The Ultimate Guide to Literary Events for 2025 & 2026
Plus An Event Planner Checklist
Every year in Dubai, I had a tradition: attending the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
You might not associate a small city like Dubai with such a huge event for books and literature, but the UAE’s rulers placed huge value on reading. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum once said, “Reading, and the spread of knowledge, are key to the development and progress of nations.”
The festival was held in Dubai Festival City—a sprawling hotel-mall complex where you could pop into a bookstore between author talks, grab a coffee before the next session, and soak up a weekend dedicated entirely to storytelling. Oh, and not forgetting sunning yourself on the terrace, book in hand, with Dubai’s lovely weather.
Before I ever became a novelist, I went each year as a reader. I’d mark up the schedule, highlight the authors I wanted to see, and queue up with my copy in hand, ready for a signature and a few precious seconds of writerly connection. I met so many of my literary heroes that way. It was several days of bookish bliss.
But in 2017, I didn’t go.
The year before, I’d won the festival’s novel-writing competition, and I’d dreamt of returning triumphantly as an author - signing copies of my own novel from that entry, The Good Mother.
But I hadn’t finished it.
I was so consumed by disappointment and shame that I skipped the festival entirely. I couldn’t bear to be surrounded by authors, books, and readers when I felt like a fraud.
Dramatic? Most definitely. But I still remember the hollow feeling of missing something that had become an anchor in my year. Something that reminded me why I loved writing in the first place.
Of course, a few months later, I did finish the novel—and landed a three-book deal. But that missed festival made me realize something important: attending literary events isn’t just about inspiration. It’s about connection.
Since then, I’ve attended a lot more writing events both as writer and a reader (check out my literary event checklist below) and when working with aspiring writers, I always recommend attending a writing festival if possible.
Here’s why:
Writing is a lonely business. You need to step away from your desk sometimes.
Hearing from authors who’ve finished their books is a powerful motivator.
Most festivals offer opportunities: writing competitions, agent pitches, and masterclasses.
You get a glimpse into the business of writing—not just the craft.
It’s a lot of fun!
Side note: writing competitions at these events can be game-changers. I landed my literary agent—and a three-book deal—after winning one. That’s why I always encourage writers to enter. If you’re keen, check out the list I put together below.
Whether you’re craving connection, inspiration, or momentum—there’s a writing event for you. Many events are now hybrid or fully virtual, so even if you’re not hopping on a plane to Thailand (though wouldn’t that be lovely?), you can still access the wisdom.
Ready to supercharge your writing life? I’ve handpicked the most inspiring festivals, workshops, and conferences happening from August 2025 to August 2026 — complete with locations, info links, event highlights, and a printable literary checklist to get the most out of the event.
