RARE26 Berlin

A major international romance author and reader event in Berlin bringing together global bestselling authors and readers for immersive signings, community connection, and unforgettable book experiences.

Event Overview

RARE26 Berlin brings together an international community of readers and authors for an immersive weekend dedicated to books, connection, and unforgettable reader experiences.

The event will take place over two days in May 2026, featuring a special Q&A session on May 15 followed by the main signing event on May 16. Attendees will have extended hours to meet a wide selection of romance authors, discover new favorites, and enjoy a fully interactive signing experience.

With an expected attendance of up to 1500 readers and over 120–200 authors, the event will offer a vibrant atmosphere supported by on-site book sellers, author tables, and community engagement throughout the venue.

Starting From

/ Reader

conversion & PayPal fees should vary

Readers Early Access

Get ahead with Early Entry at 9:30 AM ($115) for extra time with authors, or join the Author Signing from 11:30 AM ($75) and enjoy a full day of books, signings, and connections.

Venu Location

Estrel Congress Center — Berlin, Germany

Event Experience

Meet & Greet

Not planned for RARE26 Berlin at this time.

Author Signing

A full-day signing experience featuring international romance authors, book purchasing, signing opportunities, photos, and reader–author interaction. Early Entry provides additional access time before general admission.

Tickets & Access Details

Tickets will be sold via PayPal with pricing in USD after conversion from Euro rates. Early Entry includes additional hours inside the signing hall compared to General Admission.

All tickets are final with no refunds. Entry requires a valid ticket and wristband. Each attendee must have their own ticket, including carers or companions where applicable.

Book sellers and select authors will have available stock, but attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own books or use pre-order options.

Event Guidelines & Policies

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, a number of important guidelines were in place.

Entry & Identification

Attendees could enter using either printed or digital tickets. In cases where tickets could not be verified, identification matching the ticket details was required to ensure a seamless check-in process.

Age Restrictions

This event was strictly 16+, with no exceptions. Attendees aged 16–17 were required to be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Guests were also advised that explicit book covers and promotional materials might be visible within the venue.

Signing Experience

While attendees were encouraged to bring items for signing, limits were applied to keep queues moving efficiently. Generally, this included:

A maximum of two non-book items per author
Restrictions on special editions (one per title)
Some authors also introduced their own signing limits, which were shared ahead of the event.

Books & Purchases

Guests were strongly encouraged to bring their own books, as availability on-site was limited. A bookseller was present, but only carried traditionally published UK titles, meaning many indie books were not available for purchase at the venue.

General Policies

Outside alcohol was not permitted, though attendees could bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. A bar and snack station were available throughout the event.
Comfort was key — guests were advised to dress casually, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a full day on their feet.
All ticket sales were final, with no refunds issued under any circumstances.

Additional Info & Community Highlights

RARE26 Berlin continues the tradition of building a strong international reader community focused on connection, inclusivity, and shared love for romance literature.

The event will include a curated selection of authors from across genres, with final announcements shared prior to ticket release.

Authors & Lineup

The lineup will include 175–230 confirmed authors
All authors are verified prior to public announcement
Final lineup is subject to minor changes due to travel or scheduling issues
Attendees are encouraged to explore multiple authors throughout the event
Popular authors may have queues, so planning ahead is recommended

Volunteering

Volunteer applications will be reviewed based on event requirements
German and English-speaking volunteers will be prioritized
Selected volunteers may receive early entry access
Full-day volunteers may be assigned specific event roles
Volunteer spots are limited depending on ticket sales

Community Experience

The event focuses on direct reader and author interaction
Attendees can meet both new and established authors
A welcoming environment is created for solo and group attendees
Networking with fellow readers is encouraged throughout the venue
The experience is designed to go beyond traditional book signings

Helpful Tips

Plan your author schedule before arriving
Prioritize must-see authors early in the day
Bring your own books whenever possible
Stay flexible as queues and timings may shift
Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended for long hours
Keep essentials light to move easily between signing areas