Literature & Book Festivals in Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram's literary season is in January and early February, when two large festivals run within weeks of each other. The Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF) is organised by the Legislative Assembly in its own complex at Palayam; the fourth edition ran from 7 to 13 January 2026, entry is free, and the previous year's fair had 166 publishers and about three lakh visitors. The Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) follows on the lawns of Kanakakunnu Palace. Started in 2018 by the Mathrubhumi group, it has been held in late January or early February each year; the 2026 edition ran from 29 January to 1 February on the theme 'The Paradox of Pace', with Indian and international authors in conversation across several stages. Dates for the 2027 editions of both festivals had not been announced when this page was written, and the windows above are the best guide. Outside the season, the calendar is steadier than it looks: book launches at the Press Club and Ayyankali Hall, publishers' fairs, readings at the State Central Library, founded in 1829, events at Alliance Française and poetry evenings on Manaveeyam Veedhi. This page lists book fairs, author talks, launches and readings across the city.
No listings right now.
Listings for this usually appear a few weeks before the dates — we add them every morning. Meanwhile: this weekend · free events · today
Good to know
- MBIFL has used registration and passes in past editions. Watch the festival website, mbifl.com, from December for the 2027 dates and booking details.
- KLIBF is free but security at the Assembly gates is strict; carry a photo ID and avoid large bags.
- At Kanakakunnu, sessions run in parallel on several lawns. Mark the ones you want and move early, because the popular tents fill up.
- Both venues are within 2 km of each other on the Palayam–Museum stretch, served by most city buses.
- Malayalam sessions dominate at both festivals, with English sessions clearly marked in the programme.
Frequently asked questions
When is MBIFL 2027?
The dates had not been announced when this page was written. The festival has been held in late January or early February every year; the 2026 edition ran from 29 January to 1 February at Kanakakunnu Palace.
When is the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival?
The last two editions were in the second week of January, most recently from 7 to 13 January 2026. Dates for the next edition had not been announced at the time of writing.
Is entry free?
KLIBF is free for the public. MBIFL has had registration and ticketing through Mathrubhumi's site; check the details for each edition.
Where are the festivals held?
KLIBF is in the Kerala Legislature Complex at Palayam and MBIFL is on the grounds of Kanakakunnu Palace near the Museum.
The weekend, sorted.
Every Thursday: the 10 best things to do in Trivandrum this weekend, the free stuff, and what to book before it sells out. Join readers across Thiruvananthapuram.
You're in — look out for Thursday's email. 🎉