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Karachi’s ultimate gathering for book lovers is back, the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) is returning for its 17th edition from February 6 to 8, 2026, festival organisers announced on Monday.

The festival will be held at its usual home, the Beach Luxury Hotel, and will play host to a number of prominent public speakers who’ll uphold the festival’s tradition of insightful discussions and cultural celebration.

While further details have yet to be announced, an event with a history as long as the KLF has a few staples that we hope to see again this year. Book launches, naturally, play a big role at the event. Panel discussions, especially on social issues, are also a hallmark of the event.

The festival also usually has stalls from book vendors, selling texts on everything from anime to zoology. The amount of choice is sometimes overwhelming and going over budget is not uncommon among readers at the KLF.

Last year’s festival, which centred around the theme “Narrative from the Soil”, also featured screenings of Pakistani films and a closing qawwali arranged in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan.

A special area is usually designated for children at the KLF, the Youth Pavilion. The pavilion hosts a number of literary activities like story-telling sessions, puppet shows and theatre plays to encourage a love for literature in kids — something that is getting harder to find nowadays.

As we await more details, we’re sure of one thing: there will be something to do and something to learn for everyone who attends the festival next year.