Assembly George Square Gardens becomes the beating heart of the Fringe each August, with a real festival atmosphere. Come enjoy spectacular circus, hilarious comedy, stunning cabaret, raucous music or an enchanting children's show in one of our beautiful Spiegeltents. The Gardens are the perfect spot for coffee in the mornings, afternoon cocktails or refuelling on delicious gourmet street food and enjoying drinks in the evenings.

Looking for candyfloss? This ain't it. If you're after a thrilling, boozy freak show, you've come to the right place! Recharged and reloaded. 2.0 Baby! Exotic acts that connect alternative circus with the dark arts of underground burlesque and cabaret. A carnival cavalcade of saucy showgirls, sexy sideshow stunts, neurotic novelty and vaudeville variety at its very best! New show nightly. Midnight. A vibrant, colourful experience showcasing some of the weirdest and most wonderful talent in Edinburgh this year. 'If this doesn't have you howling, I don't know what will' **** (LondonFestivalFringe.com). Sell-out runs.

Sexy Circus Sideshow 2.0

Elton John's greatest hits are reimagined by multi award-winning Jess Robinson (Dead Ringers, The Last Leg), renowned for her pitch-perfect impressions. Celebrating Elton through the voices of iconic women: Britney, Barbra, Amy, and more. ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). ***** (Edinburgh Evening News). **** (Chortle.co.uk). 'It's like a mega concert with all your favourite stars' (ITV). 'Naturally funny, pitch perfect' (Telegraph). 'Slick impressions, super powered ballads' (Guardian). 'A star is born' (Metro).


Jess Robinson: Your Song

This nautical musical adventure starring a crew of West End wonderboys was the talk of Fringe 2024. Join us as we turn show tunes, rock classics and pop bangers into superb sea shanties and weave them into a joyous story. You will not want to miss the rib-tickling brilliance of the songs that we Shantify – the harmonies these boys produce will knock your socks off! Last year's show sold out and audiences raved about the show, so don't miss out on the hottest, funnest, shanty-est show at the Fringe!

Shantify

Mr Bubbles is back, and he's making a splash for another incredible season of The Bubble Show®! Get ready to be dazzled by an enchanting display of bubbles in all shapes and sizes! This original, Guinness World Record-holding production has been seen by tens of thousands worldwide. Lovingly crafted for families, it is a spellbinding wonderland where magic, storytelling and science converge in a breath-taking display of artistry. Whether you're a wide-eyed child or child at heart, let your imagination soar into the spectacular world of bubbles! Oh – and every child gets a free bubble wand!

The Bubble Show®

'This is the show to see!' **** (Entertainment-Now.com). This multi award-winning, sell-out sensation of the past five years is back this summer – with more whimsical wonders than ever before! Having garnered international acclaim with sell-out seasons worldwide, they will be once again hitting the stage with brand-new illusions direct from a Las Vegas stage! Winner – Best Children's Show, 2019 Sydney Fringe. Winner – Best Children's Show, 2020 Fringe World Weeklies. Winner – Best Children's Show, 2022 Melbourne Magic Festival. Winner – Best Children's Show, 2023 Adelaide Fringe Weeklies. Free magic wand on entry!

The Greatest Magic Show

'A must-see spectacle!' (GlamAdelaide.com.au). Roll up! Roll up! Prepare to enter a world of whimsy, wonder and amazement where your imagination will soar like never before, in this completely re-imagined family circus spectacular – perfect for the entire family! Winner – Best Children's Event, Adelaide Fringe Weeklies 2021, 2023, 2024. Nominee – Best Kids Show, Sydney Fringe 2024. **** (Advertiser, Adelaide). ***** (TheClothesline.com.au). ***** (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). ***** (JennasJamboree.com). ***** (The West.com.au). ***** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). 'Don't miss out!' ***** (GigGossip.com).

Circus The Show

Dangerous Goods is an unapologetic and hot-as-hell cabaret of provocative performances, jaw-dropping physical feats and powerful acts of rebellion. Featuring a world-class line-up of circus, aerials, drag, burlesque and power vocals (including artists from the award-winning smash-hit Hot Brown Honey), performance renegades Polytoxic bring you an unforgettable evening of high-octane entertainment that is fully loaded and flammable AF. This is cabaret for the brave new world, ready to blow minds and shift paradigms. 'A tour de force of feminist cabaret (StageWhispers.com.au). 'Raunchy and hilarious... phenomenal!' (WeekendNotes.com).

Dangerous Goods

Argh! A monster! A hideous, evil monster! With nasty claws, bristles and horns. It's disgusting and gross and... very, very lonely. So what?! Serves him right. It's his own fault! But wait, the monster isn't so bad after all: it's big and strong, tough and clever. It has nothing to hide and doesn't give a damn about rules and manners. It's exciting, different, funny and not a bit boring. Do you dare to shake the monster's hand?

Monsterrrr! with Trygve Wakenshaw

Laser Kiwi is back with a brand-new show! Armed with world-class circus skills and their signature brand of surreal sketch comedy, they'll attempt the impossible: articulating that thing we're all thinking. Winners of Best Circus, Adelaide Fringe 2023, Laser Kiwi will make you laugh, gasp and maybe even agree on something for once. Developed in partnership with Auckland Live and Hannah Playhouse in Aotearoa NZ.

Laser Kiwi – Everybody Knows

Winner of Sweden's Got Talent – Charlie Caper returns with a magic spectacle full of robots. The most high-tech, sci-fi show you will ever see. Be fooled by a large amount of both cutting edge research robots and custom-built droids. Mind-boggling illusions. Technology indistinguishable from magic. Do not miss this world premiere! 'A master of illusion... A clear genius' ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide).  'There are some rare gems on the Edinburgh Fringe and the multi-talented, Swedish magician Charlie Caper shines out among them' ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk).

Charlie Caper – The Future

The best place in town to catch rising comedy stars and your Fringe favourites. A different show every night, featuring new faces and festival stalwarts! The perfect start (or end) to your festival evening. Acts will be announced on assemblyfestival.com and @AssemblyFest.

Best of the Fest: The New Class

Since 2005 we've showcased our favourite stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars, at gigs that are 'really funny' ***** (Fest), 'fabulous' ***** (ThreeWeeks), and 'just right' **** (Telegraph). With different line-ups every day, you and your kids can see some of the best acts of the festival, many of them veterans of our excellently silly Radio Nonsense podcast. Join the fun at our twentieth Fringe! 'All in all, this show was great' (Scotsman). 'Has both the adults and kids in stitches' (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). 'Absolutely hilarious – 10 out of 10!' (MumsGuideTo.co.uk).

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Monopoly is a terrible game. It ruins friendships and destroys families. Join comedian Benjamin Alborough as he attempts to improve Monopoly in this chaotic, interactive game show where audience members compete against each other and the host, with the audience physically becoming the game board. The show combines role-playing, physical challenges and psychological intimidation to make something that, if not the best board game in the world, is at least short. ***** (EdFringeReview.com). ***** (ThreeWeeks). ***** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk) ****½ (One4Review.co.uk). **** (Chortle.co.uk). **** (TheRecs.co.uk). **** (BingeFringe.com).

Absolute Monopoly

Three years since her legendary show Is It A Bird?, the cockiest woman in comedy returns, with a guitar on her back and a bounty on her ballbag. After a BAFTA-winning strip-off live on Channel 4, bigots around the globe went ballistic. Luckily... so are her tits. Jordan Gray's rootin-est, tootin-est, shootin-est hour of musical comedy yet. Edinburgh Fringe Best Show nominee, 2022. NextUp Biggest Award in Comedy winner. As seen in her 2025 Channel 4 special.

Jordan Gray: Is That a C*ck in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Here to Kill Me?

Frisky (Frisky & Mannish) is back. The Matriarch of Twisted Pop Cabaret is bringing a full band and a full heart to her debut solo adventure. A spontaneous and interactive genre-spanning live music extravaganza – no two shows will be the same. Maybe you will never be the same. 'Lethally ridiculous' (Guardian). 'A diva to the marrow' (Telegraph). 'A simply stupendous voice' (Evening Standard).

Frisky's Reshuffle

A brand new mind-bending theatrical experience. Prepare to have your reality rewritten... Following sold-out shows around the world, Ben Hart returns with a brand new show – his most astonishing and impossible yet. An entirely unique voice in magic, Ben Hart brings together enthralling storytelling, sharp wit and indisputable charm, to create magic shows that are unforgettable, funny and profoundly baffling. This time, it's not just magic – it's real. Is it magic? Or has Ben Hart uncovered something far more remarkable? One thing is certain – you'll never see the world the same way again.

The Remarkable Ben Hart

Cirque du Soleil meets Magic Mike. Athletic, sexy and hilarious. Elixir Revived follows four scientists who attempt to create the elixir of life. Working for an authoritarian pharmaceutical corporation, they are forced to test the concoctions on themselves. The mayhem that ensues is the perfect blend of physical comedy and athletic prowess. Elixir will take you on a journey into the realm of impossibility, featuring some of the rarest and most dangerous circus apparatus in the world. These four performers have mastered skills that will make you question the limits of the human body.

Elixir Revived CANCELLED

Join Monski Mouse, and her super talented friends, for a live musical singalong cabaret of nursery classics, song, puppetry and bonkers fun for 0-5s and their parents/carers. All the big topics covered: elephants, fish, wiggly worms, transport and the existential ways of the toddler. 'Moments of utter beauty' ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). 'Monski shines bright, inviting us into a world of wonder' ***** (One4Review.co.uk). 'Delightful' **** (FamiliesOnline.co.uk). 'At the #Fringe with a toddler? Recommend Monski Mouse Baby Cabaret' (@AlMurray, Twitter). 

Monski Mouse's Baby Cabaret

Why toddle when you can dance? Join this must-do, award-winning, epic session of bopping, bonkers, beautiful fun. Expect high-energy smiling to retro beats and thumping nursery rhymes. Best of Kids Weekly Award Winner, Adelaide Fringe 2024. Best of Kids Award Nominee, Sydney Fringe 2022. Sold Out Season Edinburgh Fringe 2022, 2023, 2024.  'Best. Time. Ever.' ***** (FamiliesOnline.co.uk). 'Deserves all the praise' ***** (One4Review.co.uk). 'This is what the experts meant when they said spend quality time together' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). 'Tune after tune perfectly chosen for the youngsters' ***** (Edinburgh Evening News).

Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall

***** (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide). **** (List). Award winning, 5-star total sell-out Fringe sensation, you'd better book your tickets in advance! High calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have thrilled audiences all over the globe. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible aerials, lightning-fast acrobatics, loads of laughs and mischievous fun, leaving adults and children with their jaws on the floor hooting for more. Winner: Primary Times Children's Choice Award, Edinburgh Fringe. Winner: Best Children's Event, Adelaide Fringe and Fringe World. Three-time Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show.

Children Are Stinky

For one night only, the Taskmaster NZ star and Lorde's favourite Kiwi musician ('That was really nice of her' – Paul) plays the hits at this year's Fringe. With the launch of his sophomore album Summers in Salzburg and sold-out shows in New York, LA, London, New Zealand and last year's Fringe, Paul plays a special late-night gig, featuring the best of Surf Music and Summers in Salzburg. 'He's polymath, a modern-day Renaissance Man... an excellent, earnest piece of pop music that feels individual and unique' (The Spinoff.co.nz).

Paul Williams Plays the Hits

The iconic villain of Back to the Future takes centre stage in this comedic reimagination of Marty’s time-traveling escapades, turning the celebrated cinematic trilogy on its head from the perspective of Biff, the bully audiences love to hate. This new, heartfelt and unauthorised parody explores the highs and lows of a life chasing power, fame and fortune, reliving Biff’s encounters with Marty and Doc across the centuries. For superfans and newcomers alike! Created by Joseph Maudsley (as seen in the Reduced Shakespeare Company, FRIEND and Potted Potter). Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson.

Biff to the Future

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to hit the floor in this raucous evening of social dance from Fringe First, Herald Angel and Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb. Try everything from ceilidh to candy, disco to DnB – there's even a beginner's guide to moshing! All accompanied by a genre-hopping live band, sprinkled with Little Bulb's signature theatre magic. A joyous night out that celebrates the past, present and future of social dance. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes moving, always joyful, all are welcome. 'Recklessly talented... insanely brave' (Guardian).

Little Bulb: Listen Dance

Renowned Iraqi queen, Glamrou, and renowned Iraqi queen, Glamrou's mother, fight for the spotlight with their competing narratives of what really happened. Come get lost in this drag hall of mirrors, where one queen's truth is another queen's fiction. Featuring live music, live comedy and live delusion, the Muslim drag sensation is here to activate your Freudian wounds. With a stiletto.

Glamrou: Drag Mother

A family-friendly physical comedy about two dads navigating life after their kids have left the nest. Through partner acrobatics, classic rock and lots of audience interaction, Dick and Dale take the audience on a camping adventure complete with a beloved minivan, dance numbers, a cheese stick fight, movie references and a spooky ghost story. Bring your finger guns and your best dad moves, and brace yourselves for the Well-Balanced Dads!

Well-Balanced Dads

Join us every Friday and Saturday night at our beautiful Spiegeltent in the heart of George Square Gardens for a series of special events and ultimate late-night parties hosted by some of your Fringe faves. Whether it's Edinburgh-based DJs Disco Tits playing back-to-back bangers, the Palais' resident songstress Frisky keeping the party going into the wee hours, Jess Robinson paying tribute to music legends, or Betty Grumble boogieing on down, we've got something every weekend to get you on your feet. Head to www.assemblyfestival.com to see full line-ups.

Assembly George Square Gardens

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