Welcome to Books on the Bay
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!
Friday 13 – Sunday 15 March 2026Main Festival Sponsor
Books on the Bay is proudly supported by Standard Bank, whose commitment to education, culture and community makes this celebration of literature possible.
Your Festival at a Glance
13 to 15 March 2026
Experience Three Days of Stories, Talks & Magic
Transportation / Parking
Find the Best Parking & Navigate the Festival Stress-Free
2026 Participants
Discover the Authors Bringing Stories to Life at Books on the Bay
Captured Moments
A Day at Books on the Bay
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
The Books on the Bay Word Voyage
Exciting News: Books on the Bay Partners with Wordsworth Books for 2026
Periscope: An overview of the Books on the Bay festival 2025
Books on the Bay is a community-supported non-profit festival — with your help, we can continue to bring inspiring experiences and programmes to the far south. Your contribution will ensure that future generations of book lovers get the opportunity to explore literature in all its forms!
Donate Now
Festival Sponsors
