Edinburgh Fringe

We book in advance any shows we particularly want to see but this year we went on spec and were handed lots of flyers in the street. We bought tickets for the shows that appealed and we weren't disappointed.
We travel in by train but it would be nicer to stay in the city. Early accommodation booking is advisable and a map of the venues as already mentioned.
Wear comfy shoes! ?And enjoy.

Our town has a yearly Street fair jane and we used to hibernate when we lived near the centre of town. Nothing like as big an event but I really empathise!

Good point Jane10.
We have always gone with an old friend who was at Edinburgh University in the previous century and he rents a student flat in one of the halls or residence a short distance from the Royal Mile. Cheap and cheerful but very convenient.

I live in Edinburgh. We hide during the festival!! Bah humbug.
Motherwell is a bit of a distance away. Check timings for last train/bus. Lots of shows are late night and you wouldn't want to be stranded. Maybe check Edinburgh budget accommodation?

We've been several times Anya.
The main problem is that there are literally tens of thousands of events to choose from!
This is the official website www.edfringe.com
But it's probably easier to send for the paper brochure.
There are numerous venues so you have to be on top of the logistics to make sure you can get from one venue to another.
Massive choice of types of events too, most of the artists you will never have have heard of, but we saw Ruby Wax, David Sedaris and Lucy Porter at various times.
Wide range of music - we enjoyed chamber concerts in the lovely ROSL on Princes St www.rosl.org.uk/clubhouses/edinburgh/
and a group called Blueswater who I believe are on again this year.
One year I went on a guided tour of hidden gardens of Edinburgh.
Anyway you will have a great time just soaking up the atmosphere.

tickets.edfringe.com/box-office

This might help. You are right, there are venues all over the city (and some just outside) from church halls, bars, marquees and street theatre. The city really comes alive.
I hope you enjoy it!

Should have said - there are lots of different venues spread all over the city so make sure you get a map when you get there!

Nearer the time there is the opportunity to book for events you fancy but the street theatre and things you happen upon are good too. There is also a book festival and The Edinburgh Tattoo which coincide as well as the Festival proper. Google It and see what comes up.

Be prepared for hoards of people, busy restaurants and tons of fun! And we always bump into someone we know. We've been a few times but it is one of the things on our bucket list too.