About Leipzig Book Fair
Leipzig has a long history as a book city, and its spring book fair combines trade business with one of the largest public literature programmes in Europe. The Leipzig Book Fair is organised by Leipziger Messe at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre and takes place annually in March.
The fair has three parts that work together. The core exhibition is organised into themed areas covering fiction, children's and young adult books, book art, science and international publishing. Leipzig liest, which the organiser describes as Europe's largest reading festival, spreads readings and events across venues throughout the city. The Manga-Comic-Con, held alongside, draws a large and enthusiastic community of comics and manga fans.
The audience is genuinely mixed. Publishers, booksellers, authors, media and other trade professionals attend for business, while general readers of all ages come for authors, launches and discovery. Several thousand journalists cover the fair, which keeps it prominent in German literary media. The Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding is also presented during the event.
For exhibitors, the attraction is direct contact with an engaged reading public alongside professional meetings. Publishers can test how readers respond to a list, hold signings and readings, and meet booksellers and partners in the same visit. Stands need to serve both groups, with accessible display and signing space for readers and a quieter area for trade conversations. Stand Between can help exhibitors find builders who can design for that dual role.
Next edition
Leipzig Book Fair 2027: what to expect
The 2027 Leipzig Book Fair runs from 18 to 21 March 2027 at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre, with Leipzig liest and the Manga-Comic-Con taking place alongside. The Weimar Triangle is Guest of Honour, and the 33rd Leipzig Antiquarian Book Fair is part of the programme. Exhibitor registration is open through the official website.
Leipziger Messe reported 2,044 exhibitors from more than 54 countries at the 2026 fair, and 313,000 visitors across the exhibition centre and the city, including 55,000 trade visitors. The 2028 fair is already scheduled for 23 to 26 March.
Expect the weekend to be the busiest period for public footfall, so stands should allow good circulation and space for queues at signings without blocking displays. Exhibitors selling books on the stand will need a till point, stock storage and a way to replenish during the day.