The Madrid Book Fair 2026 has already opened its doors in El Retiro Park and once again becomes one of the year's major cultural events. The 85th edition, which takes place from May 29 to June 14, brings together hundreds of publishers, bookstores, and authors in a program that goes far beyond traditional book signings.
The organization has prepared thousands of signing sessions, meetings with writers, presentations, round tables, live podcasts, literary tributes, children's activities, and debates spread over more than two weeks. All this under a very specific thematic axis: humor and satire.
With more than 350 stands set up in the Paseo de Coches of El Retiro, the Fair once again becomes one of the main meeting points between readers and authors from all over Spain.
Who signs each day at the Madrid Book Fair 2026
The official signing schedule can be consulted day by day through the Madrid Book Fair website, which updates times, stands, and possible last-minute modifications.
Among the most outstanding authors participating this year are national and international names from very different genres:
- Eduardo Mendoza.
- Fernando Aramburu.
- Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
- Alice Kellen.
- Jonathan Coe.
- Siri Hustvedt.
- David Safier.
- Juan Gómez-Jurado.
- Sonsoles Ónega.
- Inma Rubiales.
- Nieves Concostrina.
- Pilar Eyre.
- José Ángel Mañas.
The organization has reported that this edition will feature more than 6,600 signing sessions and more than 230 authors with confirmed presence in the official program.
Signings are held mainly in the morning and afternoon, distributed among the different stands of participating publishers and bookstores.
Beyond signings: all the events of the 2026 edition
The Madrid Book Fair is not limited to meetings with authors this year.
The official program includes:
- Presentations of new publications.
- Literary conversations.
- Round tables.
- Cultural debates.
- Live podcasts.
- Children's activities.
- Workshops.
- Recitals.
- Meetings with illustrators and humorists.
- Tributes to authors and key works of contemporary literature.
Humor is the main protagonist of this edition. The organization has prepared specific activities related to satire, humorous illustration, and comic literature.
Among the outstanding participants are names such as Maitena, Rodrigo Cortés, Edu Galán, Bob Pop, Liniers, Eva Hache or Ignatius Farray, who are part of different events scheduled during the fair.
In addition, the 2026 edition pays homage to fundamental figures of humor and contemporary creation such as Les Luthiers, Kurt Vonnegut, Rafael Azcona, Nicanor Parra or Jorge Ibargüengoitia.
There will also be special activities dedicated to The Confederacy of Dunces, the famous novel by John Kennedy Toole.
Dates, times and how to consult the full program
The Fair will remain open until June 14.
The official hours are:
- Mondays to Fridays: from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
- Saturdays and Sundays: from 10:30 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
The organization reminds that both signings and some events may undergo changes due to meteorological reasons or circumstances beyond the Fair's control.
For this reason, it recommends consulting the updated program daily on its official website, where you can access the complete calendar of signings, activities, exhibitors, locations and times.
This year's edition also reincorporates specific spaces for independent publishers, alternative proposals and new cultural formats that seek to broaden the traditional profile of the Fair.
With thousands of signings planned and dozens of activities each day, the Madrid Book Fair 2026 faces one of the broadest programs in recent years and reinforces its position as one of the main literary events in the Spanish-speaking world.