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Venue details and Specifications for Performers - Fringe 2025

All of our venues and performance spaces below are available for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Most of our 2024 venues are returning - and after a year away we're delighted to have Cabaret Voltaire return in 2025, alongside new venue Hot Toddy. Keep an eye out for more to be added as we are speaking to a few more venues at the moment.

Click on the links for full details, plans and photos. There is also Venue Map at the bottom of this page.


How our venues are set-up

For each of our venues below you can click through to a separate page with all of the specifications for each performance space. Our spaces range in capacity from 20 to 150.

All of the rooms are separate spaces from public areas of venues, apart from stages marked as suitable for music only

All of the rooms are set-up and managed by us or the venue owners, and are supplied as standard with a full PA system, lighting and stage set-up, audience seating, and are ready to go for your show. Many have more facilities available with larger PA systems, lighting rigs and projectors or other AV, backstage areas and so on – These details can be found when you click on the link below for each venue.

Please do not confuse us with other free venue promoters who ask performers to supply their own equipment, build their own spaces and are often in inappropriate areas of public bars without a separate performance space - or in some cases not really venues at all.


What shows are suitable for our venues

We have spaces suitable for all Fringe genres and we programme a mixture of genres at each venue to provide a varied programme in each space, an indication of genres we feel are suitable are listed for each venue.

If you are planning any free walking tours of Edinburgh, Scavenger Hunts, or similar why not include these in the Free Festival programme, or the can start/end at a free festival venue.


If you have any questions on our venues email us on info@freefestival.co.uk

Click here for general Performers Information and click here to Apply for a Space in one of our venues


32 Below

32 Below (Fringe Venue 442)

32b West Nicolson Street. Phone: 0131 667 7533

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi AirCon All ages until 6pm, then 18+ only

32 Below and sister venues The Counting House and Pear Tree form a complex featuring shows in three performance spacesand a huge outdoor courtyard. 32 Below is located right in the heart of the area most associated with the Fringe, within seconds of the venues in George Square and Bristo Square

Performance Genres possible at 32 Below:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in 32 Below:

Little Cellar: 40 Capacity, Rectangular room. Flat on Floor. Large TV Screen for AV.

Main Cellar: 90 Capacity, Rectangular room - raised stage

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Bar 50

Bar 50 (Fringe Venue 151)

Within A&O Edinburgh City Hostel, 50 Blackfriars Street. Phone: 0131 524 1989

Click here for map

 Accessible Bar Food WiFi All ages until 10pm, then 18+ only

Bar 50 is the lively bar of the A&O Edinburgh City Hostel (formally the Smart City/Safesay Hostel) on Cowgate, always busy and Vibrant this venue is in an ideal location in the centre of Edinburgh, with a built in audience from the hostels residents. It is only a few minutes from the royal Mile. Bar 50 has been a Free Festival venue since 2012, after previously running Fringe shows under another promoter.

Performance Genres possible at Bar 50:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Bar 50:

The Alcove: A 60 capacity room off of the main bar area. Raised Stage. Projector & Screen.

The Garden Room: A 60 capacity room located of of the courtyard

Upstairs: A small, rectangular 35 Capacity room

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey (Fringe Venue 153)

14 Drummond St. Phone: 0131 556 1961

Click here for map

 Food 18+ Only

The Brass monkey is a cosy bar, very centrally located just off of South Bridge, near the Festival theatre so within very quick walking distance from Cowgate, Bistro Square and the Pleasance. The performance space is a unique, cosy space with huge sofas for people to lounge on while watching shows.

Performance Genres possible at Brass Monkey:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Brass Monkey:

The Cinema Room: A cosy 38 Capacity Room (including standing) on the ground floor

The Games Room: A Small, 20 Capacity Room on the ground floor

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire (Fringe Venue 338)

36-38 Blair Street. Phone: 0131 247 4704

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi 18+ After 6pm

Cabaret Voltaire has been a Fringe venue for a number of years, with two performance spaces and a music/DJ stage spread over three floors - its a busy and vibrant venue. It's located right in the centre of things, just of the Cowgate and seconds from the Royal Mile, close to the City Cafe, Tron, Caves and Free Sisters Venues.

Performance Genres possible at Cabaret Voltaire:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Chat Shows Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Cabaret Voltaire:

Main Room: 100 Seated Capacity space, very flexible large rectangular room with full PA, raised stage and backstage area

The Long Room: A long room split into two parts - A cosy 55, with an overflow area with a further 10 standing spaces.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The City Cafe

The City Cafe (Fringe Venue 85)

19 Blair Street. Phone: 0131 220 0125

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi AirCon All ages until 9pm, then 18+ only

Located on Blair Street, between the Royal Mile and Cowgate, the City Café is right in the heart of the Fringe. Refurbished downstairs in late 2017, there are now three small performance spaces which are all sound proofed and air-conditioned. It's been a Free Festival venue since 2008 the City Café has always been a in the thick of things, with performances inside, and the vibrant street performances from the Royal Mile and Tron Square Outside.

Performance Genres possible at The City Cafe:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The City Cafe:

Hollywood: 30 capacity, with 25 seats. Low ceiling, lights and small PA system. Decorated with a Hollywood Theme.

Las Vegas: 40 capacity, with 35 seats. Low ceiling, lights and small PA system. Decorated with a Las Vegas Theme.

Nineties: 25 capacity, with 20 seats. Low ceiling, lights and small PA system. Decorated with a 90's Theme.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Coco Boho

Coco Boho (Fringe Venue 303)

125b George Street. Phone: 01312255005

Click here for map

 Accessible Bar Food WiFi AirCon All ages until 10pm, then 18+

Edinburgh’s newest, lively, late-night bar. Situated below Tigerlily at 125b George Street, Coco Boho offers an intimate setting with a unique ‘rough luxe’ décor and a promise to surprise and delight all that enter. Shows are in a large space with 120 seats and multiple vido screens that can be used.

Performance Genres possible at Coco Boho:

Comedy Theatre Courses Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Chat Shows Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Coco Boho:

Main Room: 120 Seated Space, with Video Screens and flexible stage area

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Counting House

The Counting House (Fringe Venue 170)

38 West Nicolson Street. Phone: 0131 667 7533

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi All ages until 9pm, then 18+ only

This year the Counting House remains a bustling hub of the Fringe, with two performance spaces and access to the lively bar and Courtyard of the Pear Tree Below. There's more shows in the basement venue 32 Below too. The Counting House is located right in the heart of the area most associated with the Fringe, within seconds of venues in George Square and Bristo Square

Performance Genres possible at The Counting House:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The Counting House:

The Attic: A 40 capacity room, 30 seated and 10 standing - on the 2nd floor, ideal for solo performances with flat stage and no backstage

The Ballroom: 150 seated capacity and one of the premier performance spaces on the Fringe, with a large raised stage, backstage area, wing space, and full lighting and PA. Suitable for all manner of productions, large and small.

The Loft: A 40 capacity room, 30 seated and 10 standing - on the 2nd floor, ideal for solo performances with flat stage and no backstage

The Lounge: An intimate space, with 55 seats, ideal for solo/duo performances.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Dragonfly

Dragonfly (Fringe Venue 414)

52 West Port (Just off of Grassmarket). Phone: 0131 228 4543

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi Strictly 18+ Only

Dragonfly Cocktail Bar was re-established in 2018 as a revival of the original spirit of the Edinburgh cocktail scene and it has been a Fringe venue for much longer, with a history of successful shows in a venue located just off of the Grassmarket. Following 'Hero's of Fringe' decision to stop producing shows, the venue has moved over to the Free Festival for the first time in 2022.

Performance Genres possible at Dragonfly :

Comedy Theatre Childrens Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Dragonfly :

Main Room: 42 seated capacity Room, with backstage area.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys (Fringe Venue 289)

7 Merchant St (Off Candlemaker Row). Phone: 0131 225 2002

Click here for map

 Bar AirCon 18+ only

Benefitting from a central Location, just off of the Cowgate, and also with a dedicated venue promotion team Dropkick’s is a large venue open through the year as a nightclub, and we will have shows in the space from lunchtime to early evening,

Performance Genres possible at Dropkick Murphys:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Spoken Word Cabaret 

Performance Spaces available in Dropkick Murphys:

Main Room: 100-120 capacity room, in high celing venue - large raised stage

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Hanover Tap

The Hanover Tap (Fringe Venue 259)

112 Hanover Street. Phone: 0131 225 2022

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi 18+ only

Located on Hanover Street, The Hanover Tap was completely refurbished in 2019 and it focuses on delivering great beer and food in a comfortable urban environment. Previously this bar was the Jekyll & Hyde, and has been one of the Free Festival's longest running venues - literally just around the corner from George Street and Princes Street Gardens.

Performance Genres possible at The Hanover Tap:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The Hanover Tap:

The Wee Tap: 60 Seats in an L-shaped room, with a flat stage. A cosy and modern space. A room which is always popular with crowds and performers.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy (Fringe Venue 440)

15-19 Jeffrey St. Phone: 0131 285 8418

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi AirCon All ages until 6pm, then 18+ only

Located just off of the Royal Mile, Hot Toddy is a friendly, vibrant independent restaurant and bar in the heart of the Old Town. A great location for shows just off of the busy Royal mile, close to other venues and the station. The performance space is in the basement of the venue.

Performance Genres possible at Hot Toddy:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Hot Toddy:

Whisky Lounge: 50 capacity basement room

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Kick Ass Cowgate

Kick Ass Cowgate (Fringe Venue 89)

37-39 Cowgate. Phone: 0131 226 6351

Click here for map

 Accessible Bar Food WiFi AirCon All ages until 6pm, then 18+ Only

The trendy and uniquely designed Kick Ass Café & Bar on the ground floor is a great for food, drink and Fringe shows. Ideal for solo and small performances, the venue is located on the corner of Cowgate and Candlemaker row in a brilliant location for Fringe-goers to find shows, and the room is fully disabled accessible.

Performance Genres possible at Kick Ass Cowgate:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in Kick Ass Cowgate:

Fringe Room : 45 Capacity Room - With TV screem and on ground floor

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Laughing Horse Box

The Laughing Horse Box (Fringe Venue 339)

7 Merchant St (Outside Dropkick Murphy's). Phone: 0131 225 2002

Click here for map

 Bar

For a truly unique Fringe experience, why not come and see a show in the Horse box? Or put a show on here! It's the only Horse box in the world that's a Fringe venue, and the natural home to Laughing Horse's traveling around the world. A converted horse box with sound, which can seat 15 people inside but with an area outside for up to 35 more to stand and watch the show.

Performance Genres possible at The Laughing Horse Box:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Spoken Word Cabaret 

Performance Spaces available in The Laughing Horse Box:

Horse Box: 20-50 capacity indoor/outdoor space - a unique venue!

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


Online

Online (Fringe Venue 97)

Online Venue. Phone: n/a

Click here for map

 WiFi All Ages

The Laughing Horse's home for online shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

Performance Genres possible at Online:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Courses Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Spoken Word Cabaret Launch Shows Chat Shows 

Performance Spaces available in Online:

Other Online: Online Space

YouTube Streaming: Online Space

Zoom Shows: Online Space

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Pear Tree

The Pear Tree (Fringe Venue 257)

38 West Nicolson Street. Phone: 0131 667 7533

Click here for map

 Bar Food WiFi All ages until 6pm, then 18+ only

The Pear Tree is located underneath the Counting House, and has a huge and popular outdoor courtyard, seating over 200, and next to a large indoor bar. This venue forms a large complex with the Counting House, Ushers and Pear Tree Venues that is a real Fringe Hub moments from Fringe Central, The Gilded Balloon and the Pleasance Dome.

Performance Genres possible at The Pear Tree:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The Pear Tree:

Main Room: 100 Capacity, 120 capacity with standing. Rectangular room - mixture of cbaret and theatre style seating

The Courtyard Screen: Large covered outdoor stage overlooking busy 300 capacity courtyard area, suitable for bands and other performances suited to this. Complete with power, lighting, video projection and full PA.

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Raging Bull

The Raging Bull (Fringe Venue 332)

161 Lothian Road. Phone: 0131 228 5558

Click here for map

 Bar 18+ only

A cosy downstairs room and very busy all day. Not far from the main Fringe areas of the Cowgate and Grassmarket, and some of Edinburgh's main theatres off of Lothian Road, it's and also at the heart of city bars and going out - the venue is used by locals, people on a night out and Fringe-goers alike, and the shows have a huge amount of support from the bars owners and staff

Performance Genres possible at The Raging Bull:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The Raging Bull:

Cellar: Cosy downstairs Bar with capacity of 50 and small stage area

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters (Fringe Venue 272)

139 Cowgate. Phone: 0131 622 6802

Click here for map

 Accessible Bar Food AirCon All ages until 8pm, then 18+ only

Described as “The Free Festival’s version of the Pleasance Courtyard”, the Free Sisters is located on the Cowgate, right in the middle of town. Usually a multi-room venue located around the courtyard, this year there are shows in one room next to the courtyard, which is now an outdoor drinking area full of tables for before and after shows.

Performance Genres possible at The Three Sisters:

Comedy Theatre Childrens Courses Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in The Three Sisters:

Maggie's Chamber: Upstairs 120 capacity all seated, with raised stage, full PA system and lighting, and small backstage. Ideal for cabaret shows and the room can be set with small tables or theatre style. Projector and Screen available.

Maggie's Front Room : A smaller room adjacent to Maggies chamber, with a 70 seat capacity theatre style, small stage on the flat and full PA system.

The Live Room: 110 capacity, fully specced PA & Lighting. High Stage. Offstage area and green room. Some noise bleed.

The Wee Room: A small and intimate 20 capacity room ideal for comedy shows and intimate solo theatre or music

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts


West Port Oracle

West Port Oracle (Fringe Venue 75)

27 West Port (Off End of Grassmarket). Phone: 0131 283 1960

Click here for map

 Bar WiFi All ages until 6pm, then 18+ only

Downstairs room beneath the venues bar, the Flight club is unique room with airline seating for shows. Edinburgh's only underground aeroplane!

Performance Genres possible at West Port Oracle:

Comedy Theatre Events and Tours Music Musicals and Opera Nightclubs Cabaret Spoken Word 

Performance Spaces available in West Port Oracle:

Flight Club: 35 capacity room, small raised stage. Most of room has aeroplane seating

Click here for full details, tech specs and room layouts



Free Festival Venues

In 2024, we look forward to welcoming you back to these venues in Edinburgh...


View Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival Venues in a larger map.