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.

U.S. BOOK FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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

- Every year thousands of people enjoy this community free festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word. Celebrating its 23rd year, the festival brings nationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing and featuring a day filled with children's activities, live music, food, a huge used book sale, and a literary marketplace.

May 16: Gaithersburg Book Festival—Gaithersburg

- A celebration of the written word and its power to enrich the human experience, with a mission to foster an interest in reading, writing, and literary conversation. One of the nation's top literary events, the festival attracts hundreds of award-winning and bestselling authors, poets, and songwriters from across the country.

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.

Texas

May 16: The School-tastic Book Fair for Grown-ups—Austin

It's back! Time to forget your adult problems and regress back to simpler times. The School-tastic Book Fair for Grown Ups captures the energizing spirit of the elementary school book fair—without the homework or worry if your trapper keeper is cool enough. Join us to browse local independent booksellers and other fun vendors, participate in nostalgic activities, get a book-themed tattoo, dance to 80's and 90's music, and much 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

Florida

June 20: Read It Write It Book & Writing Festival—Wellington

- More than 70 authors will be on hand to discuss and sign their books. Stop by and find your next favorite author. This indoor event is free to attend and includes genre panels, workshops and readings throughout the day. The one-day event is indoors, includes a table, chair, and tablecloth.

Louisiana

June 20: BLK INK Book Festival—New Orleans

- This four-hour live event is a book expo comprised of 80+ local and regional authors showcasing over 100 books in all genres, including romance, sci-fi, women's literature, urban fiction, children's books, and more. In addition, enjoy panel discussions, music, storytelling in the garden, local author VIP exhibits, and the creative ambiance of New Orleans. The event is 100% open to all authors and artists regardless of race, religion, sex, or sexuality. Free to the public; pre-registration is requested.

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

Arizona

July 18: Payson Book Festival—Payson

- This annual festival is brought to you by the Rim Country Chapter of Arizona Professional Writers (APW) since 2016. It features appearances by authors from Rim Country and around Arizona. The book festival also features book signings and book sellers, projects for the kids, presentations, live music, and food available in the hotel & casino premises.

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.

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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.

Delaware

September 25-27: History Book Festival—Lewes

- The History Book Festival is the only book festival dedicated to history through story, showcasing new historical fiction and creative, narrative nonfiction from multiple subjects, eras, and voices. Over 90% of HBF’s author presentations are free and open to all, drawing readers from 30 states and abroad to this singular event at the Delaware beaches in historic Lewes.

Illinois

September 12-13: Printers Row Lit Fest—Chicago

- The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, this is a community-based celebration for book lovers presented by the not-for-profit Near South Planning Board. More than 100,000 visitors are expected over the two-day festival, which will feature carefully selected offerings from over 100 booksellers.

Kansas

September 26: Kansas Book Festival—Topeka

- The Kansas Book Festival celebrates literary life in Kansas by connecting thousands of readers and writers, and by creating opportunities for community, storytelling, and joy.

New York

September 20-26: Brooklyn Book Festival—Brooklyn

- The mission of the Brooklyn Book Festival (BKBF) is to celebrate published literature and nurture a literary cultural community through programming that cultivates and connects readers of diverse ages and backgrounds with local, national and international authors, publishers and booksellers. Featuring 9 days of citywide Bookend events, their online Virtual Festival Day, the celebratory Children’s Day and the all day literary celebration in Downtown Brooklyn a.k.a Festival Day and Literary Marketplace.

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.

Arizona

October 17: 5th Annual Desert Foothills Book Festival—Scottsdale

- The Desert Foothills Book Festival is a celebration of the importance of reading in the local community. Offered free to the public, the festival exists to promote literacy and a love of reading among adults and children by creating an interactive and inclusive venue for readers and authors to connect. Net proceeds from the festival support local literacy programs.

California

October 8-24: Litquake Festival—San Francisco

- The largest independent literary festival on the West Coast, Litquake continues its mission as a two-week literary spectacle for book lovers, complete with cutting-edge conversations, unique cross-media events, and hundreds of readings.

Florida

October 3: Page & Pen Festival—Oviedo

- Step into a world where imagination leaps off the page and into real life! Meet authors, publishers, literary agents, and industry pros as they share their passion for storytelling. Whether you're a reader searching for your next favorite book, an aspiring writer looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves the art of the written word, this festival is for you!

Georgia

October 2-3: Decatur Book Festival—Decatur

- The Decatur Book Festival (DBF) has become one of the most beloved independent book festivals in the country, bringing together readers, authors, and literary fans for a celebration of books and ideas. This year, they continue the tradition of meaningful connections in the heart of Decatur, Georgia. Enjoy a day of storytelling, inspiration, and community on Saturday, October 3 with special keynote and kid-note events on the evening of Friday, October 2.

Kentucky

October 24: Louisville Book Festival—Louisville

- A 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 2018 to celebrate and promote the love and the benefits of reading, writing, and literacy. They believe that literacy is a fundamental human right and that there is power and purpose in bringing books to life every day of the year. Celebrate books and use them to highlight and grow the resilient culture of our vibrant city, as well as to encourage and elevate our creative thinking as a community.

Louisiana

October 31: Louisiana Book Festival—Baton Rouge

- Features 200+ authors, panel discussions, book signings, live music, and activities for all ages celebrating Louisiana’s literary culture. Free and open to the public, the festival gives readers a chance to meet authors and authors a place to share their work.

Massachusetts

October 17: Boston Book Festival—Boston

- Celebrating the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire, the Boston Book Festival presents year-round events culminating in an annual festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of the city.

Nevada

October 17: Las Vegas Book Festival—Las Vegas

- As Nevada's largest literary event, this festival features author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and workshops covering diverse genres including history, romance, and children's literature. Details are still being finalized, so check the website for further 2026 details.

New Mexico

October 3: Southern New Mexico Book Festival—Las Cruces

- A community-focused literary event celebrating the written word, typically featuring author discussions, a marketplace, children's activities, live music, and a large used book sale.

Tennessee

October 17-8: The Southern Festival of Books—Nashville

- The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word is among the oldest literary festivals in the country, annually welcoming hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville each October. The Festival is free and includes performance stages, food trucks, and loads of publishers and booksellers.

Washington

October 10-12: 10th Cascadia Poetry Festival—Seattle

- CPF is a gathering of poets and bioregionalists, exploring poetry and its connection to environmental, political, historical, and sociological pursuits within the Cascadia bioregion as defined by David McCloskey. The festival aims to consider how prioritizing natural and cultural boundaries, rather than arbitrary political ones, can address climate change and other issues.

NOVEMBER

Kentucky

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

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:

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.

Canada

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.