Whether you're going from one Fringe show to the next, or just exploring the city of Edinburgh, you'll have an abundance of things to check out as you wander the streets of the city. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival hosts street events in three key city center sites: the Royal Mile, the Mound Precinct, and the St. James Quarter.
Each of these sites will offer an explosion of entertainment, including "living statues"—AKA performers dressed and painted to look like statues, but if you drop a coin in their hat, they'll come to life; street performers that will perform a range of comedy, theatre, and circus acts; and festival vendors that will offer services like face painting and caricature portraits. Not to mention, over 500 buskers will be spread across the three city center sites, performing music, magic, circus acts, and sideshows. It's an all-out busking festival!
These street performances and activities are family-friendly, and audience participation is key, so if you're willing, be prepared to be invited in on certain acts! And don't forget, if you enjoy the show, to tip the busker by placing some coins in their hat. Tipping isn't mandatory. If you're short on cash, a simple "thank you" will suffice.
The street events draw takes place every day of the Fringe from 10:00 AM onwards. A listing of the day's events can be found here. And performers are encouraged to register on the Edinburgh Fringe Society website here.
READ: What is the Fringe Society? A Guide to Edinburgh Fringe's Support System
As you make your way through Edinburgh, Street Events team members from the Fringe Society will be scattered across the key sites, wearing red shirts labeled "Fringe Street Team." They're there to help you with anything from directions to recommendations to accessibility needs. All staff is accessibility trained. A dedicated first aid team will also be on site, so do let a Street Events team member know if you need them.
For more information on the Edinburgh Street Events, visit here. And for more information and recommendations for your trip, or to follow our coverage of the festival from home, keep up with Playbill Goes Fringe.
