Organizers of the Buenos Aires International Book Fair announced new free admission hours on Monday. The fair is usually a ticketed event, one of the world’s most popular Spanish-speaking literary events, currently being held in Palermo’s La Rural convention center until May 13.

“Due to the socioeconomic crisis the country is facing and in the spirit of allowing the highest number of people to attend the fair and to not create any obstacles of any kind, we’ve decided that the fair will have free admission between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the next two weeks, Monday to Thursday (except for May 1), said Alejandro Vaccaro, president of the El Libro Foundation in a statement shared Monday.

“It’s very important that all Argentines who wish to come to the fair are free to do so.”

The country’s economic crisis has hit the cultural industry hard, with book sales down by 30% in 2024 amid a general decrease in purchasing power and retail sales. In his opening speech for the fair, Vaccaro had described the event as “a cultural beacon in the middle of the darkness.”

Traditionally, the fair had one night known as “Fair Night” when admission was free for everyone — this year was April 27. In general, ticket prices are AR$3,500 from Monday through Thursday, and AR$5,000 on Friday, weekends, and national holidays. Every ticket includes a AR$4,000 coupon to use at selected bookshops after the fair, and book vouchers valid for use during the event — the value of the voucher equals the price paid for entry.

In an official statement, the Buenos Aires City government said the measure was taken as “few things are more moving than everyone’s impetus and enthusiasm to look around the book fair.”  
“This is a very important decision by Jorge Macri’s government to accompany porteños in these times,” said Gabriela Mahiques, the City’s culture minister. “The resounding success of the ‘Fair Night’ pushed us to move forward with this unprecedented agreement so more and more people can get close to the books, literature, panels, and author meet and greets.”

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Days and opening hours 

Monday-Friday, 2p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday 1 May, 1 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, April 27 (Fair Night) — 1 p.m.-midnight

Free Admission 

• Admission is free every day for children under 12 (inclusive), school visits and people with disabilities
• Admission is free for teachers as long as they show a job certificate or pay slip 
• Monday-Friday (except May 1st) admission is free for students, pensioners and retirees as long as they show proof
• Free admission hours are Monday-Thursday between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. 

Admission Tickets 

• Monday-Thursday (except May 1):  AR$3,500
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: AR$5,000
• Three-visit pass: AR$7,500 (This pass is personal and untransferable, allowing one visit per day)

Tickets include book vouchers valid for use in the fair, as well as a AR$4,000 coupon to use at selected bookshops after the event.

Entrances

The entrances and their associated ticket offices will be located at:

• Avenue Santa Fe 4201 
• Avenue Sarmiento 2704 and parking lot
• Avenue Cerviño 4474 and parking lot

The entrance at Avenida Santa Fe has wheelchairs available for visitors.