Fantastic Family shows at EIF 2026
From the cowboy capers of Hostile to the joy of our Family Concert, the 2026 Edinburgh International Festival programme is packed with something for both kids and grown-ups.
Hostile
Sat 8 – Tue 11 Aug, Church Hill Theatre
No need to hold your horses… whether it’s not your first rodeo or your first time in the saddle, Hostile should be on your most wanted list. In this family-friendly one-man show, Olivier Rannou takes to the stage as a Spaghetti Western cowboy. With effortless swagger, he transforms the set before your eyes, creating a truly mesmerising performance.
Recommended age: 8+
Duration: Approx. 50 mins (no interval)
Together We Rise
Sun 9 Aug, Princes Street Gardens (East)
Join the celebration as we come together and lift each other up. Enjoy a fun, free, family-friendly afternoon featuring pop-up performances inspired by our 2026 Festival theme, All Rise. Drop in for a vibrant mix of music and dance from Scotland and America - In collaboration with Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. Full details will be announced soon—sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know.
Free
Suitable for all ages
Ingoma! A Revolution in Rhythm
Fri 14 – Sun 16 Aug, The Lyceum
Don’t miss a beat of this electrifying celebration of rhythm and movement. From Rwanda to Scotland, Ingoma Nshya share powerful stories through song and dance. In Rwanda, the word ingoma means both “power” and “drum.” In 2004, a group of women made history by forming Ingoma Nshya (New Power / New Drum), the country’s first all-female drumming ensemble.
Recommended age: All ages
Duration: Approx. 1 hr 40 mins (including interval)
Art of Listening Workshops
Sat 15 – Sat 29 Aug, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub
Learn to listen like a pro. From Beethoven and Britten to Swift and Slytherin, these interactive workshops introduce children to classical music through songs, games and live performance. Designed for children aged 7–11 and their grown-ups to enjoy together. All tickets include a free lunch (served 12–1pm, last service 12:45pm), provided by Coorie Catering.
Free tickets are available for local residents in EH11 postcodes. For more information, email connect@eif.co.uk.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 mins (no interval)
Family Concert
Sun 16 Aug 2026, Usher Hall
The LA Phil’s youth orchestra, YOLA, joins forces with Scotland’s Big Noise for a joyful programme of high-spirited classical music, led by superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Perfect for children and their grown-ups, this concert is a wonderful introduction to the magic of live orchestral music.
Recommended age: 7–11 (suitable for all ages)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour (no intervals)
Half-price and free tickets for children 🎟️
Under 18s get half price tickets to all events at the Edinburgh International Festival. Find out more about affordable tickets.
Young Musician’s Pass
If your child plays an instrument or sings, is aged 8–18 and lives in Scotland, they are eligible to join the Young Musican's Pass (YMP). YMP members can get their hands on free pairs of tickets for selected performances in the International Festival music programme. What’s included will be announced in early May. Find out more.
The Edinburgh International Festival runs from 7 to 30 August 2026 and you can browse the entire programme online plus buy tickets HERE or download a brochure PDF HERE.
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Image credits - Hostile © Patrick Denis; Together we Rise © Andrew PerryIngoma! A Revolution in Rhythm © Lio Studio; Art of listening NYO2 Family Concert © Andrew Perry; Family Concert YOLA Big Noise © Paul Cressey