Literary Festivals, Book Prizes & Fairs 2026: The Calendar
24 September 2026
In recent months, on the occasion of BookCity Milano, the 2025 edition of EffettoFestival was unveiled, a broad survey focused on the economic, employment, tourism, and social impacts of cultural-depth festivals, which confirmed the rise of this sector. After all, in Italy for several years now literary festivals and cultural showcases have been proliferating from north to south, in cities and in the provinces, in every season of the year.
Also in 2026, readers who value the opportunity to meet their favorite writers in person, discover new essayists and new disseminators, by taking part in festivals and book fairs (or those linked to the world of comics) will have plenty to choose from.
A guide to the most anticipated cultural festivals of 2026
Thus returns our regular calendar, continually updated (as the organizers of the showcases provide new information on themes and programs), dedicated to upcoming festivals, book fairs, and literary prizes. These are events capable of attracting a diverse audience, composed not only of enthusiasts, but also professionals, as well as curious onlookers.
Once again this year we strive to offer as complete a panorama as possible, including large and historic showcases as well as smaller events, with the aim of providing a useful service to the publishing world and to the public, indicating, month by month, the literary festivals, fairs, and literary prizes not to be missed.
The following guide, which we will update weekly with new details, is of course not meant to be exhaustive, but it can be useful to note down the appointments and organize in advance.
By the way, to report new events, or updates related to the listed manifestations, the email address to write to is [email protected].
Index
Literary Festivals 2026: January
Literary Festivals 2026: February
Literary Festivals 2026: March
Literary Festivals 2026: April
Literary Festivals 2026: May
Literary Festivals 2026: June
Literary Festivals 2026: July
Literary Festivals 2026: August
Literary Festivals 2026: September
Literary Festivals 2026: October
Literary Festivals 2026: November
Literary Festivals 2026: December
Literary Festivals 2026: January
Le parole di Hurbinek – Days of Remembrance
From January 10 to January 27, in Pistoia, the fourth edition of Le parole di Hurbinek – Giornate della memoria, which “transforms the Day of Remembrance into a series of initiatives and meetings. Not a single day, but several days. To avoid being trapped in ever more solemn and rhetorical discourses that risk generating indifference or, worse, provoke a sense of discomfort, especially among younger generations.” This year, the overarching theme will be “escape.” Among the guests we recall Massimiliano Barbini, Massimo Cacciari, Laura Fontana, Tommaso Greco, Nicola Lagioia, Igiaba Scego and Toni Servillo. The project is conceived and curated by Massimo Bucciantini, and is realized by Fondazione Teatri di Pistoia, with the support of Fondazione Caript, under the patronage of the Municipality of Pistoia, the Province of Pistoia, and the Tuscany Region, and sponsored by Unicoop Firenze. Program and updates on the website.
Libri in scena
In January launches the first literary showcase by Libraccio, Libri in scena: a series of meetings that, through March, will bring writers to the theater. The events will take place in two venues, at the Manzoni Theatre in Monza and at the Court Theatre of the Villa Reale in Monza. Among the participants (in the order of the appointments): Donato Carrisi, Vito Mancuso, Nicola Gardini, Alice Basso, Nicola Magrin and Elena Varvello. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Monza, in collaboration with the Mauri Spagnol Editorial Group, the Villa Reale Consortium, Monza Park, and Scuola Borsa. Info and program here.
Mi prendo il mondo
In Parma, from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 January 2026 (with a preview on Thursday 15 January featuring Roberto Mercadini), at the Paganini Congresses and in other city spaces, returns I Take the World, the initiative conceived by the girls and boys gathered in the “Direzione Futura” and by the Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, in collaboration with the City of Parma. Among the guests, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Mario Calabresi, Paola Caridi, Cristiano Cavina, Concita De Gregorio, Vera Gheno, Rokia, Djarah Kan and Oiza Queens Day Obasuyi, Antonella Lattanzi, Daniel Lumera, Marco Martinelli, and Matteo Cellerino, Michela Marzano, Luca Misculin and Valerio Nicolosi, Shirin Neshat, Francesco Pacifico, Davide Picca and Alberto Romele, Vanessa Roghi and Simone Giusti, Federico Taddia, Pietro Turano, and Sotterraneo with DJ Show. Among the topics chosen by the youths: environment and sustainability; conflicts and geopolitics; rights, gender equality and equal opportunities; mental health, well-being, and fragility; multiculturalism and inclusion; migrations and international solidarity; artificial intelligence and future scenarios. Program and updates on the site.
I Boreali
From January 23 to 25, Milan hosts again the Nordic festival I Boreali, curated by Iperborea, at the Teatro Franco Parenti and at Il Cinemino. Among the guests: Thomas Korsgaard, Andrea Staid, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Morten Strøksnes and Veronica Raimo. Program and information on the site.
Seminario di perfezionamento della Scuola per Librai Umberto e Elisabetta Mauri
Return, for the 43rd edition, the Seminar for the Perfection of the Umberto and Elisabetta Mauri School for Booksellers, which offers the traditional four-day appointment at the historic Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice. The annual Seminar brings together Italian and international publishers and booksellers, organized by the Umberto and Elisabetta Mauri Foundation with the support of Messaggerie Libri and Messaggerie Italiane, in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association, the Italian Booksellers Association, and the Center for Books and Reading. It will take place from January 27 to 30, 2026. Speakers will include: Javier Arrevola, Anita Barrella, Michael Busch, Alessandra Carra, Innocenzo Cipolletta, , James Daunt, Luca Domeniconi, Mirco Dordolo, Sonia Draga, Giovanni Franza, Vittorio Gallese, Vittorio Graziani, Stefano Mauri, Roberto Miglio, Brian Murray, Alberto Ottieri, Luca Paleari, Tiberio Sarti, Edoardo Scioscia, David Shelley, Angelo Tantazzi. The Luciano and Silvana Mauri Prize for Booksellers, now in its twentieth edition, and the seventh Nick Perren Working Scholarship will be awarded. Details on the site.
Festival of Comics
Between January 31 and February 1, at the Parco Esposizioni Novegro in Milano, will take place the Festival del Fumetto (Winter edition). Information and tickets on the event’s site.
Francesissimo
From January 30 to February 1, Turin will host the first edition of Francesissimo, a festival of French and Francophone literature and culture (born as a complementary event to Italissimo). Francesissimo is a project of the Circolo dei Lettori Foundation and the Consulate General of France in Milan, conceived and directed by Fabio Gambaro, and will take place between the Circolo dei Lettori and delle lettrici, the Cinema Massimo, the Alliance Française in Turin, and the Central Public Library. Among the guests already announced Boualem Sansal, for the first time in Italy after his release, Daniel Pennac, to open the program, and then Jean-Baptiste Andrea, Adelaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre, Maylis Besserie, Adrien Bosc, Hemley Boum with Nadeesha Uyangoda, Marie Vingtras with Monica Acito. Further information on the site.
Cervo in blue ink
On January 31 begins the 14th edition of the Festival Letterario Cervo in blu d’inchiostro, this year under the title At the feminine. Stories of women, stories of words. Until November, Cervo (Imperia) and the Castle of Perno in Monforte d’Alba will host 23 meetings, with guests including Tiziana Ferrario, Piera Levi-Montalcini, Carlo Lucarelli, Massimo Recalcati, Marta Stella, and Nadia Terranova. “The project develops through an interdisciplinary journey that traverses the twentieth century and the present, moving from the Medea myth to contemporary times, with a through-line represented by the figure and cultural heritage of Natalia Ginzburg.” Information on the site.
Literary Festivals 2026: February
NebbiaGialla Suzzara Noir Festival
From 6 to 8 February returns NebbiaGialla Suzzara Noir Festival, now in its 20th edition. Among the guests Barbara Baraldi, Luca Crovi, Maurizio De Giovanni, Gabriella Genisi, Carlo Lucarelli, Chiara Moscardelli, Fabrizio Roncone, Giampaolo Simi, Rosa Teruzzi, Licia Troisi and Andrea Vitali. The event also features a show of the exhibition curated by Michele Corleone, who is the official photographer of the festival, with a collection of the most significant shots from the 20 editions. Program on the site.
Moncalieri Legge
Also not to be missed is Moncalieri Legge: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 the city of Moncalieri (Turin) will host the new edition of the festival dedicated to books, words, and shared culture. Among the appointments on the program is also the new Rivelazioni series, directed by Nicola Lagioia, and the Premio Letterario Città di Moncalieri, this year won by Viola Ardone. To discover the rich program and guests, the festival’s site is recommended.
Carnevale di Putignano
In the month of February – Sunday 1, Saturday 7, Sunday 15 and Tuesday 17 February – will take place the parades of the Carnevale di Putignano (Bari), one of the oldest in Europe. Among the guests announced for 2026: Auroro Borealo, BigMama, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Madman, Mammadimerda, Nina Zilli, Renzo Rubino; while Andrea Colamedici is the philosophical director. The theme chosen for this year is the paradox: understood as a key to reading the contradictions of our time.
Oblivion – Fair of books, comics, and the irrational
On the 21st and 22nd of February in Rome (at the Città dell’Altra Economia) returns Oblivion – Fair of books, comics, and the irrational, with a selection of some independent publishers from the fantasy, horror, science fiction, and weird fields. The organizers emphasize a participatory approach, “bottom-up culture,” keeping the event (free entry) “community-sized.” Details in our article.
Learning More Festival
Let us move to Modena, because from February 20 to 22 the city will host the new edition of the “first Italian festival entirely dedicated to how we learn and how education is changing in the age of artificial intelligence.” During the Learning More Festival there will be talks, workshops, and panels on technology and society, on conscious use of AI, and on the development of digital media. More information at www.learningmorefestival.it.
Festival of Italian Literature in Greece
From February 13 to 15 the first edition of the Festival of Italian Literature in Greece will take place. At the Italian Institute of Culture in Athens a three-day program dedicated to Italian literature with guests such as Niccolò Ammaniti, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Marta Barone, Matteo B. Bianchi, Donato Carrisi, Paolo Giordano, Antonella Lattanzi, Melania Mazzucco, and Carlo Vecce.
La Fonte – Festival of Italian Literature in Vienna
From February 27 to March 1 is scheduled La fonte, the Festival of Italian Literature in Vienna (held at the Odeon Theatre in the city). The event is organized by the Italian Cultural Institute of Vienna, by the cultural association Librai in Corso, and by the Viennese association Libellula. Over the weekend there will be ten bilingual presentations with consecutive translation and a children’s event entirely in Italian, spanning from essay to novel, from graphic novel to mystery, and into the worlds of children’s books. Program available on the site.
TESTO [How to Become a Book]
From February 27 to March 1, 2026, the fifth edition of TESTO [Come si diventa un libro] will be held at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, devoted to the theme of exuberance. Among the guests of the festival, Arturo Pérez-Reverte and Yasmina Reza. An homage to Richard Yates is planned. The event is organized by Pitti Immagine, in collaboration with Stazione Leopolda, and conceived by Todo Modo. Details and the full program on the festival’s site.
Una Scontrosa Grazia
Now we move to Una Scontrosa Grazia, entering its eleventh edition: in Trieste a cycle of meetings around the theme Naviganti will involve several guests, including Matteo Bianchi and Mary Barbara Tolusso – on Saturday February 28 –, Davide Belgradi (in March), Carmen Gallo (in April) and Croatian authors Ana Brnardić, Ivan Herceg, Maja Klarić, Davor Šalat, Irena Skopljak Barić (during May). Directed by Alessandro Canzian, with the help of Federico Rossignoli, Carlo Selan, Mario Famularo and Marijana Šutić, the festival takes its name from a well-known line by Umberto Saba. All information on the site.
Guided visits in the books
From February 27 to May 15, in Treviso, will be held Guided visits in the books: not “a conventional literary festival but meetings with fascinating voices of Italian culture.” After the success of the 2025 edition, this year too a number of well-known names will participate, soon to be revealed on the festival’s site, conceived and directed by Laura Pegorer.
Literary Festivals 2026: March
Dedica Festival
From March 14 to 21, in Pordenone, the 32nd edition of Dedica Festival of Pordenone, this year featuring the French writer Sorj Chalandon, published in Italy by Guanda. Program and updates on the site.
Tribùk
From March 15 to 18, in Abano Terme (Padua), the ninth edition of Tribùk – Incontri tra editori e librai. Once again it will be the occasion to present publishing programs and novelties in preview, in the spirit of dialogue and exchange. Tribùk is indeed an opportunity for publishers and booksellers to connect. The program on tribuk.it.
Fare Versi
From March 19 to 21, in the Villapizzone neighborhood of Milano, will take place the first edition of Fare Versi, the new festival from Fondazione Mondadori dedicated to poetry. It will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the House of Poetry. On the site you will find information and details.
Libri Come
From March 20 to 22 is held, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, the 17th edition of Libri Come, dedicated to the theme “democracy.” The Book and Reading Festival, produced by Fondazione Musica per Roma, is curated by Michele De Mieri, Rosa Polacco, and Marino Sinibaldi. Programs and updates on the site Auditorium.com.
BookPride Milano
From March 20 to 22 the BookPride Milano, the national fair of independent publishing, now part of the Torino Book Fair projects, will take place in Milano. The theme is entrusted to a line from Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers.” As discussed in our dedicated article, several guests have already been announced, including Chiara Alessi, Daria Bignardi, Phoebe Greenwood, Claire Lynch, Marco Missiroli, Daniele Mencarelli, Christian Raimo and Clara Usón. Info and program on bookpride.net.
Be Comics! Be Games!
The 21 and 22 March, in Padua, return Be Comics! Be Games!, a festival entirely dedicated to pop culture with shows, meetings, and live content. For this edition there will be two pavilions, one dedicated to comics and one to gaming. Among the already announced guests are Federica Mancin (Marvel author) and Hitomi Odashima (chief animation director and character designer for Studio Bones). Details on becomics.it.
Premio Inge Feltrinelli
On March 24 the final appointment with Premio Inge Feltrinelli – Telling the world, defending rights, the international recognition “dedicated to empowering women and new generations to give voice to stories of rights denied, discrimination, and resistance.” Among the categories, “Fiction and Non-Fiction Books,” “Kids’ Books” and “Investigations and Reportage.” In our article, the details and the finalists shortlist for the 2026 edition.
Eventi Letterari Monte Verità
From March 26 to 29, the events return to Ascona for the 14th edition of Eventi Letterari Monte Verità, the Ascona festival. Artistic direction by Stefan Zweifel, with the support of director Stefano Knuchel and writer Giuliana Altamura, our collaborator. The 2026 edition, titled Dance Me to the End of Love (from Leonard Cohen’s song), will feature guests such as Emanuele Trevi (Strega Prize winner), Deborah Levy, Eva Illouz, and Lukas Bärfuss. Full program on eventiletterari.ch.
Literary Festivals 2026: April
Un Prato di libri
Returning to Prato, the reading festival for girls, boys, and young readers in the province of Prato. The central days of the festival will be April 10, 11, and 12. Here are the details.
Ritratti di Poesia
On April 10 at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome will take place the 19th edition of Ritratti di Poesia, promoted and organized by the Fondazione Roma in collaboration with InventaEventi S.r.l. The festival “aims to contribute to the broadest possible dissemination of contemporary poetry.”
Libro Aperto
Libro Aperto – Festival of Literature for Children is scheduled from April 10 to April 12 in Baronissi (Salerno). Young readers will be immersed in creative laboratories, masterclasses, performances, and meetings with authors of the featured books. Program and updates at libroapertofestival.it
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) is the world’s leading professional event dedicated to children’s and young adult publishing. The 63rd edition is scheduled from the 13th to the 16th of April. Updates, program, and innovations on Bolognachildrensbookfair.com.
Romics
From April 9 to 12 at the Roma Fair is planned Romics 36, the International Festival of Comics, Animation, Cinema and Games. Tickets and information on the site www.romics.it.
La storia tra le righe – Festival of Historical Literature
From April 10 to 12 will take place the fourth edition of La storia tra le righe – Festival di letteratura storica in Legnano. This means a space for meetings and events (all free), on the year of Legnano’s 850th anniversary of the Battle of Legnano. The program includes (among others) Stefania Auci, Barbara Bellomo, Gaja Cenciarelli, Luigi Barnaba Frigoli, Livio Gambarini, Luca Mercalli, Brunella Schisa, Serena Romano, Paolo Roversi, Marco Tabilio, Alessandro Vanoli. All information on the site lastoriatralerighe.fondazionepalio.
Fiera del Libro di Iglesias
From April 22 to 25, in Sardinia, the Fiera del Libro di Iglesias will take place. Between literature, thought, and contemporaneity, the eleventh edition of the showcase will have the theme Naviganti: “a journey along real and symbolic routes that includes meetings with authors, laboratories for partner schools, panels, thematic exhibitions, and a special day dedicated to the world of Harry Potter.” The project is carried out by the Argonautilus Association, coordinated by Eleonora Carta and the artistic direction of 011solution – Maurizio Cristella. Info on www.fieralibroiglesias.it.
Incroci di Civltà
From April 15 to 18 will be held in Venice the 19th edition of Incroci di Civiltà, the International Festival of Literature, conceived and organized by Ca’ Foscari University, in collaboration with the Fondazione di Venezia and the Municipality of Venice. Program and updates on the event’s site.
Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo
From April 15 to April 18 the Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo will be held in Perugia. Program on festivaldelgiornalismo.com.
Chronicae
We continue with Chronicae – Festival Internazionale del Romanzo Storico: the festival, directed by bestselling author and winner of the Bancarella Prize Matteo Strukul, will be held at the Teatro Filarmonico di Piove di Sacco (Padua), from April 16 to 19. Among the guests from previous editions (the 2026 edition will be its twelfth) we recall Conn Iggulden, Melania G Mazzucco, Antonio Scurati, Marcello Simoni, and many others. Info on www.festivalromanzostorico.it.
Torino Comics
For comic lovers, do not miss Torino Comics, scheduled between April 17 and 19, inside Lingotto Fiere. Further information on the event’s site.
Premio Wondy
In Milano, at the Teatro Manzoni, on April 20 the awards ceremony for the Premio Wondy per la Letteratura Resiliente, now in its ninth edition. The project began in 2018 in memory of journalist and writer Francesca Del Rosso (1974-2016), known by the nickname Wondy and author of the volume Wondy – ovvero come si diventa supereroi per guarire dal cancro (Rizzoli, 2014) in which she told with irony and courage how she faced illness. Da solo by Novita Amadei, L’alba della nostra libertà by Barbara Cagni, Casa dolce casa by Andrea Kerbaker, Cartagloria by Rosa Matteucci, Lo sbilico by Alcide Pierantozzi compose the quintet chosen by the Promoter Committee. Alessandro Milan, president of the “Wondy Sono Io” Association, speaking about the finalists, says they “represent a confirmation of how literature can walk the most arduous paths of life with a high-quality tone.” Details on the site.
Ponte di Parole
In Pontedera, from April 7 to 12, will take place the fifth edition of the festival Ponte di Parole.
Premio Costa Smeralda 2026
Finalist trios for the categories Narrative and Nonfiction, and the International and Special Prizes of the Premio Costa Smeralda 2026 were announced, in the presence of Renzo Persico, President of the Costa Smeralda Consortium, Mario Ferraro, Vice President of the Consortium, and Stefano Salis, journalist and artistic director of the Prize. For Narrative: Niccolò Ammaniti, Paola Barbato and Dario Ferrari; for Nonfiction: Edoardo Camurri, Adriana Cavarero and Andrea Moro. The ultimate winners for Narrative and Nonfiction will be announced Saturday, April 18, during the public award ceremony at the Conference Center of Porto Cervo. On Saturday, April 18, the International Prize will be awarded to Javier Cercas and the Special Prize to Commander Giuseppe Lai. The final shortlist for Narrative and Nonfiction is chosen by a jury guided by Salis and composed of Lina Bolzoni, Marcello Fois, Elena Loewenthal, and Chiara Valerio. Details on the site.
Fiera dei Librai Bergamo
From April 18 to May 3, in Bergamo will take place the 67th edition of the Fiera dei Librai Bergamo. The event transforms the Sentierone, located in the city center, into an open-air bookstore, with free author meetings, public events, and activities for the young. The fair is promoted and organized by Confesercenti Bergamo, by Li.Ber – Association of Bergamo Booksellers, by Promozioni Confesercenti, and by the Italian Booksellers’ Union (SIL). Information on the program on the site.
Pollicino Bookfest
In Castrovillari (Cosenza), from April 20 to 24, returns Pollicino Bookfest, a festival dedicated to literature for children and adolescents that will stand at the foot of the Pollino National Park. The festival, conceived and directed by Alessandra Stabile, features several guests. Program on pollicinobookfest.it.
Catania Book Festival
From April 24 to 26 the Catania Book Festival will bring writers, publishers, and artists to Sicily for days of in-depth exploration, workshops, panels, and more. Updates and program on Cataniabookfestival.com.
Comicon
We move to Naples for the Comicon, a highly appreciated event by comics, manga, and graphic novel enthusiasts, which runs from April 30 to May 3 at the Mostra d’Oltremare in Naples. The chosen master is Leo Ortolani. Among the guests, Kazuhiko Torishima and Koji Igarashi. The official poster is by Aurélien Predal. Information and program on Napoli.comicon.it.
Grisù 451 Festival delle Parole
From April 16 to 19, the fourth edition of Grisù 451, the Festival of Words of Ferrara. Many guests, including Teresa Ciabatti, Massimo Gezzi, Nicoletta Verna, Maria Grazia Calandrone, Niccolò Zancan, Enrica Tesio, Elena Stancanelli, Alessandro Berselli, Ilide Carmignani, Marco Belpoliti, who will discuss the concept of “navigators” – an invitation to travel among pages. The program on www.factorygrisu.it.
Montagnalibri
From April 24 to May 3, Trento hosts the 40th edition of Montagnalibri, the annual festival dedicated to “the most recent publications on mountains, exploration, adventure, the environment, and generally to the cultures of highlands.” Information on trentofestival.it/montagnalibri.
Literary Festivals 2026: May
Festival della Letteratura del Mediterraneo
From May 4 to May 9 will take place the twelfth edition of the Festival della Letteratura del Mediterraneo, titled Venti di Pace. The event, organized by the Associazione Genti Arrubia APS, will be held in the municipalities of the Province of Cagliari: Quartu Sant’Elena, Donori, Sinnai, and Maracalagonis.
Livorno Librexpo
From May 1 to May 3, in Livorno, will take place the fifth edition of the Livorno Librexpo publishing fair. Organized by Sergio Consani (writer, musician, and head of the online news portal 57100livorno.it) in collaboration with Ass. Etruria e Enoturistica by Simone Nannipieri, the showcase targets national and international publishers, and for the second year also self-published authors. More information on the site.
Lino – Festival of Independent Literature in NoLo
From May 8 to 10returnsLino – the Festival of Independent Literature in NoLo, conceived by writers Matteo Bianchi and Marco Rossari, in collaboration with the Noi Bookshop. The event, as every year, takes place in several venues in the NoLo district (Milan) and hosts a variety of activities: readings in bookstores, stand-up comedy evenings, readings, and dialogues. Names set to animate the event include Neige Sinno, Mathias Enard, and John Niven, along with Francesca Crescentini, Dario Ferrari, Nicola Gardini, Mattia Insolia, and Daniele Mencarelli. Full program at festivalino.it.
Insieme nelle Bellezze
From May 7 to 10, in Torre Annunziata, will take place the 4th edition of the project Insieme nelle Bellezze, organized by the Literary Café – New Voices and born from collaboration with the local schools. The festival “is based on the shared reading of books, which becomes a starting point for personal reflections, artistic productions (music, poetry, writing), and authentic dialogues.” Among the guests are Maria Grazia Calandrone, Giulia Caminito, and Emanuele Trevi. The program and information are available on the festival’s Facebook page and site.
Carta Canta
From May 8 to 10, in Milan, will take place the first edition of the festival Carta Canta, conceived by AEdicola Lambrate (an urban redevelopment project) with the sponsorship of Adei – Association of Independent Publishers – and of Milan’s District 3. A whole neighborhood involved, thanks to 26 appointments (for adults and children) in 9 venues, featuring various guests, including Matteo Bussola, Mario Calabresi, Massimo Polidoro, and Giorgio Terruzzi. For all information and the program, consult the site.
Premio Letterario Mario La Cava
The ceremony awarding the ninth edition of the Premio Letterario Mario La Cava will be held on May 9. The event is promoted and organized by the Municipality of Bovalino in collaboration with the Mario La Cava Literary Café. More details on the site.
ChiassoLetteraria
From May 6 to 10, in Chiasso (Switzerland), will take place the 20th edition of the ChiassoLetteraria International Literature Festival, titled Venti. Several meetings are on the schedule, including Growing, war: a performance featuring journalist and war correspondent Francesca Mannocchi, accompanied by violinist Rodrigo D’Erasmo; the dialogue between Ananda Devi and Mara Travella; the dialogue between Veronica Raimo and Giuliana Altamura, and that between Clara Usón and Marco Cantoni. For the full program, visit the event site.
Festival Brescia da leggere
In May, on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th, takes place the Festival Brescia da leggere, a festival “entirely dedicated to female authors, local authors, and km 0 stories,” organized by the cultural association Brescia si legge (in collaboration with the Municipality of Brescia and the Urban Library System). More information on the site.
Buk – Festival della piccola e media editoria
On May 9 and May 10, at the Chiostro San Paolo in Modena, will take place the 19th edition of Buk – Festival della piccola e media editoria. Program and updates on Bukfestival.it.
Salone Internazionale del libro
From May 14 to 18, the Lingotto in Torino hosts the Salone Internazionale del libro, directed by Annalena Benini. The Guest of Honor country will be Greece. In 5 days, in May 2025, 231,000 people passed through the Lingotto. Program and information on Salonelibro.it.
Premio Intersezioni Italia–Grecia 2026:
On June 18, 2026, at the Megaron in Athens, will take place the final ceremony of the first edition of the Premio Intersezioni Italia–Grecia 2026, which involves 15 Italian contemporary fiction books published between January 1 and December 31, 2025, that entered the recognition promoted by the Center for Books and Reading of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture in Athens, and supported by the association Giri di parole. The Premio Intersezioni “was born with the aim of supporting translation and publication abroad (each year in a different country) of contemporary Italian works and provides three winning books, each supported by a grant of 5,000 euros (15,000 euros in total), to be allocated this year to Greek publishers who acquire translation rights and commit to publishing.” The fifteen titles selected by the Italian jury (composed of Maria Panetta, Alberto Rollo and Gianluigi Simonetti) will be voted on by the Greek jury of the Prize, made up of Periklís Dimitrolopoulos, Ersi Sotiropoulos, Ioannis Tsolkas, and the two ex officio members Giuseppe Iannaccone, President of the Center for Books and Reading, and Francesco Neri, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Athens. The announcement of the three winning works will be made on Friday, May 15 at 15:00 – at the Greece stand (Guest of Honor country) – at the Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino. Among the 15 selected titles are authors such as Edoardo Albinati, Maurizio de Giovanni, Mario Desiati, Viola Di Grado, Angelo Ferracuti, Fabio Genovesi, Giulia Lombezzi, Francesco Pacifico, Lorenzo Pavolini, Sandra Petrignani, Fabrizio Sinisi and Domenico Starnone.
Mantova Libri Mappe Stampe
A Mantova, the 16th and 17 of May will return the historic book and map fair Mantova Libri Mappe Stampe, now in its 51st edition, with exhibitors from around the world. For more information, please consult the site mantovalibriestampe.com.
Food & Science Festival
Between May 15 and May 17, in Mantua, will take place the Food & Science Festival, a festival entirely dedicated to scientific dissemination, which creatively and accessibly explores topics related to the science of production and consumption of food. More information to come on the site.
Leggenda – Festival della lettura e dell’ascolto
Leggenda – Festival della lettura e dell’ascolto will be held in Empoli from May 21 to 24. The festival, now in its ninth edition, is directed by Silvia D’Achille. Updates coming on the site.
Dialoghi di Pistoia
The 17th edition of the Dialoghi di Pistoia, a festival of contemporary anthropology, will take place May 22 to 24, 2026, and will be dedicated to one of the great interests of cultural anthropology: the body. The event, promoted by Fondazione Caript and the Municipality of Pistoia, conceived and curated by Giulia Cogoli, will have as its theme of the year “Bodies in Becoming – Maps, Challenges, and the Frontiers of the Human”. During the three days in the historic center of Pistoia, there will be meetings, dialogues, and readings; Dialoghi will explore the ongoing transformation of the body from diverse and complementary perspectives. Details and program will be announced on the site Dialoghidipistoia.it.
Encuentro – Festival of Spanish-language Literature
From May 21 to May 24, in Perugia and Castiglione del Lago, will take place Encuentro – Festival delle letterature di lingua spagnola. This festival, born in 2014, “celebrates the meeting of cultures, languages, and diverse communities, turning Perugia into a place of open and contemporary dialogue.” More information and details on the festival site.
Rovigoracconta
From May 29 to May 31 returns for its 12th edition Rovigoracconta, the cultural festival that takes us around the world of ideas and stories through books, this year under the title Respira – meaning “an invitation to reconnect with what we are, what we feel, what we often overlook in the rush.” Among the guests are Stefania Auci, Franco Berrino, Dario Bressanini, Enrico Brizzi, Concita De Gregorio, Michela Marzano, Mariangela Pira, Andrea Pennacchi, Luca Bianchini, Eugenio in Via di Gioia, Francesco Vidotto, Lorenza Gentile, Beatrice Mautino, Antonella Lattanzi, Simone Tempia, Rick DuFer, and Vasco Brondi. Additionally, 2026 introduces two novelties: Il giardino della spiritualità, an area dedicated to inner exploration and spirituality, and the meeting of 300 Veneto reading groups who will engage in shared readings. Information and program on Rovigoracconta.it.
La grande invasione
La grande invasione, a reading festival born in Ivrea and curated by Marco Cassini and Gianmario Pilo, will begin on May 30 and end on June 2 (Marianna Doria and Ludovica Giovine will handle the children and youth section: La Piccola Invasione). Updates on the site Lagrandeinvasione.it.
Popsophia
In Ancona, in May (dates to be announced), returnsPopsophia, the festival of Pop philosophy, directed by Lucrezia Ercoli. Updates and program at popsophia.com.
Premio Campiello
Awaiting official date communications, we recall that between May and June the Jury of the Letters meets in Padua to select the shortlist for the Premio Campiello 2026 and to announce the Opera Prima Award. Roberto Cicutto is the new president of the Jury (details here).
Premio Calvino
At the beginning of June, in Turin, the awarding of the Premio Calvino 2026, a recognition (born in 1985) dedicated to debut authors. Updates coming on the site.
Festival Armonia – Narrazioni in Terra d’Otranto
From May to August, the Armonia – Narrazioni in Terra d’Otranto festival, a diffuse festival now in its 12th edition. Program and updates on the site.
èStoria – Festival Internazionale di Storia
From May 25 to May 31, Gorizia will host the 21st edition of the International History Festival. Through debates, book presentations, shows, exhibitions, screenings, and testimonies, the goal of the event is to bring history to the center of the stage and Gorizia as a place of encounter. More information on the site.
Il Piccolo Festival
From May 25 to May 31, in Ospedaletti (Imperia), will take place the seventh edition of Il Piccolo Festival, a literary festival for young readers dedicated to promoting reading. Within the project also the Nuovi Talenti competition: aimed at all secondary school students and all youths aged 14-18. Info and program on the festival site.
Literary Festivals 2026: June
Da vicino nessuno è normale
Now at its 30th edition, this year the festival Da vicino nessuno è normale will be held from May 30 to June 30, at TeatroLaCucina and in the park of the former Psychiatric Hospital Paolo Pini in Milano. Numerous shows are planned within a path that invites citizens to engage with a place and a memory that have been removed from the city, including: The Tempest, from William Shakespeare, by Teatro la Ribalta; Atomica, freely inspired by the correspondence between the philosopher Gunther Anders and Claude Eatherly, the American bomber pilot who approved the Hiroshima bombing, and Armande sono io!, by Ateliersi, based on the texts of Carla Lonzi.
To discover all events and what surrounds the Festival, please visit the site teatrolacucina.org/da-vicino-nessuno-e-normale.
Premio Strega
At the beginning of June, as is traditional, at the Roman Theater in Benevento, in the presence of the twelve candidates and the audience, the shortlist for the Premio Strega 2026 will be announced.
Festival Noir di Burolo
From May 5 to 7 returns the Festival Noir di Burolo (Turin), at the Villa Pasta, for its fifth edition. The event is organized by Edizioni Pedrini with the sponsorship of the Comune, CNA Editoria Piemonte, and Città Metropolitana di Torino.
La città dei lettori
In Florence (at Villa Bardini), the festival La città dei lettori returns (June 3–7). A project of Fondazione CR Firenze, curated by Associazione Wimbledon APS, with the direction of Gabriele Ametrano. La città dei lettori will continue with other stops in Tuscany. Emmanuel Carrère, Kiran Desai, Concita De Gregorio, Csaba dalla Zorza, and Lella Costa are just a few of the guests who will animate the ninth edition of the festival. Expect 40 events with 75 guests in 5 days of meetings, presentations, talks, and readings between Theatre La Pergola and Villa Bardini. Among the 2026 focuses is the cultural and ideal synergy with the ongoing photographic exhibition at Villa Bardini Firenze ’50 ’60 ’70— free admission for all festival participants — with in-depth sessions dedicated to that period of international creativity that made the Tuscan capital a spokesperson for innovative ideas in fashion, theater, and the arts. The festival opens on June 3 at 9 p.m. at Teatro della Pergola with a special evening dedicated to Emmanuel Carrère, in dialogue with Valerio Aiolli. The French writer presents Kolchoz (Adelphi), his most intimate yet collective work. From June 4 to 7, at Villa Bardini (entrance from Costa San Giorgio 2), the festival unfolds in a sequence of meetings. Among the most anticipated events is Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m., after the institutional greetings, the Villa Bardini Terrace will host the first public meeting with the five finalists of the Strega Prize after the official selection, together with Roberta Scorranese, a moment now a festival ritual and much anticipated by fans. The closing, Sunday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m., will celebrate the 200 years since the birth of Carlo Collodi. Lella Costa will read excerpts from the book Pinocchio. The masterpiece of literature, today among the most translated works in the world, addresses universal depths: lying as fake news, disobedience as an act of growth, and truth as the only path to salvation. “At the Festival La città dei lettori this reading also symbolically unites the two Villa Bardini literary festivals, both closing with the story of the growth of the puppet and then boy Pinocchio.” Full program on lacittadeilettori.it.
Archivissima
In Turin, from April 4 to 7 returns Archivissima. Born in 2018 from the previous La Notte degli Archivi format — conceived in 2016 by Promemoria with the aim of publicly returning to citizens the informational and narrative wealth contained in the archives of institutions, entities, and major companies — the festival will host the eleventh edition of Notte (May 5). Main Partner of Archivissima is Intesa Sanpaolo. Details on the site.
Memoria Festival
From June 5 to 7 returns the Memoria Festival, promoted and organized by the Festival of Memory Consortium in collaboration with Mondadori Libri publishers. The 11th edition will be held in Mirandola with the theme Remembering and Stories. A wide range of topics will be covered, and the thematic trajectories that will guide the program range from history and reconstruction of the past to the importance of memory, from transmission and interpretation to artificial intelligence, and more. Already announced many guests who will enliven the event, including: Matteo B. Bianchi, Enrico Brizzi, Antonio Calabrò, Silvia Camporesi, Caterina Caselli, Luca Cena, Francesca Crescentini, Serena Dandini, Giovanni Grasso, Luciana Littizzetto, Roberto Mercadini, Tommaso Sacchi, Walter Siti, and Valentina Tanni. Details on the site memoriafestival.it.
Seminare Idee Festival Città di Prato
From June 5 to June 7 will take place the second edition of Seminare Idee Festival Città di Prato, a festival conceived and directed by Annalisa Fattori and Paola Nobile, promoted by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Prato, with the contribution of the Region of Tuscany and in collaboration with the Province of Prato. For the 2026 edition the word will be Desire. Details at seminareideefestival.it.
Mestre Bookfest
From June 3 to June 14, the fourth edition of Mestre Bookfest will be held, the literary event promoted by the Municipality of Venice and the Confcommercio of Mestre that fosters interaction between culture and the territory. Already announced are appearances by Massimo Carlotto, Erica Cassano, Concita De Gregorio, Fabiano Massimi, and many others. For all details, see the site.
Il Fiume dei Libri
The third edition of the literary festival Il Fiume dei Libri will take place in Lodi, from June 10 to 14. The artistic direction will once again be entrusted to Cadore 33 of Riccardo Cavallero and Teresa Martini, who have crafted a varied program for every type of reader: present will be Niccolò Ammaniti, Monica Boggioni, Diego De Silva, Maurizio Ferrini, Fabio Genovesi, Michela Martignoni, Milena Contini, Antonio Moresco, Gianni Riotta, and finalists of the 80th edition of the Premio Strega, among others. Here is the full program.
Festival Filosofi lungo l’Oglio
From June 4 to July 28, in the provinces of Brescia, Bergamo, and Cremona, will be held the Festival Filosofi lungo l’Oglio, a cultural event directed by professor and philosopher Francesca Nodari and involving national and international figures in conferences, encounters, and debates. This 21st edition’s theme is Listen. Among the guests: Franco Arminio, Enzo Bianchi, Roberta Bruzzone, Michela Marzano, Massimo Recalcati, and Gustavo Zagrebelsky. Program at www.filosofilungologlio.it.
Romance Book Party
The June 6 at the Naples Exhibition Center hosts the Romance Book Party (born from the idea of Sara Menichetti and Valentina Trombetta). The event’s godmother will be the Venetian author Nicole Teso, while guests already announced include Mercedes Ron, Elisabet Benavent, Laura Steven, and Caterina Maura. The day will be devoted to meetings, panels, games, and entertainment: the full program soon on the event site.
Little Lucy
From June 13 to June 29 the sixth edition of Little Lucy – A little festival of literature takes place, curated by Alba Donati and Pierpaolo Orlando. This year’s theme is departure. In Lucignana (Lucca province), many guests will take part, including: Nicola Gardini, Toni Servillo, Laura Imai Messina, Nadia Terranova, Sandra Petrignani, and Marco Vichi. Program and information available at https://libreriasopralapenna.it.
A Tutto Volume
From June 11 to June 14 returns A Tutto Volume, the Ragusa literary festival. In its 17th edition, the festival will illuminate the summer evenings of the charming historic center of Ragusa with a cultural program spanning literature, science, television, theater, music, and new media. Awaiting the full program (on Atuttovolume.com), here are the first guests announced: Stefania Auci, Daria Bignardi, Dario Bressanini, Antonio Caprarica, Claudia Cerasa, Virman Cusenza, Serena Dandini, Piercamillo Davigo, Vera Gheno, Riccardo Luna, Vito Mancuso, Vittorio Emanuele Parsi, Gianni Riotta.
Porte Aperte Festival – PAF
For its eleventh edition Porte Aperte Festival – PAF will be held from April 4 to 7 in Cremona. Updates forthcoming at porteapertefestival.it.
Festival Maria Corti
This year the Festival Maria Corti will be held in Otranto between June 12 and 14. The festival, born in 2022 and dedicated to the writer, is now in its fifth edition. Further information at festivalmariacorti.it.
Lettera 423, Festival della Lettura di Isernia
Libertà is the theme of the fifth edition of the festival Lettera 423, which runs from June 17 to June 21 in Isernia. Five days of meetings, exhibitions, presentations, and workshops involving (among others) Gherardo Colombo, Anna Foa, Antonio Moresco, Nadeesha Uyangoda, Açelya Yönaç, Giorgio Zanchini. Details on the festival site.
Salerno Letteratura
From June 13 to June 20 will take place the 14th edition of Salerno Letteratura. Program and news on Salernoletteratura.com.
Taobuk
From June 18 to June 22 will take place in Taormina the 16th edition of the Taobuk festival, conceived and directed by Antonella Ferrara. The central theme will be trust: “It is about exposing oneself consciously to the risk inherent in every relationship, every project, every beginning. It is the start of a new pact between us and reality, between who we are and what we can become. This ancestral impulse is trust, a strict ethical and social value that is born with the human being and defines him in his very humanity. Today more than ever, believing in ourselves is setting a future horizon to counteract the uncertainty of times and the geopolitical flips underway.” Already announced are two of the Taobuk Award recipients: the writer and essayist Dacia Maraini and the Syrian-Lebanese poet Adonis. There will also be in-depth focus on territorial matters – Taormina Cult – and on some important anniversaries, including 90 years since the death of Luigi Pirandello, 80 years since the referendum that led to the birth of the Italian Republic, and 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence. Attention will also be given to discussions on justice, the demands of technological innovation and artificial intelligence, and geopolitical debate. TaobukTeen will return and the second edition of the Strega Prize for Essays (in partnership with the Fondazione Bellonci). Details and program on the site.
Premio e Festival Umberto Fracchia Casarza Ligure
From June 22 to June 28, in Casarza Ligure and in the hill district of Bargone (Genoa), will take place the Festival letterario Umberto Fracchia. The theme chosen for this sixth edition will be Terreno di meraviglia. Many guests have already been announced, including: Fabio Bacà, Luca Bianchini, Matteo Bussola, Fabio Canino, Concita De Gregorio, Gabriele Gensini, Pablo Maurette. Moreover, the official first stage of the Strega Prize for Essays will be held at the Fracchia Festival on Friday, June 26. All info on the site premiofracchia.it.
Inchiostro
Between June 19 and June 21, in Crema, will take place the eighth edition of the Festival Inchiostro, a project of the Crema City administration in collaboration with the Clara Gallini Public Library. Details coming soon on www.festivalinchiostro.it.
Trame Festival
From June 16 to June 21, in Lamezia Terme, will take place the fifteenth edition of Trame Festival. Directed by journalist and writer Giovanni Tizian, the festival’s theme will be Earth and Freedom: “The land as a place of belonging and rights, but also as a space of conflict, oppression and resistance, today more than ever crossed by the return of the shadow of the racket in Lamezia and in other territories, and by wars that, near and far, deny freedom, self-determination, and future.” It should be noted that during Trame writers, journalists, magistrates, and scholars meet to discuss and present books dedicated to the phenomenon of mafias (and more), and in the past guests have included Rosy Bindi, Pietro Grasso, Nicola Gratteri, Roberto Saviano, Marco Travaglio, and many others. Info on the site.
Pavese Festival
From June 22 to June 28 the Pavese Festival is planned in Santo Stefano Belbo, with the theme Return to the human. Among the announced guests are Matteo Caccia, Iaia Forte, Vera Gheno, Neri Marcorè, Omar Pedrini, and Andrea Pezzi. Program on fondazionecesarepavese.it.
Dall’altra parte del mare di Alghero
From June 24 to 28 will be the festival Dall’altra parte del mare di Alghero, on the theme Maps for the future. Five days during which stories, languages, and perspectives will again engage in dialogue, traversing the present to imagine tomorrow. Various national and international guests, including: Joanna Bator and Widad Tamimi, Bruno Arpaia, Annalisa Camilli, Gaja Cenciarelli, and Marcello Fois. Program on dallaltrapartedelmare.com.
Premio Ostana
From Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 June, in the alpine village of Ostana, at the foot of Monviso, the 28th edition of the Premio Ostana: scritture in lingua madre takes the stage. This year’s edition will be guided by a line from the Occitan poet Joán Bodon: “Es sus la talvèra qu’es la libertat” (Liberty is on the edge). As tradition, the Prize is organized into 8 sections. All details on the event’s site.
Passaggi Festival
From June 24 to June 28 will hold the 14th edition of Passaggi Festival, in Fano. Program and updates forthcoming at Passaggifestival.it.
Welcome to Socotra 2026
Returning to Milano, at the Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, is Welcome to Socotra – Summer Festival of Books, Satire, and Music, dedicated to those who, with courage and irony, tell the present in an authentic and unabashed way, mindful that laughter, writing and art are acts of political resistance. The 2026 edition is dedicated to “Voices without filters.” The final weekend of June 25–27 is devoted to the language of humor and satire, curated by Sergio Ferrentino. The weekend of July 2–4 is dedicated to music, concerts, and the connections that arise under the stage (curated by Davide Toffolo). Among the anticipated guests: Jonathan Bazzi, Ivano Bisi, Stefano Bollani, Micaela Bongi, Luca Bottura, Giulio D’Antona, Marta Del Grandi, Tommaso Faoro, Chiara Galeazzi, Lamante, Emiliano Luccisano, Annagaia Marchioro, Francesco Muzzopappa, Valo Pusceddu, Michele Serra, Andrea Sesta, Pietro Sparacino, and Vaga. Each evening has a three-part progression: “the word opens, the meeting brings people closer, the performance activates.”
NapoliCittàLibro
In June the seventh edition of NapoliCittàLibro, the Book and Publishing Fair at the Maritime Station of Naples. Information and program on napolicittalibro.it.
Una Marina di Libri
From July, in Palermo, from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June, will take place the 17th edition of Una Marina di Libri, this year with the theme The Voice of the Voiceless. Info and program on the festival site.
Orbetello Book Prize – Maremma Tuscany Coast
From June 26 to 28, in Orbetello, the fifth edition of Orbetello Book Prize, the international literary prize awarded to an Italian author who has published abroad. The event will be held in the Chiusi Gardens of the historic center of Orbetello. Full program on orbetellobookprize.it.
Poetica
As part of the FAI Summer Evenings, on June 18, at the Palazzo Moroni of Bergamo, will be staged the first edition of Poetica, a “festival of women’s poetry, ranging from Renaissance voices Isotta B embati and Tullia d’Aragona to contemporary performative poetry.” More details on the site.
Marina Cafè Noir
From June 19 to June 21, in Giliaci, on the shores of Elmas, returns the festival Marina Cafè Noir, now in its 24th edition, on the theme Changing Course. Among the guests: Mokhtar Amoudi, Maurizio De Giovanni, Francesca Mannocchi, Motta, Nathan Thrall, and Willie Peyote. All information at www.marinacafenoir.it.
La Milanesiana
In summer, the traveling event (in Milan and many other cities) with La Milanesiana, the itinerant festival created and directed by Elisabetta Sgarbi. Space for literature, concerts, exhibitions, cinema, theater, science, economics, and sport. Program on the festival’s site.
Premio letterario Gregor von Rezzori
Anticipating the 2026 edition of the Premio Gregor von Rezzori – Città di Firenze, the literary prize awarded annually to the best foreign novel translated into Italian and to the best translation. Established in 2007 to remember the Austrian writer Gregor Von Rezzori, the prize is designed and organized by the Santa Maddalena Foundation, created in 2000 by Beatrice Monti della Corte, widow of the author. Information on premiogregorvonrezzori.org.
ParoLario
This 2026 edition of ParoLario will be held in Como in June. Further information on parolario.it.
Biglietti agli amici
In Rimini, in June, the sixth edition of Biglietti agli amici: “a festival born to celebrate word, orality, storytelling as a form of community and as a political act.” Directed by Marco Missiroli, in collaboration with Babel Agency, the festival will host a tribute to Pier Vittorio Tondelli. Program on the festival site.
Conversazioni dal Mare
Between June and July, Conversazioni dal Mare returns, a festival of literature that animates Puglia and this year marks its tenth edition. From June 19 to 21 the event will be held in Giovinazzo (Bari), while on July 10 and 11 we will move to Mattinata (Foggia). For all information and the program, please visit the event site.
Mare di Libri
In June the 19th edition of Mare di Libri, the literature festival dedicated to children and adolescents in Rimini. Program and updates on maredilibri.it.
LETTERATURE Festival internazionale di Roma
On June 19, 20 and 21 returns LETTERATURE, the International Festival of Rome, now in its 25th edition, curated by Silvia Barbagallo and Anna Voltaggio, under the title Sconfinare. Many guests announced (involved in presentations and interviews): Emmanuel Carrère, Condita De Gregorio, Fumettibrutti, Rachel Kushner, Neri Marcorè, Veronica Raimo, Neige Sinno, Patrizia Valduga, Manuel Vilas, Zerocalcare and many others. In addition, Marino Sinibaldi, Eva Giovannini, Pegah Moshir Pour will guide the evenings. The program is available on culture.roma.it/festivaldelleletterature.
Salento Book Festival
From June to September the 16th edition of Salento Book Festival, a mobile literary event organized by the cultural association Festival Nazionale del Libro, created and directed by journalist and TV author Gianpiero Pisanello. Program and details on Salentobookfestival.it.
Le conversazioni
The 21st edition of the international festival Le conversazioni will take place in Capri, from June 26 to July 5. The year’s theme is Challenge, and guests will include (among others) Jan Brokken, Maurizio De Giovanni, Nicola Gardini, William Oldroyd, Yasmina Reza, and Walter Siti. Details on www.leconversazioni.it.
Literary Festivals 2026: July
Premio Strega
Thursday 2July, the final of the Premio Strega. Details on the official site.
Scenari
In Modica the festival Scenari will return, from June 26 to July 26.
L’Isola delle Storie
From July 2 to 5 in Gavoi (Nuoro) the 20th edition of the Festival Letterario della Sardegna L’Isola delle Storie, promoted and curated by the Association L’Isola delle Storie. Program and information on isoladellestorie.it.
Trovautore
From July 10 to 12, in Fiuggi (Frosinone) will be held the eleventh edition of Trovautore, a literary festival dedicated to small and medium publishing. The theme of the festival will be Dialogues. During the three days there will be meetings, readings, theatrical performances, and workshops for children. More information on the festival’s Facebook page.
Rue di Libri
In Castiglione a Casauria (Pescara), in the month of July, will take place the fifth edition of Rue di Libri. Several guests will shape the town, confirming its role as a fundamental cultural hub for the enhancement of the Abruzzo heritage, weaving literature, visual art, and oral traditions.
L’Isola dei libri
From July 12 to 20, in Carloforte – on the island of San Pietro, off Sardinia – will take place the 11th edition of the festival L’Isola dei libri – Rassegna letteraria tra terrazze e caruggi. Meetings with authors, book presentations, an art exhibition, and more will animate the territory. For info and details, consult the festival’s Facebook page “L’Isola dei libri.”
Premio Bancarella
In July, in Pontremoli, will take place the final of the Premio Bancarella. Updates on premiobancarella.it.
Festival Culturale Liberevento
From June 26 to August 15 the Festival Culturale Liberevento will take place, a festival held in more than 10 municipalities in Sardinia. Among the guests: Viola Ardone, Franco Berrino, Serena Bortone, Umberto Galimberti, Carlo Lucarelli, Gio Evan, Paolo Kessisoglu, Cathy La Torre, Teresa Manes, Mariangela Pira, Stefania Andreoli. Info and program on liberevento.it.
CartaCarbonia
From July 23 to 26 returns CartaCarbonia, the festival of literature that lights up the summer in Sulcis. The Arena Mirastelle in Carbonia becomes a stage for words, ideas, and emotions, with a lineup of meetings, debates, readings, and guests.
Elba Comics & Games
From July 28 to November 1 the return of the flagship event for the comics world and for fans of graphic novels, anime, manga, and video games: the 2026 edition of Lucca Comics & Games. The international fair dedicated to comics, animation, games (tabletop, role-playing, card games), and the fantasy and science fiction universe, held in Lucca, Tuscany. Once again thousands of cosplayers and enthusiasts are expected. Program and updates on Luccacomicsandgames.com.
Literary Festivals 2026: November
Agorà Festival
From November 6 to 8, in Cesena, the second edition of Agorà Festival, conceived, planned, and organized by the Laterza Editors and promoted by the Municipality of Cesena, with the participation of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cesena and the Chamber of Commerce of Romagna, and with support from the Emilia-Romagna Region.
Venice Noir
We continue with Venice Noir: the international noir literature festival will be held in Venice, from November 12 to 15. Organized by The Merchant of Venice and Libreria Studium in collaboration with SUGARPULP, the 2026 edition will take place in several locations around the city, including the Ateneo Veneto, La Fenice, and the Teatro Ridotto of the Hotel Monaco. The Italian section’s artistic direction is by Giacomo Brunoro, the international by David Hewson. Information and details to follow on the site.
Bookcity Milano
Rassegna della Microeditoria
On November 7 and 8, in Chiari, within the Villa Mazzotti Biancinelli complex, returns the 24th edition of the Rassegna della Microeditoria. The edition will have as its theme One, None, a Hundred Thousand Stories in homage to and reference to the centenary of the publication of Luigi Pirandello’s work. During the event there will be room for remembrances of Carlo Collodi, Dario Fo, and Grazia Deledda. Details and updates on the site microeditoria.it.
Scrittorincittà
Returns to Cuneo in November, Scrittorincittà. The program, guests, and information on the site scrittorincitta.it.
Pazza Idea
In November the festival Pazza Idea will return to Cagliari. Also for the 15th edition an ample space for meetings, debates, exhibitions, keynote lectures, readings, workshops, and performances is expected. Details and updates on the site Pazzaidea.org.
CICAP Fest
In November returns to Padua, for the ninth edition, CICAP Fest, the festival of science and curiosity. Details online on the site.
FLA
In November, there is planned the return to Pescara of FLA, Festival of Books and Other Things, now in its 24th edition. The program and updates on pescarafestival.it.
Mysterium Expo Italia
In November, in Ferrara, will be held the Mysterium Expo Italia, an annual event dedicated to fantasy and crime genres. Over the two days you will be able to participate in workshops, conferences, performances, writing courses, and cosplay contests. Information and program on mysteriumitalia.it.
L’Eredità delle donne
In November, in Florence, under the artistic direction of Serena Dandini, returns the festival L’Eredità delle donne. Details on ereditedelledonne.eu will be announced.
A occhi aperti
In Bologna in November, the fourth edition of A occhi aperti, an international festival of comics and illustration, organized by the Hamelin cultural association. Further details forthcoming on the site.
Literary Festivals 2026: December
Più libri Più Liberi
In December, from the 4th to the 8th, returns to Rome’s Nuvola the Più libri più liberi book fair, the national fair of small and medium publishing, promoted by the Italian Publishers Association. A 25th edition that will not have a single artistic director, but a team of curators coordinated by Paolo Di Paolo and that includes Nadeesha Uyangoda, Licia Troisi, and Giorgio Zanchini. Updates coming on plpl.it.
Noir in Festival
In December, in Milano, the 36th edition of Noir in Festival, under the direction of Giorgio Gosetti and Marina Fabbri. Program and updates on the site noirfest.com.
Amelia Hartwell
I write about books the way I read them: slowly, curiously, and with attention to the details that linger after the final page. At Lythrum Press, I cover literary fiction, essays, memoirs and the wider culture of reading, with a particular interest in voices that challenge familiar ways of seeing the world. My work is guided by one simple idea: a good book deserves more than a reaction — it deserves a conversation.
