SNACK Picks: Your Guide to Music, Dance, Cabaret, and Family Events

MUSIC

MARIBOU STATE

Maribou State bring their stunning, immersive live show to Fringe by the Sea, blending soulful electronica, deep grooves, soaring vocals, and expansive beats.

Since emerging in 2011, Maribou State have become one of the most exciting names on the global dance scene. From their breakthrough album Portraits to the acclaimed Kingdoms in Colour, and their recent album Hallucinating Love,

Their music balances evocative samples with emotional depth, creating tracks that feel equally at home on the dancefloor, on a festival field, or even at Fringe by the Sea.

Fringe By The Sea – Big Top, 8th August

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ALEX JAMES’ BRITPOP CLASSICAL

Britpop classics brought to life by Blur’s Alex James, full orchestra, and special guest appearances.

Alex James’ Britpop Classical brings the unforgettable anthems of the 90s to life, fusing the raw energy of the era’s biggest hits, with the breathtaking power of a full orchestra.

Led by Blur’s Alex James with cameos from some very special guests, this unique concert reimagines the songs that defined a generation, delivering an electrifying blend of melodies and stunning classical arrangements.

Fringe By The Sea – Big Top, 1st August

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BELLE AND SEBASTIAN PERFORM IF YOU’RE FEELING SINISTER

Belle and Sebastian will celebrate 30 years of the twee classic If You’re Feeling Sinister by performing the iconic album in full at Fringe by the Sea, followed by a second set of classic tunes.

First released in 1996, the record has long-since attained mythic status — with plenty of mentions in ‘greatest of all time’ lists, with songs that have spent decades populating mixtapes and playlists. We will fight anyone who says Tigermilk is the better album. Support comes from Fright Years who craft emotive, cinematic indie rock that feels both intimate and immense.

Fringe by The Sea, 6th August

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THIS IS THE KIT

Kate Stables returns to Fringe Festival with her beloved indie-folk project This Is The Kit, rooted in folk, with elements of psychedelia, alternative rock, and electronica, with traces of Robert Wyatt and Cat Power.

La Belle Angele, 25th August

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HORSEGIRL

The American rock trio Horsegirl, not to be confused with the play in the programme with similar name, Horse Girls, returns to Scotland for one night only as part of the Edinburgh Fringe music line-up. Known for blending catchy pop with playful experimentation, the band of best friends will rock your socks off if you want to fit in a gig to add some variety to your festival plans.

La Belle Angele, 23rd August

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DANCE

BOYS DON’T DANCE

Get ready to feel freed by this poignant dance-theatre show by acclaimed disabled artist Marc Brew, reflecting on his lifelong journey defying societal expectations to embrace his love for dance, combining movement with BMX and wheels, storytelling, lighting, and an utterly danceable 80s soundtrack. It’s all about celebrating individuality, encouraging audiences to embrace their unique passions, and find strength in their differences.

DB1 at Assembly at Dance Base, 7th till 23rd August

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TETHER

Part ceilidh and part play, they still promise a guid night out! Glasgow’s Wonder Fools with South Korea’s Theatre San use music and memory to span folk songs, love letters, and stories of war and there shall be dancing — Scottish Country and Korean Circle — so come prepared.

Summerhall, 6th to 31st August (not 11th, 18th, or 25th)

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BALLET NIGHTS

For the first time, Ballet Nights brings its world-class dance sensation to the Edinburgh Fringe: seven performances of ballet, contemporary dance, and live music in one intimate, hosted evening. Featuring Olivier-nominated Sarah Chun (Northern Ballet Principal) and Joseph Taylor (London City Ballet) star alongside Scotland’s own Amy McEntee. A uniquely curated night for dance lovers and first-timers alike.

Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, 24th till 30th August

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FLAMENC OH!!

World-class flamenco with a wild twist, this brand-new dance comedy sees physical theatre collide with the passion and power of flamenco. Expect live music from traditional to rock, pop, hip-hop, and house. An irreverent tribute to the passionate dance style.

Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, 6th till 30th August

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CABARET

THE UPSIDE DOWN CABARET

A jewel in the crown of Cheshire’s cabaret scene, the Upside Down is finally making its way to Fringe! Led by Channel 4’s narrowboat drag king Mr Brake Down — local divas, naughty newbies, and established icons meet on a joyful variety stage, celebrating LGBTQIA+ talent of all types. An adults-only show, with queer love at its heart, that brings a uniquely welcoming and uplifting flavour to the queer scene this fringe.

The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe at The Street, 9th till 30th August (not 13th, 15th, 22nd, 25th, 27th, or 29th)

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SLAY THE VAMPS DOWN: A BUFFY BURLESQUE PARODY

The Drag/Buffy cross-over we’ve always wanted is real. Brought to Edinburgh by Clumsy Cabaret from Cardiff, who are all about platforming neurodivergent and under-represented performers. We are looking forward to this variety-style, all singing, all dancing show dedicated to and inspired by campy 90s classic, Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

The Speakeasy at The Royal Scots Club, 15th August

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STITCH IN TIME: A KNITTING CABARET

Excitement! Drama! Romance! And… knitting? An award-winning hour of lost wartime knitting songs. Bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes.

During the World Wars, millions of women knitted for the soldiers, and almost instantly dozens of knitting-themed songs began to appear but are now being lost to history. This cabaret concert is a love letter to knitting music. We’re told knitting is having another comeback so why not the music to go along with it?

Theatre 3 at theSpace at Surgeons’ Hall, 7th till 29th August (not 16th or 23rd)

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SKANK SINATRA: HOW TO SUCCEED IN SHOW BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

‘Edinburgh, Edinburgh’ will be the city that never sleeps this Fringe! [That doesn’t even scan – ed] The one and only Skank Sinatra returns with a wickedly funny brand-new hour of powerhouse vocals and high-camp showbiz wisdom. How to Succeed in Show Business Without Really Trying is a glitter-soaked masterclass in big notes, big hair, and even bigger delusions. Three Best Cabaret wins at Adelaide Fringe. One overall Best Cabaret Award at Newcastle Fringe. Zero signs of humility.

Underground at Assembly George Square, 6th till 30th August (not 12th, 18th, or 24th)

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FAMILY

OWL AT HOME

Step inside Owl’s cosy little home in the woods and keep him company. Cardiff-based children’s theatre company Theatr Iolo brings their one-man / one owl show, Owl at Home, to the Teviot Dining Room. Based on the 1975 children’s book of the same name by Arnold Lobel, author and illustrator of Frog and Toad, this show with music for children aged five+ gives its audience a captivating hour in the company of Owl; alone but not lonely in the place he calls home.

Gilded Balloon Teviot – Dining Room, 15th till 30th August (not 17th or 24th)

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TONGUE TWISTER

An Edinburgh International Children’s Festival commissioned extravaganza, part of the Made in Scotland Showcase. With show-stopping visuals, this is one man’s attempt to articulate tongue twisters in as many different languages as possible. All whilst also trying to dance. And make music. And do all the costume changes without leaving the stage. Tongue Twister pushes the mouth to the limit.

Pleasance at EICC, 8th till 22nd August (not 9th or 16th)

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THE LISTIES: 110% READY

The poop-ular Listies return with 110% Ready: a comedy disaster of epic proportions all about a monster that is…the morning routine. Rich is determined to do the impossible: leave the house on time! Matt, however, has other ideas. Expect a poop-load of puns, slapstick, a splash of improvisational idiocy, and the Snot Ness Monster! Proper laughs for kids (four+) and the big kids (adults) who live through this every day.

Studio One at Assembly George Square Studios, 5th till 16th August

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HUGO’S RAINBOW SHOW

A perfect introduction for kids into the glorious world of drag — a drag show for kids all about the science of rainbows! New Zealand superstar Hugo Grrrl will take you on a musical, magical adventure exploring the skies above. Making the mysteries of meteorology fun, with glitter, dress-ups, and the power of friendship. Best for two to ten year olds, neurodiverse friends, and anyone who is up for a goofy and glamorous time.

Dexter at Underbelly, Bristo Square, 5th till 16th August

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CIRCUS THE SHOW

Roll up. Roll up. The circus is in town. Not ideal for those of us who have a phobia of clowns. The greatest show will feature an endearing clown (yeh right), alongside world-class illusions, tumbling acrobats, highly skilled jugglers, breath-taking and elegant aerialists. Join ringmaster Magnus Danger Magnus and clown Nathan Green whose stunts include climbing completely inside a gigantic six-foot balloon (and, if we’re lucky, he’ll stay in there). Just joking around, of course…

Palais Du Variete — Assembly George Square Gardens, 5th till 31st August (not 24th)