Best Book Festivals Around The World: A Celebration of Literature and Culture

Are you a book lover who also loves to travel? Combine your passions and attend one of the many fantastic book festivals around the world. From the largest literary event in Europe to festivals celebrating indigenous literature, there is something for everyone. Join us as we explore the best book festivals around the world.

Why Attend a Book Festival?

📖 Books have the power to transport us to different worlds and broaden our perspectives. Attending a book festival allows us to celebrate the magic of literature with fellow book-lovers from all over the world. Book festivals offer a unique opportunity to meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and experience different cultures.

1. Edinburgh International Book Festival (Scotland)

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland’s capital hosts the world’s largest literary event each August. The festival attracts over 800 authors, poets, and illustrators for a packed program of events, debates, and readings. With both free and ticketed events, there’s something for everyone at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

What to Expect

☕Meet authors and attend readings

☕Attend workshops and panel discussions

☕Enjoy live music and poetry performances

When to Go

📅 August

2. Hay Festival (Wales)

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The Hay Festival is a 10-day literary extravaganza held in a small town in Wales. The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors each year and features writers, musicians, scientists, and artists from all over the world. The Hay Festival is known for its lively atmosphere and focus on international literature.

What to Expect

☕ Attend talks and debates

☕ Enjoy music and poetry performances

☕Visit the Hay Festival Bookshop

When to Go

📅 May/June

3. Jaipur Literature Festival (India)

🇮🇳 The Jaipur Literature Festival is the world’s largest free literary festival and attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. The festival features over 250 authors from India and around the world, and is known for its focus on South Asian literature and culture.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and debates

☕Experience Indian culture through music and dance performances

☕Visit the Festival Bazaar for artisanal crafts and food

When to Go

📅 January

4. Sydney Writers’ Festival (Australia)

🇦🇺 The Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of Australia’s leading literary events, featuring over 400 Australian and international writers. The festival takes place in the beautiful harborside city of Sydney, with events held in various locations across the city.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and panel discussions

☕Enjoy live music and performances

☕ Participate in workshops and masterclasses

When to Go

📅 May

5. Berlin International Literature Festival (Germany)

🇩🇪 The Berlin International Literature Festival is a 10-day event that brings together writers from around the world to celebrate literature and cultural exchange. The festival features readings, discussions, and workshops, and is known for its focus on contemporary literature.

What to Expect

☕Attend readings and discussions

☕Experience German culture through music and performances

☕Visit the festival bookstore and exhibition

When to Go

📅 September

6. Miami Book Fair (USA)

🇺🇸 The Miami Book Fair is a week-long event that celebrates literature and culture in one of America’s most vibrant cities. The festival features over 500 authors and exhibitors, and attracts over 250,000 visitors each year.

What to Expect

☕ Attend author talks and readings

☕Enjoy live music and performances

☕Visit the street fair and food court

When to Go

📅 November

7. Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (Indonesia)

🇮🇩 The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is a 5-day celebration of literature, arts, and culture. The festival attracts over 200 writers and artists from around the world, and features a range of events, from book launches to poetry slams.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and workshops

☕Experience Balinese culture through music and dance performances

☕Visit the festival bookstore and art exhibition

When to Go

📅 October

8. Auckland Writers Festival (New Zealand)

🇳🇿 The Auckland Writers Festival is New Zealand’s largest literary event, featuring over 200 writers from around the world. The festival takes place in the beautiful city of Auckland, with events held in various locations across the city.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and panel discussions

☕Participate in workshops and masterclasses

☕Enjoy live music and performances

When to Go

📅 May

9. Melbourne Writers Festival (Australia)

🇦🇺 The Melbourne Writers Festival is a 10-day event that celebrates writing and ideas. The festival features over 400 writers and artists from around the world, and is known for its focus on contemporary literature and social issues.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and panel discussions

☕Participate in workshops and masterclasses

☕Enjoy live music and performances

When to Go

📅 August

10. Brooklyn Book Festival (USA)

🇺🇸 The Brooklyn Book Festival is a free, public event that celebrates the written word in one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The festival features over 300 writers and exhibitors, and attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.

What to Expect

☕Attend author talks and readings

☕Enjoy live music and performances

☕Visit the street fair and food court

When to Go

📅 September

11. International Festival of Authors (Canada)

🇨🇦 The International Festival of Authors is a 10-day celebration of literature held in Toronto each year. The festival features over 100 writers from around the world, and is known for its focus on contemporary fiction and poetry.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and panel discussions

☕Participate in workshops and masterclasses

☕Enjoy live music and performances

When to Go

📅 October

12. Byron Writers Festival (Australia)

🇦🇺 The Byron Writers Festival is a 3-day celebration of writing and ideas held in the coastal town of Byron Bay. The festival features over 150 writers and artists, and is known for its focus on Australian literature and culture.

What to Expect

☕Attend talks and panel discussions

☕Participate in workshops and masterclasses

☕Enjoy live music and performances

When to Go

📅 August

13. Indigenous Literacy Foundation Great Book Swap (Australia)

🇦🇺 The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to improve literacy levels in remote Indigenous communities in Australia. The Great Book Swap is an annual event that encourages schools, libraries, and workplaces to swap books and raise funds for the foundation.

What to Expect

☕Host a book swap event at your school, library, or workplace

☕Raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

☕Promote reading and literacy in your community

When to Go

📅 Anytime