Uncover the story at the Malta Book Festival

Expecting to attract over 50,000 visitors and featuring a leading literary superstar among its special guests, this year’s edition of the Malta Book Festival invites you to ‘uncover the story’ meant just for you.

The Malta Book Festival, organised by the National Book Council (NBC), is the leading celebration of literary culture on the island, taking place this year between 4 and 8 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta’ Qali.

This year, the festival will run under the theme ‘Uncover the Story’, inviting visitors to explore the world of literature and discover the perfect book to fit them like a glove.

Browse the many stalls dedicated to local publishers and booksellers, and you’re likely to emerge clutching a beautifully designed volume on Maltese heritage and culture, or even a stack of discounted new finds. Whether you’re after unique keepsakes or gifts to take back home, the festival’s varied exhibitors are sure to cater to a wide range of tastes and interests.

Evolving from a more traditional book fair into a bona fide festival over the past decade, this long-running staple of the Maltese cultural calendar is also distinguished by its generous array of events. Featuring talks, discussions, book launches, theatre shows for younger visitors, and much more, the festival also hosts From Illustration to Book – a recurring exhibition celebrating the art of book illustration, organised by NBC in collaboration with Arts Council Malta.

The event also features internationally recognised literary talent, and this year is certainly no exception. For the 2026 edition, the National Book Council will welcome a globally recognised figure in the genre of detective fiction, whose bestselling works have been adapted for film and television over the decades. The NBC will be officially revealing the name of this illustrious guest on 25 June – stay tuned on its online platforms (see below) to find out more in due time. And on 1 September the second special guest will be announced – a rising star of European fiction whose novels have attracted acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, The Observer and the European Literature Network.

Both authors will be present at events forming part of the Malta Book Festival’s programme, allowing visitors to interact with leading literary figures in a relaxed and accessible setting.

The festival also caters to individuals and families keen to enjoy a day out at a vibrant cultural event whose ‘big tent’ also happens to be situated within a centrally located national park. With food and drink stalls open throughout the day and plenty of comfortable seating available, the festival offers visitors a space to meet, relax and cool down after making their purchases or attending the many events that make up its packed programme.

Younger visitors are equally well catered for. With events designed especially for them, along with a Sensory Room for visitors on the spectrum, they can feel safe and comfortable no matter when they attend.

More information on the Malta Book Festival will become available online in the months leading up to opening day. To find out more, visit ktieb.org.mt or search for nationalbookcouncil_malta on Instagram and The Malta Book Festival on Facebook.

This article was first featured in the 100th edition of GuidemeMalta 2026.