Edinburgh International Children's Festival

The Edinburgh International Children's Festival is a 9-day festival dedicated to offering family-friendly entertainment in the form of theatre and dance. The Festival celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world, showcasing high quality, distinctive Scottish and international performances to an audience of children, their teachers, and their families each year. The festival has established itself as one of the best places for programmers from all over the world to see work of the very highest standard. It is also a place where artists meet, see and discuss work, and take part in professional development activities. Numerous pop-up events take place across the city centre, showcasing performances designed for audiences ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Though it's primarily targeted towards children, the festival offers quality entertainment for older members of the family to enjoy as well.

What makes it special?

• The Children’s Festival searches high and low for the most exciting and thrilling of performances to share with young audiences. It’s now even seen as a hot-spot to scout new artists and performers of the highest standard.
• Since the International Children’s Festival began in 1990, it has grown to attract, in any noral year, over 10,000 individuals, schools and families.
• The usual 9 day festival has a jam-packed programme with the opening weekend normally featuring events and performances at the National Museum of Scotland