Aye okay, the Fringe is here – loud, messy, and bewildering as ever – and isn’t it a wonderful thing? But what if you fancy a wee break from the madness? What if you don’t want to hustle through the bustle? Here’s a wee list of alternatives, outside the city, if you want to escape for the day. Most are less than an hour and a half away from Edinburgh on public transport.
JUPITER RISING
Jupiter Artland, Bonnington, near Edinburgh 16th August
‘You got one night only, one night only’ – that’s correct, Jennifer Hudson of Dreamgirls fame, our readers do indeed only have one night to immerse themselves in the weird, the wonderful, the adventurous, and the avant garde. This artistled extravaganza has spoken word, it’s got experimental music, it’s got a plethora of punchy, pleasing performances so you’ll be able to say ‘I was there when….’ Also (yes, there’s more!), you can enjoy the ever-awe-inspiring art and exhibitions on show that make Jupiter Artland the absolute bees. This year’s soiree features writer Sacha Coward, voice artist Roxanne Tataei, a DJ set by the iconic TAAHLIAH, and how can we not mention those glorious queer darlings Ponyboy, who will be curating the late-night show.
GLASGOW INDIE GAMES FESTIVAL
Barras Art & Design, Glasgow 9th August
Right, hear us out, we love Zelda, GTA, and Horizon (more Zero Dawn than Forbidden West, tbh) but there comes a point where it all gets a bit… samey. Indie games have long been where much of the real fun and innovation has been; the big studios having often gotten themselves bogged down in bloat and shine. Plus, with a smaller team working on a game there’s more chance of some personality shining through. Where will you find your next Shovel Knight, Celeste, Stardew Valley, Untitled Goose Game, Stray, A Short Hike, or Vampire Survivors? It’s as likely to be here as anywhere else. You’ll have the chance to try out the latest games from some of the best indie developers the world over (and right here at home, obviously), as well as talks, discussions, poetry, and live entertainment.
http://glasgowindiegamesfest.org/
FRINGE BY THE SEA
North Berwick 1st–10th August
Who doesn’t love a trip to the seaside? Only folk who don’t like fun, that’s who! This is one that the whole family can enjoy. Younger ones can do everything from painting pebbles and making flower crowns, to dancing their wee-people socks off with Monski Mouse and her baby disco.
Those of us who have been around a bit longer (ahem) could go and do some yoga on the beach or take in one of the many (so damn many) performances – you’ve got French downtempo legends Air performing Moon Safari in full, Alan Davies, Ruby Wax, The Bluebells, George Wicks, Billy Nomates, Hamish Hawk, Cloth, Stuart Braithwaite & Stuart Murdoch doing an indie disco. There’s also film screenings and talks including Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands as part of Wavelength.
I don’t have enough space to list everything, so go check out the whole line-up online. It’s less than 40 minutes from Edinburgh on the train with a special midnightish North Berwick back to Edinburgh service every day, except Sunday.
LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL
Largs 30th August–9th September
This festival has been running since 1980, so they’ve been doing something right, and the 2025 run shows no sign of this festival blowing off course. Features include Viking-in-training shield skills for lil warriors, music from the Largs Rock Choir, Sovirez, and plenty more, including a talk from Dr Orla Craig that will uncover Scotland’s Norse connection, and even a festival of fire. Expect to go back in time and learn all about how the Vikings lived and ruled, through reenactments and talks – expect a community vibe with live entertainment, crafts, music, food, and maybe even a few surprises. Count us in. You might have to be heavy into Vikings, admittedly, to make this trip to Largs, if you’re starting off from Edinburgh, but ya know, some people are heavy into Vikings.
http://largsvikingfestival.co.uk/
BIG CITY
Kelvingrove Bandstand & QMU (Glasgow) 16th August
Mogwai are back curating the second yearly installment of Big City. Not gonna lie, we’re slightly gutted it’s not in Queens Park Arena again this year, but the line-up makes up for it. They’ve got Lankum (good guys), Snapped Ankles (chaos), Gruff Rhys, Prolapse (chaos repeat), Rev Magnetic, Tristwch Y Fenywod (avant garde queer Gothic rock using folk, rock, and digital instruments, with lyrics sung entirely in the Welsh language (Cymraeg), and likely some other great stuff they’ve not announced yet.
GOVANHILL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND CARNIVAL
Various venues, Govanhill 1st–10th August
Where do we begin? There’s just so much on here! For nine whole days, you have the opportunity to see the magic that happens when civic life meets the artistic – this festival really is a celebration of community and togetherness, and it ain’t gonna be light on the entertainment! Explore Irish and Scottish Gaelic heritage with discussions, musical performances, and learning opportunities, or take in the Govanhill Book Festival which is hosting former first minister Nicola Sturgeon. Not to be missed is Welcome to the Fringe: Palestine – a showcase of incredible performers, writers, and poets coming to Govanhill from Gaza, New York, and Galilee.
The Govanhill Parade & Carnival (1pm–4pm, 2nd August) kicks it all off with a joyful procession of samba bands, lion dancers, street drums, and handmade banners (plus a unicorn!) winding through the streets from Queen’s Park to Govanhill Park.
SNACK magazine – that’s us – and legendary local record shop Some Great Reward are putting on a day of music and other assorted arts as part of the Govanhill Street Music Festival strand. It’s called A Day at the Courtyard (noon–6pm, 10th August @ Cooperage Courtyard, down the lane at 674 Pollokshaws Road), and it’s got an ever-solovingly curated line-up filled with artists local and international. Line-up on the facing page. It’s also free. It’s gonna be fun. See you there?
Back to the main festival: there will be discussion panels on identity, queer life, and filmmaking, as well as cabaret acts, workshops for all ages, and plenty of food and drink to keep you powered up along the way.
This festival grows every year and should be the blueprint for all of the others that follow. ‘Where anti-racism isn’t a theme, but a practice for the everyday.’ Head to their website to find out more and plan your week.
http://govanhillbaths.com/festival
HIGHLAND GATHERING
Dunoon 28th–30th August
Edinburgh might be the capital but Dunoon in late August will make you feel more Scottish, if that’s your thing. It’ll make you feel more Scottish than a haggis having a threesome with a can of Irn- Bru and a broken umbrella. With around 20,000 visitors each year, this is one to experience – you’ll have the chance to see world-class athletes compete, pipers from across the globe, dancers, ceilidhs – there’s food and drink and more merriment than a tossed caber could hope to reach. Just a bit to the left. And relax.
We’re stretching the theme a little here. This one is not to be done in a day if you’re leaving from Edinburgh. You’ll be wanting to set aside a couple of days at the very least.
PITCH SCOTLAND
Drygate Brewery & McChuills, Glasgow 27th–29th August
PITCH is back with some of the brightest from the world of hip hop and underground culture. Over three days you’ll have the chance to take in industry panels, DJ sets, networking events and open mics, as well as dance and movement programs. Headliners include Pan Amsterdam (USA) who recently got the big thumbs up from Iggy Pop on his BBC 6 Music show, and UK pick JayaHadADream – a new one on us and, on the strength of our last hour’s listening, well worth checking out.
Flying the flag for Scotland will be Intibint (electronic imbibed with inspiration by Yemeni sounds), Sherlock, Wends, AD3, Kai Reesu, the legend that is Conscious Route, and many many more. Speakers at PITCH 2025 include Micah Smith (Crescendo Fest), Phat Phillie (Blackout Hip Hop), and SNACK’s very own Kenny Lavelle! Given the venues this year, you’ll have no difficulty feeding and watering yourselves in between all the action. There’s waaay too much going on to list here, so jump to their website to find out more.
