Taking place across the city from the 4th to the 28th of August, Edinburgh Fringe is ready and waiting to entertain you to no end. You can expect some serious talent this time around, with big names in the biz and relative newbies heading up on stage. And so that you can enjoy the cream of the crop, whether it's comedy, burlesque, circus or music, we've put together this roundup of the best shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
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Comedy: Joke Thieves
The hit show that sees comedians swapping sets, Joke Thieves is being performed at The Three Sisters in the Old Town at the 2025 Fringe. Hosted by Will Mars from Amuse Moose and Beatbox World Champion Bass6, each performance features four different comics telling each other's jokes. You can secure tickets for as little as £5 per person, with a 'pay what you can' system that allows everyone to attend.
Various dates from the 31st July to the 24th August at The Three Sisters
The comics will be switching up sets at Joke Thieves.
Live Music: GurlBand: The Show
With so much to choose from, it can be hard to recommend just one performance of live music at Edinburgh Fringe. But something that’s really caught our eye is GurlBand: The Show. Swing by Brewhemia to catch Tianah Tucker, Angel Beads, Miss Peaches and Blaze in action, giving you the most drag-tastic pop show you ever did see.
Various dates from the 6th to the 27th of August at Brewhemia
For a dazzling display of drag talents, this one should be on your list.
Walking Tour: Edinburgh Silent Disco With Boogie Shoes
This Edinburgh Silent Disco Walking Tour With Boogie Shoes is not to be missed. Whack on your dancing shoes, as you're about to shake, shimmy and twirl along the city's historic streets, learning about them from your hilariously cheeky host. And the tunes? You can bop to uplifting disco hits alongside EDM flash mob bangers.
Various dates from the 4th to the 26h of August starting at Niddry Street Courtyard
This one's especially great for new visitors to the fabulous city.
Circus: YUCK Circus
Stray away from the norm with YUCK Circus' mesmerising show, which has won the group numerous international awards. The powerhouse of female performers will wow you with outstanding acrobatics, side-splitting comedy and unusual confessions (with a bit of dancing thrown in for good measure). Not only will it be brilliantly inventive, but beautifully executed too.
Various dates from the 2nd to the 28th of August at Assembly George Square Gardens
While primarily a creative circus performance, this is also ace for those looking for Edinburgh Fringe comedy 2025.
Comedy: Jordan Brookes: Snakes For Cats To Watch
Seeking out the best comedians at Edinburgh Fringe 2025? Highly-acclaimed performer Jordan Brookes is bringing his unfinished show, Snakes for Cats to Watch, to Pleasance Courtyard. Though curiously ambiguous about its content, the work-in-progress is inspired by the entertainer putting on a video of an animated snake crawling for his cat... but then becoming transfixed himself. Bizarre? Maybe. Hilarious? Definitely.
Various dates from the 2nd to the 27th of August at Pleasance Courtyard
Get ready for something totally extraordinary from famous comedian Jordan Brookes.
Burlesque: All-Stars Burlesque
From the same producer behind Best of Burlesque (the Fringe favourite that sells out every year), All-Stars Burlesque is set to be an awe-inspiring celebration of bodies and inclusivity. From striptease to cabaret and circus sideshow, we just know this one's going to be popular. Expect naughty outfits, feather boas and, of course, plenty of nudity from a lush lineup of dancers.
Various dates from the 3rd to the 27th of August in Bijou, just outside of the Assembly Rooms
If you're on the hunt for top-quality burlesque from big names at Fringe 2023, this is sure to sort you out.
Drag Show: Drag Queens vs. Zombies
Award-winning stars Kate Butch and Crudi Dench are heading up on stage to treat you lot to their enactment of Drag Queens vs Zombies. Sounds brilliant, doesn't it? This blood-curdling, giggle-worthy bonanza will feature musical performances and an interactive audience, as well as a visit from a famous celebrity's demon child. This one's sure to make you scream with laughter.
On the 25th and 26th of August at Underbelly in Cowgate
This is going to be one of the best shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2023.
Storytelling: A Fairie Tale
From London-based Niall Moorjani comes this exciting and original storytelling performance. It uses a medieval fae-style landscape with live music from Diana Redgrave to explore race and gender identities in Scotland. Not only can you expect sexy fairies, but also strangeness, swearing and something totally unique. A Fairie Tale might just be one of the best Edinburgh Fringe events for 2023, so we just can’t wait to see the immersive artist in action.
Various dates from the 2nd to the 27th of August at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
We anticipate this to be one of the best theatre shows of Edinburgh Fringe 2023.
Cabaret: La Clique
Blending cabaret with circus and burlesque, La Clique's unique set is going to be saucy, hilarious and mesmerising. This will showcase a range of exceptional performers from around the world, including famous aerialists and sensational singers, as well as curious clowns and sassy showgirls. And you know what? It's gonna be absolutely wicked.
Various dates from the 4th to the 26th of August at Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows
La Clique was first created for the 2004 running of Fringe in Edinburgh and is still going strong 19 years later.
Magic Show: Magical Bones: Soulful Magic - Volume Two
Having started out his career as a finalist on Britain's Got Talent, Magical Bones has been dazzling the UK with his unique entertainment style. He was the headline illusionist of West End show Impossible in 2018, plus boasts a sold out Fringe performance in 2019 under his belt. And this year? He's sure to intrigue and spellbind you with his sleight of hand and showmanship flair.
Various dates from the 16th to the 26th of August at Underbelly in Bistrol Square
This lad actually used to be a breakdancer - and got his name 'Bones' because of the way he moved.
Dance: Godot Is A Woman
Samuel Beckett wrote Waiting for Godot back in 1953, but forbid women from performing the play. It's been nearly 70 years since then and, though he's dead, his estate still will not allow females to stage it. And so, Silent Faces put together Godot is a Woman, an all-singing, all-dancing bonanza that touches on the patriarchy, authorial copyright and even iconic singer Madonna.
Various dates from the 16th to the 27th of August at Pleasance Courtyard
This quirky performance has had rave reviews, so make sure to snap up a ticket.
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