From prize-winners to emerging writers, the Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with an exciting programme celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. Featuring around 600 writers from 41 countries, presenting 600 events spanning fiction, politics, science, history, music, and live performance, Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from 15 to 30 August 2026. With the theme of Changing Your Mind, this year’s programme invites audiences to stay open and curious, and to encourage new and alternative thinking. Amongst those taking part include Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, technology writer Cory Doctorow, best-selling author Michael Pollan, and award-winning poet Claudia Rankine, alongside leading writers from across the world. From the world of fiction, renowned fiction writers appearing include Maggie O’Farrell, Ann Patchett, Ali Smith, Jenni Fagan, Colm Toíbín, Matt Haig, Louise Welsh, Nao-Cola Yamazaki, Candice Carty-Williams,Ben Lerner, and 2026 International Booker Prize winner Yáng Shuāng-zi. Events take place at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, McEwan Hall and, new for 2026, Greyfriars Kirk. As well as the Young Adults programme, which features performance, spoken word and interactive events tailored for audiences under 30 years old, the children’s programme includes chances to meet your favourite characters, incredible authors and illustrators, storytelling sessions, and creative activities to keep children absorbed and entertained.

Description supplied by the event organiser.