Helsinki Book Fair
28–31 Oct 2027
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre
Thursday – Saturday 10 am -8 pm
Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
A nationally significant cultural forum and literary event
The Helsinki Book Fair promotes reading, an appreciation of literature and book sales in Finland. The event is a nationally significant cultural forum; a forward-thinking pioneer, a thought-provoking discussant, a storyteller and a source of enrichment for the soul. The Book Fair’s core values are freedom of expression, equality and respect for human dignity.
Every year, the Helsinki Book Fair hosts nearly a thousand events, with the year’s most interesting authors and new releases from all genres taking to the fair’s stages.
Visitor numbers at the Helsinki Book Fair rose for the fifth year running. Over 112,000 lovers of literature, wine and food visited the Helsinki Book Fair 2026 and the Wine and Food Fair, which took place at the same time, over the course of four days.
Opening hours
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre
Thursday - Saturday 10 am -8 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Wine & Food
Experience the Wine & Food event with the same ticket. Wine & Food event (18+) Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday 12 pm to 8 pm
Friday 12 pm to 9 pm
Saturday 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
The theme of the 2026 Helsinki Book Fair is language
In 2026, the Helsinki Book Fair will celebrate language – its power, significance and potential in literature. The fair’s programme will explore the evolution of language and the ways in which it can be shaped by writers.
The theme is reflected in the programme in many ways. The discussions, organised in collaboration with Helsingin Sanomat, will explore the current state and future of the Finnish language. A new addition to the programme is a series of multilingual literary discussions, in which communities representing linguistic minorities will also have their say. In addition, the fair will feature more discussions than ever before on translation and world literature – topics that open up new perspectives on literature and foster international dialogue.
The theme for 2026 is also reflected in the Helsinki Book Fair’s new visual identity, which has once again been designed by Tero Ahonen.
Areas of the Helsinki Book Fair
Stages
The fair has as many as 17 programme points or stages!
KirjaKallio
A Kallio high school course bringing young people to the Kallio Stage
Antiquarian Book Fair
Treasures, collectibles and classics from antiquarian booksellers
Children's Area
The Children's Area invites children and families to enjoy stories.
Handmade
Wander among jewellery, illustrations and handmade objects
Collectors' Area
The Collectors' Area is an oasis bringing collectibles to the fair
Small stands
Small Stands are where ideas and passion meet.
Record Fair
Specialist record shops, record collectors and music associations