With the Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) just a few days away (15–17 May 2026), audiences can look forward to a weekend of ideas, storytelling and riveting conversations in one of South Africa’s most beautiful literary settings.
Alongside its headline international and local authors, this year’s programme features a number of unique sessions. From family storytelling and wildlife photography to food culture and unforgettable personal memoirs, there are many reasons to head to the winelands to take it all in.
Festival-goers looking to start their weekend with a celebration can join the annual Rock for Reading fundraiser on Friday evening at the Barnyard Theatre at Bridge House School. A long-standing favourite of the festival, this event combines live music, good food and dancing in support of the FLF School Reading Programme, which runs school libraries and year-round literacy initiatives in four under-resourced schools in the Franschhoek Valley.
Franschhoek’s own Uncorked will perform a high-energy set of classic hits from ABBA to Coldplay, making it a memorable festival highlight for music lovers, with tickets even including a light dinner.
Families making their way to Franschhoek on Saturday 16 May can enjoy the festival’s inaugural Children’s Programme, thoughtfully created to inspire curiosity, foster a lifelong love of reading, and create a more inclusive literary experience for younger audiences and their families.
A special highlight is beloved storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, who will lead Mother of Books, an enchanting storytelling session celebrating the magic of stories and imagination. A cherished figure in South African literature, Mhlophe has spent decades inspiring young readers through her storytelling, poetry and books.
The programme also features adventure author Riaan Manser, who will share tales of courage and exploration in Big Dreams, Big Adventures, encouraging young readers to think big and embrace the spirit of discovery.
For parents navigating the complexities of modern family life, Real Parenting in 2026 brings together Dr Claudia Gray and Craig Wilkinson in conversation with Pippa Hudson, exploring how families can raise resilient children in a rapidly changing world.
Extending these family-centred conversations into the broader adult programme, Lessons from My Father offers a powerful reflection on the role fathers play in shaping identity, courage and values. Gcina Mhlophe returns to the stage, joined by Lindiwe Hani, her fellow contributor to the book Lessons From My Father. Craig Wilkinson (author of Force for Good) will lead the discussion, exploring the wisdom we inherit, the expectations we challenge, and the lessons that stay with us long after childhood.
Nature lovers will be captivated by ‘Wild Earth’ where renowned photographers Peter and Beverly Pickford share extraordinary images from their acclaimed books ‘Wild Land’ and ‘Wild Ocean’. Through breathtaking photography and storytelling, the Pickfords reveal the fragile connections between land, sea and life, offering a powerful visual journey through some of the planet’s most pristine environments.
Shifting from the natural world to the cultural significance of food, food lovers and social media fans won’t want to miss ‘A Seat at the South African Table’, where three of the country’s most popular digital food creators – Fehmz (Damn Good Food), Lila Lerie (The Big Tasty Bite) and Sinoyolo Sifo (The Cooking Husband) – share how their love of flavour, storytelling and online communities has led to their first cookbooks. In conversation with Ilse van der Merwe (Timeless South African), the panel explores how recipes, culture and digital platforms are shaping a new generation of food storytelling.
For those drawn to deeply personal narratives, Unleashed, offers a compelling and candid look into the emotional realities of veterinary life. Veterinarian Dr Caitlin Venniker, in conversation with Karen Lane, shares stories from her memoir discussing the joy of saving lives to the heartbreak that comes with caring for animals and their humans.
With hundreds of thought-provoking conversations and experiences taking place across the weekend, the Franschhoek Literary Festival continues to celebrate the enduring power of books, storytelling and ideas to connect people across generations.
For more information on the Festival along with the programme and ticket sales, please head to www.flf.co.za
