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We’re confident that there’s something for everyone at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – but, with more than 3,600 shows to choose from, we also understand that finding the right show can feel like a daunting task. 

Thankfully, there are several tricks you can use to find the show that’s right for you – or discover something you never even knew you wanted!

Use search filters on edfringe.com and the EdFringe app

Our website and app have filters to help you narrow down your search – try them out if, for example, you’re only attending the festival on specific days / times, you’re interested in particular genres or you want to see something that’s free. You can also filter shows by venue or by pricing if, for example, you’re a Fringe Friend and have access to 2for1 ticket offers. You can even search for shows by specific countries.

Shake to Search / Nearby Now

Speaking of the EdFringe app, we have two features that could help create some Fringe inspiration. Nearby Now is exactly what it sounds like – it uses the location of your phone (with your permission, of course) to display shows that are near you and starting soon. Shake to Search is another feature that does what it says on the tin – simply give your phone a shake while using the app and it’ll suggest a random show from the Fringe programme.

Pick up a flyer or check out #QuickFlyer

Walk up the High Street during August – or anywhere in the city centre, actually – and you’ll be greeted by Fringe artists handing out printed flyers for their show (sometimes accompanied by the promise of a discount if you come along). Some long-term Fringe-goers have made a tradition of attending the first show they’re flyered for – it’s a great approach if you’re open to new and unplanned experiences!

If you’d rather get some ideas before you hit the streets, we also run a digital flyering equivalent called #QuickFlyer, encouraging Fringe artists to use the hashtag when sharing information about their show – search #QuickFlyer on Facebook, Instagram or X to browse what’s on.

Read reviews

Many publications make it their mission to cover the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – keep an eye out for their star ratings plastered across show posters, and for photocopies of their reviews at some venues. Insider tip: if you’ve already seen a show and you spot a review that chimes with your experience, keep the reviewer / publication in mind for other recommendations.

You can also find show reviews on individual edfringe.com listings, from both professional outlets and other audience members. If you’ve seen a show you loved, make sure to leave a review of your own!

Word of mouth

Wherever you are in the city – maybe sitting in a beer garden or queuing for a coffee, or definitely while you’re waiting to enter a show – try to eavesdrop on the conversations around you. Fringe-goers love talking about which shows they’ve seen, so if there’s something that’s generating a decent amount of buzz, there’s a fair chance you might hear about it on the fly.

Thumbnail photo credit: David Monteith-Hodge.