The 37th Scottish International Storytelling Festival opens today, 21 October. TRACS and the Scottish Storytelling Centre say the eleven-day programme brings more than 200 events to Edinburgh and communities across Scotland.
The Bird and Beast theme focuses on relationships with the natural world. Scottish storytellers and musicians share the programme with more than twenty international guests, including participants from Turkey, Ireland, Italy and North America.
More than evening performances
The programme combines performances, workshops, talks, exhibitions and family events. Its network model is significant: a central Edinburgh venue connects with community locations across the country while oral storytelling meets contemporary themes and participation.
Some family events began before the core festival dates, so visitors should check each listing for the exact date, age guidance, venue and ticket requirement.
Funding and local opportunity
Support comes from the Scottish Government's Expanded Festivals Fund, Creative Scotland's multi-year funding and the City of Edinburgh. Funding is not itself an independent economic-impact study, but it can support longer-term planning.
Accommodation providers, cultural venues, family services and education partners may find collaboration opportunities around the eleven-day network. Check the official festival website for daily listings and tickets.
Archive photograph: Scottish International Storytelling Festival Launch 2011. Photograph: Scottish Government / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons. It does not depict the 2026 edition.
Summary
The festival runs from 21 to 31 October 2026 with more than 200 events in Edinburgh and across Scotland under the theme Bird and Beast.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the festival?
- 21–31 October 2026, although some family events began earlier.
- Where does it take place?
- In Edinburgh and at locations across Scotland.
- What is the theme?
- Bird and Beast, exploring human relationships with birds and animals.
