YES FESTIVAL 2026

YES Festival is an annual literature and art festival organised by Strange Forest Group in North Macedonia. Bringing together literature, visual arts and creative expression, the festival provides a platform for encounters between writers, illustrators, artists, publishers, translators and audiences of different ages and backgrounds. Originally established with a focus on children's and young adult literature, YES Festival has gradually expanded its programme to include contemporary literary fiction, poetry, illustration and visual arts. 

Today, it offers a diverse programme of author talks, book presentations, literary discussions, readings, exhibitions, creative workshops, book clubs and activities for children, young people and adults. A central part of the festival's mission is to promote reading, encourage creativity and make literature and art accessible to wider audiences. Particular attention is given to independent publishing, translated literature, emerging literary voices and cultural exchange, introducing readers to authors and works from different European countries and linguistic backgrounds. The festival also highlights the relationship between literature and other artistic disciplines, especially illustration and contemporary visual arts. Through exhibitions, workshops and interdisciplinary events, YES Festival creates opportunities for collaboration between writers and visual artists, while encouraging active audience participation. 

YES Festival takes place in two editions: The main edition in Skopje brings together local and international authors, artists and cultural professionals through a programme of literary and artistic events, discussions, exhibitions and workshops. The summer edition, YES Festival: Lake Stories (Езерски приказни), takes place in Ohrid, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. This edition brings literature and art into a distinctive summer setting, combining literary encounters, storytelling, creative workshops and artistic activities in an atmosphere that encourages dialogue, imagination and community engagement. Organised by Strange Forest Group, an independent creative organisation comprising two publishing houses, a fine art print studio, a bookstore, an art gallery and an art supply shop, YES Festival benefits from a multidisciplinary environment in which publishing, literature and visual arts intersect. Through its two editions, YES Festival aims to strengthen the local and regional cultural scene, support international literary exchange, develop new audiences and create lasting connections between literature, art and the communities they inspire.