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.
Visit BelfastBookFestival.com to keep up to date with the Festival and the Mairtín Crawford Award.
Use the boxes below to explore more about Crescent People and for opportunities to join us
"The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support the Belfast Book Festival. Despite the significant hurdles in programming a festival during a pandemic, the Belfast Book Festival has risen to the challenge and has gathered together the most wonderful collection of writers, poets, personalities and thinkers, for audiences to enjoy safely from home. With something on offer to suit all tastes and ages, I would encourage everyone to join in online and celebrate the immense joy of books this June"
