Explore Events

Hundreds of events for adults, teenagers and children feature authors, illustrators, musicians, poets, policians, thinkers, prize-winners and rising stars every August.

Showing events on Sun 21 Aug.

Use one or more of the search filters below to find events.

    Browse this year's themes
     

    Passion Projects

    Sunday 21 August 10:00 - 10:15

    Passion Projects Book
    • Attend in person
    Each day, a Festival author shares an unexpected inspiration or passion. Join them to crack open the curiosity cabinet, revealing the stories behind their books or side projects.
     

    Jarvis: Friendship, Flowers and Fun

    Age 3-6

    Sunday 21 August 10:00 - 11:00

    Jarvis: Friendship, Flowers and Fun Book
    • Attend in person
    Join award-winning author and illustrator Jarvis to explore his new book, The Boy with Flowers in His Hair. It’s a beautiful, warm and powerful story of a poignant friendship that children will never forget. In this hands-on session, enjoy fun poems,...
     

    Are You Sitting Comfortably?

    All Ages

    Sunday 21 August 10:00 - 10:30

    Are You Sitting Comfortably? Book
    Why not try? Janis Mackay: Sing Along with The Fairy Song Janis Mackay: Sing Along with The Fairy Song Age 3-6 Wed 17 Aug 11:30 - 12:30
     

    Itchy Coo’s Big Birthday Hoolie!

    Families & 6+

    Sunday 21 August 10:00 - 11:00

    Itchy Coo’s Big Birthday Hoolie! Book
    • Attend in person
    • Watch online
    The Scots language imprint Itchy Coo was launched at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2002. 20 years and many much-loved titles later, it’s time to party! Join co-founding authors Matthew Fitt and James Robertson and special guests in this...
     

    Ali Millar: Waiting for Armageddon

    Sunday 21 August 10:15 - 11:15

    Ali Millar: Waiting for Armageddon Book
    • Attend in person
    In a town on the Scottish borders, a child waits fearfully for the second coming. As she grows, she begins to question the way her religion infiltrates every corner of her life. Ali Millar introduces her debut memoir The Last Days about growing up as a...
     

    The Missing Piece with Jordan Stephens & Beth Suzanna

    Families & 5+

    Sunday 21 August 10:30 - 11:30

    The Missing Piece with Jordan Stephens & Beth Suzanna Book
    • Attend in person
    • Watch online
    Join writer and performer Jordan Stephens and illustrator Beth Suzanna for a heart-warming and exciting picture book event, celebrating the power of family bonds, the joy of making new friends and the importance of finding what makes you feel whole....
     

    Meet the Gruffalo

    All Ages

    Sunday 21 August 11:00 - 11:30

    Meet the Gruffalo Book
    • Attend in person
    Meet Julia Donaldson’s most famous creation, Festival favourite the Gruffalo! Join in with songs, dancing and games, and don’t miss the chance to give the Gruffalo a cuddle or a high five.
     

    Patrice Lawrence: Warrior Queens and the Windrush

    Age 4-7

    Sunday 21 August 11:30 - 12:30

    Patrice Lawrence: Warrior Queens and the Windrush Book
    • Attend in person
    Awarding-winning author Patrice Lawrence returns to the Festival with two heart-warming picture books: Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush and Our Story Starts in Africa. Meet Ava and Paloma in an interactive storytelling session on family histories...
     

    Robert Crawford & Matthew Hollis: Poem of the Century

    Sunday 21 August 12:15 - 13:15

    Robert Crawford & Matthew Hollis: Poem of the Century Book
    • Attend in person
    It has been a century since The Waste Land, T S Eliot’s revolutionary poetic vision of modern civilisation, was published. To coincide with this anniversary, biographer and poet Robert Crawford has completed the second volume of his definitive...
     

    How to Make a Book with Becky Davies & Georgina Hanratty

    Age 6-9

    Sunday 21 August 12:30 - 13:30

    How to Make a Book with Becky Davies & Georgina Hanratty Book
    Why not try? On the Trail of a Tale: Macastory's Meadows Mysteries Walking Tour On the Trail of a Tale: Macastory's Meadows Mysteries Walking Tour Families & 6+ Sat 20 Aug 10:00 - 11:00