Bern/Events/Literature

Literature Events in Bern

Book readings, literary festivals, author signings, and poetry in Bern.

Lesungen, Literaturfestivals, Signierstunden und Poesie in Bern.

50 upcoming literature events

Julia Weber liest Weil ich Ruth bin

Mo., 16. März 2026 um 20:00

Stauffacher Buchhandlung

Join author Julia Weber for a live reading of Weil ich Ruth bin at Stauffacher Buchhandlung in Zurich. A warm literary evening with a short reading, insights into the novel, and a Q&A with the audience in a cozy, independent bookstore setting.

Erzählcafés Frühling/Sommer

Di., 17. März 2026 um 20:00

Ortsarchiv Bümpliz

German-language storytelling cafe series at Ortsarchiv Bümpliz, inviting guests to share tales of spring and summer in a cozy archival setting. An intimate literary evening blending personal narratives and community memory.

Gschichte-Zyt u Baschtle

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Bibliothek Münsingen

Storytime at Bibliothek Münsingen in Swiss German for kids and families. A cozy storytelling session with local tales and short readings in a welcoming library setting. Free and open to all ages.

Bibliotheksgschichtli

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Bibliothek Bümpliz

Cozy storytelling evening at Bibliothek Bümpliz for families and kids, featuring short Swiss German tales told by a local storyteller in the warm, welcoming library setting for curious listeners.

Slam'n'Jam

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Le Singe

Experience Slam'n'Jam at Le Singe: a punchy night of slam poetry and live jam sessions in an intimate, artsy Swiss venue. Expect bold verses, quick-fire rounds, and a vibrant, participatory atmosphere that spotlights local poets.

Arabische Geschichtenerzählung

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Bibliothek Tscharnergut

An intimate storytelling evening at Bibliothek Tscharnergut where Arabic tales are shared in German and Arabic, inviting families and curious listeners to discover language, culture, and imagination in a warm library setting.

Tom Kummer, Freiwürfe mit einem Diktator

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Stauffacher Buchhandlung

German-language author Tom Kummer discusses his provocative work 'Freiwürfe mit einem Diktator' at Stauffacher Buchhandlung in Zurich, offering sharp insights into media satire, celebrity culture, and contemporary journalism in an intimate bookstore setting.

Übersee-Zungen: ein literarischer Abend mit Yoko Tawada

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Universität Bern

A literary evening at Universität Bern featuring Yoko Tawada, presenting a German-language reading of her acclaimed works in a historic university setting.

Poetry Slam

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Mahogany Hall

Experience a live Poetry Slam at Mahogany Hall, where emerging poets perform original German-language pieces in an intimate, artsy venue. Expect bold spoken-word, witty performances, and a vivid night of literature.

Lesung & Gespräch mit Louise Brown aus «Zuversicht»

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Haupt Buchhandlung

An intimate reading and Q&A with Louise Brown about her book Zuversicht, hosted at Haupt Buchhandlung. A cozy bookstore venue in the German-speaking city, offering literary insight, engaging discussion, and audience questions in a warm, bookish atmosphere.

Lesung & Workshop: WEICHE SCHAM

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Cafe Kairo

German-language reading and workshop with the WEICHE SCHAM collective at Cafe Kairo, offering an intimate literary evening that blends text and participatory exercises in a cozy cafe setting.

Jürg Laederach. Eine Hommage.

Mi., 18. März 2026 um 20:00

Schweizerische Nationalbibliothek

A tribute evening at the Swiss National Library honoring Jürg Laederach with readings of his poetry, exploring his literary impact in a refined library setting.

Buchvernissage

Do., 19. März 2026 um 20:00

LibRomania

LibRomania hosts a German-language book launch on March 19, 2026 at 8 PM, featuring an author reading and signing session in a cozy library setting, with a lively literary discussion and a chance to meet the writer.

LEA Leseklub Bern – Lesen einmal anders

Do., 19. März 2026 um 20:00

Kornhausbibliothek

German-language Leseklub at Kornhausbibliothek Bern explores a new way to experience literature with an engaging, guided reading and group discussion—perfect for book lovers seeking thoughtful dialogue in a warm library setting.

Marko Dinić liest aus Buch der Gesichter

Do., 19. März 2026 um 20:00

WerkStadt Lorraine

Part of the Berner Osteuropa-Lesereihe, this German-language reading presents Marko Dinić as he reads from Buch der Gesichter at WerkStadt Lorraine in Bern. An intimate, intellectual evening exploring European identities through prose.

Lesung mit Marko Dinić

Do., 19. März 2026 um 20:00

WerkStadt Lorraine

German-language reading with author Marko Dinić at WerkStadt Lorraine in Zurich. An intimate evening of excerpts, insights, and discussion in a vibrant urban venue—perfect for book lovers and culture seekers.

WORT*reich – Poetry Slam

Fr., 20. März 2026 um 20:00

Kunst- und Kulturhaus VISAVIS

WORT*reich – Poetry Slam brings bold poets to Kunst- und Kulturhaus VISAVIS for a night of rhythmic wordplay, raw performance, and storytelling in a contemporary Swiss venue.

Buchvernissage: Nicht alles Habakuk

Fr., 20. März 2026 um 20:00

DOCK8

German-language book launch for Nicht alles Habakuk at DOCK8, featuring an author reading and Q&A in a contemporary Swiss venue. An intimate evening spotlighting modern German-language literature in Bern.

Buchstabensuppe: Liebe zu Büchern

Fr., 20. März 2026 um 20:00

Kornhausbibliothek

Join an intimate evening at Kornhausbibliothek as readers celebrate the love of books, sharing stories, letters, and conversations that spark imagination in a welcoming, cozy literary gathering.

Museumsnacht 2026: Verboten – Banned Books

Fr., 20. März 2026 um 20:00

Kornhausbibliothek

As part of Museumsnacht 2026, Kornhausbibliothek hosts an intimate program exploring banned books through readings and discussions, spotlighting censorship, diverse voices, and the library's architectural charm in Bern.

Geschichten & mehr in der Bibliothek

Fr., 20. März 2026 um 20:00

Bibliothek Zollikofen

An intimate German-language storytelling evening at Bibliothek Holligen in Bern, offering stories and more in a cozy library setting—welcoming adults and families to listen, share, and enjoy literary moments.

Lyrische Mahlerei

Sa., 21. März 2026 um 20:00

Bürenpark - Heiliggeist, Grosser Saal

Experience Lyrische Mahlerei, a poetic evening in the Grosser Saal at Bürenpark-Heiliggeist. This refined program of lyric poetry and expressive readings promises vivid imagery and musical cadence in a grand historic venue.

Bilingual Russian storytelling at Kornhausbibliothek Bern

Sa., 21. März 2026 um 20:00

Kornhausbibliothek

Join a bilingual Russian storytelling evening at Kornhausbibliothek Bern, featuring a tale told in Russian with German interpretation. A family-friendly literary moment celebrating language, culture, and imagination in a welcoming library setting.

SHARED READING – MITEINANDER LESEN

Fr., 27. März 2026 um 10:30

Kornhausbibliothek

Join a guided Shared Reading session at Kornhausbibliothek Bern, where a reading facilitator guides participants through literary texts, invites attentive listening and reflection, and fosters open exchange among readers in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Lieber Sohn oder So rettest du die Welt – Lesung mit Emilia Roig

Mi., 15. Apr. 2026 um 20:00

Gaskessel Bern

A German-language book reading by Emilia Roig at Gaskessel, moderated by Marah Rikli, presenting Lieber Sohn oder So rettest du die Welt. A sold-out evening for adults, exploring Roig's provocative ideas on capitalism and fascist politics through a personal letter to her son.

CH-SLAM 26

Sa., 18. Apr. 2026 um 20:00

Bierhübeli, Bern

Youth final of the 15th Swiss Poetry Slam Championships at Bierhübeli in Bern, showcasing top junior spoken-word poets, electric performances, and competitive drama in an artsy, language-driven night of rhythm and crowd energy.

CH-Slam 26: Swiss Poetry Slam Championship Final

So., 19. Apr. 2026 um 19:00

Stadttheater Bern

The CH-Slam 26 finals crown the Swiss Poetry Slam champions in a live night at Stadttheater Bern. Expect rapid-fire German-language poetry, witty wordplay, and high-energy performances as finalists battle for the national title.

Aprillen – Berner Lesefest: Eröffnungslesung

Mi., 22. Apr. 2026 um 20:00

Schlachthaus Theater

Opening reading of Aprillen – Berner Lesefest at Schlachthaus Theater, featuring Natascha Gangl and Judith Schwarz, kicking off Bern's literary festival with intimate German-language storytelling in a historic venue.

Aprillen – Berner Lesefest: Lyrikdialoge

Fr., 24. Apr. 2026 um 18:00

Schlachthaus Theater

Opening night of Aprillen – Berner Lesefest, Lyrikdialoge brings a poetry dialogue with Natascha Gangl and Judith Schwarz to the intimate Schlachthaus Theater, kickstarting Bern's literary scene with lyric voices, conversation and atmosphere.

NMBE Leseratten mit Therese Bichsel

Di., 26. Mai 2026 um 10:00

Naturhistorisches Museum Bern

Join Therese Bichsel for a charming reading session at Naturhistorisches Museum Bern as curious kids and families gather for stories, meet the author, and enjoy a cozy, museum-filled afternoon that sparks imagination and language in a playful setting.

Sibylle Berg — La bella Vita Reading

Mi., 27. Mai 2026 um 20:00

Gaskessel Bern

German-language author Sibylle Berg presents a live reading of La bella Vita at Gaskessel in Zurich. Doors open at 18:00; tickets range 25–33 CHF in advance, 30–38 CHF at the door for adults and students. A provocative look at a post-revolution society without classes or capital.

TKKG / U26 und TKKG West: talking pages

Do., 25. Juni 2026 um 20:00

Grosse Halle

Two groups, U26 and TKKG West, join for 'talking pages'—a live reading and discussion of the TKKG series in Bern's Grosse Halle at Reitschule. A witty, youth-oriented literary evening blending page and conversation.

Am Anfang war das Wort

Kulturmuseum Bern, Bern (CH)

At Kulturmuseum Bern, 'Am Anfang war das Wort' invites visitors to explore language origins through readings and discussion, weaving literature, philosophy, and culture into a thoughtful, inspiring museum evening that sparks conversation.

Buchvernissage: Die Straßenbahn, die ins Kino wollte

Quinnie Cinema Movie 2, Bern (CH)

Join a Buchvernissage for 'Die Straßenbahn, die ins Kino wollte' at Quinnie Cinema Movie 2 in Bern, on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00. Expect author readings, a brief talk, and a cinema-inspired literary evening in a cozy venue.

Zu Tisch mit Balts Nill und Emanuel Bundi

Kulturmuseum Bern, Bern (CH)

A German-language literary reading at Kulturmuseum Bern with Balts Nill and Emanuel Bundi. An intimate evening of excerpts and discussion in a historic museum setting.

Arno Strobel: Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin (Reading)

Orell Füssli Bern, Bern (CH)

German-language book reading at Orell Füssli Bern: Arno Strobel presents his thriller Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin, delivering suspenseful clues and a Q&A in a cozy Bern bookstore.

Am Anfang war das

Kulturmuseum Bern, Bern (CH)

An engaging German-language reading at Kulturmuseum Bern, exploring the idea behind 'Am Anfang war das Wort' with a thoughtful discussion in a historic museum setting, ideal for lovers of literature and language.

U20-Slam Bern

Turnhalle PROGR Bern, Bern (CH)

U20-Slam Bern showcases young poets performing original pieces at Aula PROGR Bern. An intimate, city-center night of spoken-word poetry by under-20 artists, blending energy, wit, and live storytelling.

Zu Tisch mit Balts Nill und Emanuel Bundi

Kulturmuseum Bern, Bern (CH)

An intimate literary evening at Kulturmuseum Bern with Balts Nill and Emanuel Bundi, featuring a curated reading and a thoughtful discussion in a museum setting, inviting attendees to explore contemporary German-language literature and its themes.

Lesung & Gespräch: Louise Brown – Zuversicht

Haupt Buchhandlung, Bern (CH)

Join Louise Brown for a live reading and discussion of Zuversicht at Haupt Buchhandlung Bern. An intimate literary evening in a cozy bookstore featuring insights, Q&A, and reflections on resilience and hope.

Buchvernissage: Tom Kummer – Freiwürfe mit einem Diktator

Buchhandlung Stauffacher, Bern (CH)

German-language book vernissage at Buchhandlung Stauffacher in Bern for Tom Kummer's Freiwürfe mit einem Diktator, featuring a reading and author signing in a cozy bookstore setting.

Julia Weber: Weil ich Ruth bin

Buchhandlung Stauffacher, Bern (CH)

Join German author Julia Weber for a live reading of Weil ich Ruth bin at Buchhandlung Stauffacher in Bern. An intimate, bookshop event blending prose with reflection, inside a cozy literary venue.

Zu Tisch mit Balts Nill und Emanuel Bundi

Kulturmuseum Bern, Bern (CH)

Two authors, Balts Nill and Emanuel Bundi, present a live reading at Kulturmuseum Bern. In the historic museum setting they share excerpts and discuss their works in German, offering literature lovers an intimate, insightful evening in Bern.

Poetry Slam

Mahogany Hall

Poetry Slam at Mahogany Hall (Switzerland) on March 18, 2026 — a spirited evening of spoken word, performance poetry, and live storytelling in a cozy, intimate venue. Expect edgy verses, crowd energy, and dynamic local poets.

Arno Strobel: Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin

Orell Füssli Bern, Bern (CH)

German-language literary reading with thriller author Arno Strobel, presenting Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin at Orell Füssli Bern. An atmospheric evening of suspense and storytelling in a classic Bern bookstore.

UMS'nJIP: Deutsche Lyrik

PROGR Bern, Atelier 363, Bern (CH)

UMS'nJIP present Deutsche Lyrik in Bern: an intimate live poetry reading at PROGR Bern, Atelier, offering contemporary German verse in a focused, atmospheric setting.

Book launch: Die Strassenbahn, die ins Kino wollte

Quinnie Cinema Movie 2, Bern (CH)

A book-launch in Bern for 'Die Strassenbahn, die ins Kino wollte' held at Quinnie Cinema Movie 2, featuring a new publication with readings and discussion in a cinema setting.

Übersee-Zungen: Ein literarischer Abend

Universität Bern, Hauptgebäude, Bern (CH)

Join a literary evening at Universität Bern's Hauptgebäude featuring Übersee-Zungen—readings that spotlight cross-cultural voices. An intimate, academic setting at 18:15 on Wednesday, March 18, inviting readers and scholars alike.

Arno Strobel: Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin

Orell Füssli Bern, Bern (CH)

An intimate evening with bestselling thriller author Arno Strobel as he presents Ungelöst – Die erste Zeugin with a live reading at Orell Füssli Bern, inviting fans to hear excerpts and insights into his gripping crime fiction.

Buchvernissage: Die Strassenbahn, die ins Kino wollte

Quinnie Cinema Movie 2, Bern (CH)

German-language book launch on March 14 at 11:00 at Quinnie Cinema Movie 2 in Bern, celebrating the release of Die Strassenbahn, die ins Kino wollte with readings in a cinema setting and an intimate literary evening.