Ten tips for Fringe first-timers in 2024
First time visiting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? Welcome! We’re thrilled to have you joining us at one of the greatest celebrations of performing arts and culture on the planet, where thousands of talented and passionate artists bring their work for you to experience and enjoy. Whether you're a fan of theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus, musicals, exhibitions, opera or spoken word, there's something for everyone at the Fringe.
We understand that the sheer scale of the Fringe can be overwhelming for first-timers, but don’t worry, we have pulled together a list with our 10 top tips to help you make the most out of your visit and make unforgettable memories at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
1. Pack for all weather
Weather can be unpredictable in Scotland, with sunshine in the morning, rain in the afternoon, and wind in the evening. It is actually possible to experience four seasons in one day. To make sure you stay warm and dry, remember to bring an umbrella and pack a light jacket in your bag in case it gets chilly or rainy. Edinburgh is a city with seven hills, so don’t forget to wear comfy and supportive shoes to walk around.
2. Download the app
The official EdFringe app is free to download and contains listings for every show at the Fringe. You can use search filters including time, date, and genre, to find shows based on your needs. For example, filter shows by a specific date/time range depending on when you’re available, or focus on specific genres you want to see.
The app also has several handy features including a venue map for you to find venues, Nearby Now, which helps you find shows near your location that are starting soon, and Shake to Search, which presents you with a random show if you can’t decide and fancy taking a gamble - all you have to do is give your phone a shake while the app is open and see what pops up.
3. Create your favourite list
There are more than 3,600 shows at Fringe 2024, which is way more than anyone can see during a single festival. The search filters on the app and on tickets.edfringe.com are a good way to find shows based on your preferences. You can filter by date range, time, genre, special pricing and much more. Once you find shows you want to see, tap ‘Add to favourites’ to create your favourite list. Bingo...from 3,600+ shows, you now have your very own Fringe list!
4. See more for less
Various discounts and bundles are available, so you can see many shows while saving money. The Half Price Hut is where you find half-price tickets for shows starting the same day or the next morning. The Half Price Hut opens on the first Wednesday of the festival following the 2for1 days, and is located at the Fringe Box Office, Old Assembly Close, High Street, EH1 1QS.
Many shows are also taking part in the 2for1 tickets offer, which will be happening on 05 and 06 August. Preview tickets and group discounts are also available on specific dates throughout the festival.
Our Fringe Friends membership also gives you access to a wide range of exclusive benefits, including 2for1 ticket offers, free or discounted programme delivery, a discount in the Fringe shop and invitations to exclusive events during August and throughout the year.
5. Book early
With thousands of people descending on Edinburgh and eagerly looking for shows that have earned good reviews, it’s important to act quickly. Popular shows, especially those that have received positive feedback, might sell out quickly. If something catches your eye and piques your interest, don’t hesitate and book it immediately to secure your spot!
6. Be spontaneous
Planning ahead is always good, but it is also important to leave some time to be spontaneous! The Fringe is filled with surprises and unexpected encounters, and a show you might love and remember for a lifetime might be show no one is talking about. So take the chance on something new, go see the show you’re given flyers for, or chat with people who are seeing similar shows. Everybody has their very own, unique recommendations. You can also pick a random show by filtering the time of the day on the EdFringe app, you might just find next your favourite show!
7. Get a map of the city
Edinburgh streets can get busy especially in the central festival area (around the Royal Mile, the Grassmarket and Bristo/George Square) and the signal can be weak. Edinburgh is a city with hilly roads and tiny closes. It can be stressful to find your way without navigation especially if you’re visiting the city. Download the city map in your navigation app can be very helpful while getting around or you can buy a map of Edinburgh with all Fringe venues for £1 at the Fringe Shop.
8. Street events
The world-famous Fringe Street Events are amazing to see, featuring thrilling stunts, live music, juggling, acrobatics, and much more. Walk along the High Street or head to the Mound area (where you can also visit the Innis & Gunn food and drink village) and experience the impressive variety of talent. Please donate to the performers if you can, many of them accept also contactless payments.
9. Don’t forget to take breaks
Remember to leave time in your day for food, drinks and to unwind. If you feel a little bit tired by the many events and things to do and see, take a break while exploring the city! Calton Hill and Authur's Seat are perfect if you fancy a walk in the nature with beautiful views of the city. The Meadows are perfect for a lie-down and picnic. Go for ice cream at Grassmarket while enjoying the view of the castle. Make sure to visit Innis & Gunn on the Mound or George Square for some delicious street food, and have a wee walk at the beautiful Dean Village to escape the city.
10. Pace yourself
It’s exciting to have so many shows to see, but make sure to pace yourself! The goal is not to see all the shows but to create your own Fringe experience. Schedule a reasonable number of shows per day so you can appreciate the art. Edinburgh streets can get busy during August, so leave time to travel between venues and unwind before the show starts.
Last but not least, the Fringe experience is meant to be unique and unpredictable. No matter how you want to spend the time, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. We hope you’ll have an amazing time and Unleash Your Fringe!