From 5-7 September 2025, Cape Town’s vibrant literary scene comes alive
once more as the Open Book Festival returns to the city’s heart. A celebration
of books, ideas, conversation and community, this much-loved event invites
readers, writers and thinkers to come together in a shared love of storytelling.
First launched in 2011, Open Book has grown from a 60-event, five-day festival
into a major fixture on South Africa’s cultural calendar. With over 100 events
featuring local and international voices, it’s become a platform not just for
literary excellence but for the kind of meaningful dialogue that resonates
long after the festival ends.
What to Expect in 2025
This year, expect a stellar lineup of panel discussions, author readings, poetry performances, and immersive experiences that explore everything from fiction and food writing to climate change, politics, and personal memoir. The focus remains fourfold: showcasing top global and South African writing, fostering a love of reading in Cape Town’s youth, encouraging inclusivity and representation, and creating spaces for transformative conversation.
A hallmark of Open Book has always been its work beyond the stage. The Open Book School Library Project continues its mission in local schools, ensuring young readers have access to books and dedicated spaces for imagination to flourish.
Penguin Random House South Africa Authors at the Festival
Penguin Random House is proud to support several exceptional authors who will be taking part in this year’s festival. While the full programme will be announced closer to the date, early confirmations include:
Ntombi Nkabinde, whose gripping debut novel In the Late of Night blends suspense and social commentary in a powerful story about survival, secrecy, and the complexities of life in contemporary South Africa.
Sven Axelrad, author of the darkly whimsical Buried Treasure, God's Pocket, and his latest, The Nicotine Gospel, whose unique voice brings an edge of mystery and mischief to contemporary South African storytelling.
Siphokazi Jonas, writer, performer, and theatre-maker whose poetry speaks to justice, identity, and memory with powerful lyricism.
Antjie Krog, celebrated poet, journalist, and author whose work has shaped South Africa’s literary and political landscape for decades.
Popina Khumanda, author of the moving memoir The Smallest Ones, which reflects on family, resilience, and finding strength in unexpected places.
These authors – and many more – will be part of the conversations, readings, and events that make Open Book Festival a must-attend celebration of words and ideas.
Why It Matters
More than just a festival, Open Book is a movement – one that’s deeply committed to inclusivity, community-building, and the power of books to transform lives. Its partnerships with schools, its focus on emerging talent, and its drive to reach underrepresented readers ensure that the story of the city – and the country – is told by many voices.
Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, a teacher, a parent, or someone simply curious about the world, Open Book Festival 2025 promises five unforgettable days of connection, inspiration, and storytelling at its finest.
Stay up to date with programme announcements by visiting www.openbookfestival.co.za or following the festival on Facebook or Instagram.
Mark your calendars, book lovers – Cape Town’s literary heart is about to beat a little louder.
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