Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027 – Bologna, Italy

Overview

Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027, also known as BCBF, will take place from 5 to 8 April 2027 at the Bologna Fair District in Bologna, Italy. The 64th edition brings together publishers, literary agents, illustrators, authors, booksellers, librarians, translators, developers, licensors and other professionals working across children’s and young adult publishing and content.

BCBF is a professional trade fair rather than a conventional public book festival. Its central purpose is to connect the international children’s publishing industry, facilitate rights and licensing discussions, showcase new books and creative talent, and provide a meeting place for professionals from publishing, illustration, multimedia and entertainment.

The 2027 edition will once again take place alongside BolognaBookPlus, which focuses on general trade publishing, and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, which concentrates on licensing and brands for children, teenagers and young adults. Together, the three events create a broader publishing and content marketplace at the Bologna Fair District.

The fair attracts an international professional audience. In 2025, BCBF reported 1,577 exhibitors from approximately 95 countries and regions and 33,318 trade visitors, demonstrating the international scale of the event.

For international visitors, Bologna Children’s Book Fair can be combined with a city break in Bologna, a historic Italian city known for its medieval architecture, porticoes, food culture and university heritage.

What Makes This Event Special

The defining feature of Bologna Children’s Book Fair is its international focus. The fair is built around professional connections between publishers, agents, illustrators and other people involved in creating, selling and adapting content for younger audiences.

Rights trading is one of the most important activities. Publishers and agents use the fair to discuss translation rights, publishing partnerships and new titles, while other professionals explore opportunities involving illustration, digital publishing, film, television, games and licensing.

Illustration is another major part of the fair. The Bologna Illustrators Exhibition is one of its best-known initiatives, providing selected illustrators with international exposure. The exhibition is accompanied by the official Illustrators Annual and has a touring programme following the fair.

BCBF also goes beyond traditional printed books. The fair increasingly connects publishing with digital storytelling, multimedia, licensing and other forms of children’s content. The BolognaRagazzi Crossmedia Awards, for example, recognise work across book-to-media, transmedia and digital reading categories.

Another distinctive feature of the 2027 edition will be the Guest of Honour programme dedicated to Poland. Poland will present exhibitions and events at BCBF and BolognaBookPlus, as well as activities throughout Bologna.

Lineup / Featured Exhibitors

Bologna Children’s Book Fair does not have a musical-style lineup. Instead, the key participants are international publishing houses, agencies, illustrators, authors, content creators, licensing companies and other industry professionals.

The full 2027 exhibitor list and professional programme will continue to develop ahead of the fair. The official event describes the 2027 edition as a meeting point for publishers, agents, illustrators, authors, licensors, producers, developers and creative professionals from around the world.

The Poland Guest of Honour programme is expected to be one of the major cultural highlights of the 2027 edition. Poland has previously served as a Guest of Honour at BCBF in 2003, and returns in 2027 with a dedicated programme celebrating Polish children’s books and illustration.

The fair’s professional programme also includes opportunities connected with illustration, publishing, rights, licensing, digital content and emerging storytelling formats.

For illustrators, the 2027 Illustrators Exhibition is particularly significant. Entries are being accepted during 2026, with the international jury selecting approximately 300 finalists before choosing the works for the exhibition. The selected works are also included in the Illustrators Annual and can travel internationally after the fair.

Event Experience

A visit to Bologna Children’s Book Fair is quite different from attending a conventional public book fair. Most of the activity is centred around professional meetings, exhibition stands, presentations, portfolio reviews, conferences and business discussions.

Publishers use their stands to present new titles and catalogues, while agents and rights professionals arrange meetings with potential partners. Illustrators can use the event to meet publishers and showcase their portfolios, while authors and other creative professionals can participate in the wider programme.

The fair is also a useful place to observe international trends in children’s publishing. Visitors can encounter new illustration styles, publishing concepts, educational content, digital storytelling projects, licensing properties and books from markets around the world.

For professionals attending for several days, the wider city becomes part of the experience. BCBF states that exhibitions, meetings and cultural initiatives connected with the fair take place throughout Bologna, meaning that the event extends beyond the exhibition centre itself.

Date & Schedule

Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027

5–8 April 2027

The official opening hours are:

Monday 5 April to Wednesday 7 April: 9:00 AM–6:30 PM

Thursday 8 April: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

The 2027 edition will take place at the Bologna Fair District through the Costituzione Entrance.

The detailed programme is expected to include professional meetings, conferences, exhibitions, rights-related activities, presentations and events associated with BCBF, BolognaBookPlus and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids.

Visitors planning their days should allow time between appointments because the fair covers multiple halls and related programmes. Professionals attending meetings may also wish to leave time for activities and exhibitions elsewhere in Bologna.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Location & Venue

Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027 will be held at the Bologna Fair District, with access through the Costituzione Entrance.

The Bologna Exhibition Centre is one of Italy’s major exhibition venues and provides multiple interconnected halls for large international trade events. BCBF’s 2027 information identifies the Bologna Fair District as the official location.

The exhibition centre is located approximately 4 kilometres from Bologna Central Station. The fair district can be reached from the station by city bus, taxi or on foot.

The venue’s location also makes it relatively convenient to stay either around the exhibition district or closer to Bologna’s historic centre.

Event History

Bologna Children’s Book Fair was created in 1964 and has developed into one of the world’s major professional events dedicated specifically to children’s and young adult publishing.

Over its history, the fair has expanded beyond traditional books to include illustration, digital media, licensing, multimedia and other forms of children’s content.

The fair’s international character has also grown considerably. Earlier editions already attracted publishers and professionals from dozens of countries, while recent editions have brought together more than 1,500 exhibitors and more than 30,000 professional visitors.

In 2025, the fair reported 1,577 exhibitors from approximately 95 countries and regions and 33,318 trade visitors. More than 500 events were curated by BCBF and exhibitors, alongside additional activities organised around the city.

The 2027 edition will be the 64th Bologna Children’s Book Fair, continuing more than six decades of professional activity in Bologna.

Getting to the Event

Bologna is particularly well connected to the rest of Italy by high-speed rail. Bologna Central Station is served by Trenitalia and Italo, with high-speed connections to cities including Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Turin.

From Bologna Central Station, visitors can take TPER buses 35 or 38 toward the BolognaFiere area. Bus services 35 and 39 are used for the return journey. The city centre is also connected with the exhibition district by bus 28. By car, visitors approaching from Florence, Milan or Ancona can use the Bologna Fiera exit on the A14 motorway. Travellers arriving via the A13 from Padua can use the Bologna ring road and exits serving the exhibition district.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is approximately 8.5 kilometres from BolognaFiere. Visitors can take a taxi directly to the exhibition centre or use the Marconi Express to Bologna Central Station and continue by public transport.

The exhibition centre also has bicycle and bike-sharing access, while dedicated accessibility services are available for visitors with reduced mobility.

Where to Stay Nearby

Visitors attending Bologna Children’s Book Fair for several days have two practical accommodation strategies: staying close to the BolognaFiere district for convenience or staying in central Bologna for easier access to restaurants, historic attractions and evening activities.

The area around the exhibition centre has several hotels within a short journey of the fairgrounds. Options in the wider Fiera district include UNA Hotels Bologna Fiera, Savhotel Fiera Bologna and THE SYDNEY HOTEL. Staying closer to Bologna’s historic centre can be preferable for visitors who want to experience the city after the fair closes. However, accommodation in central Bologna can require a longer journey to the exhibition district each morning.

Because BCBF attracts a large international professional audience, accommodation can become particularly busy around the fair dates. Booking well ahead is advisable if you are travelling specifically for the event.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

Bologna is well suited to combining a trade-fair visit with sightseeing.

The historic centre is the obvious place to start. Visitors can explore Bologna’s medieval streets and extensive porticoes, which are one of the city’s most recognisable architectural features.

The Two Towers, especially the Torre degli Asinelli, are among Bologna’s best-known landmarks. Piazza Maggiore provides another central point for exploring the city’s historic buildings, while the Basilica of San Petronio dominates the square. The Archiginnasio of Bologna is another notable stop, particularly for visitors interested in books, education and European intellectual history. The building was historically connected with the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world.

Food is also an important part of a Bologna visit. Travellers can explore traditional Bolognese cuisine, including tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and mortadella.

For visitors staying longer, nearby destinations in Emilia-Romagna can provide additional day-trip possibilities. Modena, Parma and Ferrara are all accessible from Bologna by regional transport.

Restaurants & Dining Nearby

Bologna is one of Italy’s major food destinations, so visitors have plenty of choices both around the exhibition district and in the historic centre.

Near the BolognaFiere area, travellers can find Italian restaurants, trattorias and international dining options suitable for quick lunches between appointments or evening meals after the fair. For a more traditional experience, travelling into the historic centre provides access to Bologna’s established trattorias and restaurants serving local dishes.

Visitors attending BCBF for business should remember that restaurant demand can increase during the fair. If you have an important dinner meeting or are travelling with a group, making a reservation in advance can be useful. For a quick meal during the exhibition itself, the fairgrounds also provide catering facilities, although visitors with tightly scheduled meetings should allow enough time to move between halls and dining areas.

Ticket Information

Bologna Children’s Book Fair is a professional trade event, and admission is reserved for people working or studying in relevant sectors.

The official visitor information lists eligible professional categories including publishers, literary agents, distributors, authors, illustrators, translators, booksellers, librarians, teachers, software developers, broadcasters, licensors, licensees and publishing service providers. Children under 18 are not admitted.

The official ticket page currently lists the following standard admission prices:

• One-day admission: €58
• Four-day pass: €130
• Reduced tickets are available for eligible illustrators and translators with the required personal code.

The ticket page also displays an earlier discounted price of €50 for one-day admission and €106 for the four-day pass. Visitors should check the official ticketing system for the applicable rate at the time of purchase because pricing and sales periods can change.

BCBF also provides visa invitation information for international professionals who require an entry visa to attend the fair.

Because this is a professional event, visitors should make sure they qualify for admission before purchasing travel arrangements.

Tips Before You Go

Register or arrange your professional access before travelling, especially if you need meetings, portfolio reviews or other scheduled activities.

If you are an illustrator, check the dedicated BCBF opportunities well in advance. The 2027 Illustrators Exhibition has its own application process and deadlines, and selected finalists receive special access arrangements. Book accommodation early because the fair attracts thousands of international professionals and takes place during a busy spring period in Bologna.

Plan your daily appointments by exhibition hall and allow time for walking between meetings. A full day at BCBF can involve considerably more movement than a normal conference. If you are travelling internationally, check visa requirements before booking your trip. BCBF provides visa invitation information for visitors who need supporting documentation.

Consider arriving in Bologna at least one day before your first important meeting. This gives you time to collect your badge or prepare for the exhibition without having to deal with travel delays on the same morning.

Finally, check the official programme shortly before travelling because conference schedules, exhibitions, meetings and associated events can continue to develop as the fair approaches.

Official Event Information

The official Bologna Children’s Book Fair information confirms:

• Event: Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027
• Edition: 64th
• Dates: 5–8 April 2027
• Location: Bologna Fair District, Bologna, Italy
• Main entrance: Costituzione Entrance
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM–6:30 PM from 5–7 April; 9:00 AM–3:00 PM on 8 April
• Guest of Honour: Poland
• Audience: Publishing and children’s-content professionals
• Related events: BolognaBookPlus and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

The official event describes BCBF as the world’s leading trade fair for children’s publishing and positions the 2027 edition as a meeting place for publishers, agents, illustrators, authors, licensors, producers, developers and other creative professionals.