What? When? Where?

A unique fair at a unique time in history: Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 will be a Special Edition due to the coronavirus. As a result, there will unfortunately be no exhibitors in the exhibition halls this year. Still, all of us together, can make this the best book fair possible under the circumstances. Celebrate a colourful and eclectic festival of literature with us this autumn – on air, at the fair, in the city. We look forward to seeing you.

On air

For the Special Edition of Frankfurter Buchmesse, we have developed many new digital formats for trade and private audiences – available worldwide and free of charge. One click is all it takes to bring that book fair feeling home.

At the fair

A full programme every day at the exhibition site – experience exciting events live on the ARD Book Fair Stage in the Festhalle. Can’t make it in person? No problem. The events can be followed from anywhere via livestream.

In the city

Das BOOKFEST city bietet großartige Live-Events in ganz Frankfurt. Erleben Sie Lesungen Ihrer Lieblingsautor*innen, kreative Performances namhafter Künster*innen und spannende Diskussionen über wichtige Themen. Feiern Sie mit uns das BOOKFEST city!

Where	What	When
On air	Digital fair	since 29 September
At the fair	ARD Book Fair Stae	14 –18 October daily 10.00 am –8.00 pm
In the city	BOOKFEST city & more local events	14–18 October

Highlights on air

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 Ihre Präsenzoptionen

Digital presentation options for publishers

This year Frankfurter Buchmesse has comprehensive digital presentation options, to give your business visibility worldwide – and free of charge.

More information

B2B specialist programme

A digital trade programme offers publishing professionals many opportunities for further education and exchange in the subject areas of THE ARTS+, Frankfurt Audio, Frankfurt Kids, Frankfurt Academic, Frankfurt Authors and Frankfurt EDU.

Weltempfang

What influence has COVID-19 had on the global cultural sector? How can culture remain sustainably effective in the midst of a global crisis? This year, Weltempfang, the virtual centre for politics, literature and translation, was discussing the subject of “Europe – connecting cultures”.

BOOKFEST digital

The all-new BOOKFEST digital on 17 October 2020 is a great, virtual celebration of literature and culture that fans all over the world can experience live – from Asia to Europe to America. At BOOKFEST digital, audiences celebrate BOOKFEST, live at home, wherever they are in the world.

Highlights at the fair

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 ARD Buchmessenbühne

ARD Book Fair Stage

A full programme every day: you could experience via livestream the events on the ARD Book Fair Stage from the Festhalle. With world-class stars, authors and artists, exciting discussion rounds on current topics and lots of good entertainment. The ARD Book Fair Night was broadcast live on Friday, 16 October 2020, on all of Germany’s regional cultural channels.

Find out more

Highlight at the city

BOOKFEST city

BOOKFEST city offers great live events all over Frankfurt. Experience readings by your favorite authors, creative performances by well-known artists and exciting discussions on important topics. Celebrate BOOKFEST city with us!

More information

Diarise the dates

Plan your visit to the fair's future editions:

Date	Guest of Honour
20-24 October 2021	Guest of Honour: Canada
19 -23 October 2022	Guest of Honour: Spain
18 -22 October 2023	Guest of Honour: Slovenia
16 -20 October 2024	Guest of Honour: Italy