In 2021, 25 authors from 10 countries will take part in diverse events - from readings and talks to workshops and productions. Traditionally, a special literature programme is organised for children and young adults, that the plan is for approx. 1,000 children and young people from Odesa's schools to take part in the readings. 
As in recent years, the events will take place at several venues throughout the city: the main venues are the House of Scientists as well as the National Theatre; readings for children and young people are held in the schools of Odesa, events aimed at students and young adults at the National I. I. Metschnikov University in Odesa.

The ilo is a multilingual festival, bringing together authors from all over the world. Texts by foreign guests will be read in the original as well as in Ukrainian. Subsequent discussion rounds will take place in simultaneous or consecutive translation. 

For the first time at the 7th ilo, a new event format will be added: performative readings and stagings of texts by Swiss author Lukas Bärfuss in cooperation with the Odesa National Theatre.