A volunteer run community gala and free festival
Established in 1974 the Meadows Festival has been run on the first weekend of June almost every year since.
Over the past 50 years the festival has changed and the event now boasts one of the UK’s largest community festivals with the biggest outdoor market in Edinburgh and something for all ages. This year we will be celebrating our 51th year, so join us at this special event.
The festival is run by Meadows Festival Edinburgh with a small but dedicated team of volunteers. If you’re looking to gain festival management experience and join our team please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re excited to bring you the Meadows Festival 2026 and can’t wait to see you there!
GETTING HERE: We encourage the use of public transport, car sharing, walking and/or cycling to the festival. Lothian Regional Transport buses serving the area include
3/5/7/8/29/30/31/33/37/49 (Newington Rd),
2/23/27/35/47 (Bristo Pl),
9/24 (Melville Dr),
12 (Buccleuch St), as well as many more.
PARKING: is very limited and there is a charge on the roads around the Meadows – if you do park, please park considerately and safely.
CYCLING: There are bike parking loops at the bottom of Area 4 – although we can’t accept responsibility for cycles.
NEED HELP? Need directions, assistance, first aid, or you’ve lost someone, please speak to our fantastic volunteer stewards or visit the Info Tent(Area 3 , Melville Drive).
FIRST AID: Melville Drive (Area 3) & Behind the Totally Sound Futures Stage (Area 4).
CASHPOINTS: Sainsburys on Middle Meadow Walk, the Co-Op in Marchmont, or the post office at Tollcross.
BBQ’s: are not permitted, and you may be asked to extinguish them.
Please dispose of your rubbish responsibly in the many bins provided. Recycle everything you can to help us have the most sustainable festival yet! Read more about our Green Initiative Plan and sustainability pledges on our website.
And most importantly have fun!