The Edinburgh International Children's Festival brings nine days of world-class theatre, dance and circus to Edinburgh.
Running from 30 May to 7 June 2026, it's a celebration of the performing arts for children of all ages.
What is the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival?
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is a nine-day festival which offers shows from all over the world and showcases a programme of dance, circus, theatre, and storytelling.
The 2026 festival features 15 productions from nine countries, including circus, dance, music, puppetry and theatre. Productions take place in theatres, community venues and outdoor spaces across Edinburgh.
For many children, attending these performances may be the first time they set foot in a theatre. For others, it’s a chance to be inspired and take part.
Visit the Edinburgh International Children's Festival website (imaginate.org.uk)
What is the history of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival?
Beginning in 1990, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival has taken various forms and now brings a carefully curated programme of performances from around the world to Edinburgh.
In May 1990, the first Scottish International Children’s Festival opened its doors (well, tent flaps) in Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park - with founder Duncan Low having been inspired by a visit to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, then the largest of its kind.
Records show that some 20,476 children and their accompanying adults watched 75 performances of 12 main stage shows, with theatre companies travelling from Zimbabwe, Canada and the Netherlands.
By 2017, the nine-day festival format was established, and the festival was renamed the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, beginning with a weekend of free events in the National Museum of Scotland, including pop-up performances and arts activities.
As well as families, schools from around Scotland were invited to attend the festival, and with fairness in mind this particularly included school children from economically and socially disadvantaged areas.
Each year, this warmly inclusive festival draws not only Scottish families and schools but also children’s theatre curators and children’s festival directors from around the world, who look to the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival as an example of excellence in delivering a world-class festival of theatre and dance for children.
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