Explore the Festival programme

The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from 15-30 August 2026. The programme will be available in June 2026. Sign up for our ebulletins or follow us on social media to hear announcements and updates.

In the meantime, you can enjoy watching nearly 150 events from the 2025 Festival on our website. 

2024 Book Festival Highlights

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EIBF - Phographer- Aly Wight - Sun 11-08-24 - File-7800
EIBF - Phographer- Aly Wight - Sat 10-08-24 - File-6300
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EIBF - Phographer- Aly Wight - Sat 10-08-24 - File-6932 PERMISSION

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Look, Listen & read

Should Rivers Be Afforded Personhood?

Should Rivers Be Afforded Personhood?

Around the world, a growing movement seeks to protect rivers by declaring them living beings entitled to fundamental rights. This vital, perspective-shifting panel - a cornerstone of our Repair theme - is chaired by Guardian environmental editor, Jonathan Watts…

Maaza Mengiste: When Italy Invaded Ethiopia (2020 Event)
Maaza Mengiste: When Italy Invaded Ethiopia (2020 Event)

In Maaza Mengiste’s latest novel, the shadowy nature of figures from the past is played out in complex and interlocking ways. The Shadow King is powerful, stirring historical…

James Naughtie: The USA, from Reagan to Trump (2020 Event)
James Naughtie: The USA, from Reagan to Trump (2020 Event)

On the Road is Naughtie’s compelling memoir of his American experiences during this period of change. In this event recorded live at the 2020 Book Festival, he discusses his…

Freedom
Freedom by Ade Adepitan

What is freedom? This is the first time I’ve thought about the meaning of the word, maybe because I’ve never had to worry about being free. I grew up in Plaistow in East London. My family didn’t have much money but as long as I didn’t break any laws I…