Enjoy Fringe 2022 on a budget
08 August 2022
There are lots of ways to enjoy Fringe 2022 on a budget – here are just a few examples:
Free shows
There are more than 400 free shows across multiple genres as part of the 2022 Fringe programme – they cost nothing to enter, though you are encouraged to donate money at the end of the performance if you can.
2for1 tickets
On Monday 08 and Tuesday 09 August, lots of shows take part in the Fringe 2for1 days. This is a great way for artists to attract larger audiences and generate word of mouth; it’s also a great way for audience members to reduce the cost of seeing a Fringe show.
Please note: these 2for1 days are separate from the Friends 2for1 offer, which is available from Sunday to Thursday throughout August. Find out more about becoming a Fringe Friend.
Half Price Hut
Starting from Wednesday 10 August, Fringe shows can choose to be part of the Half Price Hut – offering half price tickets for performances taking place the same day (and in some cases the morning after). You can browse the shows available before heading to the Fringe Box Office to purchase them – though you need to remember to say the words ‘Half Price Hut’ to get access to the offer!
Find out more about the Half Price Hut
Free film screening
Our free Fringe Central events programme is generally targeted at Fringe artists and arts industry to help them make connections and advance their careers, but we’re making one special exception this year.
We have free tickets to a special screening of Adam Smith: Father of the Fringe, Or Is He?, a documentary about the history of the Fringe. The screening will take place at the Everyman Cinema in St James Quarter at 11:00 on Thursday 11 August; members of the public can book their free tickets on edfringe.com:
Book tickets to Adam Smith: Father of the Fringe, Or Is He?
Venue offers
Fringe venues are operated independently of the Fringe Society, and often set up ticketing offers at their own box offices and websites. Keep an eye on their social media accounts for more information!
Taster stages
If you’re interested in seeing a show but not 100% sure which one, why not catch a free excerpt to help make your mind up? The Fringe taster stages at Cathedral Square (by St James Quarter) and St Andrew Square are open to all Fringe shows who want to offer a free taste of their show to prospective audience members – head along to help make your mind up (or just enjoy the snippets themselves).
We publish daily line-ups for the taster stages as part of our street events information:
View today’s street events schedule
Street events
The Fringe street events are a spectacular occurrence – a carnival of acrobats, stunts, fire-breathers, magicians, comedians, musicians and many more besides, all available for free in Edinburgh’s open air. As with the free indoor shows, you’re encouraged to donate some money to a street performer after their show – many street artists make their sole income from performance, so it’s important to support them if you’re able.
Find out more about the street events
Photographer credit: David Monteith-Hodge, 2019.