Deventer Boekenmarkt 2026

The Deventer Boekenmarkt turns the historic centre of Deventer into one long second-hand bookshop on Sunday 2 August 2026. The 36th edition runs from 09:30 to 17:30, with more than 500 book stalls along the IJsselkade riverfront and on the Grote Kerkhof. Admission is free.

The market is produced by Stichting dEVENTer, and the organiser bills it as the largest book market in Europe. Public information runs through VVV Deventer.

Why it matters

For one Sunday a year, book dealers from across the country line the river IJssel in a Hanseatic city centre that is itself worth the trip. The stalls cover second-hand and antiquarian books across the full range, from children’s books and comics to poetry and literature, in the municipality’s description, with music, art and exhibitions around the market. For English-speaking residents it is a browsing day rather than a destination for a specific title: the pleasure is in the scale.

Practical information

The market is free, unticketed and open-air, spread across the city centre along the IJsselkade and on the Grote Kerkhof. Hours are 09:30 to 17:30.

Common questions

When is the Deventer Boekenmarkt 2026?

Sunday 2 August 2026, from 09:30 to 17:30.

How big is it?

More than 500 stalls along the IJsselkade and on the Grote Kerkhof, according to the municipality of Deventer. The organiser calls it the largest book market in Europe.

Does it cost anything?

No. Admission is free and no tickets are sold.

What kind of books are on sale?

Second-hand and antiquarian books of every kind, from children’s books and comics to poetry and literature, in the municipality’s description.

Who organises it?

Stichting dEVENTer produces the market; public information runs through VVV Deventer.