Literarischer Herbst Hamm

28th Literarischer Herbst Hamm — Two Weeks of Literature

From November 2nd to 15th, 2026, the Literarischer Herbst Hamm will transform the Westphalian city into a literary meeting point. 11 events at four venues, a 28th edition, a program that reflects the breadth of contemporary German-language literature — from established star guests to young voices.

Program — The Star Guests 2026

Denis Scheck — Opening

The opening features Denis Scheck, the well-known literary critic (WDR “Druckfrisch”, SWR “lesenswert”) and book expert with his traditional book review. A proven format: Scheck presents the literary new releases of the autumn — pointed, idiosyncratic, often controversial.

Peter Stamm — Hamm Premiere

The Swiss narrator Peter Stamm (born 1963) is one of the most translated Swiss authors of our time. In Hamm, he will present a new collection of stories — his first appearance in the city.

Volker Weidermann — Mascha Kaléko

The literary critic and author Volker Weidermann presents his book “Wenn ich eine Wolke wäre”: he follows the poet Mascha Kaléko on her 1956 journey back to Germany.

Jan Costin Wagner — “Eden” with Piano Accompaniment

The crime and literary author Jan Costin Wagner reads from his novel “Eden” and accompanies himself on the piano — a literary-musical format that Wagner has made his trademark.

Thomas Matiszik — Thriller with Piano

Thomas Matiszik reads from his suspense novels — also with live piano accompaniment.

Linda Rachel Sabiers and Others

The Hamm author and blogger Linda Rachel Sabiers is featured in the program, as are other voices of contemporary literature.

Further Program Items

• Literary City Tours — Walks through Hamm with references to post-war literature
• 47th Literary Quintet — this year's focus: Philippine Literature (Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026)
• 30th Anniversary “Poetry Evening” — the poetry series celebrates 30 years

Venues

• ThomasKulturKirche — deconsecrated church, now a cultural space with acoustics and atmosphere
• Gustav-Lübcke-Museum — important museum of Egyptian collections and art
• FabulArt Studio — smaller readings and workshop formats
• Zentralbibliothek Hamm — standard venue of the city libraries

Tickets

Admission: €8 / €6 reduced. Tickets available online, at the Zentralbibliothek, and in local bookstores (Harms, Holota, Leseliebe).

Hamm — City in Western Westphalia

The independent city of Hamm (approx. 180,000 inhabitants) is located in western Westphalia (North Rhine-Westphalia) at the transition from the Ruhr area to the Münsterland region. With the Maximilianpark (State Garden Show 1984), the Gustav-Lübcke-Museum, and a distinct literary scene, Hamm shows a cultural substance that extends beyond its industrial past. The Literarischer Herbst is proof of this.