of the International Festival — hence its name — and committed to returning the following year with more performers.
By 1958, there were enough unofficial performances to warrant the creation of the Festival Fringe Society. The event rapidly expanded, eventually outgrowing the Edinburgh International Festival itself, and today, you can hardly pass a pothole without being confronted by an ensemble of fire-breathing mime artists bursting forth with an impromptu rendition of Hamlet (well, almost).
While comedy may steal the spotlight at the Fringe, the 250-or-so venues host a variety of performances ranging from circus and cabaret to children’s acts, physical theater, poetry, and even Polish performance art.
When does the Edinburgh Fringe 2022 start?
The Fringe will take place from August 5-29 (with a few sneaky preview curtain-raisers starting on August 3) and perfectly coincides with five other summer festivals in the city: Edinburgh Art Festival (July 28 to August 28); Edinburgh International Film Festival (August 5-27); Edinburgh International Festival (August 5-28); The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 5-29); and the Edinburgh International Book Festival (August 12-20).
Sounds busy. How many people attend?
Edinburgh reportedly doubles its population during August’s festival season, leapfrogging the likes of Liverpool, Sheffield, Bristol, Glasgow, and Leicester in terms of size. While that may seem a tad exaggerated, the city indeed gets packed. More than three million tickets were sold in 2019, when the Fringe was last held in its full glory, including over 850,000 tickets purchased by locals. However, it’s important to note that festival-goers often attend multiple shows, so the population doesn’t quite double as suggested.
Who’s on the 2022 lineup?
The printed Edinburgh Fringe program is so extensive that if you were to unfold it entirely and lay out all the pages side by side, they would be longer than Hadrian’s Wall. Stuffed to the brim with comedic storytellers, from 1 Ball Show to the absurdist Zach Zucker, comedy’s biggest names fill the lineup.
Comedians participating in Edinburgh Fringe 2022 include Scottish funnyman Frankie Boyle, the legendary comic Omid Djalili, Al Murray as the Pub Landlord, and Stewart Lee who will present two different shows this year.
Other crowd-pleasers in the festival brochure include Reginald D. Hunter, Josie Long, Phil Wang, and the controversial Scottish wit, Jerry Sadowitz. Additionally, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Bianca Del Rio and Jinkx Monsoon will grace the stage. On a more serious note, the esteemed English actor, Sir Ian McKellen, will also perform Hamlet.
Festival-goers can acquire the full, printed program from the Fringe Shop located at 180 High Street. The Edinburgh Fringe lineup is also available on the official website.
What should I see?
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German comic Henning Wehn will showcase his latest two-hour laugh-a-thon at The Queen’s Hall (Aug 4-6; Aug 11-13; Aug 18-20; Aug 25-28);
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Former Joke of the Fringe finalist Ivo Graham performs My Future My Clutter at Pleasance Courtyard (Aug 3-28 except Aug 6);
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Standup John Robins (Aug 4-7; Aug 10-14; Aug 17-21; Aug 24-28) at Just Up The Stairs and Aug 23 at Just the Spiegeltent;
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Writer, comic, and poet Tim Key (Aug 3-17 at Pleasance Dome; Aug 18-28 at the Pleasance Courtyard);
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The queen of ventriloquism and improv star, Nina Conti, will perform at the Pleasance Courtyard (Aug 3-28 except Aug 16);
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Fast-witted political funnyman Nish Kumar will take the stage at the Gordon Aikman Theatre on Assembly George Square (Aug 22-28);
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Underbelly on Bristo Square will host Irish comic Jason Byrne as he performs a one-man play about his recently departed father, Paddy (Aug 8-28 except 16 & 22).
Is there a Fringe app for 2022?
Due to financial constraints from the pandemic, there is no Fringe app this year. However, the full Fringe schedule is accessible online and includes a ‘Nearby Now’ section for those accessing it via the mobile website once in the city.
Where are the best venues at the Fringe?
There are a whopping 255 venues at the Fringe — from St Giles Cathedral and the 17th-century Greyfriars Kirk to a black Routemaster bus transformed into a theater called the Necrobus. If a location has the capacity for a show, the Fringe will likely fit an act within it.
Most of the activities take place in and around the city center, particularly in George Square, Bristo Square, Cowgate, and the Royal Mile, making it convenient to dash between shows. New venues for 2022 include St Andrew Square and St James Quarter.
The most notable venue promoters are Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and Underbelly. These are dubbed the “Big Four” — while Just the Tonic attempts to break their dominance. Each hosts renowned acts and television names alongside emerging artists across their main stages, alongside several branded venues throughout Edinburgh.
Assembly
With seven venues scattered throughout the city, Assembly is where you’ll find performances by names like Frankie Boyle, Fern Brady, and even Peppa Pig. The Assembly Hall on the Mound also presents stellar comedy, circus, and dance shows, in addition to a vibrant outdoor space in George Square.
Underbelly
You’ll know you’ve arrived at the Udderbelly venue on George Square — it’s the huge, upside-down purple cow. Expect to see amusing acts like Mark Watson, Rhys Nicholson, and Troy Hawke. Underbelly also features 18 additional venues around Bristo Square, the Meadows, and Cowgate.
Gilded Balloon
Andrew Maxwell, Tara Boland, and Basil Brush are among the prominent names hosted by Gilded Balloon this year. Their venues range from the National Museum of Scotland and Adam House to a whopping nine performance spaces within Edinburgh University’s Teviot Row House.
Pleasance
With 27 venues to encompass, you might assume you’d encounter a few subpar acts at Pleasance. However, they’ve once again filled their lineup with comedic royalty such as Rosie Holt, Nina Conti, and pun-master Tim Vine.
Other noteworthy Edinburgh Fringe venues to consider include:
The Queen’s Hall
During the Fringe, this former 19th-century chapel on Clerk Street transforms into a hotspot for comedy. In 2022, Henning Wehn will present his latest work, It’ll All Come Out In The Wash.
C Venues
With 20 spaces throughout the city — including the masonic Roman Eagle Lodge on the Royal Mile — C Venues hosts forward-thinking theater, innovative cabaret, and plenty of quality comedy.
Greenside
Located east of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Greenside will take over the historic Riddle’s Court in 2022 alongside its usual Nicolson Square and Infirmary Street venues. While no lineup is confirmed yet, past luminaries like Maggie Smith and Stephen Fry have graced the stage.
Are there Fringe events along the Royal Mile?
Absolutely. The city’s renowned cobbled path leading to Edinburgh Castle comes alive during the Fringe with an array of performers including street entertainers, circus acts, dancers, buskers, drag artists, improv comedians, balloonists, marching bands — practically every kind of live act you can conceive — performing in front of thousands along the Royal Mile and Mound Precinct. All Fringe street events are free to enjoy — however, since it’s a busking festival, it’s appreciated if you can contribute a bit of change to support the performers.
What’s the Free Fringe?
The Free Fringe boasts one of the most extensive programs at the festival with over 300 shows scheduled for 2022. While the performance venues may be slightly more makeshift (think pub backrooms, tunnels, or even tents!), the Free Fringe still showcases some of the brightest and best comics on the circuit — be on the lookout for surprise appearances from bigger names as well.
All performances are either “Free & Unticketed” or “Pay What You Can”, and performers keep 100% of the donations. Explore the Free Fringe lineup here.
There’s so much on! How do I choose which Fringe shows to watch?
If you find yourself straining to lift the physical copy of the Edinburgh Fringe Guide, there are various other approaches to determine what to see. Twitter can be a valuable resource for real-time show updates and recommendations. Follow your favorite acts or keep an eye on @edfringe or the hashtag #edfringe for insider scoops.
Engaging in conversations is another effective strategy: bar staff, those handing out flyers for shows, and even the mime artists will likely have a show to recommend. Box Office personnel tend to be well-informed, so don’t hesitate to warm their hearts for tip-offs about the best shows and lesser-known one-off performances.
How do I get Fringe tickets?
You can acquire tickets online or directly from the venue box office. All Fringe shows utilize e-tickets. A central Fringe office located on the Royal Mile offers some cute merchandise (Fringe-branded umbrella, anyone?) and serves as an information hub and box office for all Fringe events. Tickets can also be purchased via the booking line: +44 (0)131 226 0000.
Free shows generally do not require tickets; you may simply arrive and contribute some money to their donation bucket afterward. Many performers now provide card readers, allowing for contactless donations, thereby removing potential excuses for not contributing.
While there’s no obligation to donate for a free show, if you can, toss in a few coins (“not tipping can lead to erectile dysfunction,” one Fringe performer humorously mentioned). Even free shows can get quite busy, particularly during weekends, so it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.
If your show is labeled “Pay What You Want”, you could treat it as a free show and attempt your luck at the door, or purchase a ticket at the box office to ensure a seat — particularly beneficial if the show is known for selling out.
Signs indicating “sold out” outside the larger venues highlight the most in-demand shows, so it’s wise to plan ahead whenever possible, or else check with the box office for any returns, which typically become available about 10 minutes prior to showtime.
How much do Fringe tickets cost?
Ticket prices range from free to roughly £35, with most shows falling within the £7-10 range.
2-for-1 tickets, voucher codes, and the Half Price Hut
Looking to score discounted Edinburgh Fringe tickets? A quick online search will reveal numerous discount codes, but there are more effective methods to secure significant savings.
The Half Price Hut
Located at the Fringe Box Office, just look for the hustle and bustle akin to Black Friday; the Half Price Hut offers thousands of discounted tickets for various shows each day.
Preview shows
Panned right at the start of August, often preceding the festival’s official kick-off, preview shows offer a great opportunity to snag deals on performances by noteworthy names before they hit their peak.
2-for-1 tickets
As the name implies, some performers will offer buy one, get one free deals. Use the “Special Pricing” filter on the website to see which artists are running this promotion.
Group discounts and family tickets
If you’re part of a group of 10 or more, you can typically claim a 10% discount on shows. Just verify this with the Box Office prior to making your purchase. Family tickets (comprising two adults and two children or one adult and three minors) are also available and can help reduce ticket costs.
Concessions
Students, customers with disabilities, seniors (65+), and individuals under 18 can enjoy reduced ticket prices. ID will be necessary to avail these discounts.
Where should I stay during the Fringe?
If you wish to hear the laughter from your window, consider staying around the Old Town near Grassmarket. Both the New Town and Holyrood are also within walking distance, or you could venture out to Leith (which is a brief bus ride away) for a more economical option.
However, unless you’ve somehow traveled back to the 1500s during Mary Queen of Scots’ reign to secure a room, the likelihood of finding hotel vacancies during August is quite low — unless, of course, you have a royal budget.
By June, approximately 85% of accommodation throughout Edinburgh is typically booked up, though some options remain available at places like Malmaison (£297 a night) and the Balmoral Hotel (£790 a night). Even mid-range hotels such as Holiday Inn Express average around £277 a night. Ouch.
More affordable lodging options:
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Camping: Reserve a pre-erected tent at the Royal Highland Centre, with prices beginning at £27 a night. Alternatively, you can bring your own tent for additional savings.
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University housing: Experience student accommodations in Edinburgh University halls — where many performers often stay.
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Glasgow: A mere hour by train, Scotland’s second city offers better-value options if you don’t mind the commute.
Where can I escape the madness?
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the Fringe can be overwhelming. For a bit of tranquility, head over to The Meadows. This expansive green area ranks among Edinburgh’s premier parks and provides a serene retreat compared to the hustle of the city center (though some shows occur on the Fringe here as well).
If you’re feeling adventurous, the hike up to Arthur’s Seat feels like a different world with stunning views overlooking the city and beyond to the coast. The Botanical Gardens represent another peaceful locale worth exploring, and if the weather permits, you may wish to venture to the sea at either Leith or Portobello Beach, one of the finest stretches of sand near the city.
Where’s best to eat during the Fringe?
Street food stalls and pop-up bars mushroom throughout the city during the Fringe, with clusters of vendors found near major venues in Bristo Square, George Square Gardens, and along Charles Street. The Pleasance Courtyard is a favorite spot to grab a drink and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Elsewhere, treat yourself to a meal at Mums, a beloved eatery that prioritizes quality ingredients, or venture to the trendy Timberyard — not far from Ulster Hall — which serves exquisite fine dining options such as monkfish with wild sea kale, jersey royals potatoes, and horseradish.
If you aren’t feeling well post-festival, the White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar on the Royal Mile offers exceptional seafood small plates, including a £2 happy hour on oysters. In the event of a hangover, we recommend Ting Thai Caravan, serving Thai takeout in a stylish loft setting. For something filling, consider heading to the Mosque Kitchen, where you can score a hearty portion of fragrant curry for less than a tenner.
And where should I drink?
For a laid-back wine in a cozy environment, Under the Stairs serves as a hidden refuge in the city center. Don’t miss checking out Panda and Sons in New Town, where entry is through a barber shop bookcase leading to a speakeasy showcasing intriguing cocktails.
If you wish to avoid the Fringe crowds, head down Leith Walk and seek out Joseph Pearce’s for a refreshing sloe gin or The Black Fox for craft beer and mouthwatering pizzas. For a more traditional experience, it’s hard to beat the historic White Hart Inn along Grassmarket or the lively party atmosphere at the Beehive Inn.
This article was first published on Jul 31, 2019, and updated on Jul 21, 2022.
