Bogotá Book Fair

About

The Bogotá Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogotá) is Latin America's largest and most vibrant literary celebration, transforming the massive Corferias Exhibition Center into a wonderland of stories, characters, and imagination each spring. With dedicated children's pavilions featuring storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, author meet-and-greets, and theatrical performances, this two-week festival makes books come alive for young readers. It's an incredible opportunity for English-speaking families to immerse their children in Colombia's rich literary culture while discovering bilingual books and international authors.

What to Expect

Families will find expansive exhibition halls filled with hundreds of publishers, bookstores, and cultural organizations from around the world. The dedicated children's area (Pabellón Infantil) features colorful reading corners, puppet shows, craft workshops, illustration demonstrations, and costumed characters from beloved stories. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends, but the energy is festive and family-friendly with plenty of seating areas, performance stages, and hands-on activities. Many activities are conducted in Spanish, though international pavilions often have bilingual staff and English-language books available. The atmosphere is educational yet playful, with children running between story time sessions and parents browsing both Spanish and international titles.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive storytelling sessions with professional actors, puppets, and costumes that bring books to life
• Hands-on illustration and comic-drawing workshops where kids can meet professional illustrators and create their own stories
• Character meet-and-greets with beloved book characters and local children's authors for photos and autographs
• Treasure hunts and reading passports that encourage kids to explore different pavilions and earn small prizes
• International pavilions showcasing books and activities from the featured country of honor each year

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the official FILBO app before arriving to view the daily schedule and map out children's activities in advance—many popular workshops require free tickets that run out quickly
2. Visit during weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-1pm) to avoid the weekend crowds and have easier access to author signings and workshops; schools often visit in the afternoons
3. Bring a wheeled bag or cart for book purchases—you'll likely buy more than expected, and carrying heavy books through the massive venue is exhausting
4. Many activities are in Spanish, but the international pavilions (especially from English-speaking countries) often have bilingual staff and host English-language story times—check the schedule for these special sessions

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10am-1pm) offer the best experience for families with young children, as crowds are thinner and kids are more alert for activities. Opening weekend tends to be the most crowded but also has the most special guest appearances. If visiting on a weekend, arrive right at opening time (10am) to enjoy 2-3 hours before the midday rush. The fair runs for approximately two weeks, so mid-week during the second week often provides the perfect balance of available activities without overwhelming crowds.

Food & Drinks

The Corferias venue has multiple food courts with a variety of Colombian and international options including empanadas, arepas, pizza, sandwiches, and kid-friendly fast food. Expect to pay 20,000-40,000 COP ($5-10 USD) per person for a meal. Outside food and drinks are typically not allowed, but you can bring water bottles and small snacks for young children. Several coffee shops sell pastries and beverages throughout the exhibition halls. The food areas can get very crowded during lunch hours (12pm-2pm), so consider eating early or late, or bringing packaged snacks to tide kids over between activities.

Parking & Access

Corferias is located in western Bogotá and is accessible by taxi, Uber, or TransMilenio (the BRT bus system—exit at Corferias station). Parking is available on-site but fills quickly on weekends; arrive early or use ride-sharing services. The venue is completely stroller-accessible with wide aisles, elevators, and ramps throughout. For international visitors, taking an Uber from most tourist areas (Zona T, La Candelaria) costs 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-7 USD) and takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. The venue itself is enormous, so be prepared for lots of walking—comfortable shoes are essential.