Frankfurter Buchmesse continues to grow – and connect the world of literature

The 77th edition has been all about growth, global discourse and a passion for reading across generations. | A total of 238,000 visitors 

The 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse (15–19 October 2025) continued the book fair’s growth trajectory. As of the last afternoon the fair, 118,000 trade visitors and 120,000 private visitors (2024: 115,000 trade visitors and 115,000 private visitors) from 131 countries (2024: 153 countries; 2023: 130 countries) visited the fair, more than in the previous year. This underscores Frankfurter Buchmesse’s position as the leading event for the international publishing industry and as a festival for literature fans. On Wednesday and Thursday, around 3 percent more trade visitors attended the fair than in 2024. Friday, which was open to both trade visitors and the general public from the morning onwards, saw a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. On Saturday, the fair was sold out.

Overall, 4,350 exhibitors (2024: 4,300) were present in the exhibition halls. Both the Literary Agents & Scouts Centre (LitAg) and the Publishers Rights Centre (PRC) were in high demand, with their combined 591 tables (previous year: 593 tables) booked out in advance. With rights dealers from a total of 357 agencies and publishers from 33 countries and 44,900 admissions, the two work centres for the international rights business were very well frequented (previous year: 355 publishers and agencies and 38,000 admissions). In addition, 7,800 media representatives (previous year: 7,500) registered to report on more than 3,500 events over the course of the fair (2024: 3,300 events).

“We can look back on five successful and intense days,” says Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse. “Frankfurter Buchmesse remains on course for growth. Once again, we have had more visitors and more exhibitors than in the previous year. Our strength lies in the fact that Frankfurt brings together book professionals and literature lovers from all over the world. We combine a marketplace with a festival of literature.”  

“Over the past five days, we have seen a tremendous enthusiasm for reading, especially among young visitors,” says Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, Chairwoman of the German Publishers & Booksellers Association. “At the same time, key issues of our time were discussed, such as how to deal with artificial intelligence and politicians’ responsibility in this regard. This unique combination of business and culture, reading festival and discourse makes the book fair a place that has a far-reaching impact on society.”

Frankfurt Calling as global sounding board

Powerful voices on pressing issues: Frankfurt Calling, the cultural-political programme of Frankfurter Buchmesse, brought together international perspectives on the new Centre Stage every day of the fair. Among others, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed digital disinformation in the age of social media and AI. “We are in the last two minutes of an information Armageddon,” Ressa said. Stoltenberg emphasized, “We have a responsibility to support the independent press.”

Books as audio books, films, series or games 

Book-to-Screen Day 2025 underscored the growing importance of content development among publishers, agencies, game studios and the film and series industry. Over 500 participants discussed successful adaptations during panels, pitchings and matchmaking events. The session on 22 Bahnen (22 Lengths) with Caroline Wahl was particularly popular. The strong response showed that the interaction of books, films and new narrative formats is becoming more intense – a development that is being strategically promoted by Frankfurter Buchmesse. The continued growth of the global audiobook market was reflected in the expanded Frankfurt Audio Area. In terms of trade programme events, the sessions by Spotify and Audible were particularly well received. On the Fabely audiobook stage and other stages at the fair, well-known voices and authors such as Rufus Beck, Sebastian Fitzek and Josi Wismar interacted with audiobook and podcast fans.

From workflows to reality: The book trade and AI

“Humans and/or machines?” That was a question explored from all angles at the book fair: practical, ethical and political. At trade programme events, the discourse surrounding AI in publishing was solution-oriented and optimistic. On the Innovation Stage, for example, new licensing models and more efficient workflows made possible by AI were discussed. In contrast, the focus at Word – A Stage for Literature and Translation was on questions of regulation and fair remuneration. That is where translators – working with and without AI – gave visitors a glimpse behind the scenes. At the Education Forum, the discussion highlighted media education’s importance in the age of AI as a key skill for the future. And on the Centre Stage, a major question was posed, namely “Who controls reality?” Melissa Fleming (Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications at the United Nations) warned that those who understand how to use algorithms to their advantage can amplify voices, distort narratives and thus shift our shared reality.

Guest of Honour Philippines: Powerful voices and inspiring performances

From contemporary literature and indigenous storytelling traditions to courageous literary and journalistic voices speaking out on socio-political issues, the programme organised by the 2025 Guest of Honour, the Philippines, provided a showcase in Frankfurt for the creativity, courage and resilience of Filipino authors and illustrators.

“Jeepney Journey” made it possible for Frankfurt City Marketing and Frankfurter Buchmesse to bring a street festival atmosphere to downtown Frankfurt. Germany’s only Jeepney became a crowd puller, with more than 10,000 people, many from Filipino communities, coming to Frankfurt's Rossmarkt square during the week of the fair. Hip-hop events, street food vendors and readings created an international street festival around the iconic Filipino transport vehicle.

On Sunday, the Philippines' appearance as Guest of Honour comes to an end with the handover of the GuestScroll to the Czech Republic, Guest of Honour at Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026, which will present the country’s literature and culture under the motto “Czechia: a Country on the Coast”.

A literary festival for all generations

On the days it was open to the general public, the book fair once again proved itself to be a lively literary festival for all generations. Authors and fans came together everywhere to interact. The enthusiasm for stories was palpable throughout the exhibition grounds. The event’s convention character was particularly evident in Hall 1.2 and the Festhalle, where numerous book signings produced long queues. Some fans secured their places early on with folding chairs. Once again, the book fair became the centre of a vibrant reading culture.

The 78th Frankfurter Buchmesse will take place from 7 to 11 October 2026. Guest of Honour is the Czech Republic.