Welcome to Books on the Bay, the Simon’s Town Literary Festival.
Building on the Magic of 2025, Books on the Bay 2026 Promises New Stories, New Voices, and an Even Bigger Celebration!
Books on the Bay 2026: Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March – The Countdown to Magic Begins!
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Ticket Sales Coming Soon
Festival details
13 to 15 March 2026
Programme coming soon!
Transportation
Everything you need to know about the parking and getting here.
2026 Participants
Our 2026 participant list is on the horizon. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Captured Moments
A Day at Books on the Bay
Sven Axelrad
I arrived at the Books on the Bay festival on Friday, met a host of good people (some of them dogs), attended interesting talks, and ran through the dark streets afraid a baboon would steal my pizza. I wasn’t sure anyone would come to my talk but the room was full, Helen Moffett was a delight and unexpectedly made me cry. I wish I had a photo with everyone that was in that room with us, it felt like we shared something beyond my book. Besides that, I chatted with bartenders, dogs, authors, smokers, musicians, cashiers and poets. I asked a stupid question. I swam in cold waters. I felt like a lost button, picked up and kept safely in everyone’s pocket.
Hop aboard the eco-friendly Tuk Tuks from Hakuna Matuktuk, and enjoy a breezy, Wi-Fi-filled ride between Books on the Bay venues — free of charge!
Latest News
Books on the Bay is a community-supported non-profit festival – with your help, we can continue to bring inspiring experiences and programs to the far south. Your contribution will ensure that future generations of book lovers get the opportunity to explore literature in all its forms!
Festival Sponsors
