Ake Arts and Book Festival

View on map
Arts & CultureLagos
Dates19–21 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsAke stands out as one of the most prominent
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NGN
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Ake Arts and Book Festival in Lagos

The Ake Arts and Book Festival is Nigeria's leading literary festival, founded by novelist and poet Lola Shoneyin. Named after the Abeokuta neighborhood central to Wole Soyinka's childhood memoir, it gathers African and international writers, publishers, and readers for panel discussions, readings, and related programming, now held in recent years primarily in Lagos.

The Ake Arts and Book Festival is widely regarded as Nigeria's leading literary festival, founded by the novelist and poet Lola Shoneyin.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Ake stands out as one of the most prominent literary gatherings on the African continent, drawing acclaimed African and international authors, emerging writers, publishers, and general readers into direct conversation

02

The mystery stays covered

Its name and origins connect it to Wole Soyinka's memoir 'Ake: The Years of Childhood,' and the festival began in Abeokuta before later editions moved to Lagos, giving it a strong link to both a specific literary heritage and Nigeria's contemporary literary scene

03

The city starts moving

The programming typically spans panel discussions, book readings, film screenings, art exhibitions, and children's programming, making it a gathering point for African literature and ideas rather than a single-format book fair

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Ake continues a tradition of pan-African literary gathering

Water and renewal

Living ritual

bringing together oral storytelling influences

The sacred route

Living ritual

contemporary African fiction and poetry

The local code

Living ritual

and public intellectual debate

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Its programming often engages with Yoruba and broader Nigerian literary and cultural references

Tradition 6

Living ritual

reflecting both its Abeokuta origins and its founder's own background as a Nigerian writer

Tradition 7

Living ritual

while also platforming voices from across the African continent and its diaspora

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

19–21 November 2026

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Smart casual clothing works well for panel sessions and readings, and layered clothing is useful given air-conditioned indoor venues contrasted with Lagos's outdoor heat and humidity...

Safety

At Ake Arts and Book Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Lagos you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

NGN

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.45 N, 3.39 EOpen in Google Maps

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Nearest airportLOS — Murtala Muhammed
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Lagos you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Lagos via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Lagos, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual clothing works well for panel sessions and readings, and layered clothing is useful given air-conditioned indoor venues contrasted with Lagos's outdoor heat and humidity. Comfortable shoes are helpful if the festival uses multiple venue spaces across a site or city area.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nigeria and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Ake Arts and Book Festival?

Ake Arts and Book Festival is listed for 19–21 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Ake Arts and Book Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Lagos, Nigeria. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLakefestival.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates19–21 November 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →