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_2024-08-13_image by Mihaela Bodlovic (113)
EIBF_August 14, 2024 photo credit by Kat Gollock-195_HIGHRES PERMISSION
EIBF_2024-08-13_image by Mihaela Bodlovic (247)
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Aly Wight - Sat 10-08-24 - Sarah Perry

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Look, Listen & read

Steve Crawshaw & Philippe Sands: Prosecuting the Powerful

Steve Crawshaw & Philippe Sands: Prosecuting the Powerful

Is justice possible when war crimes have been committed? Should retribution, reconciliation, or something else be the goal? Two leading authors discuss this tense subject from their own experience…

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…

Shokoofeh Azar: After the Iranian Revolution (2020 Event)
Shokoofeh Azar: After the Iranian Revolution (2020 Event)

When Shokoofeh Azar received the news that she was the first ever Iranian writer to be shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, she was transported back to when she was 15…

Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam & Jetsam by Alan Bissett

With the cool surf nosing at her feet and the sky yawning blue, she felt dreamy and liquid, her imagination uncurling from the trap Glasgow had made for it…