CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh International Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

About Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh South EH3 9EF
Edinburgh International Book Festival Website
Facebook information can be found here

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a registered charity, a non-profit making organisation. It is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public events.

Discussion, performance and interactive events have become prominent features of the Festival, complementing the more traditional interview-style conversations and readings, and contributing to the Book Festival’s reputation as a powerful forum for the public to exchange views with writers and experts on a wide range of issues: social, ethical and political as well as literary and cultural. At the heart of the Book Festival’s activity is an integrated approach to creative learning and education, with the aim of expanding participation in democratic discussion, fostering a love of reading and developing engaged, knowledgeable audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Book Festival

More Festivals in Edinburgh

Curious: A free festival of knowledge

The Royal Society Of Edinburgh 22 - 26 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2PQ

Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s annual festival of knowledge – a free, open-to-all celebration of ideas, discovery, and conversation.

READ MORE

Red, Red Rose Street

NA NA, NA NA

Red Red Rose Street returns for 2018 with a festival of Burns’ music and words running from 25th - 27th January.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Film Festival

88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 13th to 19th August 2026 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.

READ MORE

Festival of Politics

, Edinburgh Old Town EH99 1SP

The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in August, with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International University Film Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

The Edinburgh International University Film Festival (EIUFF), launching in 2025, is driven by a mission to champion and support the creative talents of university students across the UK.

READ MORE

First Stages Festival

Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED

The Traverse kicks off its 2022 programme with a wide range of interactive workshops and Q&As, in-person readings and creative prompts for first time writers to seasoned theatremakers.

READ MORE

Edinburghs Christmas

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 2nd to 12th May 2025.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Improv Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Edinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 20th to 23rd March 2025.

READ MORE

Leith Festival

, Leith

Leith Festival is an array of colour, sound, culture and pageantry that takes place over nine days in June.

READ MORE

NT Art Month

, Edinburgh New Town

NT Art Month is a month-long celebration of the incredible arts quarter in Edinburgh's New Town.

READ MORE
All Festivals listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Cancer Research UK
The Cookbook Shop
The Chocolatarium
King Pins
The Cogency
Cancer Research UK
Wonder & Co
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Cancer Research UK
The Cookbook Shop
The Chocolatarium
King Pins
The Cogency
Cancer Research UK
Wonder & Co
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Curator Talk : The Biba Story: 1964–1975
Join Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum and co-curator of the The Biba Story: 1964–1975, Dennis Northdruft, for an exclusive opening day talk at Dovecot Studios!
Burns Night at The George IV Bar
Join the team at the George IV Bar on Sunday 25th January for a night of Whisky, Haggis and Burns belters... guid cheer, guid meat, guid company - and guid poetry!
Burns Night Ceilidh
Get ready to dance the night away at this Burns Night Ceilidh in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK, where traditional Scottish food and lively reels will keep you moving all evening!
MND Scotland Firewalk
Join MND Scotland for this incredible firewalking challenge where you will be helping to raise vital funds to support everyone in Scotland affected by motor neuron disease!
Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall