The highly anticipated Vilnius Book Fair has officially opened at the Litexpo Exhibition and Congress Center, marking its 25th anniversary. Running for four days, the event brings together book lovers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from across Lithuania and beyond.
“We are all united by a passion for books and reading,” remarked the President during the opening ceremony.
A Cultural Phenomenon.
Over the past 25 years, the Vilnius Book Fair has evolved into Lithuania’s premier literary event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. More than just a book fair, it has become a vibrant cultural hub, featuring discussions, live performances, and exclusive book launches.
This year’s fair carries the slogan “Kukutis Goes to the Fair”, inspired by the beloved character Kukutis, created by poet Marcelijus Martinaitis. Kukutis is one of the most iconic figures in modern Lithuanian poetry, symbolising diversity and an inner yearning for freedom.
With over 500 events spread across five exhibition halls, visitors can look forward to: author meet-and-greets, engaging discussions, concerts & live performances, and interactive experiences.
Since 2015, the fair has also featured the Music Hall, an integral part of the event. This year, it will host nearly 70 music-related events, bringing together renowned Lithuanian artists, composers, and music enthusiasts.
The origins of the Vilnius Book Fair date back to 1999, when Litexpo hosted the Baltic Book Fair, an event that rotated among the Baltic capitals each year. Due to overwhelming interest in Vilnius, the decision was made to establish a dedicated annual book fair in 2000—and the rest is history.
