World of Books Prague 2026 – International Book Fair and Literary Festival

World of Books Prague 2026 is the 31st edition of the international book fair and literary festival, taking place May 14–17, 2026 in the newly renovated Křižík Pavilions and the pavilion on Bruselská Street at the Holešovice Exhibition Grounds. The festival's programme focuses on two main themes: Europe and History – the latter inspired by Milan Kundera's quote "The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting." The festival will offer over 560 programmes and more than 800 participants. Among international guests will be Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Irish novelist Paul Murray, Palestinian writer Raja Shehadeh, historian Timothy Snyder, crime authors Robert Bryndza, Bernard Minier and Helen Fields, and Austrian writer Daniel Glattauer. Czech authors presenting include Alena Mornštajnová, Halina Pawlowská, Ladislav Zibura, Tereza Kostková and others. A new feature this year is the European Square hall dedicated to debates on European identity and freedom of speech, and the World of Books Plus programme block connecting literature with music, theatre, film and visual art. The comics and visual section will be significantly expanded, extending into Hall Z and the new Illustration Island hall. The programme also includes author readings, discussions, expert conferences, seminars, live podcasts, true crime debates, HumbookStage for young adult literature and children's programmes in cooperation with the Growing with Books campaign. The event is under the patronage of Czech President Petr Pavel. Tickets are available online at eshop.svetknihy.cz and at the box office on site. Free seat reservations are available for most hall programmes via the festival website.