We asked our Twitter followers for their top tips of advice that they would give to a first-time Fringe-goer. What they said may surprise you, excite you and help you prepare for your Fringe adventure!
1. Download the App to plan ahead
The Official Fringe App is a great way to get details for 3500+ shows in your pocket and help organise your Fringe adventure in advance. It also enables you to find what’s happening soon near you and book shows on the move, so it’s a great way to discover shows.
Use the app for what’s on near me now
— Katy Tingley (@katy_tingley) July 20, 2018
2. Wander the city streets and soak up the atmosphere
There is no atmosphere quite like the Fringe in full swing. Roam the Royal Mile, meander through the Mound – you’ll be astonished by the beauty of the city and exciting, often bizarre spectacle of the Fringe. Drink it in!
Wander the Royal Mile, watch the sites, drink in and enjoy the atmosphere! Wonderful! pic.twitter.com/VjCLU0lrTJ
— Annie B (@beaverbrookes23) July 20, 2018
3. Set your watch to 'Fringe Time'
Did you know that the Fringe has it’s own time zone? Known as 'Fringe Time', a day at the Fringe begins at 05:00 and ends at 04:59, so shows in the early hours will be listed for the day before. Fringe shows take place from breakfast time to the wee hours of the morning and many bars and pubs in the city are open until 05:00, making the city a 24/7 celebration of arts and culture.
So remember that when you book on our website or App, a show listed as 1am on Friday night is actually in the early hours of Saturday morning and be sure your tickets are for the right show on the right day.
@edfringe is it really true that on your booking system, if I buy something that's listed as 0.15am on the 14th, that actually means 0.15am on the 15th?
— “Elise” (@pageantmalarkey) August 10, 2018
4. Be nice to the flyerers
You’re bound to be approached by an eager flyerer promoting their show. Give them a minute of your time if you can – they’re working hard, often in the rain and they might even offer you a free ticket!
Be nice to flyerers, they’re working super hard. You don’t have to see their show, but try not to be dismissive.
— Jade Allen (@jadeallencomedy) July 20, 2018
5. Pack a map and plan your route
Edinburgh’s Old Town can be a maze. If you are booking back-to-back shows, ensure you have enough time to travel between venues comfortably and keep in mind that Edinburgh is a multi-storey city with many hills!
Old Town can be a maze. Watch out for sneaky flat maps. The road you may need to be on might be underneath you. pic.twitter.com/TuuIkLWjr2
— Aileen Flanagan (@AileenFlan) July 20, 2018
6. Pack for Scottish weather
We often enjoy four seasons in one day here in Edinburgh! Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack a light rain jacket in case of a sudden downpour. There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!
Decent lightweight raincoat with pockets big enough for flyers. Mine is white with glitter and I am VERY PLEASED.
— Emily Carding (@emilycarding) July 24, 2018
7. Grab a bargain with our 2for1 ticket offers
Friends of the Fringe can avail of the Friends 2for1 ticket offer on selected shows. In Fringe 2018, over 2000 shows participated in the Friends 2for1 offer! To find out more about becoming a Friend of the Fringe, click here.
We saved so much money on tickets to shows at @edfringe by signing up to be a Friend of the Fringe. Do it people! https://t.co/0nWWULwqTP
— Andrew (@mehbo) August 14, 2018
...and the general public can also grab a 2for1 ticket bargain on the first Monday and Tuesday of the Fringe. When booking online simply add two tickets to your basket on the applicable dates and the 2for1 discount will be added to your order at the checkout stage – easy as that!
The first Monday and Tuesday of the Fringe are our 2for1 days 🎟️🎟️
— Edinburgh Festival Fringe (@edfringe) August 6, 2018
Check out which shows are taking part this year and then you just need to decide which pal you'll bring with you #IntoTheUnknown 😀😀https://t.co/ymN25bh2Xi pic.twitter.com/mAg6U9QcgP
8. Give yourself time to breathe
If it’s your first Fringe, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. Many Fringe regulars recommend taking the time to pace yourself – you won’t be able to enjoy all 3,500+ shows. In fact, it would take eight years to watch all performances at the Fringe this year! Remember that Edinburgh is home to beautiful nature where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe if it’s too intense.
It can all be a bit intense, pace yourself, I echo the lady who said ‘eat between shows’ to add to that, if you’re someone who needs breaks from busyness sometimes, Edinburgh’s a gorgeous city, find some peaceful #escapehatches so you get off the Fringe merry-go-round sometimes
— StealthAspies (@StealthAspies) July 20, 2018
9. Don't be late for an important date
Some shows may not allow latecomers in, so be sure to arrive before the listed start time! It's best to allow plenty of time to get to your venue, collect your tickets, run to the loo and grab a drink at the bar to get the full Fringe show experience. When getting to your venue, remember that foot and motor traffic can be busy during the Fringe and if you need directions, you might find our Venue Map helpful.
1. Check and double check the venue; many similar names, easy to get confused.
— MrsD (@mrsd22) July 20, 2018
2. Allow plenty of time between shows; it may be a 10 minute walk between venues but the streets are very busy.
10. Comfortable shoes are your friends
Edinburgh is best explored by foot. When getting between venues, make sure you have comfy footwear. Back-to-back shows can mean a long day on your feet!
Comfy shoes & Go with the flow.😊
— martin (@Maart2704) July 21, 2018
11. Collect your tickets in advance from locations around the city
We are delighted to have 40+ ticket collection points located across the city of Edinburgh. Instead of getting your tickets posted to you and running the risk them not arriving in time, it is recommended to grab your tickets at any of the handy collection points listed here. All you need to pick them up is the card you booked with – easy!
Hi Adam, there sure is 🙂 You can collect pre-booked tickets from any of the collection points listed here: https://t.co/OtI8k4tRBn We hope this helps and feel free to DM us with any questions. We'd be happy to help! https://t.co/gVXo8qPsw3
— Edinburgh Festival Fringe (@edfringe) August 14, 2018
12. Check out the awesome street events
Edinburgh is home to some incredible busking talent. Wander the Royal Mile and the Mound to be wow-ed by jugglers, acrobats, fire-breathers, escapologists and many more! Find out more about the new Virgin Money Street Events.
1. Go and watch the street performers, there is always a lot of talent busking around the city.
— AshtonCarterMagic (@AshtonCarterUK) July 20, 2018
2. Once you have been amazed and entertained by the #busker, give them a couple of pounds to show your appreciation (It means I can eat 🍞 ) 😀
13. Remeber that the Fringe team is here to help you with all your access requirements
At the Fringe Society, we are committed to making the Fringe as inclusive and accessible as possible. As part of this committment, we are delighted to provide sensory backpacks for autistic people, a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility, a range of accessible performances and a dedicated access ticket booking service. Find out more about accessibility at the Fringe.
Had a great day today the bag was very helpful our son loves his teddy and tram train he got to keep.would recommend this to anyone who has a young autistic child.thank you 😊 pic.twitter.com/AA5EksYzID
— Frank McQue (@McqueFrank) August 5, 2018
14. Above all, be spontaneous
By far the most popular advice we received was to be spontaneous and try out new acts. Listen to word of mouth recommendations, check out the Fringe Programme and take risks with shows you choose.
Don't plan too much! Book a couple of things you really want to see but leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best shows I've seen have been free things I've been pulled into at 5 minutes notice as I've passed the venue or got a flyer on the Royal Mile on the day.
— Roisin. (@RoisinFarmer_x) July 20, 2018
15. …and finally, sit in the front row and be the star of the show.
At comedy shows, make sure you sit in the front row and wear outrageous clothing. Your fellow audience members will be delighted as they will be less likely targets for the stand-up.
— Stephen Dahill (@DahillStephen) July 20, 2018
Have a great Fringe!