The book fairs worth the trip, with the dates that are already official and the ones that are not yet. Each page links to the official website and can be added to your calendar.
Updated: September 2026 · 2 fairs · Only dates verified against official sources
Sorted by date. Dates come from the official website or the organising body.
Frankfurt am Main · 7–11 Oct 2026
Leipzig · 18–21 Mar 2027
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Start for freeGermany has the two most important book fairs in the world, and they are very different animals. Frankfurt, in October, is the international rights market: this is where deals are done, with the public joining at the weekend. Leipzig, in March, is its counterpart — a readers' fair, with the whole city reading along through "Leipzig liest", the largest reading festival in Europe.
Both run a guest of honour country that gets its own pavilion and a large share of the programme. In Frankfurt it is Czechia in 2026; Leipzig has for the first time invited three countries jointly for 2027: Poland, France and Germany.
This page is updated whenever organisers publish new dates. If a fair shows as "dates not yet announced", it is because the date is not officially confirmed, not because it will not take place.
Frankfurt is larger and internationally more important: the biggest book fair in the world, and mainly a trade meeting for licences and rights. Leipzig is smaller and far more oriented towards readers.
Leipzig is a public fair from the start. In Frankfurt the opening days are reserved for trade visitors and the weekend is open to all. Tickets and prices are on the official websites.
The reading festival that runs across the whole city alongside the Leipzig Book Fair: readings in cafés, churches, trams and living rooms. It is considered the largest reading festival in Europe.