Scottish International Storytelling Festival: 21 – 31 October 2026
Eleven days of myth, folklore and song, as the world’s largest storytelling celebration returns to the Royal Mile with the theme Bird and Beast.
When: Wed 21 – Sat 31 Oct 2026
Where: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43–45 High Street, EH1 1SR
Theme: Bird and Beast
Edition: 37th festival
What is it?
Launched in 1989 and organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS), the festival is inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition: a community gathering of tales, anecdotes, music and song as the autumn nights draw in.
The hub is the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile, the world’s first purpose-built centre for storytelling, and events spread out across Scotland, from Shetland to Dumfries, with plenty of partner venues in and around Edinburgh.
2026: Bird and Beast
This year’s programme follows the trail of footprints and feathers, exploring the old and new ties between people, birds and animals, and the stories we tell about the natural world we share.
It’s also an anniversary year: the Storytelling Centre turns 20, alongside the National Theatre of Scotland, and the programme marks both.
What’s on
Performances from traditional tellers, with new voices including storytellers from East Lothian.
Workshops and talks for anyone who fancies telling a tale themselves.
Family events across the October school holidays, from 10 October.
Folkloria!, this year’s exhibition at the Centre, with prints and illustrations by Morvern Graham drawn from folklore, wild places and landscape.
Festival Pass
Discounted tickets (one per event) to many events at the Centre; workshops aren’t included
10% off in the Centre bookshop and the Haggis Box Café during the festival
An invitation to the Festival Opening Reception on Wed 21 October
Visitor tips
Book early for popular evening performances; the Centre is small and intimate.
The Centre sits on the Royal Mile, so combine a show with a wander through the Old Town.
Wrap up warm: late October in Edinburgh is cold and often wet.
Check the official programme for exact times, prices and venues before you go.
Details are drawn from the festival’s published 2026 information and may change. For the full programme and tickets, visit sisf.org.uk.