Dates, location and hours
The 85th edition ran from 29 May to 14 June 2026, along the Paseo del Duque de Fernán Núñez in Retiro Park. It brought together 366 casetas: 118 bookshops, 220 publishers, 12 distributors and 16 official bodies. The dates of the next edition are not yet known: the organisers publish them a few months ahead.
In 2026, the opening hours were:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 10:30-14:00 | 17:00-21:00 |
| Saturday-Sunday | 10:30-15:00 | 17:00-21:00 |
Walking the aisles is free; you only pay for the books you buy. Hours may vary from one edition to the next.
How to visit
The fair takes an hour or two on foot, walking along the avenue and stopping at the casetas that interest you. To avoid the crowds, come on a weekday early in the morning: weekends and late afternoons are the busiest, with queues at the signing tables.
Authors sign at times announced in the official programme. Check it if you want to meet a particular writer, and arrive early.
What to bring home
If you do not read Spanish, look for picture books, comics and illustrated books about Madrid, which can be enjoyed without translation. Leave room in your luggage: books get heavy quickly.
Heat, rain and access
In late May and June the afternoon can be hot: bring water and favour the morning or the end of the day. In a storm, the fair may close early, as was announced during a weather alert in June 2026. Retiro metro (line 2) is the most convenient way to get there; some EMT bus lines were reinforced during the fair.
Going further
For books all year round, the Cuesta de Moyano lines up its second-hand bookshops a short walk from the park's southern exit. To combine the fair with other events, see Madrid in spring, what to do in Madrid in May, what to do in Madrid in June and the popular festivals of Madrid.
