Open Book Festival
openbookfestival.bsky.social
Open Book Festival
@openbookfestival.bsky.social
Open Book dates for 2025
18 - 26 March | Youth Fest
2 - 7 June | Workshop Week
5 - 7 September | Open Book Festival
We honour all of the women who make our country what it is.
Alongside Women for Change, we demand that Gender-Based Violence be declared a National Disaster.

Here are our reading lists that support women’s vital perspectives.

For more information womenforchange.co.za/g20-women-sh...
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
4 days until #OBF2025! Don't miss out on three days that could change how you see the world.

It's time to listen deeply and speak boldly. Book now through Webtickets or via our website.

Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

#OpenBookFestival #ConversationsThatMatter
September 1, 2025 at 11:22 AM
🎉 Our programme is LIVE and bookings are officially OPEN!
🎫 Programme: openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...
🎟️ Webtickets: www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCate...
Email openbooktickets@gmail.com to request comps.
Books available at The Book Lounge

#OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #ConversationsThatMatter
August 4, 2025 at 12:08 PM
This year's lineup brings together the most incredible mix of writers, poets and performers for three days of powerful conversations! Full list here: openbookfestival.co.za/authors/

We've raised R383,210 so far! Donate to #OBF2025: booklounge.co.za/product/open...

#OpenBookFestival
July 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Update 2:
Open Book isn't just an event - it's where art heals, where strangers become friends, and where writers and readers find their community.
Every contribution matters. Every share helps. Please support us or share with someone who might: booklounge.co.za/product/open...
July 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Update part 1:
We're deeply grateful for community support - R104,177 so far! But government funding has been slashed: provincial funding cut us to R55K (from R300K), while DSAC completely axed funding after years of support (R700K in 2024). We can no longer rely on government support.
July 23, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Open Book belongs to everyone who makes it what it is. Now we need collective ownership to include financial support. We're facing a funding crisis with no clarity on government applications months before September. If you value Open Book, please contribute.
booklounge.co.za/product/open...
July 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Two brilliant sessions from our Open Book Festival Workshop Week are now available to watch on YouTube! Links below:

From Manuscript to Bookshelf | Publishing: youtu.be/mnLNxtWB--I
From Manuscript to Bookshelf | The Next Steps
youtu.be/v0NIamE-lu8

#WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival
June 20, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Days 4 and 5 of Workshop Week brought such incredible variety! The blend of creative workshops and practical industry knowledge is what makes Workshop Week so special! 🖋️📚
Final day tomorrow!
openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

#OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #WorkshopWeek #SkillSharing
June 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Days 2 & 3 of Workshop Week have been absolutely incredible! The depth and diversity of these workshops showcase exactly why OBF is so special. Join us for the end. Book via Webtickets & our website.
openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

#WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing
June 5, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Workshop Week is off to a brilliant start! There's nothing quite like watching stories come to life in real time. Don't miss out! Book your spot via Webtickets.
openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

#OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #WorkshopWeek #ShillSharing
June 3, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and sponsors who helped make this week of writing, skill sharing and community building possible. If you'd like to be a part of what we do, please reach out to us.

#OpenBookFestival #OBF2025 #ReadingCommunity #WritingCommunity #CapeTown
May 31, 2025 at 12:25 PM
We're launching our inaugural Writers Retreat in collaboration with Bertha Retreat, featuring Toni Giselle Stuart. This intimate, closed gathering marks what we hope will be the first of many creative retreats.

#OpenBookFestival #WritersRetreat #WritingRetreat #OBF2025
May 29, 2025 at 12:49 PM
We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Ikamva Youth and Youth Capital for a special off-programme three-part youth-focused workshop.

#WorkshopWeek #OBF2025 #OpenBookFestival #YouthWriters #SkillSharing #FutureVoices #Partnership #WritingCommunity #CapeTown
May 27, 2025 at 6:32 AM
The vast majority of Workshop Week sessions take place at Bertha House in Mowbray, our long time partner. Bertha House provides a resourced space to activists, storytellers and anyone committed to creating more just societies.
berthaspaces.org/bertha-house/
#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival
May 24, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Master the craft of storytelling with Qarnita Loxton! From plot development to creating believable characters and dialogue, this workshop welcomes writers of all levels. Book your spot today via webtickets!
openbookfestival.co.za/programme/wo...
#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing
May 22, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Our "From Manuscript to Book Shelf" double session features industry experts who will guide you in your publishing journey!

Book one or both sessions via Webtickets.

openbookfestival.co.za/programme/fr...
openbookfestival.co.za/programme/fr...

#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #SkillSharing
May 21, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Craft your very own calligraphy pen and learn basic techniques with Adil Jacobs, founder of Kapaadie Co. Calligraphy Pens! Book now via Webtickets.
openbookfestival.co.za/programme/ca...

#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival #CalligraphyWorkshop #HandmadePens #SkillSharing #WritingTechniques
May 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Explore the delicate balance between memoir and fiction with Karina Szczurek in a two-part workshop. Your work could be published! Space is limited, so book now!

openbookfestival.co.za/programme/th...
@karinamszczurek.bsky.social
@karavanpress.bsky.social

#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival
May 14, 2025 at 6:05 AM
🎉 Workshop Week 2025 programme is now LIVE and bookings are OPEN! 🎉

The full programme is on our website and you can click through to Webtickets from there to book!
openbookfestival.co.za/festival-pro...

#OBF2025 #WorkshopWeek #OpenBookFestival #SkillSharing #WritingCommunity #WritingWorkshops
May 6, 2025 at 6:32 AM
The Life Righting Collective is raffling a gorgeous writing retreat in Fish Hoek from 9 - 13 July!

R100 per entry
ABSA: Life Righting Collective
Acct: 40 9382 6013
Branch: 632005
Reference: Your full name
Email POP to admin@liferighting.com with contact details

Raffle drawn 9th May!
April 11, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A Blazing Finale to #YouthFest2025! 🔥

What an incredible way to close our festival! Zizipho Bam and aBantu ChorUS brought performances that challenged, inspired, and moved us. Thanks to Bertha House for hosting us!

See you in June for Workshop Week!

#OpenBookFestival #OBF2025
March 27, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Tomorrow is the final day of #YouthFest2025!

11am-12pm Storytime with Subi Bosa at the Museum of Childhood
6-7:30pm Youth Fest Open Mic, hosted by Zizipho Bam, featuring aBantu Chorus, at Bertha House in Mowbray
Bertha House.

Book via openbooktickets@gmail.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Yesterday Diana Ferrus captivated young readers with The Boy Who Loved to Dance at Protea Library. This morning Subi Bosa dazzled with Wrong! at the Rainbow Library. Swipe to see a few highlights.

#OpenBookFestival #OBF2025 #YouthLiterature #ChildrensBooks
March 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Don't miss our final #YouthFest2025 events:
Mon 24 March: Poetry with Thandiwe Nqanda
Wed 26 March: "Wrong!" storytime with Subi Bosa
Wed 26 March: Open Mic hosted by Zizipho Bam, featuring aBantu Chorus
All events are FREE but booking is essential! Email openbooktickets@gmail.com to book.
March 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM