The city has rich links to the words and works of some of the most celebrated writers. Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Muriel Spark, Irvine Welsh, Alexander McCall Smith, and Ian Rankin are just a handful of the many authors with connections to Edinburgh, so it is only appropriate that Edinburgh plays host to the largest book festival in the world.
What is the Edinburgh International Book Festival?
In August, hundreds of events for adults and children are held over three weeks, as international writers, poets and musicians arrive to engage audiences in readings, writing workshops, education events, panel discussions, talks and performances.
The 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 15 to 30 August at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, featuring nearly 600 events from authors across 41 countries. Under the theme "Changing Your Mind," the programme focuses on deep listening, navigating polarised opinions, and evolving cultural and political landscapes.
The history of the Edinburgh International Book Festival
First held in the leafy surroundings of Charlotte Square, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is still something of a newbie compared to others, starting in 1983 and only becoming an annual event in 1997.
The festival initially held 30 meet-the-author events in its tented village. Past festivals have featured Margaret Atwood, Yann Martel, George Monbiot, Harold Pinter, Sebastian Faulks, Alan Bennett, Germaine Greer, Susan Sontag, Zadie Smith and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
Find out more about Edinburgh’s Festivals
Find out more about the Edinburgh International Book Festival (edbookfest.co.uk)