Books on the Bay is a community-supported, non-profit literary festival based in Simon’s Town, in South Africa’s far south. Celebrating the region’s connection to renowned authors and storytelling, it brings readers, writers and the wider community together for a programme of literature and culture. The 2026 festival runs from 13 to 15 March, with three days of stories, talks and events featuring participating authors.

The festival’s website shares programmes, author information, news and galleries, as well as practical guidance on parking and transport. Visitors can purchase tickets online, and a limited number of seats for ticketed events will also be available at the door. Free, eco-friendly tuk-tuk rides between festival venues are offered through Hakuna Matuktuk.

Beyond its annual gathering, Books on the Bay supports literary outreach through The Word Voyage, a programme bringing South African children’s authors into schools across the De. The organisation welcomes donations and sponsorship to help sustain its festival and programmes, creating opportunities for future generations to explore literature in its many forms