From acoustic affairs to full-band sets, Edinburgh is host to numerous free live gigs in August.
Pubs and pop-up venues transform into mini music venues for the month, offering the chance to catch top musical talent for free.
We’ve searched the city to find the places you can enjoy free live music during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Check out our handy map below and if we’ve missed a free live music spot, get in touch and let us know!
Participating Venues:
Peartree House
Date: August 1st-28th
Location: 38 West Nicholson Street
Time: 1pm to 7pm
Website
Stripped back band sets and acoustic vibes with the line-up published daily via Fortune Promotions Facebook page.
Biddy Mulligans
Date: August 4th-28th
Location: 86-94 Grassmarket
Time: 8pm to 12am
Website
A mix of bands across various genres each night in the bar from 8pm to 12am.
Espionage
Date: August 4th-28th
Location: 4 India Buildings, Victoria Street
Time: 2pm to 7pm
Website
From singers to cabaret acts, a selection of musicians will perform in Espionage’s Minus one Bar through the day.
Finnegan’s Wake
Date: August 4th-28th
Location: 9B Victoria Street
Time: 7.30pm to 12am
Website
Guaranteed for a good old knees-up with a rotating line-up of bands across August from 7.30pm.
The Wee Pub
Date: August 4th-28th
Location: Currie Close [Grassmarket]
Time: 12pm to 10pm
Website
Enjoy the day embracing live music in Scotland’s smallest pub with a range of acts.
Clerk’s Bar
Date: August 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Location: 74-78 South Clerk Street
Time: 10pm to 12.45am
Website
Clerk’s Bar will treat punters to electro-acoustic and acoustic acts every Thursday night during the Festival Fringe.
The Cowshed
Date: August 3rd to August 28th
Location: Cowgate
Time: 12pm to 3am
Website
With up to 15 acts everyday from 12pm to 3am you’re bound to discover a new favourite at The Cowshed.
The Famous Grouse House
Date: August 5th-26th
Location: 96 George Street
Time: Varies daily
Website
George Street will become home to the Famous Grouse pop-up venue with live music at alternate times daily.
BBC at the Edinburgh Festivals
Date: August 5th-26th
Location: George Heriot’s School
Time: Varies daily
Website
The BBC’s Castle Tent will host free live music throughout August with an ever-changing line-up. Keep up-to-date with the latest listings via the BBC’s dedicated Fringe website.
Stramash
Date: August 5th-28th
Location: 207 Cowgate
Time: 12pm to 3am
Website
The Cowgate music venue will host free gigs daily from 12pm to 9pm as part of PBH’s Free Fringe before switching to full live band sets until 3am. The line-up is posted daily to the Stramash Facebook page.
Hop House 13
Date: August 5th-28th
Location: 14 Holyrood Road
Time: 12pm to 11pm
Website
As part of the PBH Free Fringe, Hop House 13 will host free live music from 12pm to 11pm daily before DJs take to the decks until 3am.