About this Event
Founded in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has grown from a small series of meet-the-author events into the world’s largest public celebration of books and ideas. The 2027 edition will return to Edinburgh in August as part of the city’s famous summer festival season, bringing hundreds of writers, thinkers, poets, and storytellers from Scotland and around the world for talks, debates, workshops, and family events.
Date & Time
Taking place in August 2027 (Dates TBD). Exact dates and daily timings will be confirmed by the organisers closer to the festival.
Explore Local Experiences
Venue & Location
The festival is based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF, United Kingdom, with events also held in nearby venues across the city centre. The site sits in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Waverley station.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
Full programme
The Edinburgh International Book Festival 2027 programme has not yet been announced.
For official information, please visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival official website (https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/).
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When is Edinburgh International Book Festival 2027?
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2027 is scheduled for August 2027, with exact dates still to be confirmed. The festival traditionally takes place in August as part of Edinburgh’s summer festivals, and the confirmed dates will be announced on the official festival website.
Where is the Edinburgh International Book Festival held?
The festival is based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place in central Edinburgh, with additional events in nearby venues. It is in the Old Town, close to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Waverley station, making it easy to reach on foot, by bus, or by train.
Do I need tickets for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, or are events free?
Most headline talks and workshops are ticketed, while access to the festival site itself has traditionally been free, along with a selection of free events. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for popular authors, as many sessions sell out quickly once the programme is released.
What kind of events can I expect at the Edinburgh International Book Festival?
Expect a huge mix: fiction and poetry readings, non-fiction talks, children’s and family events, panel debates, workshops, exhibitions, and late-night performances. Whether you love literary fiction, crime, history, politics, or children’s books, there is usually something for every kind of reader.
Is Edinburgh International Book Festival 2027 good for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
Yes, it is one of the best times to visit. You can combine book festival events with Edinburgh’s other August festivals, historic sights, museums, and walks. Staying near the Old Town or city centre makes it easy to move between the festival, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the city’s restaurants and bookshops.
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