Buchrausch

Buchrausch is not a conventional book fair but a deliberately curated community event for contemporary readers, bringing together literature, social media and experiential culture. The name itself encapsulates the intended atmosphere: a “rush” centred on books—intense, emotional and shared. The concept was developed by Sarah Imler, who has created a space in which particularly young, digitally connected audiences can feel at home. Once a year, the fair in Wels becomes a vibrant meeting point for the German-speaking book and online community. The programme focuses on current genres such as Young Adult, New Adult and Romance—including Dark Romance—as well as Fantasy and Romantasy, all of which are strongly shaped by social media trends. This is precisely where Buchrausch positions itself, acting as an interface between the publishing market and platforms such as TikTok, where the so-called BookTok community has emerged as a powerful driver of new bestsellers. A defining feature of Buchrausch is its clear emphasis on interaction rather than passive presentation. Visitors can expect not a detached trade fair environment but an immersive experience, with live readings, panel discussions and direct encounters with authors, influencers and publishers. Book signings, meet-and-greets and informal conversations sit alongside curated social media moments at dedicated selfie spots and appearances by well-known BookTok creators. The programme is further enhanced by experiential elements such as goodie bags, creative activities—including so-called “bookish tattoos”—and a range of food and drink offerings that reinforce the event’s festival-like character. Alongside its core genres, the fair also includes general fiction as well as children’s and young adult publishing. It provides a visible platform in particular for self-published authors and independent presses. The exhibitor base is correspondingly diverse, comprising publishers, authors, content creators, book service providers and other players from the wider creative industries. The audience is predominantly young and media-savvy, complemented by professionals from the publishing and creative sectors who are actively seeking direct exchange. The city of Wels benefits from its central location and modern infrastructure within the German-speaking region, making the fair easily accessible to both national and international visitors. The exhibition centre itself offers excellent rail and road connections, as well as a functional yet open layout. Together, these provide ideal conditions for an event centred on connection, inspiration and a shared enthusiasm for books. The Buchrausch takes place annually, and therefore for the third time previsibly in June 2027 in Wels.