7 – 11 October 2026

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Public Events

CMF Publikum vor Bühne

All together now!

From truly exciting to simply unforgettable – numerous highlights await the many visitors to the Frankfurter Buchmesse.

The programme for the general public at Frankfurter Buchmesse offeres visitors a range of colourful experiences that evoke many unforgettable impressions. There is literally something for everyone: for book lovers of all ages, for culture enthusiasts, for anyone thirsty for knowledge or nearly any other interest. Enriched by engaging talks, interviews as well as readings with international personalities and authors. There is also plenty to experience at the numerous meet & greets, interactive events, creative sessions and educational formats.

These are only a few of the many programme highlights

Reading is my Superpower T-Shirt

Frankfurt Kids Festival

From educational software to bedtime stories – there's something for every child at the Frankfurter Buchmesse. Discover the wide range of children's and young adult media through exciting readings, interactive events, and a special Family Day.

Find out more
Mehrere Personen sitzen an einem Tisch und halten Karten eines Spiels in den Händen; weitere Karten liegen auf der Tischfläche.

Packs, Deals and Pulls at the Trading Card Area

Pack openings, meta discussions and matches at the tables: the new Trading Card Area in the Festhalle is the place to be for anyone who doesn’t just collect cards, but plays them too. Grab some booster packs from the Gate to the Games TCG vending machine, test your skills in RUNE tournaments or try out new games like Disney Lorcana straight away at the gaming tables. Bonus loot: Anyone who takes part will receive an exclusive promo card (while stocks last). Bring your deck with you or build a new one on the spot.

Tanzperformance auf einer Bühne: Eine Person in schwarzer Kleidung springt im Mittelpunkt, begleitet von drei Tänzer*innen in schwarz-violetten Kostümen und rotem Bühnenlicht.

Tokio Vibes on the Matsuri Stage

A packed programme for anime, gaming and fantasy fans: the Matsuri Stage brings Japanese pop culture to Frankfurt. Watch the Dice Actors – Naomi Schicht & Tony Clark, Mitsuru Kijo, MYUgaku and many more – bring pen-and-paper role-playing games to life on stage, celebrate internet legend Takeo Ischi, or enjoy live acts and shows. The challenge: Are you peckish and not afraid of some fierce competition? Then sign up for the official noodle-eating contest from Friday to Sunday.

Events on the Matsuri Stage
2026 funk Logo

The silver funk bus invites you to stay awhile and join in

Alongside an integrated photo booth for capturing great memories, the bus offers a cosy chill-out area where visitors can unwind. A prize wheel offers the chance to win exciting prizes, while interactive media activities invite visitors to solve puzzles and try things out. A DIY station also gives everyone the chance to get creative.

Mockup von einem Messestand, auf dem Crime World steht

Crime World: Investigate, deduce, discover

At Crime World in Hall 5.0, the crime genre will come to life – for detectives of all ages and across 6x22 metres of exhibition space. Three interactive experience cubes will allow visitors to explore the worlds of iconic detectives, along with intriguing gadgets and surprising hands-on moments. The highlight: for the true crime podcast Das Prinzip Mord (The Murder Principle), Sascha Lapp and David Sarno will bring real-life cases and authentic investigative work to the fair. With the support of experienced criminal investigators, visitors can follow the clues and put their sleuthing skills to the test.

More about Crime World
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In 2026, you can look forward to authors including...

  • Robert Habeck
  • Otto Waalkes
  • Jan Weiler
  • Ursula Poznanski
  • Markus Heitz
  • Irina Scherbakowa
  • Mareike Fallwickl
  • Caroline Wahl
  • Kai Meyer
  • Julia Dippel
  • Ayla Dade
  • Anna Benning
  • Riccardo Simonetti
  • Nathalie Bröske (@nathalie_reads)
  • Liz Tomforde
  • Sebastian Fitzek
  • Thea Dorn
  • Anna Fleck
  • Susanne Fröhlich
  • Maren Vivien Haase
  • Kyra Groh
  • Ekaterina Leonova
  • Clara Lösel
  • Ahamad Mansour
  • Reinhold Messner
  • Nele Neuhaus
  • Lehrer Reff
  • Sven Regener
  • Yáng Shuāng-zǐ
  • Nick Wilder

Don’t miss a thing...

Vier Speaker*innen sitzen auf der Bühne vor pink-rotem Buchmesse-Backdrop („Buchmesse / Only at“).

Calendar of Events

Explore all Frankfurter Buchmesse events in the digital event calendar. Filter by day, topic, venue and audience, and plan your visit around your interests.

Author signiert Bücher

All book signing opportunities at a glance

You can get autographs at Meet the Author as well as at many exhibitor stands. Learn more about the various book signing sessions at Frankfurter Buchmesse and how to best prepare for meeting your favourite author.

Privatbesucher mit Handy auf der Buchmesse

Frankfurter Buchmesse App

Always app-to-date: with the Frankfurter Buchmesse app. Including all events and exhibitors, along with a personal favourites list, personal calendar, interactive hall plan, and practical information about the fair.

For those special moments on stage

Publikum vor Buehne im Stehen

Spotlight on: stages at the fair

Exciting talks and rousing events on our trade fair stages: A diverse programme with international stars, TV personalities and bestselling authors awaits you at Frankfurter Buchmesse.

Fotos verschiedener Moderator*innen des Öffentlich Rechtlichen Rundfunks

Literature stage by ARD, ZDF and 3sat

Every day, new releases from the world of books are presented. Well-known hosts such as Bärbel Schäfer, Denis Scheck, Salwa Housoumi, Mona Ameziane, Thea Dorn, Katty Salié, Jo Schück, Vivian Perkovic, Cécile Schortmann and Jagoda Marinić present selected new publications. Their guests include Parshad Esmaeili, Natalie Amiri, Paul Maar, Caroline Wahl, Ricardo Simonetti, Christoph Kramer and Charlotte Link. At Forum 0 (A1).