Autumn Literature Festivals For Bookworms

Hey there, literature lovers! Are you ready for an exciting lineup of literary festivals in Budapest? Well, grab your calendars and mark these dates because you won’t want to miss out on the incredible events happening in the city!

First up, we have the PesText International Literary and Cultural Festival, organized by the Hungarian Literary Authors’ Collecting Society (HLACS) and the Petőfi Cultural Agency (PKÜ). This festival is happening from September 26-28, 2024, at Három Holló and the Marczibányi Tér Cultural Center. The best part? Entry to all the festival programs is free! You can expect a diverse range of activities, including readings, discussions, professional workshops, concerts, exhibitions, and even children’s programs.

At Három Holló, you can meet some incredible authors from around the world. On September 26, you can attend sessions with Benjamin Chaud, Vincenzo Latronico, and Samantha Shannon. The following day, September 27, features Philippe Brenot, Gunnar Garfors, and Per Petterson. And on September 28, you can catch Yrsa Sigurdardóttir, Fiona McPhillips, and Szergej Tyimofejev.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! On September 20, head over to Budapest 1053, Kossuth Lajos utca 10, for the book launch of Doina Ruști’s “A malom kísértete” by Orpheusz Publishing. And if you find yourself in Szeged on September 26, make sure to check out the event “PesText // Közép-európai zombi / cseh, szlovák és magyar írók álmairól” at No Milk Today.

Last but not least, the Marczibányi Téri Művelődési Központ will host J.D. Barker on September 27, 2024, at 18:00.

Now, let’s talk about the highly anticipated International Book Festival Budapest, happening from September 26 to 29, 2024. This year marks the 29th edition of the festival, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! The guest of honor author this year is Jón Kalman Stefánsson, who will receive the Budapest Grand Prize from the Mayor of Budapest. Stefánsson is a renowned Icelandic author and poet, whose novel “The Fish Have No Feet” received the French Prix du livre étranger for the best foreign-language book of the year in 2022.

The festival will also focus on the literature of the French Republic as the country of honor. You can expect a wide range of programs, including meetings with authors, book signing sessions, book premiers and presentations, roundtable discussions, concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, and films. And let’s not forget about the little ones! The Gyerek(b)irodalom (Children’s Lit Kingdom) is specially organized to cater to the interests and needs of young readers.

With nearly 150 exhibitors and renowned Hungarian and foreign writers, the International Book Festival Budapest is an event you simply cannot miss!

But wait, there’s more! From September 13 to October 26, 2024, you can visit the exhibition “At the Same Time, in the Same Place – Central and Eastern European Children’s Book Illustrations” at the Deák17 Gallery. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the world of children’s book illustrations from the region.

So, there you have it, folks! A fantastic lineup of literary festivals in Budapest that will keep you engaged, entertained, and inspired. Whether you’re a bookworm, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and enriching experience, these festivals have something for everyone. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and join in the celebration of literature in the beautiful city of Budapest!