Gargnano Reads
The independent publishing fair on Lake Garda
About Gargnano Reads
A Book Fair Overlooking Lake Garda
Gargnano Reads is the independent publishing fair that every year, at the end of May, transforms the village of Gargnano (Province of Brescia) into a meeting point for publishers, authors, and readers. Promoted by the Municipal Department of Culture, the event combines a passion for books with the charm of the Lake Garda landscape, with events spread throughout the historic center.
Two Venues, Two Souls
The Cloister of San Francesco hosts the stands of participating publishers, meetings with authors, and musical events. The former Municipal Palace, overlooking the port and the square, is dedicated to books for children and young people and to some cultural events, with read-aloud workshops designed for families.
- Independent publishing stands in the Cloister of San Francesco;
- Meetings with authors and book presentations;
- Reading workshops and activities for children and young people;
- Musical events in the spaces of the center;
- Award ceremony for the literary competition "Strolling among the Limonaie from Lawrence to today".
A Tribute to Literary Gargnano
The narrative competition Strolling among the Limonaie recalls the village's connection with literature: the English writer D. H. Lawrence stayed in Gargnano, setting memorable pages here. The fair celebrates this heritage with a weekend entirely dedicated to reading.
Gargnano Reads — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, even richer, takes place on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission. Independent publishers animate the Cloister of San Francesco, while the former Municipal Palace hosts books for children and young people and workshops. Among the events, the award ceremony for the national literary competition Strolling among the Limonaie from Lawrence to today and the meeting "Crime Writers Compared".
Programme Gargnano Reads 2026
Saturday, May 30
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Fair opening: publisher stands in the Cloister of San Francesco, children's books at the former Municipal Palace
- 4:00 PM — Alice Basso presents Le ottanta domande di Atena Ferraris, with Roberta Ghirardi
Sunday, May 31
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Fair opening
- 10:30 AM — "You Need Ears!", read-aloud workshop by Silvia Visini (former Municipal Palace)
- Award ceremony for the national literary competition "Strolling among the Limonaie from Lawrence to today"
- 5:00 PM — "Crime Writers Compared" with Enrico Giustacchini, Enrico Mirani, and Fabrizio Senici, moderated by Marcello Zane
Highlights Gargnano Reads 2026
Prices Gargnano Reads 2026
Practical information — Gargnano Reads
How to get there
Gargnano is reached via the SS45bis Gardesana Occidentale. The two venues, the Cloister of San Francesco and the former Municipal Palace, are located in the historic center, reachable on foot from the marked parking areas.
Admission and hours
Free admission. The fair is generally open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days.
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Where does it take place — Gargnano Reads
Chiostro di San Francesco ed ex Palazzo Municipale
Chiostro di San Francesco, 25084 Gargnano