On September 4, the 54th Book Festival opened its doors at Pedion tou Areos, creating a welcoming gathering place for book lovers and reading enthusiasts of all ages. 210 publishing houses, 285 booths, more than 200 cultural events, concerts, theater performances, interactive educational activities, and many other events make up the program of the 54th Book Festival 2026.

The events scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2026, are organized as follows:

MAIN STAGE September 12, 2026 / 6:30 p.m.

The Book Publishers’ Association (SEKV), as part of the 54th Book Festival at Pedion tou Areos, is organizing a roundtable discussion in collaboration with the Network for Children’s Rights on the topic: “Libraries: A Space for Thought, Imagination, and Creativity.”

Moderators: Koula Panagou (Head of Educational Programs, DDP), Grigoris Ioannou (Teacher at the 13th Elementary School of Athens).

Speakers: Irini Vokotopoulou (Sociologist), Maria Korkidi (Director of Libraries & Historical Archives of the Municipality of Keratsini–Drapetsona, Librarian, PhD, MSc), Nelli Giannoulis (Head of the Central & Mobile Library Department, Librarian, MSc), Panagiota Dedetzi (Archivist–Librarian, MSc, Head of the Lending Library at the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation).

MAIN STAGE September 12, 2026 / 8:30 p.m.

The Βook Publishers’ Association (SEKV), as part of the 54th Book Festival at Pedion tou Areos, is organizing, in collaboration with Vachikon Publications, a discussion on the topic: “Literary Polyphony Through the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL)”

Irish author Sheila Armstrong (Falling Creatures – EUPL 2025 Special Mention) and Slovak author Lukáš Cabala (Do You Remember Trencin? – EUPL 2025 nominee) will discuss the European Union Prize for Literature and present their works, which are available in Greek.

Speakers: Sheila Armstrong (author), Tessi Baila (author, literary critic, president of PEN Greece), Lukáš Cabala (author), Lucie Kulíková (translator).

The event is organized with the support of the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL), Culture Ireland, the Slovak Literary Center, and the Slovak Embassy in Athens.

MAIN STAGE September 13, 2026 / 11:00 a.m.

The Book Publishers’ Association (SEKV), as part of the 54th Book Festival at Pedion tou Areos, is organizing the following workshop in collaboration with the Greek Section of the IBBY—Greek Children’s Book Circle:

“Make Your Own Ex Libris”

The workshops are designed and led by illustrators who are members of Greek IBBY. The goal is for children to learn about the concept of an ex libris and, through simple stamp-making techniques (such as engraving and other printing techniques), to design and create their own personal ex libris.

MAIN STAGE September 13, 2026 / 6:30 p.m.

The Book Publishers Association (SEKV), as part of the 54th Book Festival at Pedion tou Areos, is organizing an event in collaboration with the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association titled: “Secret Mission: C.F.² – An Interactive Celebration for the Whole Family.”

Music, dance, storytelling, theatrical games, secret missions, gifts, and many surprises await young and old alike at this unique interactive celebration.

Taking cystic fibrosis as our starting point, we will enjoy a unique, hands-on experience that fosters imagination, empathy, and inclusion.

Participants: Liana Denezaki (Author, Illustrator), Zoe Krokou (Ph.D. in Special Education), Anna Spinou (President of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association), Konstantina Giannaki (Vice President of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association), Yannis Vourakis (actor, motivational speaker), Pafi (musician, motivational speaker).

MAIN STAGE September 13, 2026 / 8:00 p.m.

The Book Publishers’ Association (SEKV), as part of the 54th Book Festival at Pedion tou Areos, is organizing an event in collaboration with the Association of Athenians on the topic:

“Digitization, Promotion, and Utilization of the Cultural Heritage of the Association of Athenians.”