Your ultimate guide to Dundee Book Festival 2026

This weekend, Dundee will once again become a city of stories.

From bestselling authors and political figures to historians, poets, children’s writers, chefs and local storytellers, Dundee Book Festival returns from 19-21 June with more than 25 events across the city.

Most tickets cost just £5, making it one of the most accessible cultural festivals in Scotland.

The programme features national names including Nicola Sturgeon, Professor Sue Black, Jenni Fagan and Sally Magnusson alongside a strong line-up of Dundee and Scottish writers.

Whether you’re interested in politics, crime fiction, history, food, poetry, comics, nature writing or children’s books, here’s your complete guide to every event taking place across the festival weekend.

Friday 19 June

Professor Chris Whatley - Harvie’s Dyke

10am | Steps Theatre

One of Scotland’s most respected historians opens the festival with a discussion of Harvie’s Dyke. Professor Emeritus of Scottish History at the University of Dundee, Chris Whatley explores Scotland’s past through a story rooted in landscape, identity and history.

Starting writing short stories with Zoe Venditozzi

10.30am | Central Library

Award-winning Scottish author Zoe Venditozzi leads a practical workshop designed to help aspiring writers develop their short fiction skills. Ideal for beginners and experienced writers alike.

Debi Gliori - What’s the time Mr Wolf

11.30am | Steps Theatre

One of Scotland’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators introduces young audiences to her latest work. Debi Gliori is renowned for classics including No Matter What, Stormy Night and numerous picture books enjoyed by generations of families.

Graeme Armstrong - Raveheart

1pm | Steps Theatre

Following the success of The Young Team, Graeme Armstrong returns with Raveheart. Known for his authentic portrayal of contemporary Scottish life, Armstrong has become one of Scotland’s most influential new literary voices.

Cally Booker - Designing and Weaving Double Cloth

2.30pm | Steps Theatre

Textile artist and author Cally Booker explores the craft, creativity and history behind double-cloth weaving in a fascinating discussion of her acclaimed book.

Steven Veerapen - Witches: A King’s Obsession

4pm | Steps Theatre

Historian Steven Veerapen examines one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history through his exploration of witchcraft, monarchy and power.

Jenni Fagan - The Delusions

5.30pm | Steps Theatre

One of Scotland’s most distinctive contemporary novelists discusses her haunting new novel The Delusions. Fagan’s work has earned widespread critical acclaim for its originality, imagination and emotional depth.

Nicola Sturgeon - Frankly

7.30pm | Steps Theatre

The former First Minister of Scotland discusses her memoir Frankly in one of the festival’s most anticipated events. Already sold out, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the defining figures of modern Scottish politics.

Sarah Rankin - Recipes That Bring Joy

7.30pm | The McManus

MasterChef finalist and Dundee chef Sarah Rankin combines food, storytelling and cooking inspiration in an evening inspired by her cookbook Feast. Guests can enjoy delicious samples alongside discussion in one of Dundee’s most iconic venues.

Saturday 20 June

Dundee New Writing Showcase

10am | Steps Theatre

A celebration of emerging local talent, showcasing the next generation of Dundee writers and storytellers.

Writing for My Weekly Workshop

10.30am | Central Library

Learn how to write fiction suitable for publication in one of Britain’s longest-running women’s magazines, with practical advice from experienced professionals.

Beano celebrates Dennis 75 and The Year of Mischief

11.30am | Steps Theatre

As Dennis the Menace marks his 75th birthday, Beano’s Mike Stirling and Craig Graham reveal the secrets behind creating one of Britain’s most famous comic characters. A must-attend event for comic fans and families.

Writing Scotland

1pm | Steps Theatre

MK Hardy, Hester Musson and Natalie Jayne Clark discuss contemporary Scottish writing, publishing and storytelling from a range of perspectives.

Mobile National Poetry Library - Cat MacLeod

1pm | The McManus

Dundee poet Cat MacLeod appears as part of the travelling National Poetry Library programme, celebrating poetry, place and local voices.

Robin Crawford - The Sound of Many Waters

2.30pm | Steps Theatre

Music journalist and author Robin Crawford discusses his latest work exploring creativity, music and storytelling.

Graeme Macrae Burnet - Benbecula

4pm | Steps Theatre

The internationally acclaimed author of His Bloody Project discusses Benbecula, his latest novel. Burnet is one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary novelists.

Mairi Kidd - Poor Creatures

5.30pm | Steps Theatre

Historian and storyteller Mairi Kidd presents Poor Creatures, exploring fascinating stories from Scotland’s past.

A Poet in Every Port launch

6pm | The McManus

The official launch of the festival’s poetry programme, delivered in partnership with Southbank Centre and the Mobile National Poetry Library.

Professor Sue Black - An Expert Witness

7.30pm | Steps Theatre

One of Scotland’s most respected forensic scientists discusses her remarkable career and experiences as an expert witness. Like Nicola Sturgeon’s appearance, demand has already resulted in a sell-out event.

Sunday 21 June

Erin Farley - Lighthouse Lives

10am | Steps Theatre

Dundee author Erin Farley explores Scotland’s lighthouse heritage through stories, history and personal connections.

Ross MacKenzie - The Uninvited

11.30am | Steps Theatre

The bestselling children’s author behind The Nowhere Emporium series discusses his latest fantasy adventure. A highlight for young readers and families.

Jim Crumley - Symphonic

1pm | Steps Theatre

Award-winning nature writer Jim Crumley presents Symphonic, drawing upon decades of experience writing about Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife.

Mobile National Poetry Library - Un-Hushed

1pm | The McManus

A spoken word event celebrating LGBTQ+ voices through poetry and performance.

Doug Johnstone - 20 Years in the Business

2.30pm | Steps Theatre

The acclaimed crime writer reflects on two decades in publishing, charting his career and discussing the evolution of Scottish crime fiction.

Scots performance poetry workshop with Taylor Dyson

2.30pm | Central Library

An interactive workshop exploring performance poetry through the Scots language.

Sally Magnusson - The Shapeshifter’s Daughter

4pm | Steps Theatre

Broadcaster and bestselling author Sally Magnusson discusses her latest novel, inspired by Norse mythology and Orkney folklore. The book reimagines the story of Hel, goddess of the underworld, in a contemporary setting.

GLISK - Taylor Dyson

6pm | Steps Theatre

The festival concludes with Taylor Dyson’s GLISK, bringing together poetry, language and performance in a distinctive closing event.

Free events throughout the weekend

A Poet in Every Port

Outside The McManus | Saturday and Sunday

One of the most unique attractions of the weekend will be the Mobile National Poetry Library, arriving in Dundee as part of Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

Visitors can browse contemporary poetry collections, take part in workshops, hear live readings and contribute their own creative work.

Activities are designed for all ages and levels of experience, whether you’re a lifelong poetry lover or completely new to the form.

Why this year’s festival matters

Dundee Book Festival is still a relatively new addition to Scotland’s cultural calendar, but it has quickly established itself as one of the city’s flagship literary events.

The 2026 programme balances major headline names with local talent, children’s events, workshops and free community activities, creating a festival that genuinely offers something for every reader.

With more than 25 events taking place across three days, it promises to be Dundee’s biggest weekend of books, stories and ideas yet.