Literary festivals and events for readers in Italy in the summer of 2025

The Turin International Book Fair recently took place, an annual event that brings together readers from all over Italy and reminds us how wonderful it is to share a common passion. If you're still craving the thrill of discovering the publishing world through live events, meeting new readers, and finding new opportunities and spaces to read together, this article is for you. Below, we've rounded up the literary festivals taking place over the next few months so you can find the ones that suit you best and mark your calendars.

Literary Festivals and Events in Italy – Summer 2025

Rovigo Racconta

When: May 30 to June 1, 2025

Where: Rovigo, Veneto

This cultural festival invites us to journey through the world of ideas and stories via books and music, with renowned authors, journalists, and artists, as well as exciting new discoveries and interactive experiences that engage the audience firsthand. Rovigo Racconta delivers emotions, insights, entertainment, and opportunities for reflection on the world around us. Entry is free.

Mestre Bookfest

When: June 3 to 15, 2025

Where: Mestre, Veneto

Fiction, thrillers, local authors, cooking, and sports will be the themes addressed in author meetings at this third edition. Unsolved mysteries, touching love stories, fun novels, moving autobiographies, and mouth-watering recipes. Mestre Bookfest satisfies all literary tastes. You can discover all the guests here.

Una marina di libri

When: June 5 to 8, 2025

Where: Palermo, Sicily

This year the independent publishing festival will be held at the Cantieri culturali alla Zisa, hosting some of the most interesting independent Italian publishing houses. It will be a true literary fair.

Parole spalancate

When: June 5 to 16, 2025

Where: Genoa, Liguria

The largest and longest-running poetry event in Italy celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Genoa International Poetry Festival will once again offer over 100 free events featuring authors from all over the world. Readings, concerts, screenings, guided tours, exhibitions, installations, conferences, performances, multimedia shows—all scheduled across 11 consecutive days throughout Genoa.

Il fiume dei libri

When: June 11 to 15, 2025

Where: Lodi, Lombardy

The city of Lodi transforms into a crossroads of words, encounters, and emotions with this literary festival that brings together authors, readers, and dreamers in a shared stream of culture. The second edition will host extraordinary authors: Aldo Cazzullo, Beppe Severgnini, Sveva Casati Modignani, Vittorio Feltri, Ben Pastor, Jonathan Bazzi, Daria Bignardi, Fabio Genovesi, the Strega Prize Five with Fabio Canino… and many more! It’s a unique opportunity to meet great writ...

Resistere

When: June 12 to 15, 2025

Where: Bassano del Grappa, Veneto

This project was born from the Palazzo Roberti bookstore, which gave life to a festival aimed at meeting writers, readers, and anyone curious to learn. This year too, they’ve embraced diverse genres and perspectives on current events, science, geopolitics, and history—giving a special place to fiction. Entry is free and requires no reservation.

A tutto volume

When: June 12 to 15, 2025

Where: Ragusa, Sicily

"Books in celebration" in Ragusa is now in its sixteenth edition. Four days of authors, presentations, readings, ideas, and encounters that will ignite both heart and mind.

Mare di libri

When: June 13 to 15, 2025

Where: Rimini, Emilia-Romagna

Also known as the Festival for Teen Readers, this annual event stands out for its variety of themes, ranging from children's literature to nonfiction, from thrillers to poetry, comics, and graphic novels. Topics will include human rights, the environment, politics, economics, sports, and more. It’s a unique chance to explore and deepen your knowledge of other cultures’ literature.

Barchette di Carta

When: June 13–15, 2025

Where: Anagni, Lazio

Also known as the wandering book festival, this edition is dedicated to the Literary Jubilee. A tribute to the historical importance of the Jubilee for this fascinating and culturally rich city, and an invitation to reflect on the symbolic origins of this ancient tradition—one that speaks of renewal, rest, land restitution, and new beginnings. The festival will feature thematic panels with distinguished guests: influential figures from the Italian cultural and social scene will lead us in discussions and offer fresh insights.

BoBooks Festival

When: Friday, June 27, 2025

Where: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

This festival is designed as a giant reading party, a live event for readers to gather and enjoy books together. The gathering runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Làbas Social Hub, where a 100% vegan food stand will ensure everyone can sip and snack. There will also be a chance to exchange used books in a massive swap party. Entry is free, but registration is required and can be done here.

Marina Café Noir

When: June 20–22, 2025

Where: Cagliari, Sardinia

The first and longest-running literary festival in Sardinia will host: Pulitzer Prize-winner Nathan Thrall, Ali Millar from Scotland, and Taiwanese author Lin Hsin-Hui. Highlights include one of the first national presentations of Giancarlo De Cataldo’s new novel, the “Twentieth Century Trilogy” by renowned author Viola Ardone, the striking debut of Rosita Manuguerra, reporting on global conflicts by Francesca Mannocchi, anthropological insights from Andrea Staid, and the ironic world of the last “bad boy” of Italian songwriting: Bobo Rondelli. Plus, tributes to Sergio Atzeni, Emilio Lussu, Andrea Camilleri, and a series of original productions that define Marina Café Noir’s identity—bringing books from the page to the stage, into public squares, among the people, thanks to outstanding made-in-Sardinia music and performance artists.

Parole sull'Acqua

When: June 20–22, 2025

Where: Bardolino, Veneto

Returning for its 11th edition, Words on Water is Bardolino’s literary festival, brimming with the charm of great stories and the freshness of live encounters. Set in a stunning location between lakeside villas and breathtaking sunsets, the festival will welcome authors who will present their latest works, spanning genres, themes, and perspectives.

Passaggi Festival

When: June 25–29, 2025

Where: Fano, Marche

A national event devoted to nonfiction, Passaggi Festival enlivens Fano’s old town and seafront with author talks, theater performances, workshops, exhibitions—all with free admission.

Lungomare di libri

When: June 27–29, 2025

Where: Bari, Puglia

This literary event transforms the Apulian capital into a large open-air bookstore, with numerous booksellers and publishers gathering for meetings with authors from across Italy. The 2025 edition will focus on the theme “Liberations,” marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi-fascism. As always, the event will unfold in the city’s symbolic spots: from the historic center and along the Muraglia, to Largo Vito Maurogiovanni, Fortino Sant’Antonio, Piazza del Ferrarese, the Fish Market, and Spazio Murat.

Scenari

When: June 27–July 27, 2025

Where: Modica, Sicily

The city of Modica becomes a giant open book, hosting numerous events focused on books and authors that will brighten up summer evenings.

Carte da decifrare

When: July 12 and 19, 2025

Where: Busca, Piedmont

Organized by the Artea Foundation, the Municipality of Busca, and the Turin International Book Fair, this event features readings, unique musical performances, and immersive guided tours of iconic local sites such as the evocative Alabaster Quarries, the prestigious modern and contemporary art collection La Gaia, and the monumental Roccolo Castle.

Patate Bollenti

When: August 2–3, 2025

Where: Vasto, Abruzzo

The irreverent intersectional transfeminist collective Patate Bollenti is once again hosting two days focused on burning topics. Starting at 6:00 PM in Vasto’s public gardens (Villa Comunale), the program aims to fill the void left by mainstream media by discussing Palestine, sex and emotional education in schools, and health topics such as endometriosis. The event will also feature a theater performance and live music.

Festivaletteratura

When: September 3–7, 2025

Where: Mantua, Lombardy

Another historic cultural event, held in Mantua since 1997, takes place in the early days of September. The festival, which has earned Mantua the nickname “The City of the Festival,” offers a wide range of events and gatherings, breakfasts with authors, shows, concerts, readings, and more, all set in the stunning artistic and historical backdrop of the city.

#Fuoriluogo festival

When: September 5–7, 2025

Where: Biella, Piedmont

The Literary Festival of the City of Biella is an extraordinary blend of meetings, debates, in-depth discussions, discovery paths, and expressions of theatre and music spread throughout the historic center—and beyond. The full program for this year’s edition will be released soon.

Intermittenze

When: September 11–14, 2025

Where: Riva del Garda, Trentino-Alto Adige

Music is one of the main threads of this festival, returning for its sixth edition to explore new connections between the arts—all radiating from a common core: literature. This year’s highlights include major tributes to Stephen King and Gabriel García Márquez.

Pordenone Legge

When: September 17–21, 2025

Where: Pordenone, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Running strong for over 26 years, this festival has become a beloved celebration for book lovers and for the city itself. While the 2025 program is not yet available, great authors and special guests are once again expected to present their latest works and engage in discussions on topical issues.

Independent Book Tour

When: From September to late November 2025

Where: Piedmont region

Now in its fifth year, the Independent Book Tour travels through the provincial capitals of Piedmont to showcase the richness of the region’s independent publishing scene. It is part of the Hangar del libro project by the Piedmont Region and is organized by the Turin International Book Fair in collaboration with the Circolo dei lettori.

Portici di Carta

When: October 4–5, 2025

Where: Turin, Piedmont

Dubbed the world’s longest bookstore, Portici di Carta returns for its 18th edition on October 4–5, 2025, in Turin. The event is a popular book celebration held under the city’s arcades, where local booksellers and publishers meet readers of all ages. This year’s edition will include events, presentations, conversations, children’s workshops, and literary walks throughout the city.

Festa del libro medievale e antico di Saluzzo

When: October 24–26, 2025

Where: Saluzzo, Piedmont

Now in its fifth edition, this literary event for both adults and young readers delves into medieval culture and history through novels, essays, fantasy, lectures, concerts, and performances. The program is curated by Beatrice Del Bo. In this Jubilee year, the theme will be Spirituality and Religiosity in the Middle Ages.

Fuoriclasse Live

When: November 9–16

Where: Turin, Piedmont

In conjunction with the ATP Finals, Fuoriclasse Live returns—Turin’s literary event dedicated to sports literature and organized by the Turin International Book Fair. This year’s opening event will once again feature the Gianni Mura Sports Literature Prize, now in its fourth edition.

Reading Retreats – Viaggiare coi Libri

When: All year round

Where: All across Italy

A truly unique and unforgettable experience for book lovers is joining a reading retreat. These weekends are usually held in countryside farmhouses, where participants gather to read together in a peaceful setting. The retreats are organized by Viaggiare coi libri, a project aimed at promoting reading through in-person events. To stay updated on upcoming retreats, please visit the official website.