The main areas of the programme for the first edition of the Festival 42 involve drawing attention to fantasy and non-realist genres, with a disseminating and prescriptive vocation; connecting enthusiasts, from experts to those just starting out in the genre, and getting literature to engage with other narratives such as games, video games, film, series, comics and many others. The festival also pays special attention to the concerns of young readers, as well as authors and readers and the new sexualities the genre has always explored.

The programme for the Festival 42 includes talks, presentations, interviews, workshops, recitals, exhibitions and other activities, with over a hundred writers confirmed. These include big names in the genre such as Albert Sánchez Piñol, Elia Barceló and Adrian Tchaikovsky.

The programme also includes the awards ceremony for the best works published in the genre in the previous year.

The first edition of the 42 coincides with the centenary of Stanislaw Lem and the word robot, an occasion which will get its own space for recognition. Homage will also be paid to Douglas Adams, Ofèlia Dracs, Ana María Matute, Víctor Nubla and Domingo Santos.