If you love reading, you’ll find Berlin to be a city full of stories. Not only has history been written here, but many books and films have also been inspired by Berlin. To this day, the capital remains a muse and source of inspiration for authors; and at the same time, the perfect stage for literature from all over the world. From the International Literature Festival Berlin to the Book Bash at Secret Forest, right through to the reading train in the historic S-Bahn: discover 11 book and literature festivals you shouldn’t miss.
Tip 1: Dive into a books at StadtLesen under the open sky
Comfortable beanbags, open-air bookshelves and a relaxed reading lounge right in the heart of Berlin: that’s exactly what awaits you at StadtLesen on Bebelplatz. The reading festival invites you to drop by on a whim, flick through books or simply read in the sunshine. There are also readings and a varied programme for book lovers of all ages. A perfect spot for a little literary break amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
When: 22 to 25 May 2026
Where: Bebelplatz, Mitte
Tip 2: Rediscover poetry at the Berlin Poetry Festival
Every year, the Berlin Poetry Festival demonstrates just how versatile and modern poetry can be. International poets, spoken-word artists and experimental formats make the festival a meeting place for all who love language. Whether it’s a traditional reading, a performance or a discussion, here you can experience poetry in a very immediate and often surprisingly emotional way. Particularly exciting: many events combine literature with music, art or social issues.
- This year’s focus is on themes such as myth, grief and a critical examination of the European literary canon, which is often dominated by white and male voices. Pentecost Sunday at the Academy of Arts promises to be particularly exciting: Esther Kinsky, Ann Cotten and the Canadian poet Anne Carson – who is performing live in Berlin for the first time in over 20 years – will be reading there.
- From 15 to 31 May, a decentralised festival programme will bring readings, film screenings, poetic walks and interventions to unusual venues such as the daadgalerie, the Museum of Natural History or the Kotti-Shop.
- From 2 June, the festival will be centred at silent green in Wedding. There you can look forward to international readings, talks, the “Weltklang – Night of Poetry” featuring seven international poets, and Valzhyna Mort’s Berlin Poetry Lecture. You can also look forward to many free open-air readings with more than 50 poets on the lawn at silent green.
When: 15 May to 14 June 2026
Where: Academy of Arts, Hanseatenweg 10, Mitte | silent green, Gerichtstraße 35, Wedding and other venues in Berlin
Tip 3: Enjoy “All You Can Read” in the Cabuwazi circus tent
Have you ever eaten together at a reading? The“All You Can Read”series combines literature, political discussions and dining culture to create a special Berlin evening. It’s not just about books, but also about social issues such as identity, racism and living together. And because good living together also involves a good meal shared together, something delicious is served up for the audience and hosts alike.
“All You Can Read” is a programme by the Literaturhaus Berlin, which is touring Berlin under the motto “Li-Be für die Stadt” whilst the building in Charlottenburg is being modernised. Following stops at the Hamburger Bahnhof, the Prinzenbad, the Renaissance Theatre and SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA, the series is now making guest appearances every Tuesday and Thursday until June 2026 in the CABUWAZI circus tent on Tempelhofer Feld. Under the circus dome, you can look forward to readings, discussions and book launches – and all for just a 1 euro entry fee, so that everyone really can join in.
When: every Tuesday and Thursday from March to June 2026
Where: CABUWAZI circus tent, Tempelhofer Feld, Neukölln
Tip 4: Listen to new perspectives at the African Book Festival
The African Book Festival brings voices from Africa and the African diaspora to Berlin, creating a space for literature, music and social discussion. Look forward to readings, talks, workshops and encounters with authors from different countries and cultures. The festival impressively demonstrates just how diverse the international literary scene is – inspiring, political and full of exciting stories.
What makes this year’s programme special is that it was curated in collaboration with the visitors. Under the motto “Welcome to the Club”, you can look forward to new and exciting formats and an open festival atmosphere with music and delicious street food. Exchange ideas, get to know authors and find out how you can actively contribute to giving African literature greater visibility.
The festival is organised by InterKontinental e.V., which has been bringing important voices from the African literary scene to Berlin for years.
When: 29 to 31 May
Where: tak Theater Kreuzberg, Prinzenstraße 85F, Kreuzberg
Tip 5: Browse the Berlin Book Festival
Bebelplatz is once again transformed into a huge open-air bookshop for the Berlin Book Festival. Amidst publishers’ stands, reading stages and book signings, you can browse to your heart’s content, discover new books and strike up conversations with authors. The festival combines literature with social debates and invites you to discuss stories and ideas together. A particular highlight: entry is free and the atmosphere in the heart of Berlin’s historic centre is truly unique.
When: 27 & 28 June 2026
Where: Bebelplatz, Mitte
Tip 6: Get to know small publishers at the Großer Wannsee
Right by the water’s edge, you can browse through unique books off the beaten track at“Small Publishers at the Großer Wannsee”.In the garden of the Literary Colloquium Berlin, independent publishers present their catalogues. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. You’ll also enjoy a wonderful view of the Wannsee. Look forward to discussions, readings and the chance to make some real literary discoveries. A lovely summer outing for anyone who enjoys reading something new.
When: 11 July 2026, 2 pm
Where: Literarisches Colloquium Berlin e. V., Am Sandwerder 5, Zehlendorf
Literarisches Colloquium Berlin
Tip 7: Experience book launches at Literatur LIVE
Literatur LIVE is one of Berlin’s best-known reading series and regularly brings bestselling authors, exciting debuts and prominent guests to the stage. Many events take place at the Pfefferberg Theatre, with additional venues across the city. A particular highlight: the mix of readings, discussions and often music ensures a varied evening full of literature. Upcoming readings:
- Katja Hoyer
- Elisa Hoven
- Lea Streisand
- Achilles "Death Has a Long Breath"
- Philipp Köster
- Tuvia Tenenbom
- Monika Maron
- Max Goldt
When: various dates in 2026
Where: various venues, mostly Pfefferberg Theater, Schönhauser Allee 176, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 8: Dive into fantasy worlds at the Book Bash Festival
A festival just for book lovers, set in a secret forest near Berlin: that alone is enough to send your imagination into a tailspin. But when your favourite characters, elves and other fantasy figures suddenly appear amongst the trees as cosplayers, you really are in an enchanted world.
Meet other book lovers, chat with authors and browse the stalls of various publishers and bookshops in the heart of nature to find your new favourite book. And of course, there are cosy open-air reading corners too. At the Book Bash Festival, Germany’s first open-air book festival, excitement, heartbreak and BookTok vibes are guaranteed.
When: 28 to 30 August
Where: Book Bash, Secret Forest near Berlin (Jüterbog)
BookBash
Tip 9: Discover international voices at ilb
The international literaturfestival berlin (ilb) is one of Europe’s most important literary festivals and brings authors from all over the world to Berlin every year. Look forward to readings, discussions, graphic novels, poetry nights and exciting debates on social issues.
A particular highlight: alongside the main events at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, many events take place at various locations across the city, turning Berlin into one huge literary stage in September. Perfect for anyone who wants to discover new perspectives and experience international literature up close.
When: 3 to 16 September 2026
Where: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Tip 10: Take a ride on the historic reading train
The historic S-Bahn invites you on a very special excursion on 5 September 2026. In a museum train dating from 1928 and 1938, you’ll rattle your way straight into the fantastic world of literature.
In each of the five compartments, an author will read from their book, with each compartment featuring a different genre. This offers a completely different way to experience literature. The two journeys on the historic reading train will each last one hour. The departure point is yet to be announced.
Tip: Authors can currently apply to give a reading on the Reading Train by emailing ellen.wicher@hisb.de.
When: 5 September 2026
Where: Historic Berlin S-Bahn, departure point to be announced
Tip 11: Talk to independent publishers at the BuchBerlin fair
BuchBerlin is a paradise for anyone looking to browse beyond the bestseller lists . Over 300 independent publishers, authors and self-publishers from all over Germany present their latest books at this Berlin book fair – ranging from fantasy and crime to children’s books. There are also readings, book signings and, with the BuchBerlin Academy, a networking platform for authors.
The open and personal atmosphere is particularly lovely. Here you can strike up a conversation directly with publishers and authors. The stands of the many smaller publishers are also exciting, showcasing books you would otherwise have struggled to discover.
When: 31 October to 1 November
Where: Arena Berlin, Eichenstraße 4, Treptow
