What is the Edinburgh Science Festival?
The Edinburgh Science Festival is the UK’s largest science Festival. It takes place for two weeks each year during the Easter holidays. You’ll find a range of experiences on offer, with hands-on workshops and spectacular shows for families and inspiring discussions and immersive experiences for adults.
The festival breaks down barriers to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), exploring everything from cutting-edge technology to climate change.
The Edinburgh Science Festival programme takes place in galleries, public spaces and museums across Edinburgh. In 2026, the festival explored the theme “Going Global”, highlighting Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances through research, innovation and its people.
What is the history of the Edinburgh Science Festival?
The Edinburgh Science Festival was the first event of its kind in the world. Founded in 1989 as an education charity to encourage people to discover the wonders of the world, this two-week festival was developed to celebrate science and technology and communicate the excitement and benefits both can bring.
Throughout the year, the festival also runs a touring education programme in Scotland, including interactive science shows for schools and a STEM-focused career fair.
Find out more about the Edinburgh Science Festival (edinburghscience.org.uk)
Find out more information about Edinburgh (visitscotland.com)