A More Sustainable Fringe Season
However you feel about the Edinburgh Fringe, it’s part of life in the city every August. For a few weeks, Edinburgh becomes a place where people come together to share stories, explore new ideas and imagine different futures.
That makes it a great time to discover the people, projects and conversations helping build a greener, fairer and more resilient Edinburgh too.
Whether you’re heading to a show after work or making a day of it with friends, here are a few ways to enjoy the Fringe while supporting the city beyond the festival itself.
Discover climate through creativity
Climate change isn’t just a topic for reports and documentaries. Across this year’s Fringe, artists are using comedy, theatre, music, dance and spoken word to explore our changing world, celebrate community action and imagine what comes next.
Friends of the Earth Scotland has put together an excellent guide to climate-themed events across the Fringe, Book Festival, Film Festival and Art Festival. A few highlights include:
Love Letters to the Public Transport System – A heartfelt theatre performance celebrating the people who keep our cities moving, reminding us that public transport isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about the connections, relationships and everyday moments that shape our lives.
Acid’s Reign – A bold and joyful drag musical exploring climate activism, queer community and the challenge of staying true to your values in a changing world. Expect big performances, sharp wit and plenty of heart.
Stuart Goldsmith: Canary – An honest, funny and hopeful hour of stand-up from one of the UK’s most thoughtful comedians, exploring climate anxiety, collective action and how we make sense of the world we’re living in.
The Land Beneath Our Feet – A powerful new play celebrating community spirit through the story of a much-loved community garden, while exploring the impact of climate change on the places and people we call home.
Where We Choose to Stand – An immersive dance theatre performance inspired by climate activism, inviting audiences to reflect on where they stand in times of crisis through movement, storytelling and participation.
Much Ado About Climate – A lively interactive improv show where the audience helps shape the story, proving that conversations about climate can be creative, surprising and genuinely fun.
Supporting the city beyond the Fringe
The Fringe brings huge opportunities to the city, but it’s also a busy and demanding month for many local businesses and communities. If you’re heading into town, think about where your money goes.
Meeting a friend for coffee? Picking somewhere for dinner before a show? Buying a gift? Choosing independent cafés, restaurants, social enterprises and local makers helps support the people and places that make Edinburgh special long after the festival has finished.
Join the conversation
Interested in the future of festivals themselves?
On 22 August, Fringe Central is hosting a free Climate Café, bringing together artists, producers, local businesses, climate practitioners and anyone interested in making festivals more sustainable.
Friday 22 August | 10:30am-12:00pm
Fringe Central, 6 Infirmary Street
There’s no need to book – just come along for conversation, tea, coffee and snacks.
Keep it simple
A more sustainable Fringe doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple choices can make a difference:
Walk, cycle or use public transport where you can
Bring a reusable water bottle or coffee cup
Take photos of flyers instead of collecting lots you’ll recycle later
Support independent cafés, shops and community venues
See a climate-themed show alongside your usual Fringe favourites
Climate change is a collective challenge that needs collective solutions, but small actions still matter. Together, they help create demand for the kinds of festivals, businesses and communities we want to see.
Find out more
If you’d like to explore further, these resources are a great place to start:
For everyone
Friends of the Earth Scotland's guide to climate-themed shows – Discover comedy, theatre, dance, music, film and book events exploring climate, nature, transport, community and justice.
Home Energy Scotland: How to have a sustainable festival season – Simple, practical ideas for reducing your impact while enjoying Edinburgh’s festivals.
For artists and producers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society: Make your show eco-friendly – Practical guidance on reducing the environmental impact of Fringe productions, from travel and catering to waste and communications.
Fringe Sustainability Toolkit for Performing Companies (PDF) – A comprehensive guide packed with practical ideas, checklists and case studies to help performing companies improve their environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Sustainable Fringe – Resources, events and a growing network of artists and organisations working towards a more sustainable Fringe.
If you’re interested in what’s happening behind the scenes, you can also read our recent article on the Sustainable Services Directory, exploring how artists, venues and local businesses are building the connections behind a more sustainable Fringe.