Everything You Need to Know About the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Imagine it: There’s electricity in the air, and the slight chill of the August evening as you sit outside in Edinburgh. There are countless drummers standing shoulder-to-shoulder and tapping as one. Perfect rows of wind instrument performers moving in formation like a well-oiled machine. Dance troops moving so perfectly together that it looks like they’re effortlessly flowing together like water.

This is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Read on to learn about this special event, including travel tips, what you can expect during performances, and why on Earth it’s called a tattoo.

What is a Military Tattoo?

We’re not talking about body art.

In military terms, a tattoo began simply as a bugle or drum call signaling soldiers to their barracks for the evening.

The phrase comes from a Dutch term “doe en den tap toe,” which means “turn off the taps.” It was originally trumpeters signaling tavern owners that it was time to stop serving beer to local soldiers.

But military performers have upped the ante from this 17th-century bugle call.

This music has since evolved into elaborate, theatrical shows with extended performances including costumed dancers, drill teams, and other performers, military and civilian alike, alongside the musicians.

There are military tattoo performances across the world, from the United States to Japan and the Netherlands, to name a few. But the 75-year-old Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland is perhaps the most well-known tattoo in the world. And at this tattoo, precision is the highlight.

Experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings men and women from around the world to showcase their impressive talents and military pomp and pageantry. From drum corps and piping bands to dancers and drill teams, the performances are a sight to behold.

Each year brings a new theme and different entertainers offering jaw-dropping performances. The event's roughly 800 company members come from every corner of the world: over 40 countries have appeared in the show over the years.

What is it like to get there, and how should you be prepared for the spectacle?

Getting Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

There are plenty of opportunities to catch the military tattoo.

Each August, for about three weeks, the stage is set at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland’s capital. The performance typically occurs each weekday and twice on Saturday during the run of the show.

That being said, it can still be a challenge to get tickets. Over 8,000 people attend each day, and over 200,000 people attend this event annually. In 2024, 230,000 people caught this spectacle in person and over 100 million streamed the event online, according to the company Festivals Edinburgh.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo tickets sell out months and months in advance, and there are no guarantees that you’ll score quality seats if you book on your own. Getting specific seating can require getting tickets a year or more ahead of time.

Booking a Collette tour that features the tattoo means you can get to the event worry-free.

How to Dress for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Setting the stage, so to speak, will help set you up for success to dress appropriately for this show. In line with the origin of the tattoo being a signal of the end of the day, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place in the evenings. The daily performance begins at 9:30 p.m., and the two Saturday shows start at 6:15 and 9:30 p.m.

Remember that the annual dates for the show land in August, and that The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is outdoors. And the show must go on! The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place rain or shine, and in 75 years, there has never been a performance cancelation due to rain.

The best way to dress for an August evening outside in Edinburgh? Warm layers, comfortable shoes, and some rain gear just in case. The tattoo does not allow for umbrellas, so have a rain jacket or poncho on standby.

It’s also important to note that only small backpacks and bags are allowed.

Traveler Experience at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Exploring the British Isles is an adventure made even richer by attending this event that gives back. See what Collette travelers think of this experience and learn how the tattoo and its visitors give back to the community.

Collette Experience at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Travelers Javier and Lydia M. have been on five Collette tours, including one that featured the military tattoo in Edinburgh. Javier is a former band director and Lydia has an interest in British literature, making this a real travel highlight.

“One of my favorite experiences on tour was when we went to Scotland,” Javier said. “And my main reason for going on this tour was to experience a military tattoo. … I knew about it, I’d seen it on film, but I wanted to go experience it.”

He said that the in-person event did not disappoint.

“To see all these marching units from around the world come together as one with all the bagpipes and the drums and marching bands in a setting such as the Edinburgh Castle … it was just tremendous,” Javier said. “I’ll never forget that.”

Supporting Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Charity

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo prides itself on being a charitable, not-for-profit organization. They donated £750,000 (about $970,000 USD) to military and creative charities in 2024.

From groups that support different branches to the British military – like the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and the Army Benevolent Fund – and creative organizations like the Edinburgh International Festival and Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, many organizations benefit from the tattoo.

Travelers who attend this special event can feel good that they’re supporting causes that make a difference while getting closer to culture and experiencing global artistry.

Book Your Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Trip with Collette

Getting to one of the world’s most showstopping events shouldn’t be stressful. You should just be able to enjoy the show.

That’s why travelers book Collette tours to experience limited special events – to let experts take care of all the details.

When you’re ready to book your tour, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.