The Franschhoek Literary Festival will return from May 15 to 17, bringing a mix of international and local authors to the Franschhoek Valley for a weekend of discussions, storytelling and literary events.
Image: Supplied
The Franschhoek Literary Festival will return from May 15 to 17, bringing a mix of international and local authors to the Franschhoek Valley for a weekend of discussions, storytelling and literary events.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature a diverse line-up of writers from across the world, alongside a newly introduced Family Day aimed at readers of all ages.
Festival programme director Jennifer Blane said the event continues to provide a platform for engagement with ideas and storytelling.
“The Franschhoek Literary Festival is a space where ideas meet imagination. In 2026, we are proud to present a line-up that reflects global thinking, African storytelling and South Africa’s literary excellence,” she said.
Among the international headliners are historian Peter Frankopan, author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy, novelist Tan Twan Eng, and writer Alka Joshi. Rwandan-born Namibian novelist Rémy Ngamije is also set to feature.
Local authors and speakers include crime writer Deon Meyer born in Paarl, chef and author Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, branding expert Thebe Ikalafeng, author Sally Andrew and political analyst Justice Malala.
A key addition to this year’s programme is Family Day on Saturday, May 16, which will feature sessions tailored for children, parents and multi-generational audiences. The programme includes storytelling, live drawing, and discussions on parenting and creativity.
Participants include children’s author Refiloe Moahloli, storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, adventurer Riaan Manser and illustrator Alex Latimer.
Organisers said the Family Day aims to encourage a love of reading from a young age, while creating space for conversations around parenting, creativity and well-being.
The festival’s school reading programme will also continue to support literacy development among pupils in the Franschhoek area.
The programme went live on Wednesday March 18, with ticket sales opening first to members, followed by public sales from Wednesday, March 25.
The full programme details are available at www.flf.co.za. For more information, send email to hello@flf.co.za.
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The 2026 edition is expected to feature a diverse line-up of writers from across the world, alongside a newly introduced Family Day aimed at readers of all ages.
Image: Supplied