THE programme for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been launched, detailing 3649 shows across 258 venues.
This year’s event features shows on topics including artificial intelligence, the manosphere, cults and social class.
There will be a total of 53,884 performances during the Fringe. Last year there was 54,474 performances.
This makes 2026 the third-largest Fringe ever, trailing the 2019 record of around 4105 shows and last years total of 3853.
A total of 935 of the shows are Scottish.
With performers from 71 countries represented at the Fringe, organisers say there has been a “notable increase” in artists registering from overseas.
The Gilded Balloon Teviot is returning to this year’s Fringe as a venue after the historic student union building was refurbished.
Other venues include a “sauna theatre” at Summerhall and the “pianodrome” – an amphitheatre made entirely of disuses pianos.
When is the Edinburgh Fringe in 2026?
This year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from August 7 until 31.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Thank-you to the artists, venues, producers, technicians, promoters, support staff and audiences that bring their unique creative lens and exceptional energy to Edinburgh each August.
“Within the number of productions registering this year, we’ve seen a notable increase in artist registrations from overseas.
“This tells us that, despite the economic and political headwinds the world is facing, the Fringe continues to be relevant and important to our artists, and taking part marks, for them, a significant moment and investment in their careers.
“This year’s Fringe programme is packed with every kind of performance.
“We’re asking audiences to mix it up and explore the unique, creative performances available at this Fringe.
“From theatre or circus, or the best of comedy, music, dance, children’s shows, magic or cabaret, there is something for everyone in Edinburgh this August.”
Edinburgh Festival Fringe in numbers
- Number of shows: 3649
- Number of venues: 258
- Number of countries: 71
- Number of premiers: 1748
- Shows from the UK: 2516
- International shows: 1133
- Pay What You Want / Pay What You Can: 691
- Number of performances: 53,884
