Edinburgh International Children's Festival 2026
Imaginate PresentsAbout
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is back for 2026 from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 7 June, with an exciting line up of performances for children aged 0 to15yrs and their families.
You can expect a jam-packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre, full of joy and surprises to savour as a family. Many of the shows in the nine-day international programme are visually striking, brimming with humour and designed to appeal to children and their adults. From joyful circus extravaganza to intimate immersive experiences, from a play tackling bullying to a stage filled by a giant disco box, the programme has got something for everyone.
The Festival opens with a Family Day of free pop-up performances and arts activities at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 30 May.
At the Traverse
(Links will divert from Traverse Website)
Boys Don't Dance: Mon 1 - Wed 3 Jun
A poignant dance theatre show by acclaimed disabled artist Marc Brew, reflecting on his journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance. (8 - 13 year olds)
In Time: Mon 1 - Thu 4 Jun
A playful, gentle, and highly visual show that through humour and absurdist touches, shares the joys and frustrations of parenting a new life. (3 - 7 year olds)
It Would Be Such A Shame If You Missed Out: Thu 4 - Sat 6 Jun
The creators of the 2019 Festival sell-out show Invisible Man returns with an absurdist play full of humour where the most unexpected events take place on stage. (10 - 16 year olds)
Everything/Nothing: Fri 5 - Sun 7 Jun
A magical ballet of hanging objects, flying and tumbling down. Using chains, needles and wool, volcanic stones, sand and magnets, Alexis Rouvre creates a poetic work of wonder which defies the laws of physics. (7 - 11 year olds)
If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.
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