Welcome to Books on the Bay, the Simon’s Town Literary Festival.

Fuelled by the Generosity of Our Sponsors, Authors, and Supporters, 2024 Soared to Unprecedented Success!

Books on the Bay 2025: Friday 14th to Sunday 16th March – The Countdown to Magic Begins!

A limited number of seats for all ticketed events will be available at the door.

Festival details

14 to 16 March 2025

Friday – Sunday 14nd to 16th March 2025

Transportation

Everything you need to know about the parking and getting here.

2025 Participants

Among the highlights this year, are Africa’s most acclaimed and trusted political cartoonists, our own Zapiro, and Kenyan Gado; John van de Ruit who brings us the last and final in the Spud series…..

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

Periscope: An overview of the Books on the Bay festival 2025

Books on the Bay this weekend in Simon's Town was a pretty special literary festival. Run with great vigour, insight and love by Darryl David, David Attwell and Karin Cronje, it brought together 30 South African and international writers and matched them with expert...

Cape Talk – Books on the Bay festival returns to Simon’s Town

Listen to Pippa as she speaks to Darryl David, co-founder of Books on the Bay, which returns to Simon’s Town from 14-16 March 2025. Listen here.

Exciting Lineup Update: Karen Jennings Joins Books on the Bay

We’re delighted to announce that acclaimed South African author Karen Jennings will be joining Books on the Bay for a special session on Sunday, 16 March at 09h00 in the Town Hall. Jennings, whose novel An Island was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize and has been...

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

Books on the Bay 2025: Friday 14th to Sunday 16th March – The Countdown to Magic Begins!