Top tips for attending book festivals
Book festivals are magical spaces to celebrate stories, words, and ideas. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, this guide from our friends at the Edinburgh International Book Festival will help you make the most of your experience.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival will take place from 9–24 August at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Visit the site to discover Festival themes and the full programme of events.
"Always carry a tote bag for all the books you'll buy!"
1. Follow your curiosity
- Search for what you know: Book festivals are full of famous and renowned authors. Search the 'what’s on' page of the website to find names you know and snap up your tickets. Maybe you’ll even get to chat to your favourite author during the Q&A section of their event, or at a book signing afterwards.
- Discover something new: As well as attending events featuring authors you already love, why not take a chance on picking one or two events at random? Maybe an author you’ve never read before… or someone you haven't even heard of! They could become your new favourite writer, and you’re bound to leave feeling inspired.
- Browse the bookshop: Many book festivals have their own onsite bookshops – and many will accept National Book Tokens. Peruse the shelves and get your hands on the hottest new releases!
"Buy a ticket to something you wouldn't normally see – you might just find your next favourite author. My most memorable experiences have often been at events I've stumbled into at the last minute, not knowing what to expect."
2. Join the conversation
- Engage with the community: Book festivals are welcoming spaces for all and there are lots of ways to join in, from meeting other attendees and asking questions at an author's Q&A to signing up for a workshop and learning something new!
- Connect online: Can't make it in person? Don't worry – nowadays many events are made available online, both live and on demand.
- Don’t forget to use socials: Book festivals love to see people enjoying themselves, whether they're reading with friends in the festival grounds or getting photos with authors at a book signing, so don't forget to share your photos, reels and TikToks.
"Don't be afraid to attend events alone. Plenty of others will be doing the same."
3. Plan your visit
- Explore the festival programme: Not sure what events to go to? Check out the festival's printed brochure or online programme, where you'll usually find a detailed schedule of everything on offer. Take a look and make a note of the events you don't want to miss.
- Be prepared: Aside from events and workshops, festivals offers space to read, write, journal, eat, and just hang out. So bring your books, notepads, pens and anything you need to get comfy.
"Feel free to take notes during events. Almost all events are a one-off and it often feels like you're witnessing golden moments."
About the Edinburgh International Book Festival
Since 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with the world's greatest and emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Each year, we programme innovative events that capture the hearts and minds of audiences, both in Edinburgh and online. These take the form of on-stage conversations, workshops, creative masterclasses, think tanks, and more, all informed by a culture of open dialogue.
We've been proud sponsors of the Edinburgh International Book Festival for more than 40 years, helping to bring its incredible programme to readers in Edinburgh and beyond. National Book Tokens are the only gift card that can be spent in bookshops everywhere – including the on-site Festival Bookshop, where visitors can find books by all the visiting writers, and more!
Discover
Discover more from your favourite authors
Explore longer articles about books and reading, including exclusive features from Booktime magazine.
Gift cards
Buy and spend in bookshops everywhere
Visit one of the hundreds of bookshops in the UK & Ireland that accept National Book Tokens.
Gift cards
Give a gift beyond words
Give recipients of all ages the excitement of choosing a book as well as the joy of reading it.
