Public programme: New worlds for stories and their fans

From romance to manga, from crime fiction and children’s books to the programme for the general public in the Guest of Honour Pavilion, Frankfurter Buchmesse will be creating new spaces for stories and their communities in 2026. At the weekend from 9 to 11 October, readers can meet up with authors, content creators and other fans as they enjoy readings, book signings, a cinematic atmosphere, music and hands-on activities.  

Short distances to genres, authors and new stories
In 2026, the exhibition halls geared towards the general public will be located on the ground floor around the Agora. Visitors will be able to find their favourite themes more easily and reach stages, book signings and meeting places more quickly. Mystery, romantasy and other genres will have clearly designated areas. The fairgrounds will be open to the general public as of Friday, 9 October, at 11.00 am.

Latin American voices at the new LatAm Stage
The new LatAm Stage in Hall 3.1 brings writers from across Latin America to the fair. The stage marks 50 years since Latin America became the first regional focus of Frankfurter Buchmesse in 1976. Its weekend programme opens up conversations on literature and social issues. Chilean comic artist Alberto Montt discusses humour and comics with Carlos Rojas. Poets Rosabetty Muñoz, Carlos Soto Román and Carmen García Palma explore poetry as an act of resistance. On Sunday, writers from Argentina introduce their work, followed by short readings from a range of Chilean voices. All events will take place in Spanish, with English interpretation available for selected sessions.  

Manga, cosplay and music: Japanese pop culture at the fair
Comics publishers will showcase their new releases in Hall 4.0. The collective exhibition on comics, manga and games will create an additional gathering place for readers and collectors.

In Hall 4.1, the Kira Kira Pop Art Event will allow visitors to participate in manga drawing classes and hands-on activities. Visitors can design buttons, meet artists and create their own characters.

For the first time, the Main Matsuri Festival is presenting a Japanese-inspired stage and music programme at the book fair. Artists from Japan and Germany will perform on the Matsuri Stage, including Mitsuru Kijo, DJ Rhina Love and Takeo Ischi. Daily cosplay contests will bring the art of costume design and pop culture to the stage. On Sunday, cosplayers will showcase costumes inspired by literary characters and fictional worlds. The programme will be presented in German.  

On the Agora, the K-Pop Academy will be inviting children ages 10 and up to dance. Several times a day, dance shows will bring the theme song “Lightkeeper” to the Agora.

Romance, fantasy and new adult: Fans meet their stars
The romantasy and new adult communities will be gathering on the Agora, in the Festhalle and in other halls (3.0 / 4.0 / 5.0). The new Community Stage in the Festhalle will feature discussions, interactive sessions and meet-and-greets centred on fantasy, games and pop culture. The Festhalle will also have a new feature: the Trading Card Area, which will serve as a gathering spot for collectors, players and fans. In the Meet-the-Author Area, readers can interact with their favourite authors in order to collect autographs and take selfies.  

Authors and content creators will bring their communities to the fair. Among the announced guests are Liz Tomforde, Laurie Gilmore, C.S. Quill, Nissa Renzo, A.T. Emerald and Heba Al-Wasity.

Children’s books, films and hands-on activities: Experiencing stories
Children’s and young adult media will have a new, central location in Hall 4.0. The Imagination Stage will combine children’s and young adult books with audio content, readings, podcasts and interactive sessions. At the weekend, it will become part of the Frankfurt Kids Festival by offering readings, drawing activities and hands-on fun.

KiKA and funk will be inviting visitors to the Forum’s foyer to experiment, explore and interact across more than 500 square metres of exhibition space. In the KiKA Treehouse, children can do crafts and paint. The Kikaninchen Scrap World, quiz screens, and creative activities will make it possible for everyone to join in. The funk bus will feature a photo booth, a chill area, a wheel of fortune and a DIY station.

At the Frankfurt Kids Festival from Friday to Sunday, young book lovers can meet authors such as Axel Scheffler, Paul Maar, Katja Brandis, Tanya Stewner, Alexander Steffensmeier and Skye McKenna. On Friday, the Kids Festival will also take place in Frankfurt’s public libraries as a day of story-time readings and interactive activities.