Open Books festival brings 200 authors to Frankfurt

The Open Books reading festival will take place in Frankfurt from October 6 to 10, featuring approximately 200 authors and 145 events from nearly 90 publishers. The festival, which is entering its 18th year in 2026, coincides with the Frankfurt Book Fair.

This year’s program places a special emphasis on the Czech Republic, the guest country of the Frankfurt Book Fair. As Frankfurt’s partner city, Prague will also feature a dedicated program component.

The festival begins with a gala at the German National Library featuring various award winners and public figures. While the opening event requires attendance, most other scheduled sessions are free to the public. The program includes diverse offerings such as 'Literature in the Römer', 'Debuts in the Römer', and a dedicated children's program titled 'Open Books Kids'.