Upcoming: Drama, Desire & Dialogue at the Gothenburg Book Fair 2025

 


Every autumn, the Gothenburg Book Fair — also known as Bokmässan or Bok & Bibliotek — transforms Sweden’s second city into one of Europe’s most vibrant literary hubs. In 2025, from September 25 to 28, this Nordic powerhouse hosts its 41st edition at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in central Gothenburg.

 

A Hub of Culture and Conversation

Established in 1985 as a trade gathering for librarians and teachers, the fair now stands as Scandinavia’s largest literary festival and the second-largest book fair in Europe after Frankfurt. With attendance soaring beyond 90,000 visitors, more than 750 exhibitors, and over 3,500 program events, Bokmässan is a cultural behemoth.

 

Theme: Drama, Love & Lust

The 2025 edition centers on the compelling themes of “Drama,” “Love,” and “Lust.” This thread runs throughout seminars, performances, readings, and panel discussions—shaping the fair’s tone and trajectory.

Among this year’s highlights:

  • Awarding the prestigious Mermaid Award (Sjöjungfrun) to acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

  • A rare on-stage dialogue between Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner and Swedish writer-performer Jonas Gardell.

  • A live taping of The New York Times podcast Modern Love.

  • A new Drama Stage (Teaterrummet) presenting theatrical readings and dramatic literature.

  • The innovative format “Couples Therapy Live”, where real couples undergo therapy sessions in front of a live audience.

  • The Text & Music strand featuring artists like Thomas Stenström, Björn Ulvaeus, Silvana Imam, and Carola Häggkvist, exploring the interplay of lyrics and literature.

     

International Reach & Professional Opportunities

The fair also doubles as a professional hub. The International Rights Centre (IRC) draws publishers, agents, translators, and rights brokers from around the world for business and networking.

Furthermore, the Fellowship Program (running September 24–27) invites international translators and publishers—especially in literary fiction—to gain insider access to the Swedish book scene through lectures and tailored meetings.

 

Why Gothenburg?

Gothenburg is no stranger to accolades—it’s a UNESCO City of Literature and consistently ranks among the world’s most sustainable cities. The fair venue—a modern convention centre—sits just 15 minutes from the airport, with accommodations, restaurants, spa facilities all within the same complex.

 

Practical Info: Tickets & Access

Public entrance tickets range from SEK 215 to 310 per day, depending on day and promotional tier. Sunday is included with full seminar access. Students pay SEK 245/day, while youth (7–18 years) enter at SEK 75/day. Children under seven are free.

For those seeking full immersion, the Golden Seminar Card (Thursday–Sunday) includes seminar access, all stage or stand programs, and entry to an exclusive lounge. Prices for this all-inclusive experience range from SEK 2,875 to SEK 3,675, depending on booking date tiers.

 

Final Thoughts

The Gothenburg Book Fair 2025 is a spectacular fusion of the literary, cultural, and political. With its bold thematic programming, international guests, rights marketplace, and unique festival flair, this event is ideal whether you’re a reader, author, publisher—or just a lover of stories.

Flights and train services make Gothenburg easily accessible—and the fair itself offers rich opportunities for exploration, learning, and inspiration. Just be sure to arrive early: tickets often sell out and accommodations book up fast.

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