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

EIBF - Phographer- Aly Wight - Sun 11-08-24 - File-07200
RMD_8476 by Rob MacDougall
EIBF_2024-08-13_image by Mihaela Bodlovic (247)
Patrick Kane by Rob MacDougall RMD_8231
EIBF_2024-08-13_image by Mihaela Bodlovic (113)
EIBF - Phographer- Aly Wight - Sat 10-08-24 - File-6300

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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…

Lola Olufemi & Minna Salami: Critical Reflections on Feminism (2020 Event)
Lola Olufemi & Minna Salami: Critical Reflections on Feminism (2020 Event)

Since 2010, the award-winning blog MsAfropolitan has connected feminism with critical reflections on contemporary culture from an Africa-centred perspective. Its founder is…

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…

As Vital To Our Soul
As Vital To Our Soul by Kapka Kassabova

Tyranny begins in childhood. It may be that the task of growing up is to recognise and break away from that which tyrannises us, so we can thrive in the freedom that is ‘as vital to our soul as breathing to our body’ in Stefan Zweig’s words…