Riga Book Festival Autumn 2026 to Take Place This Weekend

On the weekend of November 6th and 7th, the Latvian National Library (LNB) will host the 'Riga Book Festival Autumn 2026'. Over two days, visitors will have the opportunity to meet local and international writers, explore the latest books, participate in discussions, and engage in various creative workshops and family activities.

The festival is organized as a meeting place for readers, authors, and book publishers to promote the joy of reading and emphasize the importance of books in strengthening societal resilience.

In an interview with Skonto Media Group (SMG), the Executive Director of the Latvian Publishers Association, Edīte Alksne, highlights the scope and diversity of the event:

"At the book festival, you will meet 33 different book publishers — both large and small. There will be the 'Time to Read' community, a book exchange point, as well as a very rich cultural program on both days. There will be many events for children, puppet theater, numerous meetings with book authors, autograph sessions at publishers' stands, and an international symposium on Friday about promoting reading. It is a tradition that has been going on for many years in autumn and spring, all in collaboration with the Latvian National Library."

On Friday, November 6th, the festival program will begin at 11:00 AM with the official opening in the LNB Friends Room. During the day, an international symposium 'The Right to Read' will take place, and in the evening at 6:00 PM, an international event 'How I (Didn't) Become a Writer' will be held with the participation of Lithuanian, Estonian, and US authors.

On Saturday, November 7th, special attention will be given to children and families. Additionally, on both days, the 'Time to Read' lounge and book exchange point will be open in the LNB atrium, where everyone can exchange already read books for new ones.

Entrance to the event and participation in activities are free of charge.

Photo: Latvian National Library