This list of Antiquarian book fairs around the world is comprehensive, but it may not include every book fair in the world. If you know of one that should be on the list, let me know in the comments and I will update this list and add it to next year's list. This list is also in no particular order.
London International Antiquarian Book Fair - London, UK
Brief History: Founded in 1960; it's one of the oldest and most prestigious book fairs globally.
Next Fair: Dates vary yearly, but it typically occurs in the spring. This year’s fair is at Saatchi Gallery, 16 – 19 May 2024. Information is often included on the ILAB: https://ilab.org/ website.
Website: https://www.firstslondon.com
New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) - New York City, USA
Brief History: Established over 60 years ago, it's the leading antiquarian book fair globally, showcasing rare finds from international exhibitors.
Next Fair: Next year’s fair will be held at Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York on April 3-6, 2025
Paris International Antiquarian Book Fair - Paris, France
Brief History: Information about the fair's origin is limited, but it's a well-respected event showcasing a vast selection of antiquarian treasures.
Next Fair: Exact dates vary, but it usually happens in the fall. This year's event will be held on 14 – 16 June 2024 at the LE CARREAU DU TEMPLE. Information can be found on the ILAB website https://ilab.org/event/salon-international-du-livre-rare-des-arts-graphiques
Website: https://salondulivrerare.paris
Tokyo International Antiquarian Book Fair - Tokyo, Japan
Brief History: Details about the fair's establishment are unavailable, but it attracts collectors seeking unique Asian and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: This year's fair occurred on March 13th, 2024. Information on the next fair is limited. You can try searching the JLAB website (Japan Antiquarian Booksellers' Association) for updates. Information can be found on the ILAB website https://ilab.org/event/tokyo-international-antiquarian-book-fair-1
Melbourne Rare Book Week - Melbourne, Australia
Brief History: This week-long event features talks, exhibitions, and a book fair showcasing a variety of antiquarian books from Australian and international sellers.
Next Fair: This year's Rare Book Week will occur from Thursday 18th July to Saturday 27th of July 2024 at Wilson Hall. Dates fluctuate, but it generally occurs in August/September. Look for updates on the Melbourne Rare Books website.
Website: https://rarebooksmelbourne.com
Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair - Boston, USA
Brief History: Organized by the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America), it boasts a wide selection of antiquarian books, prints, and ephemera.
Next Fair: November 8-10, 2024 at the Hynes Convention Center. You can find information about the fair on the ABAA website https://www.abaa.org/bostonbookfair
Website: https://bostonbookfair.com
Buenos Aires International Book Fair - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Brief History: Primarily a trade fair for publishers and distributors, it also features an antiquarian book section with Latin American and international vendors.
Next Fair: This year's book fair will be held on Tue, Apr 23, 2024 – Mon, May 13, 2024. Dates change yearly, typically occurring in April. Look for updates on the fair's official website or the IPA website https://internationalpublishers.org/buenos-aires-international-book-fair-argentina/
Website: https://www.el-libro.org.ar/buenos-aires-book-fair/ though I don't believe it has been updated for this year's event.
Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair - Stuttgart, Germany
Brief History: Established in 1994, it's a renowned fair attracting European and international exhibitors with a vast array of antiquarian books.
Next Fair: The 61st Stuttgart Rare Book Fair occurred on 26 - 28 January 2024 at the Stuttgart Kunstverein. Held annually, typically in February. Check the Verband Deutscher Antiquare website (German Association of Antiquarians) for upcoming dates (German).
Madrid International Antiquarian Book Fair - Madrid, Spain
Brief History: Information on the fair's origin is unavailable, but it's a significant event for collectors seeking European and Spanish antiquarian treasures.
Next Fair: The 46th Madrid International Antiquarian Book Fair will take place at Paseo de Recoletos from May 2–19, 2024. Dates vary. Look for information on upcoming Madrid International Antiquarian Book Fairs at the ASOCIACIÓN IBÉRICA DE LIBRERIAS ANTICUARIAS (AILA) website https://ailaasociacion.com
Website: https://www.librerosdelance.es/feria-del-libro-antiguo-y-de-ocasion
Moscow International Book Fair - Moscow, Russia
Brief History: Primarily a general book fair, it might have a section dedicated to antiquarian books.
Next Fair: This year's book fair will be held September 30th - August 3rd. Held annually, typically in September. Dates and details can be found on the MIBF website (English).
Website: https://mibf.info/main_eng
Amsterdam International Antiquarian Book Fair - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Brief History: Established in 1970, it's a well-regarded fair known for its diverse range of antiquarian books from Europe and beyond.
Next Fair: This year's book fair will be held on October 19-20, 2024 at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. Dates change yearly, but it usually occurs in the fall. Look for updates on the website of the Vereeniging van Antiquaren: https://nvva.nl
Website: https://amsterdambookfair.net
Zurich Antiquarian Book Fair - Zurich, Switzerland
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it showcases a variety of antiquarian books and prints from Swiss and international sellers.
Next Fair: According to the website, there is no book fair this year, though there is a link to sign up for the 2025 event. There is also information on the 2023 book fair. Dates vary and the 2023 event took place in mid-November. Try searching the website of the Schweizerische Vereinigung Antiquariat: https://www.vebuku.ch/home.html (German) for upcoming fair information.
Website: https://www.bookfair.ch
Hong Kong Antiquarian Book Fair - Hong Kong, China
Brief History: Information on the fair's establishment is unavailable, but it caters to collectors interested in Asian and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: This year's book fair takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will be held from July 17–23, 2024. There is also information for China in Print book fair 06 – 08 December 2024 on theILAB website: https://ilab.org/event/firsts-hong-kong. You can try searching websites like https://theasianantiquarian.com/ for updates on Hong Kong book fairs.
Website: https://firstshongkong.com
Stockholm Antiquarian Book Fair - Stockholm, Sweden
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it's a notable event for those seeking Scandinavian and European antiquarian books.
Next Fair: The Stockholm Antiquarian Book Fair is slated to return in 2025. Dates change yearly. Look for updates on the website of the Bokantikvariatförbundet: http://www.svaf.se/eng/eng.html (Swedish).
Website: http://www.svaf.se/eng/fairs.html
Vienna International Antiquarian Book Fair - Vienna, Austria
Brief History: Established in 1959, it's a prestigious fair showcasing a wide selection of antiquarian books, prints, and ephemera from Austria and worldwide.
Next Fair: The 2024 Vienna International Antiquarian Book Fair, also known as Buch Wien 24, will take place from November 20–24, 2024. Dates change yearly, but it typically occurs in the fall. Look for updates on the website of the Österreichischen Bundesinnung des Antiquariatshandels: https://ilab.org/association/verband-der-antiquare-osterreichs (German). Other site of note for updates: https://www.tradefairdates.com/Buch-M1946/Vienna.html
Website: https://www.buchwien.at
Cape Town Antiquarian Book Fair - Cape Town, South Africa
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it's a unique opportunity to discover South African and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: Information on the next fair is limited. You can try searching websites like https://www.sabooksellers.com/ for updates on South African book fairs. I need to do more research on this one. If you have details, send them to me...please.
Website: https://www.flf.co.za
San Francisco Antiquarian Book, Print & Paper Fair - San Francisco, USA
Brief History: Founded in 1959, it's a respected fair on the West Coast, showcasing a diverse range of antiquarian books, prints, manuscripts, and ephemera.
Next Fair: Dates vary, but it typically occurs in the spring.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SFAntBookFair their actual website is down at the time of this writing http://www.sfbookandpaperfair.com
I did find information for the 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair taking place from FEBRUARY 9-11, 2024 at Pier 27, The Embarcadero in San Francisco on the ABAA website https://www.abaa.org/cabookfair
Dublin Antiquarian Book Fair - Dublin, Ireland
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it offers a chance to find Irish and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: This year's book fair took place on Easter Monday, April 1, 2024, at St Thérèse's in Mount Merrion, Dublin. Information on the next fair is limited. Try searching the website of the Irish Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (IABA): https://ilab.org/ for updates.
Information for the Dublin Antiquarian Book Fair 2023 can be found at https://www.pbfa.org/fairs/dublin-book-fair-november-2023 I did not see information for 2024 or future book fairs.
I was able to find information about The International Dublin Writers Festival at https://internationaldublinwritersfestival.com 2024 Is the 10th Anniversary, September 20th - 22nd 2024
Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair - Seattle, USA
Brief History: Established in 1983, it's a renowned fair in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing a variety of antiquarian books, prints, manuscripts, and ephemera.
Next Fair: The 2024 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair 2024 Saturday, October 26th, 2024, from 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, October 27th, 2024, from 11 am-4 pm at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109. Dates vary, but it typically occurs in the fall. Look for updates on the website of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA).
Website: https://www.seattlebookfair.com
Prague Antiquarian Book Fair - Prague, Czech Republic
Brief History: Established in 1997, it showcases a wide range of antiquarian books, prints, and ephemera from Central Europe and beyond.
Next Fair: The 29th Book World Prague, also known as the Prague Antiquarian Book Fair, will take place at the Prague Exhibition Grounds from May 23–26, 2024. Dates change yearly, but it usually occurs in the fall. Look for updates on the website of the Svaz Antiquaru: [invalid URL removed] (Czech).
Website: https://svetknihy.cz
Milan International Antiquarian Book Fair - Milan, Italy
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it's a significant fair for collectors seeking European and Italian antiquarian treasures.
Next Fair: The Milan International Antiquarian Book Fair will take place from October 25–27, 2024 at the prestigious and charming Villa Necchi in the center of Milan. Dates vary. Try searching the website of the Associazione Antiquari Italiani for updates closer to the time.
Website: https://www.alai.it
Sydney Rare Book Week - Sydney, Australia
Brief History: This week-long event features talks, exhibitions, and a book fair showcasing a variety of antiquarian books from Australian and international sellers.
Next Fair: Sydney Rare Book Week 2024 will take place in October 2024 at various locations across Sydney. Dates fluctuate, but it generally occurs in August/September. Look for updates on the Sydney Rare Book Week website.
Website: https://sydneyrarebookfair.com
Brussels Antiquarian Book Fair - Brussels, Belgium
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it offers a chance to find antiquarian books and prints from Belgium and across Europe.
Next Fair: The 2024 Brussels Antiquarian Book Fair, also known as the Foire du Livre, took place from April 4–7 at Tour & Taxis. Try searching the website of the Syndicat National du Livre Ancien et Moderne (SLAM) (French Union of Antiquarian and Modern Books) for updates.
Website: https://flb.be
Lisbon Antiquarian Book Fair - Lisbon, Portugal
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it's an opportunity to discover Portuguese and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: The 2024 Lisbon Antiquarian Book Fair will take place from May 29 to June 16 at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, Portugal. You can try searching websites like [invalid URL removed] (Portuguese Antiquarian Booksellers' Association) for updates on Portuguese book fairs.
Website: https://www.feiradolivrodelisboa.pt
Montreal Antiquarian Book Fair - Montreal, Canada
Brief History: Founded in 1991, it's a well-respected fair showcasing a variety of antiquarian books, prints, manuscripts, and ephemera from Canada and around the world.
Next Fair: The 34th annual Montreal Antiquarian Book Fair will be held on September 23–24, 2024 at Concordia University's McConnel building.. Dates change yearly, but it typically occurs in the fall. Look for updates on the website of the Canadian Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (CABA)
Copenhagen Antiquarian Book Fair - Copenhagen, Denmark
Brief History: The fair has been held annually in Copenhagen since 1992, except from 2011 onwards when it was held at the Forum in Frederiksberg. It attracts collectors interested in Scandinavian and European antiquarian books.
Next Fair: Denmark's largest book fair, BogForum, will take place in Copenhagen in the fall of 2024 and will last three days. Dates vary. Try searching the website of the Antikvariatforeningen: [invalid URL removed] (Danish Antiquarian Booksellers' Association) for upcoming fair information (Danish).
Website: https://www.bogforum.dk/en
Munich Antiquarian Book Fair - Munich, Germany
Brief History: Established in 1949, it's a renowned fair attracting European and international exhibitors with a vast array of antiquarian books.
Next Fair: Held annually, typically in the spring. Check the website of the Verband Deutscher Antiquare: [invalid URL removed] (German Association of Antiquarians) for upcoming dates (German).
Edinburgh Antiquarian Book Fair - Edinburgh, UK
Brief History: "Since 1983, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with the world’s greatest and emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Each year, we programme innovative events that capture the hearts and minds of audiences, both in Edinburgh and online."
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature, and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British, and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public events.
Next Fair: This year's book fair will take place from 10 - 25 Aug 2024. Information about the Edinburgh Antiquarian Book Fair can be found on the Edinburgh Festival City website: https://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/festivals/edinburgh-international-book-festival
Website: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk
Helsinki Antiquarian Book Fair - Helsinki, Finland
Brief History: Helsinki Book Fair offers four days of new reads, discussions, and chances to meet writers and lovers of literature. Part of the fair programme is also available online. Helsinki Book Fair is a cultural forum of national significance that brings writers, politicians, artists and experts together to discuss major phenomena of our time. Freedom of speech, tolerance, and respect for human rights are some of the most important values of the fair.
Next Fair: The Helsinki Antiquarian Book Days will take place Oct 24-27, 2024 at Kattilahalli in Suvilahti, Helsinki.
Website: https://kirjamessut.messukeskus.com
Shanghai International Antiquarian Book Fair - Shanghai, China
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it might showcase Asian and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: The 2024 Shanghai Book Fair will include a Used Book Fair from April 19–28, 2024, from 10 AM–8 PM daily. The fair will be located at 186 South Suzhou Road in the Huangpu district, on the south bank of the Suzhou Creek. You can try searching websites like https://theasianantiquarian.com/ for updates on antiquarian book fairs in China.
Istanbul Antiquarian Book Fair - Istanbul, Turkey
Brief History: The Istanbul Book Fair by TÜYAP Fairs started 40 years ago and is the largest event in the industry with no significant competitors. With almost half a million visitors, it is the fair with the most access to readers in Europe. Hundreds of events and book signings make the fair one of the foremost cultural activities in the city. The fair is held in association with the Turkish Publishers Association.
Next Fair: The 41st International Istanbul Book Fair will take place from November 2–10, 2024 at the TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.
Website: https://istanbulkitapfuari.com/en/
Los Angeles Vintage Paperback Collectors Show - Los Angeles, USA
Brief History: In 2019, the Los Angeles Paperback Collectors Show celebrates its fortieth straight year, now at its new venue at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. For its first two years, 1980-81, founder Tom Lesser ran the show from his home in Chatsworth, attracting dealers, fellow collectors, and enthusiasts. From early on, the show included the able participation of Rose Idlet and Tony Scibella of Black Ace Books.
Next Fair: This year's event took place on Sunday, March 17, 20249 am to 4 pm at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
Warsaw Antiquarian Book Fair - Warsaw, Poland
Brief History: The WBF Warsaw Book Fair in Warsaw is one of the oldest fairs in Europe. It includes meetings with authors, promotions of books, discussions, concerts, etc. Exhibitors can establish collaborations and exchange experiences. It is also a chance to discuss problems within the Polish book market.
Next Fair: The 2024 edition of the Warsaw International Book Fair will be held at the Palace of Culture and Science and the adjacent Parade Square on May 23-26, with Italy as the Guest of Honour.
Website: https://targiksiazkiwarszawa.pl
Chicago Book & Paper Fair - Chicago, USA
Brief History: Established in 1981, it's a renowned fair showcasing a vast selection of antiquarian books, prints, manuscripts, and ephemera. Midwest Antiquarian Booksellers Association A Non-Profit Association of Antiquarian Booksellers Promoting the Love of Books, Maps, Prints and Ephemera
Next Fair: Held annually, typically in the fall. This year's fair will be held from Saturday, June 15, 2024, 10:00 AM through Saturday, June 15, 2024, 5:00 PM at the Chicago’s Journeyman’s Plumbers Union HallGrand Ballroom
Website: https://mwaba.com
Bucharest Antiquarian Book Fair - Bucharest, Romania
Brief History: Details about the fair's origin are unavailable, but it presents an opportunity to explore Romanian and international antiquarian books.
Next Fair: Information on the next fair is limited. Try searching websites or contacting local bookstores in Bucharest for updates on antiquarian book fairs.
The Vancouver Art Book Fair (VABF) - Vancouver, Canada
Brief History: https://vancouverartbookfair.com/about/
Next Fair: The Vancouver Art Book Fair (VABF) is a trade show that takes place in July 2024 and is Western Canada's only rare, collectible, and antiquarian book fair. The VABF is a triennial event that promotes artists' publishing through events like Art Book Month.
Website: https://vancouverartbookfair.com
Sydney Antiquarian Book Fair - Sydney, Australia
Brief History: This week-long event features talks, exhibitions, and a book fair showcasing a variety of antiquarian books from Australian and international sellers.
Next Fair: The 54th Australian Antiquarian Book Fair The Sydney Rare Book Fair ~ 24th to the 26th October 2024 presented by ANZAAB with the support of the University of Sydney. Look for updates on the Sydney Rare Book Week website: https://sydneyrarebookfair.com/page/rare-book-week
Website: https://sydneyrarebookfair.com
Edinburgh Rare Book Fair - Edinburgh, UK
Brief History: Scotland’s largest antiquarian and collectible book fair, the Edinburgh Book Fair is a joint production of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association and the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association.
Next Fair: The Edinburgh Rare Book Fair will take place on March 22–23, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at 80 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH.
Comments