Edinburgh International Children’s Festival 2026

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is back with an exciting line-up of performances for children aged 0 to 15 years and their families, from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 7 June 2026.

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, marking its 35th anniversary this year, showcases exceptional Scottish and international theatre and dance for young audiences, with a focus on performances that are deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring.

They have created a quick run-through of this year’s programme broken down into three different age groups, which should keep all your young ones happy, interested and excited. You can expect a jam-packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre, full of joy and surprises to savour as a family.

Many of the shows in the nine-day international programme are visually striking, brimming with humour and designed to appeal to children and their adults. From a joyful circus extravaganza to intimate, immersive experiences, from a play tackling bullying to a stage filled with a giant disco box, the programme has something for everyone.

The Festival opens with a Family Day of free pop-up performances and arts activities at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 30 May. Plan a family visit to kick off the week with laughter, wonder and plenty of hands-on fun.

See full programme here