Literary news · Festivals

Twelve autumn book festivals worth planning your year around

From Jaipur to Hay to Ake, a reader's guide to the season's most rewarding literary gatherings.

By Marcus Adeyemi · 25 June 2026 · 7 min read

Autumn is the densest season in the festival calendar, and this year the programmes are unusually international.

Our picks favour festivals with strong translation strands and genuine access for readers rather than trade-only events.

Book accommodation early; several of these sell out their headline events within days.