Take the whole family for a fantastic day out this weekend, as supermarket chain Lidl transforms Deaconess Gardens into The Lidl Garden at the Fringe. From Thu 15–Sun 18 Aug, the brightest stars in comedy, music and performance from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will be bringing laughter and colour to the gardens – and best of all, it's all completely free.

During the day, the wee ones can get their hands dirty with a variety of drop-in arts and crafts activities, and unleash their imagination with face painting and storytelling with skilled raconteurs Macastory. Or they can pedal their way to a sweet treat on the Smoothie Bike, and blend their own smoothie on kinetic power alone. A riot of children's entertainment from the Fringe will also be on offer to keep the kids happy, from family-friendly gags with comedian Olaf Falafel; Mr Fibbers' silly ditties; high-octane improv with The Noise Next Door and the Comedy Sportz team; and The Amazing Bubble Man's gentle bubble artistry.

There's plenty for the big ones to enjoy as well, with folk-noir singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni (Sat 17 Aug) performing a special acoustic rendition of her catalogue, and Edinburgh's own fiddlin' quintet Fiddlers on the Ramp (Sun 18 Aug) getting the hearts racing and the feet stomping with a typically fiery set. A hilarious roster of comedians will also be taking to the stage for free performances of adults-only stand-up, featuring the likes of Phill Jupitus, Zoe Lyons, Jay Lafferty, Fred MacAulay, Ray Bradshaw and Jojo Sutherland.

Those of legal drinking age will be able to soak in all the festivities with a tipple or two, with servings of Lidl craft beer and gin and tonics on offer. All performances are free and will operate on a first come, first serve basis, so why waste another moment? Gather up the kids, or hie your own way down to The Lidl Garden at the Fringe this weekend.

The Lidl Garden at the Fringe, Deaconess Gardens, Thu 15–Sun 18 Aug.

Thursday 15 August

Friday 16 August

Saturday 17 August

Sunday 18 August