Edinburgh Fringe: More than 1,700 shows added to Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 programme
New acts include theatre, cabaret, children’s shows, comedy, dance, musicals and opera
A second batch of more than 1,700 shows has been announced ahead of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The announcement brings the current total number of shows on sale for the 2026 event to 2,083. More than 350 shows had been announced earlier this year, featuring everything from some of the biggest stand-up comedians to award-winning musicals.
The new shows are said to span every conceivable genre – including cabaret and variety, children’s shows, comedy, dance, physical theatre and circus, music, musicals and opera, spoken word and theatre.
The Fringe officially kicks off in the Scottish capital on August 7 and will take over the city centre until August 31.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It’s the 79th year of the Fringe but this annual celebration of the arts is showing no signs of letting up – audiences are, once again, going to be spoiled for choice and we encourage those joining us to get planning and fill up their diaries.
“From emerging talent to old favourites, this year we’re asking audiences to mix it up and take a chance on something new. Booking tickets in advance supports the thousands of artists who come to the Fringe every year, and with so many shows now available to book I’d encourage you to start planning your 2026 Fringe.”
Tickets for the newly announced shows are available to book online now.
Among the hundreds of shows is a Scottish reimagining of Moulin Rouge, a Monty Python singalong circus and a magic show all about growing up in the 90s.
Comedy fans will have the chance to see the likes of James Acaster, Bobby Davro, Ruby Wax, Jack Dee and Jason Byrne, while those passionate about music and dance will be able to enjoy a wide range of shows, from acrobatics and ballet to experiences centred around jazz and blues.
For those with young children, there are many shows on offer, including a silly science lesson show, a pantomime-esque performance and a poignant puppet show. There is also a host of magic and comedy shows which cater to young people.
More shows will be announced on Wednesday, May 6, before the official programme launch on Thursday, June 4.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is the charity that underpins the Edinburgh Fringe. It was established in 1958 by a group of artists to provide central services for the festival and ensure that it stays true to its founding purpose of inclusion and welcome to all.
Based on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Society has a small team of staff who work year-round to assist all the artists and audiences who make the festival one of the best loved performing arts events on the planet.
The full list of all Edinburgh Fringe shows announced so far can be found on their website.
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