Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival 2026: Everything you need to know - dates, tickets and prices
Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Festival is just months away – a spectacular event that attracts thousands to Calton Hill each year.
The ancient Celtic event celebrates fire, new life and purity, and marks the end of the darker seasons and the arrival of summer on May Day. The age old tradition, that goes back 3,000 years, was first revived for modern times in Edinburgh in 1988 and is now one the largest celebrations of its kind in the world.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Beltane Fire Festival 2026.
When is the Beltane Fire Festival?
The festival takes place on Thursday, April 30 on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill. Gates open at 7:30pm with ticket-holders urged to arrive before 8.30pm.
What happens at the Beltane Fire Festival?
The modern festival is inspired by the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane which began on the evening before May 1 and marked the beginning of summer - Beltane roughly translates as ‘bright fire’.
The event will see hundreds of volunteers from the Beltane Fire Society entertain large crowds with pulsating percussion, dramatic story telling, dazzling fire displays and mesmerising dance routines.
The procession is led by the May Queen and the Green Man, followed by a cavalcade of characters who are intrinsically linked to them and their journey. Their destination is punctuated by various groups who either help or hinder their progress towards the Green Man’s fate and the May Queen’s destiny.
Jenny Bloom, Chair of the Beltane Fire Society, said: "The winter has been long and the world feels darker than ever. But where there's community there is hope - so join us on the Hill as we relight the Beltane fires, drum in the Summer, and reclaim the fierce joy of living."
Tickets are now on sale and can be bought from Citizen Ticket. Adult tickets cost £15 if booked in advance and £20 on the night if they are available. Under 18s tickets are £8 in advance and £9.99 on the night. Tickets for people on low wages are also available for £9.99.
What should I bring?
Organisers warn the ground on Calton Hill is uneven and when it is raining the grass and rocks can become slippery. They encourage visitors to wear sensible shoes like walking boots and to bring a torch or flashlight. As there is no seating, attendees are welcome to bring camping chairs and picnic blankets.
Is there food and drink?
Ticket-holders are welcome to bring their own food and drink to the event, although glass bottles or containers are not permitted.
Security may also refuse entry if you bring an ‘excessive quantity’ of alcohol.
Are children allowed?
Anyone under 16s must be accompanied by an adult with an adult ticket, and must themselves have a valid children’s ticket. This includes babies, toddlers and school-age children.
The organisers welcome families with young children, but has warned the event features loud noises, body painted characters and fire. It also contains ‘semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour. Ear plugs are recommended for small children.
What items are prohibited at the Beltane Fire Festival?
The following items are not allowed at the festival:
- Large Bags/airport luggage please no bigger than an A3 piece of paper
- Glass
- Drums
- Loud instruments
- Fire Props
- BBQs, fire pits or fire wood
- Flammable Liquids
- Dogs (except guide dogs)
- Drones