Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026
Spanning from August 14 to August 30, 2026, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is the world’s largest public celebration of books and ideas. Hosted primarily at the Edinburgh Futures Institute and surrounding venues in Scotland’s capital, the festival welcomes over 650 authors and nearly 700 events, drawing audiences from across the globe.
Since its foundation in 1983, the festival has grown into a powerful cultural forum where thought-provoking discussions, vibrant performances, and engaging workshops converge. It celebrates a wide spectrum of literary genres, from fiction and poetry to political discourse, science, and the arts, fostering dialogue on pressing global themes such as repair, justice, and innovation.
A hallmark of the festival is its comprehensive children’s and family program, which offers free and ticketed events designed to inspire young readers. From storytelling magic to workshops on history, art, and astronomy, it supports literacy and creativity from an early age.
In 2026, the festival expands its professional outreach with the Global Ink program, a three-day event for literary professionals that includes networking, masterclasses, discussions on publishing trends, and collaboration opportunities with international stakeholders.
Visitors experience a welcoming atmosphere with multiple indoor and outdoor venues, including a dedicated Spiegeltent and libraries across Scotland hosting watch parties linked to the festival’s streamed events. The partnership with Waterstones bookshops enhances the cultural experience, offering festival-exclusive books and fostering community book sales.
Accessible and inclusive, the festival offers sign language interpretation, captioned streams, and wheelchair-accessible venues, ensuring participation is open to all.
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026 is a unifying celebration of storytelling’s power to ignite imaginations, build connections, and challenge societal norms and is an indispensable event for literary enthusiasts worldwide.
Source: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk
Category: Literature Events
Tag: Global Literature
