Edinburgh International Book Festival

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

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

Listed Under Attractions - Festivals / Activities - Reading and Discussion

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.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh International Book Festival

Books

Edinburgh International Book Festival

15th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh Old Town

The 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival returns from Saturday 15th to Sunday 30th August with the Theme 'Repair'.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

George Watson's College 69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh South EH10 5EG

The Edinburgh International Harp Festival returns for its 42nd year in April, showcasing an eclectic array of harp talent from across the globe.

Festivals

Edinburgh Deaf Featival

49 Albany Street, Edinburgh New town EH1 3QY

Edinburgh Deaf Festival is an accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. Join us for a variety of performances and events throughout the week.

Festivals

Edinburgh Tradfest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 1st to 11th May 2026.

Festivals

Edinburgh Iranian Festival

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The Edinburgh Iranian Festival is a non-political showcase for world-class Iranian culture.

Festivals

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.

Festivals

Rare Books Edinburgh

Rare Books Edinburgh is a festival dedicated to rare, collectable and important books and the history of the book.

Festivals

Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival returns in 2024 with a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Dragon.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops!

Festivals

Burns&Beyond

Burns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!

Festivals

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.

Festivals