Leipzig Book Fair 2026: the River Danube meets manga

54 countries, one city: Leipzig takes centre stage in the world of literature. In focus: the Danube through the ages. The Manga Comic Con is opening at the same time.

Christina Henning, 17.03.2026

Two people look at a children’s book. — New release or a classic? There’s plenty of new reading matter on offer at Leipzig Book Fair. © Leipziger Messe GmbH / Tom Schulze

What can visitors expect?

Four days devoted to books: from 19 to 22 March 2026, Leipzig Book Fair will be packed with over 2,000 events at around 300 venues. The world of books will be presented not only at the main fair venue: “Leipzig reads”, Europe’s largest literary festival, involves the entire city. Visitors can look forward to new books, readings and panel discussions.

What’s the focus topic at Leipzig Book Fair?

This year, it’s not a country that’s the focus, but a river: the Danube. Flowing through ten European countries, it links east and west and shapes natural landscapes and people. In 24 events, the Book Fair will explore this topic on a dedicated stage - the slogan being “Danube - Strong Currents and Between Worlds”. The river has witnessed historical events such as the wars in Yugoslavia and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Literature from the Danube region tells and preserves these stories.

A bird’s eye view of the Danube in winter. — This year, the Danube is the focus. © picture alliance / imageBROKER | Joachim Stingl

Sponsors of the programme include the Federal Foreign Office and the Goethe-Institut.

When will the Book Prize be awarded?

The awarding of the Leipzig Book Fair Prize is one of the highlights of the event. On 19 March, the jury will pick outstanding works in three categories – fiction, non-fiction/essay and literary translation.

What is the Manga Comic Con?

Taking place concurrently, the Manga Comic Con brings together the cosplay community. Heroes from the worlds of anime, film or games can be seen strolling through the fair’s hallways - the best costumes win prizes in cosplay contests. Besides manga and comics, some out-of-the-ordinary audio experiences are also on offer: the Cologne-based Gagaku Ensemble and the composer Tarō Ishida present Japanese court music that is over 1,300 years old. The Japanese Embassy in Germany is among those hosting the concert.

A cosplayer is dressed as “Pickle Rick”, and visitors to the fair can be seen alongside him. — It’s fun to come to a book fair dressed as a pickle: the character “Pickle Rick” at the Manga Comic Con © picture alliance/dpa | Hendrik Schmidt

How international is Leipzig Book Fair?

Authors, publishing houses and translators from all over the world come to Leipzig to attend the Book Fair: from 54 countries - more than ever before - in 2026. For the first time, exhibitors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from the United Arab Emirates will be represented.