Vallefoglia Children's Book Fair
Ten days of readings, workshops, and meetings for children and young people in the heart of the Marche region
About Children's Book Fair
A Marche Tradition Dedicated to the Youngest
The Vallefoglia Children's Book Fair is a historic event in the cultural spring of the Marche region, organized by the City of Vallefoglia and the Libraries of the Pian del Bruscolo Municipalities Union, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino. Founded decades ago in the former Municipality of Colbordolo, the event takes place in the hamlet of Bottega and has established itself over the years as a benchmark not only for the local area but for the entire Central Italy in promoting reading among children and young people.
Where and When
The fair is held every year in May, for about ten days, inside the "Sesto Ondedei" Municipal Gymnasium, also known as Palafoglia, in Bottega di Vallefoglia. The sports facilities are set up with stands, book exhibitions, and reading corners, while the nearby Giovanni Santi Theatre in Bottega hosts evening and closing performances. Admission to the activities is free.
A Program for Schools and Families
The heart of the Fair is its work with schools: each edition involves dozens of classes from nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the district (Vallefoglia, Tavullia, Montelabbate, and neighboring Municipalities), with guided tours in the morning. In the afternoons and on weekends, the program opens to families with:
- meetings with authors and illustrators of children's literature;
- creative and educational workshops for various age groups;
- read-aloud sessions and animation moments;
- theatrical performances at the Santi Theatre;
- illustration exhibitions and projects created with the art high schools of Pesaro and Urbino.
A Collective and Solidarity Event
The event is the result of collaboration between the municipal administration, local libraries, schools, provincial art high schools, and various associations, including Unicef and Auser. Each year, the Fair chooses a theme or a reference author, around which it builds meetings, exhibitions, and activities, fostering dialogue between the classics of children's literature and current issues, children's rights, and imagination.
Children's Book Fair — edition 2026
The 47th edition of the Vallefoglia Children's Book Fair was held from May 10 to 19, 2026, with an inauguration on Sunday, May 10, at 4:00 PM at the "Sesto Ondedei" Municipal Gymnasium in Bottega. The edition was dedicated to Carlo Lorenzini, known as Collodi, on the bicentennial of his birth, with a program of meetings, exhibitions, and workshops inspired by the world of Pinocchio as a symbol of transformation and growth.
The event saw great participation: over 75 classes from schools in Vallefoglia, Tavullia, Montelabbate, and neighboring municipalities in the morning (1,514 school attendees), around 1,120 attendees for workshops and afternoon events, and over 600 spectators for the two performances at the Giovanni Santi Theatre. The edition was promoted by the City of Vallefoglia with the Libraries of the Pian del Bruscolo Municipalities Union.
Programme Children's Book Fair 2026
Dates and Venue
From May 10 to 19, 2026, at the "Sesto Ondedei" Municipal Gymnasium (Palafoglia) in Bottega di Vallefoglia; performances at the Giovanni Santi Theatre.
Inauguration
- Sunday, May 10, 4:00 PM — official opening of the 47th edition.
Theme
Edition dedicated to Carlo Lorenzini (Collodi) for the bicentennial of his birth, with initiatives inspired by Pinocchio.
Guests and Participants
- Giuliano Ferri, author and illustrator — meeting on Sunday, May 17, at the Santi Theatre.
- Illustrators Barbara Baronciani and Michela Gaudenzi, featured in educational projects.
- Meeting with the Hamelin Cultural Association dedicated to Pinocchio as a symbol of transformation (approx. 50 participants).
Activities
- Creative and educational workshops for children and young people.
- Meetings with authors and illustrators; read-aloud sessions.
- Illustration exhibitions with the art high schools of Pesaro and Urbino.
- Two theatrical performances at the Giovanni Santi Theatre (over 600 total attendees).
In collaboration with Unicef, Auser, and the province's art high schools. Free admission.
Highlights Children's Book Fair 2026
Prices Children's Book Fair 2026
Practical information — Children's Book Fair
Where
"Sesto Ondedei" Municipal Gymnasium (Palafoglia), Bottega hamlet, Vallefoglia (PU), Marche. Performances are held at the Giovanni Santi Theatre in Bottega.
When
Every year in May, for about ten days. The inauguration is traditionally on a Sunday afternoon (around 4:00 PM).
Admission
Free. Morning school visits are by reservation through the schools; afternoon activities are open to families and children.
How to get there
Bottega di Vallefoglia is located along the Strada Statale 423 Urbinate, in the hinterland of Pesaro. By car, it can be reached from the Pesaro-Urbino exit of the A14 motorway, continuing inland. The nearest train station is Pesaro.
Information
Libraries of the Pian del Bruscolo Municipalities Union / City of Vallefoglia.
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Where does it take place — Children's Book Fair
Palestra Comunale "Sesto Ondedei" (Palafoglia), Bottega di Vallefoglia