Samhuinn Fire Festival
Audiences gather on the hill to watch a dramatic narrative where the Cailleach oversees the seasonal struggle between the Summer and Winter Courts. The celebration brings together drummers, acrobats, fiery displays, and a cavalcade of costumed characters culminating around a large bonfire. Local food concessions offering snacks and vegan options are also available across the site.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Standard admission: £16.38; Children/U16s: £13.16; Low-Income Ticket: £13.16 (minimum price £10).
Hours
Gates open at 6.30PM; last entry 9pm; approximately 7.45pm, Neid Fire and the bonfire lighting; rituals scheduled to finish by 22:30.
Ages
All ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Neighborhood
Calton Hill
Food & Drink
A small range of local-business concessions offers food, including vegan options; visitors may also bring food and drink, but glass containers and excessive alcohol are not allowed.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible portaloos are located in the welfare area, and advance-registered taxi drop-offs at the top of the hill are available.
Pets
Dogs are not permitted, except guide dogs.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Wear sensible walking boots and bring a torch, as the hilltop terrain is sloped, uneven, and dark.
- Bags must be no larger than an A3 sheet of paper, as there is no cloakroom or luggage storage on-site.
- You may bring your own food and drink, but glass containers and excessive alcohol are prohibited.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 festival takes place on Halloween night.
- Reduced-price tickets are available for under-16s and low-income attendees; the low-income ticket is not a student discount.
- In 2026, the festival returns to Calton Hill, with the Samhuinn Bonfire lit at the start of the rituals.
Links & Contact
Run by Beltane Fire Society
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children allowed at the festival?
Yes, but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and collect a contact wristband, with parental discretion advised due to semi-nudity and uninhibited behavior.
Can I bring a chair?
Attendees may bring camping chairs, though full picnic dining sets are not allowed and stewards may restrict chair usage in certain areas or times.
What should I do if I prefer not to interact with performers?
Visit the orange wristbanding gazebo past the ticket entrance to receive instructions on how to indicate to performers that you do not wish to be approached.
Is photography allowed during the event?
Photography is permitted, but flash photography, holding devices directly in performers' faces, and drones are strictly prohibited.
Are dogs permitted on the site?
No, dogs are not permitted at the festival with the exception of guide dogs.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.