18 Awe-inspiring literary festivals around the world (2025)

Immerse yourself in the world of words and wanderlust with our ultimate guide to the world’s most captivating literary events. From intimate gatherings in bookish towns to grand celebrations in iconic cities, choose your vibe from our curated list and embark on your next adventure!

Looking for the coolest literary festivals around the world? You’re in the right place!

I’m a huge book lover, and I ADORE literary festivals. They’re an opportunity to meet like-minded bookworms and unique individuals you’d never otherwise meet.

I’ve compiled all my favorite book festivals around the globe so you can go on a literary adventure like me! 

I’ve also included where to stay for each festival to make your trip super easy. Thank me later!

If you’d rather not scroll, choose your preferred region below and click the link to head directly to the heading!

1. Book festivals in Europe

Europe is an ideal spot for literary festivals! It has a deep-rooted literary heritage, cultural diversity, and some extraordinary venues for inspiring events.

Hay Book Festival, Wales

The Hay Book Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, is AWESOME. 

Hailed for its sustainable events and dynamic focus on world issues, it’s a haven for book lovers everywhere. 

Hay-on-Wye is the world’s most gorgeous town, and even outside the book festival, it’s well known for its quaint bookshops and dreamy vibe.

Last year, they had the most incredible music and comedy nights!! 

Promoting fresh ideas, policy change for good, and accessibility for all, I highly recommend going to this festival. You’ll have the BEST weekend!

PRO TIP: I recommend hiring a car while you’re there. It will allow you to explore the area (which is pretty rural) and the gorgeous Brecon Beacons National Park!

NOTE: You don’t necessarily need a ticket to enter the festival. If you want full access to the event you’ll need a ticket, but for basic access just walk in.

Find more info here. 

Dates 2025: 22nd May – 1 June

Nearest airport: Cardiff airport

Where to stay in Hay-on-Wye

Best budget hotel – The Slow House Apartments, Llandefaale

Top mid-range hotel – Drovers Rest, Hay-on-Wye

Top luxury hotel – Rhydspence

Find more hotels in Hay-on-Wye

Frankfurter Buchmesse, Germany

The Frankfurt Book Fair is HUGE. With at least 12 halls full of book readings, signings, and conferences, and lots of opportunities to find books of all languages!

More of a huge forum than a literary festival, this book fair takes political self-image very seriously. With over 215,000 bookworms and educators present annually, it’s an opportunity to open constructive dialogue and debate on pressing issues. 

So it’s not just for book lovers – it’s for environmentalists and political commentators, too!

Find more info on their annual book fair here. 

Dates 2025: October

Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport

Edinburgh Book Festival, Scotland

The master festival of inclusivity, Edinburgh Book Festival offers many events for “pay what you can,” ensuring that every book lover can enjoy the event. 

Although many of the festival’s events are live-streamed online, it’s far better to attend in person! The insightful author interviews are pretty much unparalleled, with the likes of Ian Rankin, Margaret Atwood, and Scarlett Thomas. Exciting!

Edinburgh is no stranger to festivals, and the International Festival and the Fringe are also fantastic to visit while you’re in the city. 

My brother’s love of Edinburgh takes us back to the Edinburgh Book Festival every year. It’s truly a tough one to beat. 

Go get your books signed, people! Find more information and dates here. 

Dates 2025: August 

Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport

Oxford Literary Festival, England

Oxford is pretty well-known as being a landmark of exclusivity, intelligent thinkers, political debate, and philosophical prowess.

So where better to have a literary festival?

One of the most elegant and atmospheric bookish events on this list, some people have hailed it an “intellectual viagra” running a mile a minute – you’ll likely come away from this feeling buzzed and inspired. The mark of a really good literary fair!

I lived in Oxford for a year, so there’s a space in my heart for the Oxford Literary Festival. It’s the event of the year, and attended by some huge names – being able to ask my favorite author a question was indescribable!

Find more info here. 

Dates 2025: 29th March – 6th April 

Nearest airport: London Luton or Heathrow

2. Literary festivals in the USA

From New York’s bustling book scene to Charleston’s cultural finesse, the USA is a prime destination for book lovers everywhere. It’s the vast regional differences that make it so interesting!

Tucson Festival of Books

Held on the campus of the University of Arizona, the Tucson Festival of Books is another intellectually stimulating event that attracts over 100,000 people every year. 

Sneakily held when Spring Breakers have gone to the shores, entry to this event is free!! 

A public celebration of all things imagination and literary, this festival is super popular in the region, and a truly family-friendly event. 

Tucson is also a fantastic place to visit in general, and aside from the book fair, there’s plenty of other things to do. Check it out here!

Dates 2025: 15th & 16th March

Nearest airport: Tucson International Airport

Brooklyn Book Festival

New York City’s largest FREE literary festival is back, baby!

Held in several venues across the city, this event emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, with famed and indie literary voices from a huge range of genres, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Love a good panel discussion? Celeste Ng and Ta-Nehisi Coates are rumored to be discussing diversity in literature and the power of storytelling to drive social change – sure to be a meaningful event. 

The Brooklyn Book fair presents an opportunity to reflect on the world around you. And it’s free, so there’s really no excuse not to go! 

Find more info here. 

Dates 2025: September

Nearest airport: JFK International Airport

Miami Book Fair

Miami isn’t just the favorite spot for sunbathers and Spring Breakers – it’s also Florida’s literary haven with notable Latinx and Hispanic authors, fiction & nonfiction authors, poetry, and a focus on Haitian and Caribbean diasporas whose voices have never been more prominent than today. 

True to Miami’s vibe, the opening night is a full-on block party with a DJ, and over 200,000 people join every year. 

There’s also a children’s section! Known as Children’s Alley, the kids can experience colorful storytelling, theater and musical performances, and learn all about unleashing their own creativity.

Want to get a few books before the festival to get them signed? Waterstones is my favorite place to buy books – support your local Waterstones, friends! Have a look at their selection here.

Check it out here!

Dates 2025: November

Nearest airport: Miami International Airport

3. Literary festivals in Asia & Middle East

Asia & the Middle East are increasingly a popular region for some of the world’s most colorful and eclectic literature festivals. Rich storytelling traditions meet bookworms in cities like Jaipur, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong – so here are the TOP events not to miss!

Jaipur Literature Festival, India

Held annually by Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, this literature festival is a total game changer for the publishing industry.

Widely known as one of the TOP curated events of art, heritage, and literature, you’ll find all kinds of personalities present here. At Jaipur litfest, the worlds of politics, cinema, and philosophy converge!

If you’re into a show, this diverse program is part-circus, part-revolutionary, and some of the greatest thinkers of our time are sure to attend. 

Bring your curiosity to Jaipur – you’ll definitely see some head-turning stuff! Check out the program here. 

Dates 2025: 30th January – 3rd February

Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Bali, Indonesia

Truly one of the COOLEST literature events in the world, this festival in Ubud is the one to beat. And some of the biggest names of Indonesian literature will be there!

Bali is a pretty classic destination for solo travelers, eat, pray, love adventures, and honeymooners – but it’s also the place to be if you’re seeking a litfest-cum-culture festival.

One of the biggest draws of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is the focus on connecting with the land and protecting natural habitats. A haven for the eco-warriors of literature, this is an excellent opportunity to turn nature and authorship into magic.

See the line-up here.

Dates 2025: October

Nearest airport: Ngurah Rai Airport

Singapore Writers Festival

Traditionally held in November at Goodman’s Art Center over 10 days, the likes of Margaret Atwood, Ann Liang, and Pulitzer prize-winning author Viet Than Nguyen are often in attendance at the Singapore Writers Festival!

You’ll have access to some awesome writers’ workshops, journalist conventions, and the art of building chemistry between characters. 

Singapore in general is a cool place to visit, so I recommend coming for at least a week to fully enjoy the experience! 

Check out the program of events here. 

PRO TIP: It’s pretty cold in the convention center, so bring a sweater!!

Dates 2025: November

Nearest airport: Singapore Changi Airport

4. Literary festivals in South America

A totally underrated destination for literary lovers, South America is shaped by revolutionary writings, political narratives, and realism, making it the perfect spot for a festival! Festivals here are often infused with music, dance, and art – a cultural immersion that goes beyond the written word.

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Buenos Aires International Book Fair, Argentina

One of the top 5 literary expositions in the world, the Buenos Aires book fair takes place in Palermo, Soho. 

More than 2,000 activities await, and the entire book-loving community will have something for them! Most popular for those working in the education sector,

PRO TIP: The best time to go to BA international Book Fair is during the week, as the weekends get super crowded – over 1 million people go every year!

Expect to be amazed by the book reading marathon, free dance and writing workshops, and musical shows, as well as international poetry slams!

NOTE: Teachers and children under 12 go for free! Get more information here. 

Dates 2025: 3 weeks in May

Nearest airport: Ezeiza International Airport

International Book Fair of Bogotá, Colombia

More than 600,000 people gather every year for Bogotá’s most famed bookish event, a favorite especially with those who love a professional business conference!

This year, you will learn what it is to join forces with nature as human creativity and the environment coincide. A must-see event!

This coming year, the primary theme is “Think Nordic,” with many special guests from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

These special guests will foster conversations about building culture for a sustainable future – so expect conferences on environmental awareness, innovation, and equality.

Get more information here. 

Dates 2025: 25th April – 10th May

Nearest airport: El Dorado International Airport

5. Literary festivals in Canada

With stunning national landscapes and cultural diversity, Canada’s literary festivals celebrate Indigenous voices and Canadian and international authors across the land. A fantastic place to explore the depth and potential intensity of the written word.

Toronto International Festival of Authors

11 days of readings, interviews, book signings, cultural events, and learning opportunities await in Canada’s most acclaimed literary festival!

TIFA’s primary goal is to inspire and connect readers and writers through accessibility, celebration, and the power of the written word. And they do an amazing job of it!

The Toronto International Festival of Authors is different from the other literary events on this list. Although it holds its main events in September every year, there are a wide range of events held all year round – what they call “mini festivals!”

NOTE: Before you travel, don’t forget to get insurance! It can save you – get the top insurance for travelers here (best rates, trust me!)

Check out their calendar of events here. 

Dates 2025: Year-round

Nearest airport: Toronto Pearson Airport

Vancouver Writers Fest

A thought-provoking week in British Columbia, the Vancouver Writers Fest have some incredible classes, conferences, and writing consultations that will be useful to all budding authors and the wider literary community!

The reading and writing sessions available with famed authors and artists in residence are incredible, too. 

It’s basically a writer’s retreat with a focus on inspiring the masses and keeping the written word alive. Truly inspiring! 

Find more info here. 

Dates 2025: October

Nearest airport: Vancouver International Airport

6. Literary festivals in Australia

A unique mix of vibrant and breathtaking coastal landscapes and a strong tradition of storytelling that blends Indigenous narratives, contemporary authors, and international authors, Australia is the perfect spot for any bookworm.

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Sydney Writers’ Festival

Paying their respects to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, the Sydney Writers’ Festival helps to pass down their greatest literary stories and traditions. 

“We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our events take place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present” ~SWF

Known as Australia’s most important celebration of literature, the SWF is invariably jam-packed! 

You’lll hear from the winners of the NSW Literary Awards, as well as conversations about the healing of intergenerational trauma, and the literary freedom of putting pen to paper. 

Find more info on their 2025 event here!

Dates 2025: May

Nearest airport: Sydney Airport

Adelaide Writers’ Week

An annual celebration of dance, books, theater, music, and visual arts, the Adelaide Writers’ Week isn’t just for book lovers, it’s for anyone who loves art and culture!

6 days of FREE panel discussions, live podcasts, family-friendly literary adventures – and all in a gorgeous leafy garden hidden away in Adelaide’s city center. 

The only free festival of its kind in Australia, AWW offers so much to almost 200,000 people every year. And some of Australia’s finest contemporary writers will be in attendance!

Find out more here. 

Dates 2025: 1st – 6th March

Nearest airport: Adelaide Airport

7. Literary festivals in Africa

With some of the richest oral storytelling and diverse languages and culture in the world, it’s no small wonder Africa is a haven for those who celebrate the written word. Meaningful dialogue, the importance of realizing social issues, and a strong focus on identity in the modern world – I highly recommend Africa’s extraordinary literary events!

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Macondo Literary Festival, Nairobi, Kenya

The Macondo Literary Festival in the Kenya Cultural Center in Nairobi celebrates the linguistic influences of Africa’s renowned and lesser-known authors and poets. 

With its 2024 theme being the Swahili coast & Indian Ocean’s historical connections with storytelling, I’m sure the 2025 theme will be equally fascinating!

An Africa-centric event that connects the past and present in literary formats, this is one of the few FREE events for book lovers in Kenya!
Get more info here.

Dates 2025: September

Nearest airport: Nairobi International Airport

Open Book Festival, Cape Town, South Africa

The coolest event in South Africa and filled with conversations that matter, you’ll get your fill of awesome book signings, conferences, skill-sharing workshops, and even a youth fest designed to bring a love of creativity to South Africa’s young population. 

Everything from political talks, poetry slams, discussions of womanhood, and seminars of anti-violence in literature – you’ll get it all here at the Open Book Festival.

A true testament to the power of literature to unite nations, the Open Book Festival is one of the most highly-regarded events in the region.

Dates 2025: September

Nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport 

FAQS about literary festivals around the world

📖 What is the most famous literature festival in the world?

The Edinburgh Book Festival is the most famous literature festival in the world! Edinburgh is no stranger to a festival, so they do it extraordinarily well!

📒 What is the largest book event in the world?

Technically, Kerala Sahityotsav in India is the largest book fair in the world, but it’s not as popular as others! The largest and most popular is the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse).

🎊 What is the biggest English literature festival?

The most prestigious literature festival in England is the Oxford Literary Festival, widely-known for its intelligent crowd. In the UK, the Hay Festival in Wales is just as popular, possibly THE greatest literary show in the region.

🔖 What is the most widely read literature in the world?

The Bible is the most widely read literature in the world! A whopping 5 billion copies have been sold worldwide!

Conclusion

There you have it! Now you know all about the most incredible literary festivals around the world – and you have the TOP options to stay, as well!

If you have any questions just drop me a comment, I’ll be happy to help you out! I am a huge book lover and some of these literary festivals are the highlight of my year. 

Happy reading!

Lizzie