The world’s most famous book fairs

In August, the world celebrates Book Lovers Day. The love for reading unites people beyond time and borders, awakening imagination and broadening horizons. Book fairs become the living embodiment of this passion, bringing together writers, publishers, and readers from all over the world. In this article, we set out on a journey through the brightest literary events on the planet, where the book is the main character.

Frankfurt book fair

One of the oldest and most prestigious is the Frankfurt Book Fair (German: Frankfurter Buchmesse). Every year in mid-October, in the German city of Frankfurt am Main, for five days, more than 7,000 exhibitors from around 100 countries of the world gather. 

The fair was first held in 1473 and, until the end of the 17th century, was the most important trading venue for books, but in 1632 the Leipzig Book Fair became the new center. The revival of the Frankfurt Fair took place only in 1949.

The event has the utmost international significance. For publishers, printing houses, authors, and editors, it is a platform for new acquaintances, creative ideas, cooperation, and business. These days, lectures, book presentations, and discussions are held. In addition, the organizers invite famous writers, poets, and journalists, meaning everyone has a chance to meet their idol from the world of literature.

Among the most significant awards presented during the Frankfurt Book Fair are the German Book Prize (Deutscher Buchpreis), awarded for the best novel in the German language published in the current year; the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels), awarded to cultural figures for their contribution to peace and mutual understanding; and the German Youth Literature Prize (Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis), awarded for outstanding works of children’s and youth literature.

In 2025, the exhibition will be held from October 15 to 19 at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition complex in Frankfurt am Main. In different years, the fair’s guests of honor have included Finland (2014), Turkey (2008), India (2006), Russia (2003), Portugal (1997), and Japan (1990). This year, it will be the Philippines.

photо: pixabay.com

Leipzig book fair

The Leipzig Book Fair (German: Leipziger Buchmesse) is the second-largest book fair in Germany after Frankfurt, held annually over four days at the Leipzig Trade Fair complex in the northern part of Leipzig, Saxony.

This fair is notable for its reading festival, Leipzig Liest. The evening program includes author appearances in bookstores, cafes, and Leipzig’s historic town hall.

The event hosts several important German literary awards: the Leipzig Book Fair Prize and the Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding. In addition, nominees for the German Youth Literature Prize are presented. 

Traditionally held in March, in 2026 it is planned for March 19–22.

London book fair

This is a global platform for trading publishing rights and selling and distributing content through various channels, including print, audio, television, film, and digital.

LBF was founded in 1971 and, over more than 50 years of its existence, has become one of the world’s leading events in the publishing industry. The fair attracts around 30,000 visitors annually and serves as a meeting place for publishers, agents, authors, copyright specialists, and other participants in the global publishing industry. It is a platform for discussing the latest trends in publishing, making deals, exchanging experiences, and determining the future of creative content.

The fair includes various events such as seminars, conferences, book presentations, and award ceremonies, as well as networking opportunities. Alongside the business program, LBF supports various organizations related to literacy and the dissemination of books.

LBF is held at the Olympia London exhibition complex; in 2026, the fair will be held from March 10 to 12.

photо: freepik.com

New York international antiquarian book fair

Every year, exhibitors from all over the world gather in the historic Park Avenue Armory building in New York, presenting a rich selection of exhibits, including rare books, maps, illuminated manuscripts, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, photographs, engravings, memorabilia, and ephemera. The fair’s specialization covers art, design, popular culture, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, music, and philosophy.

This book fair is officially approved by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. This means that buyers can rely on the expertise and professionalism of the participants and be sure of the authenticity of the items offered for sale – all books, manuscripts, and related materials are carefully checked for completeness and bibliographic accuracy.

Prices can be shocking: one such item may cost $50 million. In addition, admission to the fair is ticketed. In 2026, the event will be held from April 30 to May 3.

photо: freepik.com

The world’s largest floating book fair

Logos Hope is the most unusual – a ship-based book fair. In addition to selling publications, it hosts entertainment, social, and educational seminars, forums, and other events on board. This format was conceived 55 years ago to provide high-quality literature to residents of countries without easy access to well-known global publications.

The ship’s crew and fair staff are volunteers from 60 countries who work without pay. They visit schools, hospitals, and prisons, help those in need, and conduct various workshops and educational activities.

The ship docks in port for several days, opening access to the fair to everyone. The project is also focused on charity: a large portion of the books is donated to public institutions.