theatre
Chariots of Fire
King's Theatre
2026-09-15T19:30:00+00:00
20:30
Edinburgh · Books
Books in Edinburgh
Live listings, featured venues and a local guide to books nights in Edinburgh, Lothian.
About Books in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Scotland's key destinations for books, with a live scene spanning historic halls, independent clubs and pop-up spaces across the city. Whether you're a resident planning a weeknight out or a visitor building an itinerary around a headline show, this page keeps every upcoming books event in Edinburgh in one place — updated daily.
Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature and Scotland has one of the most active literary event calendars in the world. The Edinburgh International Book Festival hosts hundreds of authors each August, but book launches, author-in-conversation nights, poetry slams and translation events happen year-round in bookshops, libraries, universities and cafes across the country.
For a wider look at the city, our Edinburgh events guide covers everything from festivals to family days out. For more on the art form, see our Scotland-wide books guide.
What's on in Edinburgh
See allNo books listings are confirmed for Edinburgh right now, so here are the next events happening in the city. Books across Scotland.
documentary
IberoDocs Film Festival
Filmhouse
2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
Other
John Coltrane Centenary Celebration feat. Emma Rawicz
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-18T17:30:00+00:00
18:30
Theatre
Jacob Collier
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-20T17:00:00+00:00
18:00
Other
Caitlin Moran: How To Be Hopeful
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-22T17:30:00+00:00
18:30
Other
Mike Wozniak - The Bench
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-23T17:30:00+00:00
18:30
Music
Gilbert O’Sullivan – Live in Concert
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-24T17:30:00+00:00
18:30
Music
Wishbone Ash
The Queen's Hall
2026-09-25T18:00:00+00:00
19:00
Books
Komedia and Live Nation present: Count Arthur Strong in It’s Goodnight From Me – The Final Tour 2027
EICC
2027-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Popular venues in Edinburgh
Books highlights through the year
Edinburgh International Book Festival
SummerTwo-and-a-half weeks of author events in and around Edinburgh each August, with hundreds of writers from every continent.
StAnza Poetry Festival
SpringSt Andrews hosts Scotland's international poetry festival every March, drawing poets from more than 30 countries.
Wigtown Book Festival
AutumnScotland's National Book Town in Dumfries & Galloway holds ten days of literary events every September.
Aye Write! & Burns readings
WinterGlasgow's Aye Write! festival dominates March, but Burns Night sparks poetry readings across the country in late January.
Books in other Scottish cities
Books in GlasgowBooks in AberdeenBooks in DundeeBooks in InvernessBooks in StirlingBooks in PerthBooks in AyrBooks in St Andrews
More things to do in Edinburgh
Books in Edinburgh — FAQs
Where can I see books in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh hosts books events across a mix of dedicated venues, arts centres and pubs. Featured venues below plus the live listings on this page cover the current schedule.
How often are new books events added?
Nearby Events refreshes Edinburgh listings daily from our data partners and direct venue submissions, so check back regularly for new gigs and shows.
Do I need to book a ticket for author talks?
Free bookshop events often don't require tickets, but larger festival appearances do. Confirm on the event listing before travelling.
Can I bring my own copy for signing?
Almost always yes. Some launches limit signed copies to books bought at the venue — check the listing.