Lisbon, May 27, 2026 (Lusa) – The 96th edition of the Lisbon Book Fair opens on Wednesday, 27 May, in Eduardo VII Park, featuring 350 pavilions representing 900 publishing brands and a 19-day programme with more than 2,200 events.
The country's largest open-air book fair maintains the same number of pavilions for the third consecutive year after reaching its maximum capacity along the park's avenue. The event welcomes five new participants, bringing the confirmed total to 128 exhibitors representing around 900 imprints.
The Portuguese Association of Publishers and Booksellers (APEL), which organises the fair in partnership with the Lisbon City Council, has scheduled more than 2,200 events. This number will grow throughout the fair, encompassing book signings, launches, debates, family activities, and meetings with national and international authors.
Various catering areas remain available, so visitors can eat, drink, and extend their stay. The fair opens daily at 12:00 p.m., except on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, when it opens at 10:00 a.m. Closing time is generally 10:00 p.m., extended to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eves of public holidays.
"Hora H" (H Hour) returns to offer discounts of 50% or more on a selection of books excluded from the Fixed Price Law restrictions. This initiative runs from Monday to Thursday during the final hour of the fair, between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Publishing houses also maintain their traditional "books of the day", which each exhibitor selects and highlights daily for sale with special discounts.
New features introduced this year include Saturday night cinema sessions in partnership with the Cine Society, named "Cine Sábado" (Cine Saturday), alongside silent reading experiences. These "silent reading parties" will take place daily, with literary curation by Tale House, using headphones.
Music continues on Friday nights with the "Sextas Há Música" (Music on Fridays) cycle, alongside children's and family programming, including the return of "Acampar com Histórias" (Camping with Stories). Environmental sustainability remains a focus through the "Vamos plantar livros" (Let's plant books) initiative, which converts the number of books sold into reforestation actions.
The venue will span seven plazas until 14 June, featuring improvements in mobility, accessibility, and services. These updates include nationwide book shipping, sustainable mobility partnerships, and enhanced conditions for visitors with specific needs.
AL/RYOL // ADB.
Lusa
