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Quick note to say thank you for this year’s Open Book. I thought it was the best ever, and cemented its status as – and please feel free to quote me publically in any forum – FAR AND AWAY THE BEST SOUTH AFRICAN LITERARY EVENT ON THE CALENDAR!
The Open Book Festival 2026 is only a few days away and we have a few updates and reminders for you.PROGRAMME CHANGESCynthia Fan is unfortunately no longer able to join us.In her place, we are [...]

Over the years Open Book has become a trusted space in which difficult conversations are possible. Core to what we do is our recognition of the importance of books to explore the world in which we live. Writers and their work is at the centre of the Festival, but of no less importance is the audience that joins us. We believe that meaningful conversation is impossible without representative audiences. This means that work is ongoing to reach new audiences, and to curate events that are relevant to citizens of this City.
Open Book started in 2011, and was an annual book festival which took place in Cape Town each September. Covid forced us to reimagine what a festival can look like. 2022 saw the start of a more flexible Open Book with multiple events through the year.
