The Aké Arts and Book Festival 2026 returns for its 14th edition from 19 to 21 November 2026 in Lagos, according to Brittle Paper. This year’s theme is “Native Intelligence”. Here is what the festival is, why its name connects to Yorùbá history, and how to plan your visit.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Edition | 14th |
| Dates | 19 to 21 November 2026 |
| Theme | Native Intelligence |
| City | Lagos |
| Venue (per registration information) | Silkwood Hotel Ikeja, 261 Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA |
| Tickets | Online tickets from 1 September 2026; venue tickets from 19 November 2026 |
Details can change, so confirm the venue, programme and ticket options on the festival’s official channels before you travel.
What Is the Aké Arts and Book Festival?
Founded in 2013 by writer and poet Lola Shoneyin through the Book Buzz Foundation, the festival is one of Africa’s leading gatherings for literature, music, film and conversation, as documented on Wikipedia. According to the organisers, more than 1,000 writers, poets, musicians, actors, filmmakers, artists and thinkers have taken part over the years. The Book Buzz Foundation also promotes literacy and supports reading spaces in schools.
Why the Name “Aké” Is Yorùbá
Aké is a historic quarter of Abeokuta in Ogun State and the childhood home of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. The festival takes its name from Aké: The Years of Childhood, his memoir. The festival began in Abeokuta in 2013, was held there through 2017, then moved to Lagos from 2018, with virtual editions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more in our profile of Wole Soyinka.
The 2026 Theme: Native Intelligence
According to the organisers, “Native Intelligence” explores where knowledge that has long existed in African communities meets the new forms of intelligence emerging through technology. In Yorùbá culture, that knowledge has traditionally travelled through òwe (proverbs), oríkì (praise poetry), folktales, Ifá verses, songs and communal teaching, much of it living in memory and performance rather than in textbooks. Explore examples in our guides to Yoruba proverbs, oríkì and Ifá.
What to Expect
- Panel discussions, book chats and poetry.
- Music, film and visual art.
- Opportunities to meet writers and other creative practitioners.
Planning Your Visit
Pair your trip with other cultural events on our calendar, such as Art X Lagos 2026, Design Week Lagos 2026 and Felabration 2026, or see the full Yoruba events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Aké Festival 2026?
19 to 21 November 2026.
Where is it held?
In Lagos; the registration information lists Silkwood Hotel Ikeja as the venue.
What does “Aké” mean?
It is the name of a historic quarter in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the childhood home of Wole Soyinka.
Sources
- Brittle Paper: Aké Arts and Book Festival announces dates for its 14th edition
- Wikipedia: Aké Arts and Book Festival
- Festival organisers’ announcement and registration information, as summarised in our earlier draft
