Open Book Festival 2026: a youth fest for young readers
The Open Book Festival promises a week of fun, valuable connection and inspiration to young readers.
Image: Loot
The ever-popular Open Book Festival is set to captivate young readers once again with its Youth Fest, running from March 16th to 23rd, 2026. This eagerly awaited event promises a week filled with fun, meaningful connections, and inspiration, designed specifically for the next generation of literature enthusiasts.
With a mission to foster a love of books and storytelling from a young age, the Open Book Festival recognises the essential role literature plays in shaping our society. The festival seeks to create a community-centric environment where voices are uplifted and meaningful conversations thrive. Designed with young audiences in mind, each event will feature engaging storytime sessions that include Q&A opportunities for children to connect directly with authors, alongside workshops that delve into a variety of genres.
This year’s line-up showcases an exciting array of fresh literary talents, including Upile uThixo Bongco, Monique Fallows, Zingisa Mase, Rushdiyah Narker, and Martinus van Tee, alongside beloved returning creatives such as Zizipho Bam, ClimateLounge (Sarah Robyn Farrell and Dela Gwala), Kirsten Deane, Bianca Flanders, Siphokazi Jonas, and Carol Titus. With such a diverse roster, festival-goers can look forward to enriching experiences and new literary discoveries.
Events will be held in various venues including schools, public libraries, and community spaces, ensuring that access to literature and opportunities for discussion are open to all. A specific portion of the programme is dedicated to surrounding schools, though there will be plenty of events open to the public. Interested participants can find a comprehensive list of events and RSVP for their favourites on the Open Book Festival website. Entry is free, but advance bookings are essential to maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all.
Festival Curator Frankie Murrey expressed her enthusiasm.
“Youth Fest is always a highlight of the Open Book year and sets the tone – whether we are putting books into the hands of young readers or collaborating with partners and facilitators to create opportunities for skill sharing.”
The Youth Fest serves as the launching point for the 2026 Open Book season, paving the way for additional events, including a Workshop Week from June 1st to 6th, and the main festival from September 4th to 6th. This latter event will feature an extensive roster of both South African and international authors and publishers, providing a prime opportunity for local audiences to engage deeply with the literary world.
Open Book Festival is proudly sponsored by WEFT, Jonathan Ball, Pan Macmillan, University of Stellenbosch, and African Imaginary. Youth Fest has been made possible by organisations including LAPA and Penguin Random House, along with a host of others committed to supporting youth literacy and creativity.
To stay updated on the latest programme developments and more information, visit the Open Book Festival website at openbookfestival.co.za. The festival can also be followed on social media platforms, including Instagram and BlueSky (@openbookfest) as well as on Facebook and LinkedIn (@openbookfestival).