Experience the Buch9020: A Festival of Literature in Klagenfurt!

Experience the Buch9020: A Festival of Literature in Klagenfurt!

The Buch9020 reading festival will take place in Klagenfurt from October 9th to 11th, 2025. This event is organized by the Carinthian Book Publishers Association, which was founded in 2013. The aim of the festival is to use literature as a bridge between languages, cultures and generations. Admission to the events in the Klagenfurt City Gallery is free. The festival places a special focus on the Alps-Adriatic region and the connection between regional and international literature.

The Buch9020 program includes a variety of activities, including discussions, presentations, concerts, workshops and readings. Prominent guests such as Vea Kaiser, Dirk Stermann and Raoul Schrott are expected. Topics such as queer-feminist city histories and initiatives with the PEN Club and IG Austria Authors Carinthia also find their place in the festival. A special highlight is the discussion event on October 10th, at which Klaus Schönberger discussed the question “Abolish October 10th – introduce Multilingualism Day?” speaks.

Diverse offers for everyone

In addition to the literary program, prizes such as the Fabjan Hafner Prize and the state children's book prize are awarded. A varied children's and youth program with graffiti workshops, children's yoga and readings is also offered. Contributing children's book authors, including Katja Laußegger and Verena Schellander, promote the joy of reading among the young participants.

Support for Buch9020 comes from various institutions, including the state of Carinthia, the city of Klagenfurt, cultural institutions, libraries and the University of Klagenfurt. This shows the great interest in promoting reading culture in the region, especially since statistically around 30% of adults in Austria have problems reading and understanding texts.

Another notable literary event in Klagenfurt is the Alpine-Adriatic literature festival “Seitenstich”, which will take place on June 22, 2025 in the Arnoldstein/Dreiländereck monastery ruins. Under the motto “Hope” and with the honorary protection of Governor Peter Kaiser, the festival is led by Gerald Eschenauer. Reading authors such as Engelbert Obernosterer and Anna Baar promise an inspiring program. An exhibition by Gustav Januš and music contributions by Klaus Lippitsch will also be presented. The event takes place in all weather conditions and tickets are available at local bookstores and online.

Cultural offer in context

Literary engagement in Austria is strengthened through numerous festivals and events. An example of this is the Vienna Literature Festival, which offers a diverse program over several days, including film screenings and readings by well-known authors. These festivals create platforms to present different voices and perspectives in literature.

Overall, the Buch9020 reading festival in Klagenfurt and the Alps-Adriatic Literature Festival reflect the lively literary scene that combines both local and international culture. These events not only promote reading, but also intercultural exchange and discussion about important social issues.

Those interested can find further information about the Buch9020 reading festival at Click Carinthia. Details about the Alps-Adriatic Literature Festival are on Books.at to find while that Vienna Literature Festival offers an exciting program that includes various literary formats.