Berlin and Hamburg Host Major Literature Festivals

Berlin's annual Bücherfest returned to the Bebelplatz with more than 90 publishers, 28 bookstores and over 60 authors presenting at more than 100 stalls and 40 sessions. Highlights included author Katerina Poladjan, cabaret storyteller Horst Evers, comic artist Ulli Lust and a reading‑haircut performance by Danny Beuerbach, plus a panel discussion with former culture officials Klaus Lederer and Monika Grütters. The two‑day event ran Saturday 11:45‑19:00 and Sunday 11:30‑19:00.

In Hamburg's Blankenese district, the "Herbstlese" literature festival ran 1‑6 September 2026 under the theme “250 years USA”. The programme featured 35 events across 13 venues, a literary prize for "Der zweite Roman" and appearances by dozens of writers such as Daniel Cohn‑Bendit, Elke Heidenreich and many others. Tickets cost €20‑30, four events were free, and a €195 pass granted access to all programmes plus daily coffee and a pastry. A junior edition for children and teens followed 8‑11 October.