Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026: Dates, Timings, Venue & Schedule

Clear your weekend, Amdavad. The Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026 opens on Saturday, October 24, at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre in Paldi. For nine straight days, until Sunday, November 1, the riverfront turns into the city’s biggest reading room.

Officially, the event is called the Ahmedabad International Book Festival (AIBF) 2026. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the National Book Trust (NBT) India are organising it together. This is the third edition since the city’s long-running book fair went international in 2024.

However, this year is not just about stalls and shopping bags. The organisers have lined up a poets’ meet for Niranjan Bhagat’s birth centenary, a ghazal night, a folk comedy play, a “Bhajan Clubbing” evening and a patriotic finale. In addition, there are daily writing workshops, a children’s pavilion and an Authors’ Corner.

Here is everything you need to know before you go: dates, timings, venue, entry, the full evening schedule, how to reach, and smart tips to make the most of it.

Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026 at a Glance

If you only want the basics, this table has you covered. Save it, screenshot it, or send it to the family WhatsApp group.

What Is the Ahmedabad International Book Festival?

The Ahmedabad International Book Festival is an annual public book fair held on the Sabarmati Riverfront. It brings publishers, booksellers, authors, poets and readers under one roof. Moreover, it mixes book shopping with workshops, author meet-ups and evening cultural programmes.

The festival is a joint effort of the AMC and the National Book Trust, India. NBT works under the Union Ministry of Education and also runs the New Delhi World Book Fair. As a result, the Ahmedabad edition follows a similar format, with a strong focus on regional languages, especially Gujarati.

In short, think of it as a nine-day reading mela. You can buy books, meet writers, learn something new and catch a ghazal night, all in a single evening.

Is it a “Book Fair” or a “Book Festival”?

Both names refer to the same event. Most Amdavadis still call it the “book fair”, which is what it was called for over a decade. However, the official name since 2024 has been the Ahmedabad International Book Festival, or AIBF. So, whether you search for the Ahmedabad Book Fair 2026 or AIBF 2026, you will land on the same riverfront event.

From Vanche Gujarat to a Global Stage: A Short History

The story starts in 2012. That year, the AMC and NBT India organised the first Amdavad National Book Fair on the Sabarmati Riverfront. It grew out of the state’s “Vanche Gujarat” reading campaign, which aimed to get more Gujaratis reading every day.

For the next several years, the national book fair became a fixture of the city’s calendar. Families went for children’s books, students went for competitive exam guides, and older readers went hunting for Gujarati classics.

Then, in 2024, the event got an upgrade. The national fair was renamed and relaunched as the Ahmedabad International Book Festival. The first edition ran from November 30 to December 8, 2024. According to reports at the time, it hosted around 340 stalls from 147 exhibitors across 13 states. In addition, cultural bodies such as the Sahitya Akademi and the Sangeet Natak Akademi set up stalls.

The second edition followed in November 2025, under the “Vanche Gujarat 2.0” banner. It ran from November 13 to 23 and was spread over more than one lakh square feet. That edition also added a free children’s film festival and evening cultural shows.

Now, the 2026 edition moves earlier in the calendar, to late October. It also leans much harder into Gujarati literature, music and performance than before.

Dates and Timings for AIBF 2026

The Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026 runs from Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, November 1, 2026. That gives you two full weekends to plan around.

The festival grounds are open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day. Most of the big evening programmes on the main stage start at 7:30 PM and run till 10 PM. The one exception is the “Riverfront Retreat” on October 25, which begins earlier, at 7 PM.

A quick note: a few event listings online mention an 8 PM closing time. However, the detailed programme schedule released this week lists 11 AM to 10 PM. Therefore, if you plan to arrive late, it is worth double-checking on the AMC’s official channels before you leave home.

Best days to visit

• Weekdays (October 26 to 30): Fewer crowds, easier parking and more time at each stall.
• Opening weekend (October 24 and 25): High energy, the poets’ meet and the Riverfront Retreat conversation.
• Closing weekend (October 31 and November 1): The ghazal night, the patriotic finale and possible last-day deals.

Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, Paldi

The festival returns to its familiar home, the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre. It sits on the west bank of the river, near Tagore Hall in Paldi. If you have been to a flower show, a trade expo or an earlier book fair on the riverfront, you already know the spot.

The layout uses large domes. According to the published schedule, Dome 1 hosts the Children’s Pavilion and the Authors’ Corner. Meanwhile, Dome 2 hosts the daily writing workshops. The main stage handles the evening programmes.

How to reach the book fair

By metro: The Ahmedabad Metro North–South line runs close to the area. Gandhigram and Paldi stations are among the nearest options. You can check routes and timings on the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation website.

By bus: AMTS and BRTS routes serve Paldi and the Ashram Road side of the river. From there, the Event Centre is a short walk or auto ride away.

By car or two-wheeler: The riverfront usually has parking near the Event Centre. Still, weekend evenings can get packed. So, try to arrive before 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

By cab or auto: Simply enter “Riverfront Event Centre, Paldi” or “Tagore Hall” as your drop point. Both are well known to drivers.

Entry Fee: Is the Ahmedabad Book Fair Free?

Yes, as far as we know. No entry fee has been announced for the Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026. Furthermore, both the 2024 and 2025 editions were free for all visitors. Early announcements for this year also describe the festival as open to all with no entry charge.

Of course, you will spend money inside. Books, food stalls and workshop materials cost extra. Still, walking in, browsing and attending the evening programmes should not cost you anything.

Full Evening Programme Schedule: Day by Day

This is where AIBF 2026 truly stands out. Every evening has a different theme. As a result, you could visit three or four times and have a completely new experience each time.

October 24: A centenary salute to Niranjan Bhagat

The festival opens with a Kavi Sammelan dedicated to Niranjan Bhagat. He was one of Gujarati literature’s most respected modern poets, as well as a critic and translator. In 1999, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Bhagat was also deeply tied to Ahmedabad. His poetry captured the city’s crowded streets and modern restlessness long before “urban poetry” was a trend. So, opening the festival with his centenary feels just right. Several well-known poets are expected to take part.

October 25: Riverfront Retreat

The first Sunday brings a conversation format called “Riverfront Retreat”. It focuses on books, ideas and what makes Ahmedabad, well, Ahmedabad. The idea draws from the flow of the river itself. In other words, expect an open, wandering chat rather than a stiff panel discussion. Remember, this one starts at 7 PM, half an hour earlier than the other evenings.

October 26: Shabd Symphony

On Monday, “Shabd Symphony” pays tribute to the late composer Gaurang Vyas. His compositions are part of many Gujarati music lovers’ memories. Therefore, this evening is likely to draw an older, nostalgic crowd, as well as younger fans of Gujarati sugam sangeet.

October 27: Jitharo Bhabho

Tuesday is theatre night. A foundation will stage “Jitharo Bhabho”, a Gujarati folk comedy play. It is inspired by the folk tales of Saurashtra and blends tradition, satire and storytelling. The performance is dedicated to Chandravadan Mehta, the legendary Gujarati playwright and theatre pioneer.

October 28: Bhajan Clubbing

This is the one Gen Z will talk about. “Bhajan Clubbing” mixes devotional bhajans with folk music and folk-rock styles. The result is a high-energy evening where you can sing along to familiar bhajans in a completely new avatar. If you have been curious about the bhajan clubbing trend, this is your chance to try it for free.

October 29: Hasya Rang

Gujarati humour gets its own night with “Hasya Rang”. The evening celebrates comic writing and comic performance. Gujarati has a rich tradition of hasya sahitya, so expect sharp wit, local references and plenty of laughter.

October 30: Sahitya Mane Game Chhe

The title translates roughly to “I Love Literature”. This session looks at the role of literature in everyday life. Speakers will discuss their personal reading journeys and the books that shaped them. For students and new readers, it could be one of the most useful evenings of the festival.

October 31: Ghazal Mehfil

The second Saturday belongs to the ghazal. A full mehfil is planned for the main stage. Since it falls on a Saturday night, expect a big crowd. So, arrive early if you want a good seat.

November 1: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

The festival wraps up with “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani”, a musical evening of patriotic songs. It is a fitting, feel-good finale for families. After that, the nine-day festival officially comes to a close.

Daily Activities: Workshops, Kids’ Zone and Authors’ Corner

Apart from the evening shows, three activities run every single day. These are perfect for weekday visits, when the evening stage may not match your interests.

Children’s Pavilion

The Children’s Pavilion runs every morning from 10 AM to 1 PM in Dome 1. It aims to build reading habits and creativity in kids. Notably, it starts before the general 11 AM opening, which suggests it is designed with school groups in mind. If you are a parent, a morning weekday visit could be the calmest way to explore it.

Writing Workshops

Every afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM, Dome 2 hosts writing workshops. These sessions help participants build their writing skills. Whether you write poetry, fiction, blogs or college essays, there is likely something here for you. Since details of individual sessions may vary by day, check the notice boards at the venue.

Authors’ Corner

From 3 PM to 6 PM daily, the Authors’ Corner in Dome 1 offers direct conversations with writers. You can ask questions, hear about new books and, in many cases, get your copy signed. For many book lovers, this is the real highlight of any book fair.

Nine days of art workshops

In addition, the art community group Abir India has announced a nine-day art workshop series at the festival, in association with the AMC. So, if your child prefers sketching to reading, there is a creative corner for them too. Likewise, adults who want to try their hand at art can join in.

What Books and Publishers Can You Expect?

The final stall list had not been made public at the time of writing. However, past editions give a good idea of what to expect. Earlier festivals brought hundreds of stalls from publishers across India, covering fiction, non-fiction, academic titles, children’s books and regional languages.

Some publishers have already confirmed their presence for 2026. For example, Anecdote Publishing House says it will bring its complete catalogue. Similarly, KharidobechoBooks is expected to offer discounted titles and a book exchange programme.

Typically, you can expect these categories:

• Gujarati literature: Classics, poetry, plays and new releases
• Hindi and English fiction: From bestsellers to literary fiction
• Children’s books: Picture books, activity books and young adult titles
• Exam and career books: Guides for competitive exams and higher studies
• Spirituality and self-help: Always a big draw in Ahmedabad
• Government publications: NBT titles at accessible prices
• Second-hand and discounted books: Great for students on a budget

A Big Push to Bring Students In

The AMC clearly wants this year’s festival to be packed with young people. In September, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani held a coordination meeting at the AMC headquarters in Danapith. Representatives of universities, colleges and educational institutions attended.

Gujarat University’s in-charge Vice Chancellor, Jagdish Joshi, was among those present, along with principals and educationists. During the meeting, the Commissioner urged institutions to make special efforts to connect students with the festival.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed linking the festival with the AMC’s public campaigns. These include cleanliness, environmental protection, tree plantation, health awareness and civic services. College representatives also shared suggestions to widen the festival’s reach.

For students, this could mean organised college visits, special sessions and more youth-friendly content. Keep an eye on your college notice board for announcements.

Why AIBF 2026 Matters for Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City. Yet, for many years, it was better known for business, food and festivals than for books. The Ahmedabad International Book Festival is steadily changing that image.

First, it gives Gujarati writers and publishers a large, affordable platform. Second, it connects the city with national publishers who might not otherwise visit. Third, it offers families a free, wholesome outing at a time when most weekend plans revolve around malls and screens.

Moreover, the 2026 programme puts Gujarati culture front and centre. From Niranjan Bhagat’s poetry to Saurashtra’s folk theatre, the festival celebrates the state’s own literary heritage. At the same time, formats like Bhajan Clubbing show that tradition can still feel fresh and fun.

Smart Tips for Visiting the Ahmedabad Book Fair 2026

A little planning goes a long way at a nine-day fair. Here is how to make your visit smoother.

Before you go

• Make a wish list: Note down the books or authors you want. Otherwise, you may wander for hours.
• Set a budget: Book fairs make it very easy to overspend. Decide your limit in advance.
• Check the evening theme: Pick a day that matches your interest, whether poetry, music or comedy.
• Carry a sturdy bag: A cloth tote or backpack will save your arms.

At the venue

• Start with a quick round: Walk through all the domes once. Then go back and buy.
• Ask about discounts: Many stalls offer festival discounts, especially on sets and bulk buys.
• Keep UPI and some cash ready: Most stalls accept UPI. Still, smaller sellers may prefer cash.
• Stay hydrated: Late October afternoons in Ahmedabad can still be warm. Carry a water bottle.
• Use the food court wisely: Eat before the evening show starts, when queues are shorter.

For parents

• Visit in the morning, when the Children’s Pavilion is open.
• Let kids pick at least one book on their own. It builds ownership and excitement.
• Agree on a meeting point in case you get separated in the crowd.

A Simple Half-Day Plan

Not sure how to structure your visit? Try this easy weekday plan.

1. 2:00 PM: Arrive and join a writing workshop in Dome 2.
2. 3:30 PM: Head to the Authors’ Corner in Dome 1 to hear a writer speak.
3. 4:30 PM: Browse the stalls with your wish list in hand.
4. 6:30 PM: Grab snacks from the food court before the rush.
5. 7:30 PM: Settle in for the evening programme on the main stage.
6. Later: Take a short walk on the riverfront before heading home.

Don’t Confuse It With the Literature Festival

Here is a handy heads-up. The Ahmedabad International Literature Festival (AILF) is a separate event. Its 11th edition is also scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026. So, both events share the same opening weekend.

However, the two are not the same. The book festival is organised by the AMC and NBT India on the riverfront and runs for nine days. In contrast, the literature festival is a separate, privately organised event focused on sessions and talks. If you are a serious book lover, you could even plan to attend both.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026?

The Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026 runs from October 24 to November 1, 2026. It is a nine-day event.

Where is the Ahmedabad Book Fair 2026 being held?

It is being held at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, near Tagore Hall in Paldi, Ahmedabad.

What are the timings of the Ahmedabad Book Festival 2026?

The festival is open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day. Most evening programmes run from 7:30 PM to 10 PM.

Is there an entry fee for AIBF 2026?

No entry fee has been announced. The festival was free in both 2024 and 2025, and early announcements describe it as open to all.

Who organises the Ahmedabad International Book Festival?

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the National Book Trust (NBT) India organise it jointly.

Which edition of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival is this?

This is the third edition. The festival was relaunched under its international name in 2024. Before that, it was held as the Amdavad National Book Fair from 2012.

Are there activities for children at the book fair?

Yes. A Children’s Pavilion runs daily from 10 AM to 1 PM in Dome 1. In addition, Abir India is hosting a nine-day art workshop series.

Can I meet authors at the Ahmedabad Book Fair 2026?

Yes. The Authors’ Corner in Dome 1 runs daily from 3 PM to 6 PM and offers direct interaction with writers.

What is Bhajan Clubbing at the book festival?

Bhajan Clubbing is a music programme on October 28. It presents devotional bhajans with folk and folk-rock influences, giving traditional songs a modern, high-energy feel.

What is the nearest metro station to the Riverfront Event Centre?

Gandhigram and Paldi stations on the Ahmedabad Metro North–South line are among the closest. Check the official GMRC website for current routes.

Is the Ahmedabad International Book Festival the same as the Literature Festival?

No. The Ahmedabad International Literature Festival is a separate event, scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026.

The Last Page

The Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2026 is shaping up to be more than a shopping trip for books. With a centenary tribute, a ghazal night, folk theatre, Bhajan Clubbing and a patriotic finale, it is a nine-day cultural festival with books at its heart.

So, mark October 24 to November 1 on your calendar. Pick an evening that matches your mood, bring a tote bag, and give yourself permission to come home with one book too many. After all, that is the whole point of a book fair.

For official updates, keep an eye on the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation website and the National Book Trust India website. And for more city events, follow Amdavad Gully.