From comedy shows to drama, immersive theatre and live music, there’s an overwhelming number of events in the capital during the month of August.
It comes as no surprise that many are food and drink based, and a lot centre around our national drink. Some offer aficionados a chance to test their knowledge while others are ideal for beginners and many involve great live music, but which ones are worth your time and hard-earned money?
Here we take a look at our pick of the best whisky themed shows at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Dates: 7–9 August
Venue: Mansfield Traquair
This is a must-visit for whisky lovers. Held in the stunning Mansfield Traquair, the weekend event is host to over 50 exhibitors from across the industry including classic drams from well known brands as well as new releases and independent bottlings.
New for this year is the Old & Rare Room, giving festival-goers the chance to explore closed distilleries and exceptional old bottlings by exchanging tokens for drams.
Dates: August 13-29
Times: 20.15-21.15
Venue: Big at theSpaceTriplex
This sellout show is back for the 2026 Fringe. Combining live music with whisky tasting, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice.
Hosted by Felipe Schrieberg and Paul Archibald, aka The Rhythm and Booze Project, who will play some toe tapping music as well as serving three Scotch whiskies. The informative and fun 65 minute show will talk the audience through how to sound clever about whisky, as well as appreciating three top-quality drams on offer, along with the excellent tunes.
Dates: August 9, 12, 15, 26 and 27
Times: Vary depending on dates
Venue: Cellar Tasting Room at Cask and Vine
Get away from the crowds as you venture beneath Edinburgh’s busy streets to explore the city’s connection to Scotch whisky. This guided tasting looks at whisky’s history from aqua vitae and smuggling to the rise of merchant houses and global trade. Festival-goers will also discover the revival of Victorian-era Skene Dhu brand, first patented in 1905 and now reborn with distinctive bottlings.
The team says: “Taste a curated selection of Scotch whiskies from across Scotland's regions whilst hearing the stories, legends and characters that shaped Scotland’s national spirit.”
Dates: August 4-6, 10-12, 17-20 and 24-26
Times: 18.00-19.30
Venue: Production Space at Holyrood Distillery
The team at Holyrood distillery are inviting festival-goers to an evening of dark tales of Edinburgh’s past, told alongside some of their spirits in an immersive tour. The evening begins with a rum cocktail while you hear about tales of surgeons, murders and witches.
In the Spirits Lab you’ll find out about the sinister history of gin before making a Perfect Specimen cocktail. In the whisky distillery you'll discover the tragic story of medieval alewives accused of witchcraft. The journey ends in the candlelit Cask Room for a Bothy Session and spooky whisky tasting.
Dates: August 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29
Times: 19:00 - 21:15
Venue: The Cave at The Mother Superior
This award-nominated, immersive, theatrical whisky tasting is back for 2026. Inspired by research of witch hunts, folklore and whisky across five countries, this show places whisky and women firmly at the centre, unfolding the drink through music, tales of witches, and spirits.
You’ll get five whiskies to taste, along with dramatic tasting notes and stories from award-winning whisky expert Jane Ross. These are accompanied by new music from Celtic and Nordic folk music from singer, composer and whisky expert Christine Kammerer. You’ll learn about women’s role in the history of alcohol and why some were framed as witches.
Dates: August 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30
Times: 19:30 - 20:30
Venue: Muse at Braw Venues @ Hill Street
This show includes cabaret as well as chat about the history of whisky making and brewing and is described as a ‘relaxing way to spend an evening.’ Attendees will be provided with three ‘very generously’ poured whiskies from a secret distiller.
Dates: 6-11; 13-16; 20-23; and 27-29 August
Times: 19:45 - 20:45
Venue: Just Up The Stairs at Just The Tonic at The Caves
This hour long hour combines whisky tasting with comedy, and has been a global sell-out since 2010. Performed by Alan Anderson, this is a five-star show about whisky and comedy.
Expect whiskies, history, methodology and lore along with a lot of laughs. 'Inventive, fun, light-hearted way to learn about whisky' (Scotsman). '
