Join the Indie Authors Rise Up Book Festival in Helderberg: Celebrating 70 Local Writers.
More than 70 local writers are set to take over the Helderberg region this August for the highly anticipated return of the 2026 Indie Authors Rise Up Book Festival.
Taking place from August 14 to August 23 across Somerset West and Strand, the festival features 26 distinct events hosted across local wineries, libraries, and cafes.
Now in its fourth year, the festival was inspired by the innovative spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has evolved from the Fringe Fireside Chats of 2023, focusing on open access for writers to connect directly with their readers.
Among the participants is June Mthimkulu. She is a domestic worker who became a published cookbook author. Her story highlights the commitment of the festival to provide a platform for self-published writers.
