(KPL) The 6th International Book and Culture Festival 2026, held under the theme “Books Connect Cultures,” will take place from March 10–15, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the National University of Laos in Vientiane.

Sommai Phommanchan, Director of D-Book Publishing and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, told the media that this year’s festival has been elevated to a fully international platform. The event aims to support the government’s human resource development strategy, promote a culture of reading and lifelong learning, and strengthen international cultural exchange through books. The festival also marks the 30th anniversary of the National University of Laos.

Meanwhile, Bounchan Sayavutthi, Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee, said the event will feature 75 exhibition booths, including leading domestic and international publishing houses, as well as food and beverage stalls. Exhibition booths will also be hosted by the Embassy of Canada to Laos, the Embassy of Vietnam to Laos, and the Institut français du Laos. Organizers expect between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors over the six-day event.

The festival will offer a wide range of intellectual and cultural activities, including the “Great Wisdom Repository,” opportunities to purchase hundreds of thousands of books at special prices, and the launch of 18 new titles. Highlights also include the “Inspire Your Dream” forum and seminars, meet-and-greet sessions with distinguished lecturers, entrepreneurs, national-level executives, writers, and Southeast Asian Writers Award authors.

In addition, visitors can enjoy an arts and cultural festival, international cultural performances, a Book Fashion Show, poetry readings, debate competitions, and Cover Dance contests. Embassies and language centers will also provide information on scholarships and foreign language courses. In total, more than 130 activities are scheduled throughout the event.

The festival is free of charge and will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Further information is available on the Facebook page of D-Book Publishing.

KPL