Antwerp’s November Book Month returns with more than 100 activities celebrating books, storytelling and reading across the city. The programme runs throughout November 2026, with Boektopia, a six-day book event at Antwerp Expo from 10 to 15 November, as its main attraction. The month concludes with the presentation of the De Bronzen Uil literary prize at Permeke library on 28 November.
Now in its fifth edition, November Book Month caters not only to readers but also to people interested in music, podcasts, graphic art, creative writing and discovering new stories. Activities will take place in libraries, bookshops, cultural venues, museums and other locations across Antwerp.
The programme ranges from the SPOKEN (Ghosts) horror festival at De Blikfabriek and creative workshops at Permeke library to city walks inspired by Max Greyson’s latest novel and a true-crime lecture by forensic doctor and visual artist Babette Van Rafelghem.
Antwerp Alderwoman for Culture Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit) said the return of a major book event to the city would be a highlight of the month. “November is the most wonderful month of the year for book lovers. By bringing a major book festival back to Antwerp, we are putting the crown on November Book Month. With more than 100 activities in every corner of the city, we are celebrating and encouraging the joy of reading for young and old alike.”
She added that Boektopia would be made accessible to a wider audience through schools, youth organisations and reduced ticket prices for people eligible for social discounts. The City is also doubling the number of school libraries to bring books closer to children and young people throughout the year. Van de Kelder said Antwerp’s public libraries were increasingly becoming “the living room of the people of Antwerp”, with visitor numbers continuing to rise.
Boektopia returns to Antwerp
Boektopia takes place at Antwerp Expo from 10 to 15 November, marking the first time a major book fair has returned to Antwerp since 2019. The event brings together readers, authors, bookshops, publishers and schools from across Flanders, with interviews, performances and readings aimed at audiences of all ages.
Among the authors scheduled to appear are Toni Coppers, Clare Leslie Hall, Elisabeth Lucie Baeten, Julia Quinn, known for the ‘Bridgerton‘ series, Ish Ait Hamou, Nicci French, Dirk De Wachter, and Marc de Bel.
The City is putting particular emphasis on encouraging children and young people to attend, while reducing financial barriers for vulnerable groups. The full programme and tickets are available at Boektopia’s website.
The fair opens on Tuesday 10 November at 09:15 at Antwerp Expo, with mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA), Van de Kelder and junior city poet Michaël Liekens expected to attend.
Literature, debates and graphic art
Other highlights include Crossing Border on 8 November at Arenberg. The international literature festival combines authors and live music, with appearances by Adania Shibli, Catherine Lacey, Ghayath Almadhoun, Tom Lanoye, and Aja Monet, as well as a tribute to writer Jean-Marie Berckmans.
On 13 and 14 November, De Studio hosts ‘We zullen doorgaan‘, two days of debates bringing together writers, thinkers and emerging talent from Flanders and the Netherlands. Participants include Uschi Cop, Moenen & Mariken, Dominique De Groen, and Jaouad Alloul, who will explore contemporary issues and discuss how society might develop.
De Studio is also the venue for Grafixx, an illustration, drawing and graphic storytelling festival running from 20 to 22 November. Its programme includes talks, exhibitions, workshops, live performances, screenings and a zine festival. This year’s theme is ‘waas’.
Authors take to the city
Boektopia’s activities will continue beyond Antwerp Expo with ‘Boektopia op toer‘ on 21 and 22 November. Readers can meet authors in bookshops, literary cafés, the Nottebohm Room of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and other locations around the city. The programme includes Bibi Dumon Tak, Els Snick, and Jaap Robben, alongside discussions, performances, live podcast recordings and literary walks.
November Book Month ends on 28 November at Permeke library with the presentation of De Bronzen Uil, an annual prize for the best Dutch-language debut novel. Visitors can meet the six shortlisted authors during the afternoon and take part in activities including a live recording of the ‘A Moment of Clarity‘ podcast, shared reading sessions, bookbinding and screen-printing workshops, literary tattoos and early dinners. Culture journalist Joris Vergeyle will present the evening’s award ceremony.
The complete November Book Month programme is available at boekenmaand.be.
