Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 announces high-profile guest list

The 78th Frankfurt Book Fair, scheduled for October 7–11, 2026, will feature a diverse lineup of international authors, politicians, and cultural figures. The event serves as a major global hub for the book and media industry, functioning simultaneously as a trade fair, reading festival, and forum for debate.

Prominent announced guests include former German Economic Minister Robert Habeck, who is set to discuss political developments and the rise of the right, and former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who will address demographic change. Other notable attendees include Gisèle Pelicot, Colson Whitehead, Jill Lepore, Sebastian Fitzek, and Otto Waalkes.

This will be the final edition overseen by Director Juergen Boos. The fair aims to combat the influence of algorithms and digital platforms by emphasizing personal encounters between authors and readers through a restructured hall concept and specialized stages.