Edinburgh locals will know that the city can become more expensive during the month of the Fringe Festival. But there are still plenty of free shows on offer around the city to enjoy.
Many of these free events are part of Peter Buckley Hill’s Free Fringe, which offers hundreds of shows for free each year. The audience are asked to make a donation at the end of the show if they’re able to do so and enjoy the performance.
Venues kindly agree to host these free to attend events as they’re able to increase drink sales. So here’s where to head if you’d like a few laughs for free this Fringe.
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1. One Hour Straitjacket Escape Magic Show
Get ready to see award-winning magician and entertainer Arron Jones perform miracles before your eyes, and all for free. The show is on every day from August 6 to August 28 at 5:30pm in Pilgrim Bar.
The show is non-ticketed and only open to those 18+. More information can be found here.
2. Stunt Magician Danger Dave Reubens’ Sabotage
The stunt act is back for another year at Edinburgh’s Fringe, performing everyday from August 6 to August 16. The show is on at Liquid Room nightclub at 2:30pm.
It’s open to anyone over the age of 14 and is a non-ticketed event. More information can be found here.
3. The Greatest Magician
James Phelan will perform a “mind blowing” magic show that was directed by the late Paul Daniels. It is the last time this show will be performed, everyday at 3:45pm from August 7 to 12, and then August 15 to 28.
The show is also on at Edinburgh’s Liquid Room and is a non-ticketed event. For more information visit the official website.
4. Fan/Girl Comedy Act
This will be Bryony Byrne's debut show, a tongue-in-cheek 90s comedy throwback. It is on at The Banshee Labyrinth’s Cinema Room at 11:10am each day from August 6 to 16, and then August 19 to 28.
It is a non-ticketed show. For more information visit the Fringe website.
5. All-American Snack Attack
American comedians Mark Henely and Ben Miller talk about the all-American diet. The audience will even be able to try an American snack at this unique show.
The show is on at Bar 50 on Aug 18,19, 22, 25, 26, 27, and 28 at 1:30pm. It is a non ticketed event.
6. Worst Show on the Fringe
Enjoy an hour of comedy from some of the biggest names in the industry who’ve all had a bad review at one point or another. There will be a “fresh” act each day.
The show is on at Subway Cowgate Bar everyday from August 6 to 28 at 2:30pm. It is an over 18s only venue.
7. Wrestling With the Champ: Better Red Than Dead
Damien St John and Ant Mcginley perform a tongue-in-cheek wrestling comedy sensation, dubbed “the funniest ride in wrestling” by Fringe organisers. Catch the show at the OmniCentre, stage 4, at 4:15pm on August 20 to 28. It is a non-ticketed event.
8. Where's Your Head At?
Faye Treacy's new comedy storytelling performance Where's Your Head At? will be showing at Banshee Labyrinth’s Banquet Hall on August 20 at 12:50pm. It is also on at Globe Bar at 7:15pm on August 6 to 15, August 17 to 22, and August 24 to 27. It is a non-ticketed event.
9. Stand Up, Weather Girl!
Sam Fraser jokes about her role as a standby weather presenter for regional TV, and asks “can you be a full-time feminist and a part-time weather girl?”. The show is on from 6:15pm on August 15 to 21 at the Laughing Horse in The Counting House. Find more information on the Fringe website, over 18s only.
10. Singalonga Pub Quiz
Unsurprisingly this is a winner for pub quiz lovers who love a singalong, hosted by Mister Meredith. The show is on at Fingers Piano Bar at 6:40pm on Aug 6 to 15, and 17 to 28.
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