Fun for all the Family

We are Edinburgh International Book Festival: the world-leading festival of words, literature, and ideas Each August our Children's Programme invites some of the most exciting authors and illustrators from across the globe to share their latest stories and adventures with children, families and young adults.

Children's Programme

Our Children’s Programme includes over 150 events, activities and workshops for children and young adults. All events take place in-person, with selected events also available to watch online. View our full events list and book events on our website from Tuesday 4 June; book tickets to events from Thursday 20 June; visit our FAQs page for more information on Visiting with Children; or find out more about how to watch online here.  

Visiting the Festival in Person

Spaces to eat, drink, and chill

No Festival is complete without food, drink, and space to kick back. There’s an indoor café on Lauriston Place, just off Middle Meadow Walk, with a choice of tasty treats.

You’ll also find independent pop-ups in The Courtyard. With green space all around, you’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you’d rather.

There are lots of nooks inside if the weather is typically Scottish, so you can explore, chill, chat, or discover your next unmissable event in the dry and warm.

For Families – everything you need away from home (well, almost)

You’ll find places dotted throughout the site to leave a buggy*. There are toilets and baby changing, throughout the building across the levels, as well as drinking water taps, and plenty of space to keep you comfy when you visit.

*Buggies cannot be taken into the theatres, so please leave your buggy outside in some of our dedicated spaces, before entering the event. Please note: these are not staffed, and items are left at your own risk.

Book Festival Bookshop

The on-site Festival Bookshop will be brought to you by Waterstones. It is open daily during the Book Festival and stocks titles by all our visiting authors plus an array of related contemporary literature and books from Scottish publishers.

Book signings

Most authors in our programme sign copies of their books immediately after their event. No need to book, simply turn up and join the queue. Details about where you can find our signing venue will be coming soon.

Picnics and packed lunches

You’re welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks. There’s plenty of space to find a spot to enjoy. But can we have a crisp?

Drinking water taps

Drinking water taps are plentiful inside the Edinburgh Futures Institute, so you can fill up as you go.

Covid-19 Safety

The Book Festival will follow Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council health and safety recommendations at all times to ensure the safety of our audiences, artists and team. Please continue to check the website for the latest Covid-19 safety measures at Edinburgh International Book Festival.