Updated April 15, 2026

There are tons of book-related events coming up this year, and we want to keep you up to date on when and where you can find them! Book festivals can be extremely beneficial for self-published authors aiming to broaden their audience, connect with experts in the industry, and gain knowledge about the current publishing landscape.

Below, you'll find a list of upcoming festivals and events (big and small, national and international) scheduled for 2026, organized by date and state, that celebrate all things books! We'll be updating this list often, so be sure to come back and see what's been added. 

Consider attending an event in your area to maximize visibility of both you and your book.

*Disclaimer: Some of the dates for these events are subject to change as they approach. Please be sure to check the links to verify exact dates.

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U.S. BOOK FESTIVALS & EVENTS

APRIL

California

April 18-19: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—Los Angeles

• • Attracting approximately 160,000 people of all ages each year from Southern California and all around the country, this festival brings together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. Featured guests include Lionel Richie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexandra Oliva, and Larry David.

April 19: Sacramento Book Festival—Sacramento

• • This major literary event is now being held in a new venue, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in East. This year’s festival will feature more big name authors and great prizes, along with multiple food trucks and outdoor seating. Hosting more than 200 authors, including Kim Stanley Robinson, Allison Brennan, James Rollins, Brenda Novak, and so many more.

Florida

April 24-26: Word of South: A Festival of Literature and Music—Tallahassee

• • • A  unique blend of writers and musicians and an exploration of the relationship between literature and music. The festival showcases authors who write about music, musicians who also are authors, authors and musicians trading places, and everything in between.

Illinois

April 16-18: Spring Fling Writers Conference: For Romance Writers of All Subgenres—Chicago (with online options)

• • Hosted by Chicago-North Romance Writers, Spring Fling offers keynote speakers, master classes, and craft-focused workshops, plus dedicated pitch sessions with agents and editors. Published authors can also participate in book signings. Romance writers of every subgenre and experience level—from debut to established—are invited to attend. Features keynote speeches by headliners Adriana Herrera and Brenda Jackson

Massachusetts

April 24-26: Newburyport Literary Festival—Newburyport

• • The Newburyport Literary Association, Inc., was founded in 2005 and hosts an annual Festival that brings together readers and writers for a weekend of readings, panel discussions, and other book-related events. Guests include Elin Hilderbrand and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Michigan

April 18: Midwest Literary Walk—Chelsea

• • Lit Walk is a series of author interviews or presentations, all hosted on the same day and held at different venues within walking distance from one another. Intended to be a celebration of literature, reading, and the Chelsea community, featuring nationally recognized, high-caliber authors who speak right in historic downtown.  

Missouri

April 16-19: Unbound Book Festival—Columbia

• • The Unbound Book Festival brings nationally and internationally recognized authors of world-class renown to Columbia to talk about their books, their work, and their lives. Keynote speaker is Min Jin Lee.

Nevada

April 23-25: Las Vegas Writers Conference—Las Vegas

• • Held each spring, the Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals.

New York

April 16-19: Hamptons Whodunit—East Hampton

• • Long Island's premiere mystery and true crime festival, where fact and fiction collide. Mingle with bestselling authors, legal experts, and forensic investigators as they unravel the secrets behind gripping crime stories. Experience panels, discussions, graveyard tours, escape rooms, and interactive evening events.

April 18-19: BookCon™—New York City

• • A two-day event where storytelling and pop culture collide. Step into a weekend where meeting your favorite author is just the beginning of your adventure. From intimate author chats and immersive experiences to book swaps that feel like treasure hunts, we're building an event for lovers of storytelling in all its forms. 

Ohio

April 18: Ohioana Book Festival—Columbus

• • Celebrate Ohio literature with author and illustrator panel discussions, family friendly activities, food trucks, a book fair, the chance to explore Ohioana Library, and more.

Oklahoma

April 30-May 2: Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference—Oklahoma City

• • Enjoy sessions with publishing experts who can provide career-advancing knowledge. Speakers on legal issues, short stories, writing for film, editing, literary agents and publicists. Space is also provided for attendees to sell their books.

Oregon

April 17-19: Get Lit at the Beach: A Gathering for Readers—Cannon Beach

• • One of only a handful like it in the entire country: a literary festival that brings together authors and readers to celebrate a mutual love of books and reading. Most festivals offer classes that teach writing and publishing. Many talk about craft and experience. But few exist solely for the pleasure of listening to writers talk about their work and sharing conversations and thoughts about the importance of reading. Featured 2026 authors are Laurie Frankel, Eileen Garvin, Claudia Rowe, Terry Brooks, and Karen Russell. 

Texas

April 18: Teen Bookfest by the Bay—Corpus Christi

• • A free festival open to the public featuring middle grade and young adult authors that supports, promotes, and celebrates the joy of reading.

Washington

April 16-19: Chanticleer Authors Conference—Bellingham

• • An event unlike any other, hosting a wide variety of guest speakers and experts that wow experienced authors and help new authors take their publishing game to the next level.

April 17-19: Get Lit! Literary Art Festival—Spokane

• • The Get Lit! Festival began in 1998 as a one-day marathon of literary readings sponsored by Eastern Washington University Press and EWU’s Department of Creative Writing. Then The Spokesman-Review lovingly called it the little literary festival that could, and they were right. By 2004, the audience had swelled to 10,000 people from Spokane and the surrounding region.

MAY

VIRTUAL

May 6-8: The Nonfiction Writers Conference, 16th Annual Event

• • Since the Nonfiction Writers Conference began in 2010, their mission has always been to take the traditional writers’ conference experience and deliver it online. This allows more people to attend from around the world, saving valuable time and travel expenses. It also delivers powerful access to speakers during LIVE learning sessions with interactive Q&A.

Arizona

May 3: Arizona Author Book Festival—Phoenix

• • A fundraising event for SEEDs for Autism in Phoenix featuring more than 40 authors from throughout the state, published in a variety of genres for all ages. With inspiring presentations and book signings with bestselling authors, food trucks, live music, and more throughout the day! 100 percent of sponsorship funds, vendor fees, and author application fees will support SEEDs programs.

California

May 1-3: Sonoma Valley Authors Festival—Sonoma

• • A three-day weekend lecture series that brings people together to hear authors from a variety of liter­ary genres and speakers who discuss advances being made in science, technology, and medicine.

May 30-31: Bay Area Book Festival—Berkeley

• • Since 2015, Bay Area Book Festival has featured the boldest and most brilliant literary voices in conversations about issues that matter, with a focus on justice and diversity. 

Colorado

May 21-24: Mountain Words Literary Festival—Crested Butte

• • A multi-day literary celebration at 9,000 feet—featuring readings workshops, kids' events, parties, panel discussions, and more. Authors and presenters include Karen Russell, Elizabeth Gonzalez James, Paolo Bacigalupi, and many more. Writers and readers can immerse in workshops in fiction, research, investigative reporting, poetry, flash fiction, memoir, close reading, and others.
    

Georgia

May 1-2: Atlanta Writers Conference—Atlanta

• The 34th conference offers an in-person experience for all activities (critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more) and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings. 

Iowa

May 2: DSM Book Festival—Des Moines

• • The free, fun-filled event, presented by Beaverdale Books and Beaverdale Neighborhood Association, will be held at the Franklin Event Center. In addition to author programs, panels, workshops, and children’s activities, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to have their books signed, visit with publishers, and enjoy mingling with fellow book lovers.

Maryland

May 2: Annapolis Book Festival—Annapolis

New Jersey

May 2-3: A Day or Two of Wine, Romance, and More!—Columbia

• • Book and wine lovers unite for the largest book signing event of its type in New Jersey. Over 50 local authors (from NJ, NY, PA, MD, DC, and Delaware) representing a wide range of genres will be on hand for this unique event. Grab a glass of wine, take a stroll, meet the authors and peruse their books. There's something for everyone here! 

May 2-9: Montclair Literary Festival—Montclair

• • A community-wide event that aims to exchange ideas, inspire future literary works, and engage with different points of view. Working closely with the Montclair Public Library, Watchung Booksellers, and a team of local volunteers, the festival will also generate lasting connections between arts institutions, the schools, and the community, benefiting a broad cross-section of participants and attendees. 

New Mexico

May 15-17: Santa Fe Literary Festival—Santa Fe

• • The festival connects writers, readers, and thinkers—from around the world and close to home—in the celebration of words and story. It's not only a way to celebrate the city's deep literary history and diverse community of writers, but also an opportunity to foster a love of storytelling among young readers and writers. 

New York

May 2: 15th Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival—Hudson

• • Held each year in the historic city of Hudson, this festival strives to create, sustain, and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with their community and schools. A free, public event that fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages.

Oregon

May 14-16: IBPA Publishing University—Portland

• • IBPA + PubWest present the premier educational event for independent book publishers.The annual, premier educational and networking conference by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), bringing together independent, hybrid, and author-publishers for intensive sessions on all aspects of the book business, from marketing and distribution to editorial and legal, featuring expert speakers, learning labs, and awards.

Pennsylvania

May 30: Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books—Pittsburgh

• • A free event that celebrates the city’s rich literary community and love of reading. Poets, authors, and readers gather at the Festival to pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s growing literary reputation. Features local and nationally-recognized authors, dozens of poets, children’s activities, bookstores, entertainment, publishers and more. 

Utah

May 14-16: Story Makers Guild: A 2026 Writers Conference—Provo

• • Focus: Fiction Writing. Whether you’re already publishing or just getting started, you’ll be able to network and join workshops that cover everything from craft to the business of writing and selling books. Mentors and agents will be on hand with strategic guidance to help you make smarter career decisions, strengthen your author platform, and grow as a writer.

JUNE

Washington, DC

June 5-6: Imaginarium Book Festival—Washington, DC

• • Featuring 80+ author and vendor exhibitors, book signings, special events, and much more. Special guests include Cassandra Clare, Chloe Gong, Hayley Dennings, Holly Black, Gabriella Buba, Shanora Williams, Scarlett St. Clair, Britney S. Lewis, Sarah Mughal Rana, and Danielle L. Jensen.

Massachusetts

June 11-14: Nantucket Book Festival—Nantucket

• • An annual celebration of the literary arts that brings together authors, book lovers, and storytellers. For one exciting weekend each June, the island of Nantucket transforms into a book lover's paradise, featuring a captivating lineup of author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and book signings. Almost all events are free and open to the public.

Texas

June 13: Sunbelt Book & Art Expo—Arlington

• • Where Stories, Art, and the Spirit of FIFA 2026 Unite! Enjoy book signings, conversations, panels, and presentations; meet visual artists and emerging artists and their artwork, and enjoy live art demonstrations. This event promises non-stop excitement and entertainment.

Some of you may be seasoned pros at these events, but if you're a newbie just starting out, you might be curious about what to expect. We've put together a handy list to get you ready for your first festival.

JULY

California

July 31-August 2: National Book Club Conference—Atlanta

• • The 22nd-Annual NBCC, which has long been described as the premier annual literary event featuring Black authors and readers. It’s called “Literary Bliss” because the weekend is full of access to some of the most acclaimed talent and dynamic unheralded authors with avid readers and book club members from across the country. It’s a reader’s paradise and an author’s delight.
    

Oregon

July 31: Willamette Writers Conference—Portland

• • The largest writers’ organization in the Pacific Northwest brings together writers of all genres and career stages for this annual conference. With a focus on craft development, community building, and career advancement, this event is perfect for Pacific Northwest authors.

AUGUST

Michigan

August 1: Black Authors Festival—Sag Harbor

• • An exciting in-person celebration proudly recognized by USA Today as one of the Top Best New Festivals in the Nation. Set in the heart of Sag Harbor, the Festival brings together both aspiring and established Black authors to honor the legacy and future of Black literary excellence. Theme for 2026: The Right to Write.

New York

August 29: Harlem Book Fair—Harlem

• • The celebrated annual event returns to the historic Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building. This vibrant gathering showcases the rich literary contributions of African American authors and celebrates the culture and heritage of Harlem. Attendees can look forward to engaging book signings, enlightening panel discussions, and a variety of activities that highlight the power of storytelling.

Tennessee

August 1: Rockin' Romance Readers—Alcoa

• • Calling all romance lovers: your favorite bestselling romance authors are joining us for the 2026 Rockin’ Romance event, proudly hosted by Dark Syde Books & Rockin’ Romance Readers. From contemporary to MC, rock star to dark romance, taboo to paranormal…if you like to read it, we’ll have an author who writes it!

August 20: Killer Nashville—Nashville

• • Killer Nashville is an international conference for writers of mystery, thriller, and suspense. You’ll learn from industry professionals and subject-matter experts while taking advantage of both educational sessions and dedicated networking time. The event offers a supportive community atmosphere with breakout workshops, master classes, and agent and editor roundtables. 

If you're planning to attend events like this to promote your book, make sure readers can easily find your title online after the festival by improving your book's discoverability.

SEPTEMBER

California

September 20: Orange County Children's Book Festival—Costa Mesa 

• • On the campus of Orange Coast College, meet and get autographs from some of your favorite superstar authors and illustrators. Enjoy professional storytellers, family-friendly entertainment, free admission and parking, and so much more.

Oklahoma

September 4-7: WriterCon—Oklahoma City

• • A comprehensive writers’ conference featuring 70+ sessions, manuscript reviews, and consultations. The programming includes tracks relevant to both indie and traditional authors, making it valuable for craft development plus industry exposure.

OCTOBER

VIRTUAL

Dates TBA—SelfPubCon (ALLi)

• • This free online conference hosted by the Alliance of Independent Authors is dedicated to high-quality, ethical self-publishing. With recorded sessions available and a global lineup of indie experts covering everything from production standards to advanced marketing, it’s an accessible event for all indie authors.

October 10-11: Maryland Writers' Association Brain to Bookshelf Writing Conference—Linthicum Heights

• • MWA's annual conference where writers can get together, get inspired, and get noticed. Select from over 25 workshops to sharpen your writing skills. (More are being added as they are accepted.) Literary agents will hear pitches, critique work, and offer their insights during a panel discussion each day. The conference usually has 8-10 agents each day. Workshops TBD. Keynote speaker is New York Times-bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer. 

NOVEMBER

Nevada

November 10-14: Author Nation: The World’s Largest Conference for Indie and Hybrid Authors

• • One of the largest indie author events out there, this upcoming writers conference is open to both published and unpublished authors and offers opportunities for each. Because it’s all about helping indie authors succeed, there’s a focus on marketing and sustainable success strategies. There’s also opportunity for networking with industry experts, peers and mentors, and exhibitors range from bestselling authors to service providers and publishers.

International Book Festivals & Events

APRIL

Australia

April 18: A Thousand Lives Indie Book Convention—Melbourne

• • A Thousand Lives is proud to announce the very first "A Thousand Lives Indie Book Convention" (ATLCON), a romance-specific signing event, featuring Indie Authors. Plus: "The A Thousand Lives Masquerade Ball" in the evening, at the conclusion the signing event, in a separate location. This is a charity event.

April 13-16: Bologna Children’s Book Fair—Bologna

• • Publishers, illustrators, graphic designers, literary agents, authors, translators, printers, distributors, audiobook professionals, booksellers, brands, librarians and teachers all flock to this event to experience the world of books and multimedia products.

MAY

Australia

May 3: Wild Out West—Perth

• • The first ever Wild Out West, an exclusive after-dark romance book signing event the likes of which Perth has never seen! Features a spacious signing floor full of authors from across the whole of Romancelandia, with a curated bookish marketplace, a literary pop-up tattoo studio, and a dedicated chill zone for relaxing and recharging. 

May 23: A Romantic Affair—Adelaide

• • A Romantic Affair brings together over 100 authors and passionate vendors from around the world for one unforgettable day. Whether you're a diehard dark romance reader or a happily-ever-after-junkie, don’t miss this celebration of love, stories, and "swoon worthy" moments!

Looking for more genre-centric events? Don't miss these comprehensive lists:

• Romance & Romantasy: Must-Attend Events for Readers and Writers

• Where Horror Authors Should Be in 2026: Events for Networking & Promotion

JUNE

Australia

June 20: Falling for Fiction: Chapter One—Sunshine Coast, QLD

• • Meet 70 authors across all sub-genres of romance. From fantasy romance to dark romance, contemporary, and sci-fi. Falling for Fiction has something to suit everyone.

June 27: Love League: Sports Romance Book Event—Sydney

• • Calling all Sports Romance fans! Tilly Tait and Kris Monforte have recruited some of the best Sports Romance indie authors and they're waiting on the bench for you. Join them for a day of high adrenaline, sporting fun. Ages 18+. 

Australia

July 4: Romance'n the River—Margaret River

• • This one-day event in the stunning Margaret River wine region allows you to meet amazing authors and get your books signed, discover new local indie authors, and browse books and vendors with your bookish friends.

June 5-7: MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival—Toronto

• • With cozy crime, police procedural, psychological thriller and true crime taking the stage, the festival will be a weekend of suspense, twists, and turns as we uncover the secrets behind some of the world’s most gripping stories. Meet the masters of mystery over the long weekend with criminally good conversations, readings, book signings, workshops, and more.

AUGUST 

Australia

August 1-2: Love on the Beach Book Signing—Surfers Paradise, Queensland

• • A two-day event held at the beautiful Mantra on View at Surfers Paradise. Each day of the event will have completely different authors and vendors in attendance. All ages are welcome, but some material may contain mature content.

Scotland

August 15-30: Edinburgh International Book Festival—Edinburgh

• • A distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public events.

OCTOBER

Canada

October 27-November 1: Flagship Fall Festival—Toronto

• TIFA returns to Victoria University at the University of Toronto, welcoming acclaimed writers, passionate readers, and book lovers from around the world to Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival. The newly streamlined five-day event features 100+ conversations, masterclasses, talks, and readings across multiple partner venues.
  

** We'll be at all starred events. Stop by our booth and discuss your publishing journey! 

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