Who doesn’t love a book festival? Jam-packed with authors and activities for all ages, these events are fantastic ways to promote literacy and bring communities together. As the weather turns and the leaves change color, what better way to spend your day — or week? These ten book festivals represent a mere handful of what fall has in store for avid readers, but don’t worry — whether you’re a budding writer or an avid reader, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
September
Printers Row Lit Fest – September 6th-7th, Chicago, IL
Sandra Cisneros headlines the 40th anniversary of this free outdoor festival — the largest of its kind in the Midwest! With programming spread across six stages along Chicago’s Dearborn Street, you’re sure to find an event that speaks to you, no matter what genres you read. Young bookworms can enjoy storytimes, crafts, and draw-alongs from 10 am to noon at the festival’s Center Stage. Older readers, meanwhile, have a variety of readings and panel discussions to choose from, spanning theater, poetry, and political activism, and so much more. There’s even an open mic on Sunday!
Brooklyn Book Festival – September 14th-22nd, New York City, NY
Featuring an incredible selection of virtual and in-person activities, the 20th annual Brooklyn Book Festival promises a week you won’t want to miss. Swing by the literary marketplace to discover a new author or pick up the latest offerings from your favorite small presses. Or enjoy one of the festival’s Bookends programs, an impressive lineup of workshops, panels, and readings offered free or low cost throughout New York’s five boroughs.
Don’t know where to start? Consider stopping by the Harlem Writers Guild‘s virtual 75th-anniversary celebration on September 17th. The oldest African American writers’ association will pay tribute to some of its most iconic members, from Maya Angelou to Audre Lorde.
Children’s Fairyland Book Festival – September 20th, Oakland, CA
From the old lady who lived in a shoe to a Wonderland-inspired playing-card maze, Children’s Fairyland is where storybooks come to life. What better place to promote childhood literacy? Hosted by K-5 educator Peter Limata, the Children’s Fairyland Book Festival brings together over 30 children’s book authors for storytimes, live drawing demos, and much more. It’s also the annual showcase for Fairyland’s Youth Writers Workshop, which offers professional mentorship to young writers aged 8-14 as they work on an illustrated story for publication in an anthology.
October
Decatur Book Festival – October 3rd-4th, Decatur, GA
Romantasy lovers, true-crime buffs, and horror fans will all feel right at home at the Decatur Book Festival. YA author Angie Thomas helps kick things off with the latest book in her Nic Blake and the Remarkables trilogy, while former state representative Stacey Abrams shares her new thriller, Coded Justice. Performances from student writers and local musicians lend this festival an extra-special touch. But if you’re looking for a truly unique — and unusual — experience, take a Literary Walking Tour of Decatur Cemetery. Guided by the Friends of Decatur Cemetery, you’ll get to know some of the literary figures who rest within its grounds.
Iowa City Book Festival – October 5th-12th, Iowa City, IA
As the home of the country’s oldest creative writing program, Iowa City has earned its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. Festivalgoers can explore this rich literary heritage across a variety of events scattered around the University of Iowa campus and the surrounding area. Stop by the university’s main library on October 6th to discover the innovative history of paper engineering, from medical flapbooks teaching anatomy to the pop-up books you grew up with. Or visit the Dey House on October 9th for a tour of the Literary Grove, a group of eight saplings planted in 2020 with lineage ties to the gardens of Poe, Faulkner, and Twain. And don’t forget to stroll down the Literary Walk, a public art installation honoring writers with ties to Iowa.
Enchanted Realms Fall Festival – October 11th, Los Angeles, CA
Located in beloved LA landmark Griffith Park, Enchanted Realms promises to spirit away readers, young and old, to the fantasy land of their dreams. In addition to meeting local authors, attendees can support local artisans and food vendors, take pictures with their favorite book characters, and enjoy music from local folk duo The Medieval Beekeepers. The Children’s Enchanted Corner has plenty of fun and games to keep the little ones occupied, including crafts, face painting, and a treasure hunt.
Minnesota STEM Book Festival – October 12th, Minneapolis, MN
Ignite your curiosity at Minnesota’s inaugural STEM Book Festival, a collaboration between The Bakken Museum, science bookstore The Thinking Spot, and nonprofit Minnesota Technology Network. Experts in AI, climate science, and public health will come together for a thought-provoking discussion about some of today’s most pressing issues in the science and tech world. Intrepid young scientists, meanwhile, can stop by an author booth to receive a signed children’s book. In between panels and meet-and-greets are plenty of hands-on STEM activities and toys and puzzles for sale, and — for the hardcore readers — a rare book display. Register by October 1st for a chance to win cool science-related prizes!
November
Charleston Literary Festival – November 7th-16th, Charleston, SC
If you’re looking to soak in the words of your favorite authors in an intimate yet powerful environment, this is the festival for you. Today anchor Hoda Kotb and actress Reese Witherspoon will take the spotlight in Charleston’s historic Dock Street Theatre. But they’re far from the only stars on deck: Literary powerhouses Joyce Carol Oates and Viet Thanh Nguyen are also among this festival’s impressive lineup.
Texas Book Festival – November 8th-9th, Austin, TX
For 30 years, the Texas Book Festival has been one of the country’s largest literary celebrations. Though the full schedule doesn’t go live until October, the sneak preview of the author lineup is already stacked with heavy hitters: Chelsea Handler, Ali Hazelwood, Ibram X. Kendi, Ada Limon, R.L. Stine — just to name a few. My personal highlight is Kylie Saikada, YouTube’s favorite dietitian, who joins the festival to promote her cookbook, So Easy So Good. But with more than 275 authors — plus a litcrawl, a bar-crawl-style series of rapid-fire literary events — you really can’t go wrong.
Miami Book Fair – November 16th-23rd, Miami, FL
One of the nation’s largest literary festivals, the Miami Book Fair, shows a different side of a city known mostly for its nightlife. Though the organization hosts authors, seminars, workshops, and book clubs year-round, its eight-day festival is the highlight of the year for many residents. The Street Fair offers dedicated alleys for showcasing writers, publishers, artists, and giving fun for the kids. But if you really want to embrace the spirit of the city, you can’t miss the opening day block party. Music, dancing, food, all the books you could ask for, and admission completely free — it simply doesn’t get better than this.
Which of these festivals are you excited for? Which ones did we miss? Let us know on Instagram, Bluesky, or Facebook!
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