Hong Kong International Literary Festival Turns 25

The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) is celebrating its silver jubilee in 2026, and its going all out! With the theme ‘Inspiring Generations,’ this milestone edition is taking over the city — hosting Pulitzer Prize winners, local legends and emerging voices for a week of talks, workshops and lit-themed hangouts. Running alongside is the Young Readers Festival (check out Sassy Mama for a full breakdown!). 

With over 60 events across the city running all week long, it’s impossible to list them all. Nevertheless, here are a few HKILF 2026 programme highlights to have on your radar:

PANEL | Beyond the Headlines: Writing Southeast Asia
A discussion featuring regional authors and journalists Thammika Songkaeo, Marga Ortigas and Felicia Low‑Jimenez, who reflect on how geography and history shape their storytelling.
Date: Sunday, 1 March, 2026
Time: 1pm to 2:15pm
Location: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong

MARQUEE TALK | The Science and Soul of Strength
Author and athlete Arshay Cooper joins writer Bonnie Tsui for a fascinating discussion on resilience, identity, and the power of physical movement.
Date: Tuesday, 3 March, 2026
Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Location: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

MARQUEE TALK | I Deliver Parcels in Beijing
Celebrated writer Hu Anyan shares his poignant, sharply observed debut about navigating the gig economy and the relentless rhythms of modern blue-collar life.
Date: Wednesday, 4 March, 2026
Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Location: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

MARQUEE TALK | Amitav Ghosh: Ghost-Eye
Acclaimed Indian writer Amitav Ghosh discusses his latest work and his long-standing literary exploration of history, environment, and the ‘unseen.’
Date: Thursday, 5 March, 2026
Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Location: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

M+ at Night: Literary Edition
A special after-hours collaboration where the museum galleries open for a night of art, culture and spoken word performances.
Date: Friday, 6 March, 2026
Time: 7pm till late
Location: M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon, Hong Kong

PANEL | Beyond the Real: Writing Power, History, and the Unseen
A late-night session exploring the intersections of power and history within fiction and memoir.
Date: Saturday, 7 March, 2026
Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Location: Fringe Underground, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong

WALK | Colourful Hong Kong: Street Art Walk
An immersive walking tour exploring the vibrant murals and urban art history hidden in the streets of Hong Kong.
Date: Saturday, 7 March, 2026
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Meeting point at Central MTR Station (Exit To Be Confirmed), Central, Hong Kong