By Oriyomi Anthony
Book festivals benefit all stakeholders. From the writer who gets to engage with fawning fans and aggravating critics to the reader who meets their favorite author, networks with fellow bibliophiles, stocks up on more books, or connects with the love of their lives.
Publishers are not left out as book festivals are avenues to sell books, meet potential clients, and advocate for social and economic causes. In between, there are opportunities for attendees to learn one or two skills. Little wonder that more of these festivals, which typically hold from the second quarter of the year, are springing up across Nigeria.
If you are planning your book festival calendar for the year, here’s a list of 11 of the most exciting book and arts festivals in Nigeria you can add to your itinerary. A few have passed already, but you can note them for your 2026 plans!
1. Things Fall Apart Book Festival
Organised by the Centre for Memories (Ncheta Ndigbo), the festival celebrates Chinua Achebe’s debut novel, Things Fall Apart, which is now in its 67th year. The week-long celebration happening in Enugu will feature panels, cosplay, essay contests, and theatre, with acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie headlining this year’s edition. 2025 dates: June 29–July 5.
2. Chinua Achebe Literary Festival
Also centred around the literary icon Chinua Achebe, this time around his person, the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival is organised by the Anambra State chapter of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. The event kicked off in 2016 and holds annually on November 16, the late Achebe’s birthday. This tribute to Achebe features a memorial lecture, poetry/essay launches, and literary salons. 2025 date: November 16.
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3. Boldoz Book & Arts Festival
The festival, which is in its second year, is curated by Enobong Etuk of Boldoz Bookstores Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is home to this festival. 2025 dates: June 20–21
4. Kaduna Book & Arts Festival (KABAFEST)
Holding a special place as the first book festival in northern Nigeria, KABAFEST was established in 2017 by Lola Shoneyin of Book Buzz Foundation and is funded by the Kaduna State Government. The festival showcases the vibrant culture of Northern Nigeria alongside centring important book dialogues. 2025 dates: May 8 – 10
5. Sokoto Book & Arts Festival (SOBAfest)
Also in northern Nigeria, SOBAfest celebrates the literature and cultural heritage of Sokoto State. The festival began in 2021 and annually features workshops, readings, and exhibitions. 2025 dates: August 22–24.
6. Quramo Festival of Words (QFest)
Now in its ninth year, QFest is a Lagos-based literary event spotlighting creativity through book showcases, writing workshops, and author talks. It is curated by Quramo Publishing. 2025 dates: October (TBD)
7. Port Harcourt Book Festival
The Port Harcourt Book Festival has roots in the Rainbow Book Club and was founded by Koko Kalango. It is a week-long celebration usually timed around International Literacy Day (September 8). 2025 dates: Early–mid September (TBD)
8. Ake Arts and Book Festival (AABF)
A leading literary event, named after Aké, a town in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and which had its first few editions in Abeokuta, was established by Lola Shoneyin in 2013. The event is now held in Lagos State and regularly features panels, performances, art exhibitions, and book launches. 2025 dates: November 20-22
9. Lagos Book & Arts Festival (LABAF)
LABAF holds an iconic position as the first literary festival in Nigeria. It was founded in 1999 by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), whose motive included commemorating Nigeria, the return to democracy and re-energising the literary scene. 2025 dates: November 10-16
10. Abuja Literary & Arts Festival (ALitFest)
ALitFest was initiated by the Abuja Literary Society (ALS) and has since 2018 welcomed a growing number of book enthusiasts, artists and other players in the literary scene. 2025 date: Likely Q4 (TBD).
11. Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFest)
What’s better than a book-focused festival? A poetry-only festival. LIPFest was founded in 2015 by poet and writer Efe Paul Azino to cater to poetry in all its forms. It features workshops, poetry slams, and international exchanges that keep attendees returning for more. 2025 dates: October 23-27
