Greetings to the bibliophiles, page-turners, and curious minds alike, and welcome to our guide to the finest literary events and author encounters hitting the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026.
The Book Festival remains one of the world’s premier gatherings for literary debate, fresh perspectives, and world-shaping ideas—now thriving in its home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. For this edition, we’ve handed the reins over to guest contributor Sass to share her top six “must-sees”—if you can still get a ticket, as some events are sold out already!
As Sass notes, the reasons for her choices are varied, as are her reasons for leaving others out. Plenty of incredible events made her long-list but didn’t quite squeeze into the final short-list, but these selections balance monumental, front-list heavyweights with intimate, offbeat discussions. From live culinary podcasts and high-stakes legal thrillers to courtroom journalism, classical-prose collaborations, and even a wild card spot of football fever, there is something here for avid readers and casual festival-goers alike.
So, in good tradition and in reverse order (plus a special wild card entry), here are Sass’s top recommendations for events you’d be mad to miss at the 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival…
No. 6: Live Culinary Chat in Eating and Waiting to Eat Podcast
Two Americans walk into a bakery and leave with a podcast. It sounds like the start of a joke, but it’s actually the origin story behind Kevin Rivers and Carlos Miranda’s beloved, Edinburgh-based Eating and Waiting to Eat. In this special live episode, the pair chat about the hows and whys behind everything we do in the kitchen with professional-chef-turned-home-cook Ben Lippett, whose stunning debut, How I Cook, has been celebrated by the likes of Nigella Lawson and Yotam Ottolenghi.
Why Sass recommends it: A live podcast is always brilliant fun, and when it’s about food, it’s even better. There are plenty of food-related events at the EIBF this year (you can even go eat with Ben Lippett if you can snag a seat at the table), but who wouldn’t want to see and hear former sound engineer Kevin Rivers and actor Carlos Miranda in the flesh?
- Dates: 16th August
- Time: 10:30
- Venue: Spiegeltent, EFI College Green
- Tickets: £15.50 (£13.50 concession)
- Book Direct: Eating and Waiting to Eat on EdBookFest.co.uk
No. 5: Investigative Truths in The Inside Scoop on Investigations
There is no better definition of “good information” than diligent, impartial, and well-resourced investigative journalism, where rumours are carefully sifted from verified facts. Discussing this most specialised of fields is a stellar panel including Centre for Investigative Journalism chair Isabel Hilton and Lucia Osborne-Crowley, whose acclaimed book, The Lasting Harm: Witnessing the Trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, draws on firsthand court reporting from one of the most high-profile cases in living memory.
Why Sass recommends it: Here is something a bit different—and thoroughly intriguing. It isn’t another panel about how AI is muddling up fact and fiction; it’s a vital conversation about the mechanics of “good information,” making it my number one recommendation for a non-fiction event this year.
- Dates: 23rd August
- Time: 11:45
- Venue: Venue T, EFI College Green
- Tickets: £15.50 (£13.50 concession)
- Book Direct: The Inside Scoop on Investigations on EdBookFest.co.uk
No. 4: Maritime Myth-Making in Benjamin Wood: Seascraper
With a tang of sea salt in the air and a thundering wave of acclaim, buckle up for an encounter with Benjamin Wood’s Nero Book Award-winning and Booker Prize-longlisted Seascraper. A novel that boldly challenges the limits of literary realism, Seascraper invites readers into a haunting world where a young, duty-bound shrimp fisherman is offered a tantalising way out. Chaired by Sinéad Gleeson, this conversation asks a fundamental question: can we ever, really, break free?
Why Sass recommends it: This book! So many novels this past year have featured islands, remoteness, longing, the sea, and a touch of magical realism, but to my mind, this is easily one of the best. I haven’t included too many straightforward single-book discussions on this list—there are plenty of wonderful indie bookshops hosting those year-round—but there has to be an exception to every rule.
- Dates: 24th August
- Time: 15:45
- Venue: Courtyard Theatre, EFI College Green
- Tickets: £15.50 (£13.50 concession)
- Book Direct: Benjamin Wood on EdBookFest.co.uk
No. 3: Literary Giants on History in Philippe Sands & Colm Tóibín: Remembering the Dirty War
From 1976 until 1983, the Argentine military junta’s “Dirty War” was a brutal campaign of state-sponsored violence during which tens of thousands of citizens “disappeared.” Fifty years on, Brooklyn-based author Colm Tóibín—whose 1996 novel The Story of the Night was inspired by his own experiences in Argentina—joins international human rights lawyer and East West Street author Philippe Sands to consider the long-lasting impact of the conflict on truth, memory, and literature.
Why Sass recommends it: I am a huge fan of both of these men, not just for their formidable writing, but for their towering intellects. While both are appearing at individual events across the festival, why not get two for the price of one? This promises incredible historical perspective as inspiration for fiction and non-fiction alike. I was hard-pressed not to make this my No. 2 pick!
- Dates: 24th August
- Time: 17:30
- Venue: Spark Theatre, EFI College Green
- Tickets: £17.50 (£15.50 concession)
- Book Direct: Sands & Tóibín on EdBookFest.co.uk
No. 2: The Blockbuster Titan in John Grisham — The Front List: Special Edition
The original legal thriller sensation, John Grisham has written 52 consecutive number-one bestsellers, selling over 500 million copies in more than 45 languages worldwide. Still on top form with his latest novel (and first murder mystery), The Widow, Grisham is also a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform and wrongful conviction exoneration. In this rare festival appearance, Grisham speaks to Scottish crime icon Ian Rankin about his legendary career, the state of the US justice system, and the line between high-stakes fiction and stark legal reality.
Why Sass recommends it: How could I not include this? It is the Book Festival’s absolute coup of the summer. Whether or not you are a fan of legal thrillers, half a billion copies sold says something extraordinary about an author. This is a rare chance to see a global literary giant in person—though if you haven’t secured a ticket yet, you might need some serious luck!
- Dates: 25th August
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: McEwan Hall, Bristo Square
- Tickets: £20.00 (£18.00 concession)
- Book Direct: John Grisham on EdBookFest.co.uk
No. 1: Words & Chamber Music in Seasonal Quartet: New European Ensemble & Ali Smith
Ali Smith’s evocative Seasonal Quartet novels are brought to life anew in a stunning collaboration with the Netherlands’ New European Ensemble (NEuE). Four female composers have created original musical works inspired by the series’ themes of interconnectedness, migration, and our place in a troubled world. This event promises an unforgettable performance blending newly commissioned European classical chamber music with moving live readings from the author herself.
Why Sass recommends it: Ali Smith’s writing is magnificent—not least her Seasonal Quartet—she is a true inspiration, and she’s Scottish. Having four female composers write and perform new musical pieces alongside her live readings is a dream combination. I cannot wait, and I would frankly fight you for the last remaining ticket!
- Dates: 28th August
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Greyfriars Kirk
- Tickets: £22.00 (£20.00 concession)
- Book Direct: Book Seasonal Quartet on EdBookFest.co.uk
WILD CARD: Politics & Passion in Simon Kuper: World Cup Fever
This August—doubtless hot on the heels of Scotland’s victorious World Cup qualifying momentum—acclaimed sports journalist Simon Kuper joins the festival with World Cup Fever. An attendee of every tournament since 1990, Kuper chronicles the fervor of a global sporting fiesta that brings entire nations to a standstill. Chaired by Stuart Cosgrove, this event explores the tears, joy, controversy, and political turmoil behind the world’s most popular game.
Why Sass recommends it: It’s football—and yet, shows about football are almost always about so much more. I have never met a sporting book event I didn’t enjoy, and I’m not even that keen on football!
- Dates: 19th August
- Time: 18:45
- Venue: Venue T, EFI College Green
- Tickets: £15.50 (£13.50 concession)
- Book Direct: Simon Kuper on EdBookFest.co.uk
And with that, so ends this list of musicals and musical shows coming to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2026 that we strongly recommend for your ticket booking consideration. There is, as I always think, something for everyone, and if you do catch one of the above and love it, let them know who sent you! If you hate it, keep it to yourself. Until you visit again, happy Fringe planning!
Featured Image: Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026 – Image by Chris Scott
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