Cabaret Extra 2026! The must-attend literary event at the Centre Pompidou, coming to the Grand Palais

For nearly a decade, the Centre Pompidou has hosted its annual literary festival, Extra!. Over ten days, readers of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate an event that puts literature front and center. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet authors and literary figures, attend lively performances, explore poetry, and visit special exhibitions...

Contemporary literature in all its forms is taking center stage at this free cultural event. In 2026, the Extra! festival returns... but in a slightly different format.

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The Centre Pompidou is teaming up with the Paris Book Fair to create a special event. Book lovers are invited to gather at the Grand Palais from April 17 to 19, 2026, to experience Cabaret Extra!

Paris Book Fair 2026: The must-attend literary event at the Grand Palais
Since 2022, the Paris Book Fair has evolved into a full-fledged festival. This highly anticipated event is making its return to the Grand Palais for a new edition, welcoming book lovers from April 17 to 19, 2026. [Read more]

Yes, the Centre Pompidou and the Paris Book Fair are offering a lively, festive experience—a cabaret dedicated to contemporary literary creations. From timeless classics to groundbreaking works that challenge conventions, this cultural event highlights modern literature in a fresh and creative way.

Over three days at the Grand Palais, visitors can expect a vibrant lineup: performances, readings, fashion shows, a mix of sound and visual poetry, and a variety of artworks displayed both on-site and digitally… It’s a true celebration of literature meant to be enjoyed together, offering a fresh perspective on this timeless art form. Explore the full schedule for this 2026 edition:

• The Exhibition
  Dive into the dreamlike yet politically charged universe of artist Jordan Roger.
  
  
• The Literary Tarot
  Every afternoon, visitors can test their books against tarot cards and receive a literary Taromancy reading, courtesy of Émile Degorce Dumas and Hélène Garcia.
  Gallery 2, Rotunda
  April 17 & 18: 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  April 19: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  
  
• Tea Time
  A delightful conversation blending writers, cabaret performers, and artists.
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  April 19: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
   
• The Emergence
  The Literary Manifestation walks through the nave, surprising visitors along the way.
  Scripted by Mascare and students from Duperré School of Fashion and Design, directed by Joëlle Bouvier featuring Romain Brau, Sohrâb Chitan, Lazaro Cuervo Costa, Léa Dasenka, Habibitch, Dylan Licata, and Agathe Thevenot.
  Nave
  April 17 & 18: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  April 19: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  
  
• The Tiny Dictation
  Reviewed and corrected, a playful dictation that explores language and sets the record straight.
  With Tal Madesta and Janis Sahraoui
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
  April 19: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  
  
• The Poetic Harangue
  Sweetness and indulgence through performative readings.
  With Nygel Panasco, Simon Johannin & Stelios, and Lylybeth Merle
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  April 19: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  
  
• The Birthday Bash
  A quirky and delicious celebration brought to life by the daring Marseille Shit Show alongside PetulaCrack and Bryony Byrne.
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  April 19: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
  
  
• The Literary Lip Sync
  A passionate, hardly silent declamation dedicated to literature.
  By Jackie Fuego, Juda la vidange, and Miroslav Toi Les Mains
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  April 19: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  
  
• The Songwriter
  When literature steps out of the book to take the stage at the piano, it’s all about music, lyricists, and singers.
  Featuring cabarets Pov’Konnes, Vénus Noire, and Les Meneuses.
  Gallery 2
  April 17 & 18: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  April 19: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
   
• The Friday Night CULinary Special
  A stop on the Festival's gourmet journey, the Extra Cabaret heats things up with Grand Gaillard, Masha Kils, Soa de Muse, Laila Morte, and Donna se Meurt for an unforgettable Friday evening.
  Gallery 2
  April 17: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

The Cabaret Extra! is open to all visitors to the Paris Book Festival, in Gallery 2 of the Grand Palais. Ready to discover this special festival?