Edinburgh festivals calendar for short-let hosts: August, Hogmanay and more

August is when Edinburgh short lets earn the most. The 80th Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from 6 to 30 August 2027, alongside the International Festival, the Book Festival and the Art Festival. For homeowners, the festivals are also the easiest time to let your own home legally.

Here are the dates that matter, and how to take part.

Why does August matter so much in Edinburgh?

The Fringe is the biggest of Edinburgh's festivals. Its 80th edition takes place from 6 to 30 August 2027. For its 79th edition in 2026, the Fringe Society reports over 2.8 million tickets issued.

The Fringe does not run alone. VisitScotland lists the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2027 as well. Together they fill the city for most of the month.

Demand comes from three groups: audiences, performers and the crews and staff who run the venues. Many performers and crew stay for the whole run, which suits homes that can offer a long booking.

Who books during the festivals?

Festival guests fall into three groups, and each wants something different:

• Audiences usually stay a few nights and want to walk to venues.
• Performers often stay for the whole run. They keep late hours, so blackout curtains, a washing machine and a quiet bedroom matter more than a view.
• Crew and venue staff also stay for weeks and need a practical, well-equipped home at a sensible price.

Decide which group your home suits best, and write your listing for them.

What about the rest of the year?

Edinburgh's calendar reaches well beyond August. VisitScotland lists these festivals:

• Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival: 21 to 31 October 2026.
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay: 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, with a torchlight procession, street party, concert and fireworks.
• Edinburgh Science Festival: 3 to 18 April 2027.
• Edinburgh International Children's Festival: 29 May to 6 June 2027.

Hogmanay is the second big peak of the year, packed into a few nights. The spring festivals bring steadier demand, often from families. Add all of these dates to your calendar each autumn, before guests start booking.

Can you let your own home during the festivals?

Most owners in Edinburgh cannot let a second home without planning permission, which is usually refused. We explain why in Edinburgh's short-term let control area explained. Letting your own home is different. Home letting and home sharing normally do not need planning permission.

For short periods, you do not have to hold a full licence. The council can grant a temporary exemption, and its policy allows exemptions totalling up to six weeks in any 12-month period. The weeks do not have to be in one block. The council's own example is an exemption covering August and the winter festive period, as long as the total stays within six weeks.

What does a temporary exemption cost?

For 2026/27, a temporary exemption costs £250 for a home sleeping up to 5 guests, £350 for 6 to 10 guests, and £600 for 11 or more. Home sharing temporary applications cost £120.

Apply early. The council accepts temporary applications up to six months before the start date. Its fee schedule also asks for temporary applications at least 60 days before the start date, and adds a surcharge for applications made within 42 days.

Does the visitor levy apply in August?

Every paid stay carries Edinburgh's 5% visitor levy on the first 5 nights. On a long Fringe booking, that is a small share of the total. See the Edinburgh visitor levy explained.

How should you price the festivals?

1. Open your August dates early. Performers and crew plan months ahead.
2. Offer the full Fringe run as one booking, with a weekly discount. It means fewer changeovers and less wear.
3. Set minimum stays across festival weekends, so short gaps do not waste your best nights.
4. Price Hogmanay separately. Demand is intense but short.

What does a festival year look like?

Here is one way a homeowner could use the six weeks:

• Four weeks in August, covering most of the Fringe.
• Around a week over Hogmanay.
• A few nights kept back for another event, such as the Science Festival.

That stays within the six-week total. It is an example only, so check the exact dates against the council's rules when you apply.

What does this mean for you?

• August and Hogmanay are Edinburgh's two big earning windows.
• If it is your own home, a temporary exemption of up to six weeks a year may let you take part without a full licence or planning permission.
• Long festival bookings mean less work and a smaller share lost to the levy.

Let us plan your festival season

Our Edinburgh short-let management team handles the exemption application, pricing and guests for your festival weeks. Get your free valuation to see what your home could earn in August.

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This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.