Literary festivals serve as platforms for authors and readers to join together and celebrate literature. They include book signings, readings, meet and greets, discussions, and recitals. These festivals offer people who are passionate about books a unique opportunity to hear from their favorite authors and even discover emerging and off-beat authors. Although several festivals don’t have authors, poets, and storytellers who write a particular genre, there are some organized solely for people who are fans of specific types of literature. Without further ado, here are some bucket list-worthy literary festivals happening worldwide this summer!
1. Letterature Rome, Italy
Organized by the House Of Literature and the Scientific Committee, the Letterature Festival in Rome is set to be one for the ages. Conducted every alternate day between the 3rd and 13th of July, this festival has famous writers who have contributed greatly to Italian literature, come and read unpublished work.
With four days of music and beautiful readings at the historic Palatine Stadium in the magnificent city of Rome, this is a must-add to any book-nerds bucket list!
2. Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh, Scotland
To celebrate the written word, the Edinburgh International Book Festival brings together 700 authors and speakers from around every year. Held between the 12th and 28th of August and filled with hundreds of readings, signings, debates, and discussions, the Edinburgh Literary Festival is one of the largest in the world, creating an extensive network between authors and their fans! This festival is said to have an unmatched experience for anybody who enjoys a good read!
3. National Book Festival Washington DC, USA
Conducted by the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, on August 12th, the National Book Festival is one of the largest literary festivals in the US. Being completely free to enter and with several online events, this festival attracts large crowds every year. Moreover, they bring several top-selling authors from the US and beyond for author talks and book signings. In fact, this event is so popular that you might just be able to get your favorite book signed by the author! Filled with several bookstores, eateries, and lively music, the National Book Festival is the perfect outing for any book lover!
4. Sleuthfest Bookfair Boca Raton, FL, USA
Sleuthfest is an annual convention of authors and fans of crime and mystery that takes place in Boca Raton, Florida. Over 50 bestselling authors of crime and mystery fiction are set to conduct panels and presentations from July 6-9th. Bookstores, cocktail parties, and Galas are just a few things apart from the many many readings and discussions to look forward to over the course of the fair! Comprising several informative and educative sessions about publishing and writing this genre, Sleuthfest is a must-attend for any aspiring crime fiction writer!
5. Melbourne Rare Book Fair Melbourne, Australia
A fair filled with rare and antique books, manuscripts, ephemera, and prints, the Melbourne Rare Book Fair is one of only a few rare book fairs. With articles from the best antique book dealers across Oceania, this is one of the most impressive displays in the world! From the 27th to the 29th of July, several buyers, sellers, authors, and antique fanatics will gather in Melbourne for this unique event!
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