Two weeks of author events in August, inside the Edinburgh Futures Institute and in the middle of the busiest festival city in the world.
The 2027 edition has no official dates yet. It is usually held over two weeks in August; this page will be updated as soon as they are announced.
Last edition: 15–30 Aug 2026 · Nearly 600 events with authors from 41 countries
Updated: September 2026
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the literary half of Edinburgh’s August: hundreds of events with writers from dozens of countries, running alongside the Fringe and the International Festival.
Since moving to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the festival sits in the centre of town rather than in Charlotte Square, with more indoor space and a year-round programme attached.
Log what you buy, your progress and the quotes you underline. Free, no account needed to start.
Start for freeAccommodation across the city doubles in price and sells out months ahead.
Most run an hour: you can do three in an afternoon and still queue for a signing.
Authors sign right after their event — that is where the queue goes.
The 2027 dates have not been announced yet. It is usually held over two weeks in August. The last edition ran 15–30 Aug 2026.
At Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh.
No, it is ticketed: check prices and sales on the official website.
Some events are free and most are ticketed. Check the official website when the programme is published.