GermanyBook lovers can strap on their walking shoes this weekend to wander the halls of Frankfurt’s fairgrounds for the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest trade show for books and related media.This year, organizers of the fair, which began Wednesday for trade members, will again focus on digitalization with the Frankfurt StoryDrive, a project that brings together publishing and entertainment with the goal of creating new formats for telling stories. More than 7,000 exhibitors from 100 countries will display the latest book titles, authors will conduct public readings and moderators will lead literary discussions.

Other fair areas feature calendars, film and toys. Stroll around the English-language section; on the final day, some stands will sell their show copies or give away items rather than ship them home.

This year’s guest of honor is Argentina, which celebrates 200 years of independence, so events will have a Latin-American flavor. The fair is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. A one-day ticket costs 14 euros, a weekend ticket costs 20 euros and a child’s ticket is 7 euros. For the full program, go to www.book-fair.com/en.

The sweet smell of onions will permeate Weimar’s city center Friday and through the weekend during the 357th edition of its annual Onion Market.About 500 stalls will offer traditionally woven onion plaits, crafts and foods. More than 100 stage performances and carnival attractions will add entertainment to the experience.

Find more information on the Weimar website at www.weimar.de/nc/en/tourism/homepage and then search “Onion market.”

ItalyAlba celebrates 80 years of the International White Truffle Fair starting this weekend and continuing through Nov. 14. October is high season for this earthy-smelling fungi, which is harvested September through December by hunters working with dogs. With an intense odor and a short shelf life, the white truffle commands top prices. In 2008, one buyer paid 1,150 English pounds, or about $1,800 at the current exchange rate, for slightly less than 12 ounces through the website www.whitetruffleauction.com.While chefs and buyers bid for the most recent crops, visitors to the fair can taste truffles served in a variety of ways, from freshly grated on pasta to mixed in oils and butters, as well as other Piedmontese specialty foods and wine.

The fair is in the Centro Storico from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Find more information at www.fieradeltartufo.org.

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