The Belfast Book Festival is The Crescent's annual June Festival. 2026 will be our 16th Festival (Dates will be announced in September 2025), which will feature a programme that appeals to booklovers of all ages and interests. 

Throughout the festival, you’ll find celebrated writers from around the world and around the corner gathered here to discuss their work. Meet your favourite authors at book signings and events. Discover hidden literary gems at a panel discussion or two. Inspire the young readers in your life at a family fun day or polish up your writing at an expert workshop. Every programme is filled with activities for literature lovers and storytellers alike.

In 2017, the Festival introduced the Mairtín Crawford Awards for Poetry and Short Story. The Awards have celebrated the very best emerging literary talent, in memory of a great poet and enthusiastic supporter of the Crescent Arts Centre’s work.

As principal funder through our National Lottery funds, the Arts Council is proud to support the Crescent Arts Centre in staging Northern Ireland's leading annual literature Festival. We welcome the opportunity that the Belfast Book Festival creates to showcase the wealth of literary talent that continues to emerge from Northern Ireland, alongside some of the most popular and respected writers from across these islands and beyond. There is such a great range of brilliant book-related events and activities for audiences of all types to enjoy, and all under one Festival roof. I hope to see you there! Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland. 

Visit BelfastBookFestival.com to keep up to date with the Festival and the Mairtín Crawford Award, or use the boxes below to explore.