Edinburgh International Book Festival: 15–30 August 2026
INSPIRATION
By Mark Cameron
August 2026
Each summer, Edinburgh transforms into a gathering ground for readers and storytellers from across the globe. The 2026 edition of the festival takes place between 15 and 30 August, staged at its current venue, the Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place. Close to 600 authors representing 41 nations will appear across an equally packed schedule of roughly 600 sessions, touching on everything from novels and current affairs to scientific discovery, historical debate and performance. This year’s guiding theme, “Changing Your Mind,” runs through much of the programming. A standout draw is the Front List strand of headline conversations hosted at McEwan Hall, while younger visitors are catered for with dedicated storytelling, hands-on activities and chances to meet favourite authors and illustrators. Whether you’re after a Nobel laureate’s take on the world or simply want to stock up on your next few reads, the Book Festival makes for one of August’s most rewarding city outings.
Home | Edinburgh International Book Festival
Box Office: boxoffice@edbookfest.co.uk or +44 (0)345 373 5888