10 of the best food and drink shows at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe
It’s that time of the year again when hundreds of thousands of people come together for the Edinburgh festivals.
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, which give visitors a chance to experience some of our award-winning spirits and produce. Some offer aficionados a chance to test their knowledge, but which ones are worth your time and hard-earned money?
Here we take a look at our pick of the best food and drink themed shows at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
2 Guys, 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience
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.
The Last Word
Dates: August 21 and 22
Times: 20.00-22.00
Venue: Cellar Tasting Room at Cask and Vine
If you fancy a night of drinks and theatre then this immersive show is for you. Billed as “the only craft cocktail progression paired with a screenplay,” this show invites all audience members to enjoy four craft cocktails each designed to match each act. Volunteers will be asked to read the script and get involved. The team says it’s “a night of laughs, drinks, and appreciating the little things.”
A Wolf, A Weapon and Whisky with Skene Dhu
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.”
Amazing Bangkok Thai Cookery Workshop
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Dates: August 7-11, 18, 20-24, 25, 28, 30 and 31
Times: Vary depending on dates
Venue: Classroom at Krua Thai Cookery School
At this hands-on masterclass and demonstration you’ll learn to cook three Thai dishes at this two hour workshop. Chef Rujira Herd who has worked with the likes of Albert Roux has devised different cooking workshops exclusively for the Edinburgh Fringe. There are different themes to the classes, in which you’ll learn how to cook some popular Thai dishes that Herd makes for her topflight clients, as well as some of the best-kept trade secrets.
Distillery After Hours
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.
Pickle-Based Game Show – Crunchy, Briny and Chaotic
Dates: August 6,7 and 9
Times: 22.00-23.00
Venue: Just The Sub-Atomic Room at Just The Tonic Nucleus
Hosted by comedian Liam Duffy, this show sees two audience members take part in a series of pickle-based games that will test their intelligence, perseverance and senses. The team says: “Prepare to open the jar for a night of undeniable hilarity, with absurd and challenging games. Take a seat in the vinegar splash zone for an experience like no other and allow the laughter and absurdity to ferment!”
The Battered Book Club
Dates: August 19
Times: 23:55 - 0:55
Venue: Monkey Barrel 4 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
This ‘part literary salon, part late-night lock-in’ is hosted by comedians Alexandra Haddow and Jamie Finn featuring special guests. Billed as a book club, but fun and maybe a little tipsy, the audience can expect thoughtful, interesting discussions of literature and books before the night descends into ‘passionate over-analysis, misremembered plot points, dramatic readings of questionable quality, and the kind of confidence that only two pints can provide.’
The Gin Show
Dates: August 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29
Times: 19:30 - 20:30
Venue: Muse at Braw Venues @ Hill Street
This show includes cabaret as well as chat about the history of gin making and brewing and is described as a ‘relaxing way to spend an evening.’ Attendees will be provided with three ‘very generously’ poured gins from a secret distiller.
The Stand at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy: The Great Big Comedy Cook Off
Dates: August 8, 15, 22, 29
Times: 14:00 - 15:15
Venue: Dining Room/Board Room at The Stand at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy
Bruce Devlin hosts what’s being called the ‘sassiest chat show of the Fringe.’ Attendees can expect big laughs and poor life skills as special Fringe guests compete to make something edible, in a deluxe live studio demonstration kitchen, all overseen by a fully qualified chef. The team says its ‘a delicious hour of frothy conversation, delectable double entendres and indulgent anecdotes.’ If it leaves you feeling hungry, don’t worry as you’ll be able to sample tasters made by the qualified chefs and compare it to the creations of the Fringe guests, plus there’s a fully stocked bar in the venue.
Whisky & Witches: An Immersive, Magical, Musical 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.
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