Edinburgh's Fringe Festival is a great way to explore the best up-and-coming acts around.

However, the Fringe is expensive and with so many shows to see, you may run out of cash before the month's end.

Luckily, there are a few ways to enjoy the whole festival for free or on a tight budget.

Top tips for enjoying the Fringe Festival on a tight budget

Here are some top tips for enjoying the Fringe in Edinburgh on any budget:

See the free shows on offer at the Fringe 

While many events require payment upfront for attendance, there is a whole programme of free events.

To find free shows taking place at the Fringe, visit the official Fringe website where you can filter the searches to show only free events by selecting 'Special Pricing' and 'Free'.

You could also try the Free Fringe, which is an alternative event that only asks that attendees pay what they can if they liked the show.

There is also The Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival which was started back in 2004. It operates on a similar premise with the audience being asked to donate.

Become a 'Friend' for 2for1 special pricing

If you sign up as a Friend of the Fringe, you'll get access to 2for1 offers on selected shows, allowing you to split your costs.

Becoming a friend costs as little as £32 per year with members also getting priority booking and merchandise discounts.

Find out about the Become a Friend scheme on the Fringe website.

See the street performers

Aside from the theatre events, there are also hundreds of street events taking place across the city with buskers, living statues and more available to see for free.

However, it is highly encouraged that you pay the performers to show your appreciation if you can afford it.

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Everything you need to know about the Fringe Festival as it returns for 2024

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The Half-Price Hut

The Fringe Festival operates a Half Price Hut which offers half-price tickets for shows starting that same day or the next morning.

The Half Price Hut starts on the first Wednesday of the Festival and can be found at the Fringe Box Office, Old Assembly Close on High Street, EH1 1QS.