Podgorica Book Fair

The Podgorica International Book Fair and Education Fair is Montenegro's largest book event, held each May — the 2025 edition ran from 7 to 13 May. For a week, the Big Fashion shopping centre becomes the meeting point of the country's entire literary world.

May is a generous month in Montenegro's capital. Podgorica sits on a plain where rivers meet, and in late spring the city is at its best — warm without the crushing heat of midsummer, its squares busy, its cafe life in full swing and the greenery of Gorica park at its freshest. It is a fitting moment for the country's readers, writers and publishers to gather under the same roof, and the fair has grown into a fixed point of the capital's spring calendar.

More than 100 publishers from the region set up stands, and over 200 authors take part in readings, panel discussions, promotions and signings. Each edition welcomes a guest of honour country — in 2025 it was Bulgaria — bringing translated literature and visiting writers into focus. A dedicated education segment adds schools, universities and learning institutions to the mix.

The fair is as much a social event as a commercial one: families browse discounted titles, students hunt for textbooks, and readers queue to meet favourite regional authors. For visitors it is the best single window into what the Balkans are reading and writing right now. The guest-of-honour tradition makes it especially approachable for international guests, since translated literature and visiting writers take centre stage, and with readings, panels, promotions and signings running all week, repeat visits are rewarded.

Entry is free throughout the week. The fair is annual and held at the Big Fashion shopping centre in Podgorica, with the next edition running from 5 to 11 May. Programme details are published at sajamknjigapg.com.