If you love books, early November is a good time to be in Malta. The Malta Book Festival, organised by the National Book Council, returns for its 47th edition from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 November 2026 at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali. It started back in 1979 as the Malta Book Fair and has grown into the biggest date in the local literary calendar, drawing tens of thousands of visitors every year.
What to expect
The 2026 theme is “Uncover the Story”, built around investigation, mystery and discovery. Inside the hall you will find around 50 exhibitors, from Maltese publishers and independent presses to bookshops selling English, Italian and Maltese titles. Expect author talks, book launches, readings, children’s theatre and workshops spread over the five days. Past editions have hosted well-known international writers, and the National Book Council has announced Spanish author Esther García Llovet among this year’s guests. The full programme is published on the National Book Council website, so check it before you go if there is a talk you do not want to miss.
Opening hours
- Wednesday 4 November: 09:00-21:00
- Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November: 09:00-13:00 and 17:00-21:00
- Saturday 7 November: 09:00-21:00
- Sunday 8 November: 09:00-20:00
Weekday mornings are usually busy with school groups, so evenings and the weekend are calmer for browsing. Entry has traditionally been free, but we could not confirm the 2026 entry policy from the organiser, so treat it as likely free rather than guaranteed.
€20 book voucher for students
Families living in Malta with school-age children should not miss this. Under a National Book Council scheme, children aged 5 to 16 (Year 1 to Year 11) can get a €20 voucher to spend on books at the festival.
- Register a parent or guardian on the official portal at vouchers.ktieb.org.mt, verify your email, then add your child’s details.
- The portal is open from 15 October to 8 November 2026, and the voucher arrives by email.
- It can be used with any participating publisher or bookseller at the festival until closing time on Sunday 8 November.
- Children who visit the festival with their school get the voucher automatically, so they cannot register through the portal as well.
The portal does not say which details or ID it asks for, so keep your child’s school information handy when you register.
Tips for visitors
- Bring a tote bag – many stalls offer festival discounts and it is easy to leave with more books than planned.
- Look out for Maltese literature in English translation, which is hard to find elsewhere.
- Pair your visit with other autumn plans, like the Three Palaces Festival the week before or the Christmas in Valletta lights later in the month.
How to get there
The MFCC sits next to Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, between Attard and Mdina. There is a large free car park on site, and several buses stop nearby on routes passing through Attard and Ta’ Qali – check the Malta Public Transport journey planner for the best connection from your area. From Valletta, a taxi or ride-hailing car takes about 20 minutes outside rush hour. For more ideas on what is happening around the islands, see our weekly Malta This Week page.