The renowned festival, taking place in the capital between August 15 and 30, published its full programme on Tuesday, with more than 600 events spanning fiction, politics, science, history, music and live performances. There are more than 150 events scheduled for children and families, along with a young adults programme tailored for audiences under 30.
The theme of the 2026 festival, "Changing Your Mind", may encourage visitors to "stay open and curious, championing deep listening and celebrating our capacity to evolve our thinking".
Among those to appear at the festival are former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who will speak on a panel titled "How to lead a country" alongside former Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin, to discuss their respective memoirs, Frankly and Hope in Action.
Other prominent figures to speak at the festival include former UK prime minister Gordon Brown, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and technology writer Cory Doctorow.
They will be joined by leading writers from around the world, including John Grisham, Ian Rankin, Maggie O'Farrell, Ali Smith, Jenni Fagan, Matt Haig and 2026 International Booker Prize winner Yáng Shuāng-z(Image: D
This year's programme also places focus on trust and information, featuring conversations with journalists, analysists and researchers examining misinformation, data and global narratives.
The festival will also explore the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its regulation, featuring voices such as Steve Crossan, who was part of the original DeepMind team, and Sarah Wynn-Williams, former director of public policy at Facebook.
The festival will run a schools programme to support around 5000 pupils through free tickets for those in need, along with transport and books.
Jenny Niven, director of Edinburgh international Book Festival, said: “Our theme 'Changing Your Mind' speaks to the moment we're in. At a time when opinions seem increasingly polarised and online debate is so divisive, we're creating space for thoughtful, nuanced conversations – exploring the reasons for our increasing social and political divides, and how we might change each others' minds, or at least agree to disagree, more agreeably. We're also looking at the potential of the human brain to adapt and relearn, and at the unparalleled power of stories to change our thinking."
Niven added: "Changing your mind is a lifelong process of staying open to new ideas.
"By bringing amazing speakers and curious audiences together, around knowledge and perspectives that help us challenge our assumptions and see the world differently, we hope the Festival programme this year will help us gain a deeper understanding of both ourselves and each other."
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026 tickets
Tickets for this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival Thursday, June 25. https://www.edbookfest.co.uk
