Bogota International Book Fair 2027

The Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogota, known universally as FILBo, is the largest book fair in Latin America and one of the most significant publishing events in the Spanish-speaking world. Held each April and May at the Corferias convention centre in Bogota, it brings together publishers, authors, translators, and readers from more than 30 countries over two weeks of programming.

History and significance

FILBo was first held in 1988 and has grown steadily into an event that regularly attracts more than 600,000 visitors across its run. Each edition features a guest country whose literature and culture receive dedicated exhibition space and programming. Past guest countries have included Mexico, Brazil, France, and Germany. Bogota’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature since 2007 gives the fair additional institutional weight, and the city takes the cultural dimension seriously: bookshops, libraries, and cafés around the capital host satellite events throughout the fair’s duration.

What to expect in 2027

The 2027 edition runs 22 April to 5 May at Corferias on Carrera 37. The programme typically divides into a professional trade section for publishers and rights agents (the first two days are usually industry-only) and a public programme running for the remaining twelve days. Public programming includes author talks on the main stage, panel discussions on translation and world literature, creative writing workshops, children’s storytelling sessions, and live readings. Exhibitor stands cover everything from major international publishing houses to small Colombian independent presses and university publishers.

Admission for the public days is charged — around COP 20,000 to COP 35,000 per adult in recent editions, with discounts for students and children. Check the official FILBo website for 2027 pricing once confirmed, typically announced in February or March.

Getting to Corferias

The Corferias venue sits close to the El Tiempo Museo de Arte complex on Carrera 37 with Calle 24. The nearest TransMilenio station is La Favorita on the Calle 26 corridor, roughly a 10-minute walk. Taxis and app-based ride services (Uber, InDriver) are straightforward from any central Bogota neighbourhood; expect a 15 to 25-minute journey from La Candelaria or Chapinero depending on traffic. Parking at Corferias is available but fills quickly on weekend afternoons.

Tips for making the most of it

The event runs from around 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, with evening programming on selected dates. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekend afternoons, when the main halls become genuinely crowded. If you want to attend a specific author talk, check the schedule in advance and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the session — popular events fill the auditorium quickly.

The fair is bilingual in practice: Spanish dominates, but English-language stands and international publishers are well represented, and translation events often have simultaneous interpretation. Bring a tote bag; most exhibitors offer free bookmarks, catalogues, and occasionally signed copies during promotional sessions.

For a broader picture of the city, see our Bogota city guide and our first-time Colombia guide.