The 2026 Malta Book Festival

Uncover the story

The Malta Book Festival returns to the MFCC, Ta’ Qali, from 4 to 8 November — and this year, we’re inviting you to Uncover the Story.

Now in its 47th edition, Malta’s leading celebration of book culture has never been bigger or more ambitious. Last year’s record-breaking edition drew upwards of 40,000 visitors across five packed days, with over 40 exhibitors and a programme of more than 100 events for readers of every age. This year promises to build on that success, with workshops, author talks, family activities and much more still to be announced, including appearances from a globally bestselling author and a rising star of European literature who has attracted critical acclaim.

Full details are coming in the weeks and months ahead, but one thing is certain: whether you’re cracking open your first book or your thousandth, there’s a story here waiting to be uncovered.

Attendance to the Festival and to all of its events is free of charge.

Wednesday 4 – Friday 6 Nov
9:00-13:00 & 17:00-21:00

Saturday 7 Nov
10:00-21:00

Sunday 8 Nov
10:00-20:00

€20 BOOK VOUCHERS FOR ALL STUDENTS!

4-8th November, 2026

MFCC, Ta' Qali

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At the 2026 Malta Book Festival, all primary and secondary school students are eligible for a €20 book voucher redeemable from all the booksellers at the Festival, during all our opening hours.
Unlock your child’s next great adventure – register for their free book voucher!

How do I register?

School groups and classes wishing to attend must book their visits in advance. We will soon be reaching out to schools to invite them to book their visits, starting this September. Students visiting as part of a school group will be automatically receiving their voucher at the Festival venue, and cannot register for their voucher independently. Students who are absent on the day of the school visit can collect their voucher from the Festival venue Info Point whenever they visit.
All other students visiting independently or with their families and guardians (not with their class), are invited to register and retrieve their free book voucher online via our online portal. You can register for your voucher through the portal from 15 October 2026.

EVENTS

Programme

Expect book presentations, workshops, author talks with international guests, family activities, and much more — with something for readers of every age. Full programme coming soon.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Ian Rankin

Author

Born in the Kingdom of Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, and then spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature.

His first novel Summer Rites remains in his bottom drawer, but his second novel, The Flood, was published in 1986, while his first Rebus novel, Knots & Crosses, was published in 1987. The Rebus series is now translated into twenty-two languages and the books are bestsellers on several continents. In addition to his Rebus and Malcolm Fox novels, he has also written standalone novels, short stories, a graphic novel, two plays and a non-fiction book, Rebus’s Scotland (2005).

Ian has received an OBE for services to literature, opting to receive the prize in his home city of Edinburgh, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

More special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN

The Malta Book Festival is a fantastic day out for the whole family, and this year is no different. From theatre shows and interactive activities to resources for young readers, there will be plenty to keep children and adults alike entertained and inspired throughout festival week. Full details will be announced in the coming months — watch this space!