For five days, Bucharest becomes the center of editorial and literary life in Romania. Between June 3 and June 7, 2026, the Bookfest International Book Fair opens its doors at Romexpo, bringing together hundreds of guests, publishing houses, authors, and book lovers in an edition with special significance. Having reached its 19th edition, the event marks two decades of existence and offers one of the most extensive cultural programs to date. With 158 exhibitors and no fewer than 455 events dedicated to books, Bookfest 2026 promises to transform Pavilion B2 at Romexpo into a space of dialogue, ideas, and memorable meetings between authors and readers. From editorial launches and cultural debates to autograph sessions and workshops for children, the fair’s agenda is designed for all categories of visitors. One of the most important highlights of this edition is the presence of Bulgaria as the guest country of honor, a status that brings to Bucharest an impressive delegation of writers, poets, and representatives of the Bulgarian publishing industry.

A Spectacular Opening with Mircea Cărtărescu and Gheorghi Gospodinov

The 2026 edition begins in style from the very first day. On Wednesday, June 3, following the official opening scheduled for 12:00 PM on the Arena stage, the public’s attention will turn to one of the most anticipated moments of the fair.

Starting at 6:00 PM, on the same stage, a special dialogue will take place between Mircea Cărtărescu and Gheorghi Gospodinov, two of the most appreciated and influential writers in contemporary European literature. The event will be moderated by cultural journalist Mirela Nagâț and is expected to attract a large audience interested in contemporary literature and the two authors’ perspectives on European culture.

The meeting between the two writers represents one of the main attractions of the entire edition and symbolizes the cultural closeness between Romania and Bulgaria, in a year in which the neighboring country occupies a central place in the fair’s program.

On the same day, at 12:30 PM, the official inauguration of Bulgaria’s stand will take place, marking the beginning of the program dedicated to the guest country of honor.

Bulgaria, the Star of the Bookfest 2026 Edition

Bulgaria’s participation in Bookfest 2026 is one of the most substantial in the history of cultural collaborations between the two countries. The organizers and Bulgarian cultural authorities have prepared an extensive program aimed at promoting contemporary literature and strengthening regional cultural dialogue.

More than 20 Bulgarian guests have arrived in Bucharest to take part in book launches, debates, meetings with readers, and autograph sessions. Among the important names attending the fair are Gheorghi Gospodinov, Ioanna Elmy, Elena Alexieva, Kostadin Kostadinov, Petia Kokudeva, and Nadejda Radulova.

Another event of interest is the dialogue between Todor P. Todorov, a Bulgarian writer nominated for the European Union Prize for Literature in 2024, and Romanian author Bogdan Crețu, nominated for the same distinction in 2025. The discussion will focus on contemporary literature and the challenges facing the European publishing market.

Throughout the fair, Bulgaria’s stand will host editorial presentations, debates, and launches of books recently translated into Romanian, offering the public the opportunity to discover some of the most acclaimed voices of contemporary Bulgarian literature.

455 Events Dedicated to Books and Culture

The official Bookfest 2026 program includes no fewer than 455 cultural events organized by the 158 participating publishing houses and institutions. This figure confirms the event’s status as the most important book fair in Romania and one of the largest in South-Eastern Europe.

Visitors will be able to attend book launches, conferences, cultural debates, round-table discussions, editorial collection presentations, and meetings with authors from Romania and abroad. In addition, the organizers have prepared workshops for children and educational activities dedicated to young readers.

The first days of the fair already include debates on international cooperation in the publishing industry, events dedicated to Asian literature, and presentations of new editorial projects set to be launched on the Romanian market.

The structure of the program allows dozens of activities to take place simultaneously, thanks to the stages and thematic spaces arranged inside Pavilion B2 at Romexpo.

Famous Authors and Important Cultural Personalities

Bookfest 2026 brings together an impressive list of authors, intellectuals, and public personalities who will participate in launches, conferences, and autograph sessions.

Among this edition’s guests are Mircea Cărtărescu, Gabriela Adameșteanu, Gabriel Liiceanu, Cristian Tudor Popescu, Theodor Paleologu, Doina Ruști, Radu Paraschivescu, Horia-Roman Patapievici, Tatiana Niculescu, Mircea Mihăieș, Lucian Croitoru, Igor Bergler, Alex Donovici, Alec Blenche, and Veronica D. Niculescu.

At the same time, the public will have the opportunity to meet well-known personalities from outside the literary world as well, such as Nadia Comăneci and Margareta Pâslaru, who are participating in special events organized within the fair.

The presence of both established authors and new names in Romanian and international literature contributes to the diversity and attractiveness of this year’s program.

Editorial Launches, Discounts, and Special Offers

As with every edition, participating publishing houses are coming to Bookfest with numerous editorial novelties and promotions dedicated to visitors. Readers can discover the latest releases in fiction, non-fiction, history, personal development, education, children’s literature, and thematic albums.

Many of the books are being presented for the first time at the fair, and numerous launches are accompanied by autograph sessions and meetings with the authors. Publishing houses have also prepared significant discounts, promotional packages, and special offers available exclusively during the event.

Alongside the publishing houses, important cultural institutions are also participating in the event. The Romanian Cultural Institute is organizing meetings and debates dedicated to the publishing process and the promotion of reading, while representatives of major European book fairs are taking part in professional events and exchanges of experience.

Visiting Schedule and Free Admission for the Public

The Bookfest 2026 International Book Fair takes place between June 3 and June 7 at Romexpo Bucharest, and public access is free throughout the entire event.

Visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while on Friday and Saturday the public can visit the fair until 9:00 PM.

Organized by the Romanian Publishers Association, Bookfest represents the main meeting point of the Romanian publishing industry and one of the most important cultural events of the beginning of summer. 

With hundreds of events, dozens of editorial launches, and impressive international participation, the 2026 edition once again confirms the essential role it plays in promoting reading and written culture in Romania.

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