Updated: April 24, 2025

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 2025, 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

Alabama

May 21-22: Biographers International Organization (BIO) Conference—Montgomery

• • Through talks, panel discussions, and opportunities to tour Montgomery’s major civil rights memorials, the conference is intended to appeal to writers and readers of biography and history along with teachers and students from throughout the Southeast region.

Alaska

May 17-20: Kachemak Bay Writers Conference—Homer

• • This nationally recognized writing conference features workshops, readings and panel presentations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and the business of writing.

California

May 31: Sacramento Book Festival—Sacramento

• • The heart of this festival is the local, Sacramento-area authors. Find out all about their work, meet them, and get signed copies of their books. 

May 31- June 1: Bay Area Book Festival—Berkeley

• • The festival brings together some of the most acclaimed authors from the Bay Area, nation, and world, with fun activities for both adults and children.

Colorado

May 22-25: Mountain Words Literary Festival—Crested Butte

• • A multi-day, literary celebration at 9,000 feet, featuring readings, workshops, kids’ events, parties, panel discussions, live theater, and more.

Connecticut
May 27-30: Poetry by the Sea: A Global Conference—Madison

• • The community of poets and educators committed to diversity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect in the pursuit of artistic excellence welcomes poets of all backgrounds. An ideal locale for creative inspiration.

Florida

May 10-17: Longleaf Writers Conference—Santa Rosa Beach

• • Includes a full week of intensive and generative writing workshops (where attendees and scholars and fellows engage with small group workshop critiques of writing. Features daily seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs, and special social events.

May 14-18: Sleuthfest—St. Petersburg

• • For mystery, thriller, and suspense fiction writers, this festival provides techniques to improve their craft, information on publishing, marketing, and the business of writing, along with insight from bestselling authors, industry professionals, and forensics experts.

May 16-17: Beachside Book Fest—Fort Lauderdale

• • A romance convention in which a world of books, authors, and readers come together. Readers have the chance to meet their favorite authors, share their passion with fellow bookworms, and create cherished memories. 

Georgia

May 30-June 1: Black Romance Book Fest—Atlanta

• • Readers will have the chance to meet gifted Black Romance writers, engage and participate in thought-provoking panels, and enjoy a host of activities designed to entertain and inspire. 

Maryland

May 17: Gaithersburg Book Festival—Gaithersburg

• • A celebration of the written word and its power, attracting hundreds of award-winning and bestselling authors, poets, and songwriters from across the country.

Minnesota

May 15-17: IBPA Publishing University 2025—Saint Paul**

• • Join more than 300 book publishing professionals from across the U.S. for this three-day networking and educational event focused specifically on issues important to independent publishers, hybrid publishers, self-published authors, university presses, and association presses.

Nevada

May 15-17: Book Lovers Con—Las Vegas

• • A full three-day weekend experience offering a range of author meetups, reader events, games, night time parties, food and fun.

New Mexico

May 16-18: Santa Fe International Literary Festival—Santa Fe

• • Bestselling, prize-winning authors headline the festival with readings and book signings. Other authors and notable figures engage in one-on-one conversations, and festivalgoers participate in literary-themed activities.

New York

May 16-18: Gold Coast Book Fair—Oyster Bay

• • Promoting literacy, community engagement, and the arts, this festival offers a unique opportunity to showcase Long Island’s literary heritage and support the growth of local businesses and cultural institutions.

North Carolina

May 17: Queen City Book Fair—Charlotte

• • Explore a wide variety of books from different genres, discover hidden gems, and meet talented authors who will be present to sign copies of their work.

May 26-30: Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference—Ridgecrest

• • A spirit-filled environment where writers can move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs.

Pennsylvania

May 31: Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books—Pittsburgh

• Readers, writers, booksellers, publishers, critics, educators, and neighbors will connect with, learn from, and support one another. Offers free, diverse programming featuring nationally recognized authors.

Vermont

May 16-18: Bookstock Festival of Words—Woodstock

• • Expect speakers, author signings, live music, workshops, exhibits, special events and a huge tent sale of used & rare books.

JUNE

California

June 11-14: FreedomFest—Palm Springs

• • A conference/festival combination that includes world-renowned speakers on geo-politics, lunch with finance experts, coffee break author book signing events, movies, and live music, all in the name of liberty.

Colorado

June 6-13: Lit Fest—Denver

• • An eight-day celebration of writers and readers, with weeklong and weekend advanced workshops, craft seminars, readings, business panels, agent meetings, and parties.

Connecticut

June 12-15: StokerCon—Stamford

• • A long-celebrated convention for authors of the horror genre, this is an all-inclusive event where writers of all the many subgenres of the horror world meet to share ideas, pitch their new projects, and revel in their weirdness.

Indiana

June 5-8: Indiana University Writers' Conference—Bloomington

• • The conference invites gifted writers of fiction, poetry and nonfiction to teach workshops and craft classes over the course of four days. Students are invited to lunch talks where the faculty discuss their publishing experiences and answer questions from attendees.

Maryland

June 7: Chesapeake Children's Book Festival—Easton

• • A one-day, rain or shine, free event that celebrates children and the joy of reading. Some authors will give readings from their books and there will be crafts, displays, entertainment, and giveaways.

June 19-20: The Write Women Book Fest—Bowie

• • Created to lift up and amplify women authors and publishing professionals, the festival welcomes all literary organizations and publishing professionals that are either owned or run by women or believe in lifting up women publishing professionals. 

Massachusetts

June 12-15: Nantucket Book Festival—Nantucket

• • An annual celebration of the literary arts that brings together authors, book lovers, and storytellers with a captivating lineup of author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and book signings.

Michigan

June 7: Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention—Detroit

• • An annual book event devoted to urban literature and culture where you can meet with authors, especially those who specialize in urban literature; visit vendor booths, listen to live music, and enjoy street food.

Minnesota

June 7: Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) FallCon—Falcon Heights

• • Works to promote, through events open to the general public: the education, cultural influence, and significance of comics as an art form, with emphasis on local contributions to the past and current comic book industry.

June 27-29: Midwest Bookish Fest 2025—Minneapolis

• • With a goal of supporting both indie and traditional authors, this festival run entirely by book lovers aims to be fun, inclusive, diverse, unique, and more than just a signing event. 

New Jersey

June 7: IABX Children's Book Festival—Roselle

• • This event offers a space for families and educators to encourage the love of reading in kids. Network with authors, engage with book lovers, showcase your books, and discover vendors for young readers. 

New York

June 14: Schomburg Centennial Festival—Harlem, NYC

• • A new-ish and exciting literary festival in Harlem, built on the foundation created by Arturo Schomburg—encouraging freedom of thought, the relentless pursuit of Black history, and the engagement of our imagination towards collective freedom.

June 17-21: Thrillerfest XX—New York City

• • The annual conference of the International Thriller Writers. This unique, popular, and rapidly expanding organization brings together thousands of writers, readers, publishers, producers, editors, and agents to promote and support thriller authors everywhere.

June 21: Bronx Book Festival—The Bronx

• • An annual celebration devoted to books, reading, and the Bronx itself. Begins with Literacy Day, then moves on to Annual Educator Day, then a kickoff party, and closes with Festival Day.

Ohio

June 18-21: Reader & Author Get Together—Cincinnati

• • A fan-friendly event meant for readers and open to everyone, with around 100 authors, editors, agents, publishers, and other industry professionals.

June 19: Beyond the Read Author Event—Columbus

• • A multi-genre author signing event where authors, vendors, narrators, cover models and attendees all come together for a weekend of fun.

Pennsylvania

June 26-30: ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition—Philadelphia

• • This book conference brings together library professionals, educators, authors, and publishers every year, with a focus on special programming for library professionals.

South Dakota

June 14: Wild Deadwood Reads—Deadwood

• • Celebrating literature and bringing together authors, readers, and book enthusiasts, this event features a wide range of genres, from romance and historical fiction to children’s books and thrillers.

Texas

June 21: Kiss and Tell Book Event—Dallas

• • Avid readers and friends come together to bring the book world to their neighborhood. A one-day event at which readers can meet some of their favorite authors and hang out with cool people while doing it.

Washington, D.C. 

June 6-7: The Imaginarium Book Festival—Washington, D.C.

• • Providing a safe space for diverse storytellers and equally diverse readers, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or culture, this festival seeks to spotlight books and writers in the SFF, speculative fiction, and paranormal genres.

    

JULY

Virtual Event

July 10-12: RSJ Virtual Romance Book Con

• • A three-day online event celebrating diversity in romance with authors, readers, and publishers. A Highlight of the event is the Registration Gift Box shipped directly to attendees with free books.
    

Arizona

July 19: Payson Book Festival—Payson

• • Brought to you by the Rim Country Chapter of Arizona Professional Writers (APW), this event features appearances by authors from Rim Country and around Arizona. Also features book signings, projects for the kids,  live music, and food.

California

July 24-27: San Diego Comic-Con—San Diego

• • The premier event for all things comics and related popular arts including movies, television, books, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more. 

Georgia

July 31-August 2: Black Writers Weekend—Atlanta

• • A one-of-a-kind gathering that connects fans and readers intimately with beloved authors, esteemed screenwriters, and luminaries from the worlds of film and TV. 

Louisiana

July 3-9: Essence Fest—New Orleans**

• • Immerse yourself into 20+ curated experiences that celebrate Black excellence in all its forms—from music and art to wellness, style, cuisine, and commerce. 

Maryland

July 19-20: The Write Women Book Fest 2025—Bowie

• A reader and author event focused on uplifting and amplifying the work of women and marginalized voices in publishing. 

Massachusetts

July 17-20: Readercon—Burlington

• • Although Readercon is modeled on general "science fiction conventions," it features a near-total focus on the written word. Features include panel discussions, author readings, and solo talks or workshops, plus kaffeeklatsches, autograph signings, and extracurricular activities. 

Michigan

July 20: Detroit Festival of Books—Detroit

• • The largest book festival in the state of Michigan, featuring vendors from all over the U.S. and Canada. Dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and the rich culture surrounding it.

Minnesota

July 20: #KidsLit is Lit Festival—Minneapolis

The festival is back, celebrating local children's book authors with live readings, book signings, and hands-on literary activities. Kids can meet their favorite authors, dive into fun storytelling sessions, and even create their own mini-books!

Ohio

July 12-13: Columbus Book Festival—Columbus

• • A free, two-day book fest featuring a lineup of 200+ national and Columbus-based authors, panel discussions, author talks, book signings, and more.

AUGUST

Georgia

August 1-3: National Book Club Conference—Atlanta

• • Places readers in an upscale, intimate environment with some of their favorite authors, and introduces attendees to new talent to add to their reading lists. The annual weekend consists of numerous book club meetings, panel discussions and other events that give readers facetime with authors.

Minnesota

August 9: Northwoods Art & Book Festival—Hackensack

• • The longest-running art and literature festival in the state is a tapestry of creativity and cultural celebration, showcasing original artwork, and books, in a lively atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and more.

New York

August 30: Harlem Book Fair—NYC

• • A legendary book fair in Harlem that gives voice to an expanding community of readers and writers. Always free to the public—always entertaining, enjoyable, informative, and self-affirming.

Oklahoma

August 29 - September 1: WriterCon—Oklahoma City

• • The annual conference is three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 80 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, and much more.

Tennessee

August 21-24: Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference—Franklin

• • For all crime genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, or romance elements—learn, present, meet agents and editors, sign books, mingle with forensic experts, and network.

Washington

August 30-31: Bumbershoot—Seattle

• • A multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing the best of comedy, dance, film, literary arts, music, performing arts, theatre, visual arts and more. Features active coffee houses and a book fair spotlighting literary artists.

SEPTEMBER

Florida

September 17-21: NINC 2025: THRIVE—St. Pete Beach**

• • The Novelists, Inc. conference brings together our members, who are all multi-published authors in traditional and/or indie publishing, with a wide variety of industry professionals and guest speakers for a unique experience of networking and high-level professional development.

Illinois

September 6-7: Printers Row Lit Fest—Chicago

• • The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest is a community-based celebration for book lovers presented by the not-for-profit Near South Planning Board. More than 100K visitors are expected over the two-day festival.

Kansas

September 20: Kansas Book Festival—Topeka

• • Designed to celebrate the best of Kansas literature, arts and history, this free festival offers a variety of activities, including meet-the-author sessions, panel discussions, book signings and sales, and a special tent with projects for children.

Louisiana

September 3-7: Bouchercon—New Orleans

• • "Blood on the Bayou: Case Closed" is the theme for 2025. Annual world mystery convention where readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a long weekend of education, entertainment, and fun.

Maryland

September 13-14: Baltimore Book Festival—Baltimore

• • Celebrates the city's rich literary history, vibrant present, and bright future by connecting readers and authors and making the literary arts more engaging, entertaining, relevant, and accessible for all Baltimoreans.

Michigan

September 26-28: Harbor Springs Festival of the Book—Harbors Springs

• • A three-day celebration of readers, writers, books, and the literary craft, featuring up to 50 nationally published authors and illustrators in sessions including such genres as fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, poetry, cookbook, and children's. 

Minnesota

September 5-7: Diversicon 32—Plymouth

• • Programming includes guest readings and/or presentations; the usual lively mix of panels and discussions on Sci-Fi in literary media, film, TV, and graphic arts; speculative science; alternative lifestyles; and—especially—multicultural Sci-Fi. 

September 13: Minnesota Children's Book Festival—Red Wing

• • This beloved event features presentations of new books by award-winning authors and illustrators writing for young readers through middle grade.

Mississippi

September 13: Mississippi Book Festival—Jackson

Free and open to all, the festival brings the written word to fun, festive life with authors, panel discussions, book signings, family-friendly activities, food trucks, live music, and more.

New York

September 21: Brooklyn Book Festival—Brooklyn

• • A literary celebration that includes readers, publishers, booksellers, and hundreds of authors.  More than 200 local, international, debut and iconic authors are presented in panel discussions and book-signings on outdoor stages and with partner venues in Downtown Brooklyn.

Washington, D.C.

September 6: Library of Congress National Book Festival—D.C.

• • An annual event that celebrates literature and literacy, bringing together authors, poets, illustrators, and readers for a day of book discussions, panels, and signings. 

Wisconsin

September 18-20: Washington Island Literary Festival—Washington Island

• • A moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island.

OCTOBER

California

October 9-25: Litquake—San Francisco

• • Litquake’s diverse live programs aim to inspire critical engagement with the key issues of the day, bring people together around the common humanity encapsulated in literature, and perpetuate a sense of literary community by providing a vibrant forum for Bay Area writing. 

Florida

October 23-25: Orlando 2025 Romantasy BookCon and Midnight Masquerade —Orlando

• • An immersive 3-day romantasy book convention including favorite authors, bookish vendors, a masquerade ball, themed games and activities.

Georgia

October 3-4: Decatur Book Festival—Decatur

• • One of the most beloved independent book festivals in the country, bringing together readers, authors, and literary enthusiasts for an inclusive celebration of books and ideas. 

Iowa

October 6-12: Iowa City Book Festival—Iowa City

• • A week-long, free, literary event organized by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature celebrating and supporting literature on local, regional, national, and international levels. Features author readings, panel discussions, and other literary programming.

Massachusetts

October 25: 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.
    

Minnesota

October 3: The Deep Valley Book Festival—Mankato

• • Connects readers and writers in a celebration of literature and literacy. This free family event features dozens of authors, illustrators, publishers, literary organizations, and hundreds of books.

October 3-5: Gaylaxicon 2025—Bloomington

• • A weekend of LGBTQ+ focused sci-fi, fantasy, and horror with professional guests, program panels, gaming, and more. 

October 12: Minnesota's First Annual STEM Book Festival—Minneapolis

• • A collaboration of The Thinking Spot, The Bakken Museum, and Minnesota Tech Network, this festival showcases STEM authors and experts across a variety of fields from Climate/Sustainability to Engineering to Math.

New York

October 2-5: Saratoga Book Festival—Saratoga Springs

• • A special event of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library featuring keynote author presentations from bestselling authors, panel discussions on hot topics, book signings, a literary marketplace, and much more.

October 9-12: NY Comicon—New York City

• • The East Coast’s largest pop culture convention, held annually at the Javits Center in New York City. It’s dedicated to comics, TV, movies, and more with panels, screenings, autograph sessions, and exclusive merchandise.

Tennessee

October 18-19: Southern Festival of Books—Nashville

• • Among the oldest literary festivals in the country, this free festival annually welcomes approximately 150 authors and 25,000 visitors each October. Includes performance stages, food trucks, and more than 60 publishers and booksellers. 

Texas

October 23-25: National Black Book Festival—Houston

• • An annual event, sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the largest online sources for African-American authors and literature. The event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide.

NOVEMBER

Florida

November 16-23: Miami Book Fair—Miami

• • For eight days in November, this fair transforms downtown Miami into a literary wonderland, hosting hundreds of critically acclaimed authors in three languages talking politics, pop culture, and all manner of impactful prose. 

Louisiana

November 1: Louisiana Book Festival—Baton Rouge

• • This free, annual event celebrates the love of books as well as authors from Louisiana and all over the world that are inspired by Louisiana.

Minnesota

• • A fandom/pop culture expo convention that includes some authors and comic book creators among its exhibitors and guests.

November 8: The Twin Cities Book Festival—St. Paul

• • The state's longest-running book festival will now bring publishers, magazines, lit groups, libraries, rare book dealers, authors, and book lovers together at the St. Paul train hub.

Nevada

November 3-7: Author Nation 2025—Las Vegas**

• • The world’s largest author conference and multi-genre reader event, uniting authors, industry leaders, and readers for five transformative days of learning, networking, and growth.

Oregon

November 8: Portland Book Festival—Portland

• • The festival is packed with on-stage author conversations, interviews, panels, pop-up readings, drop-in writing workshops, live music, an expanded book fair and—in true Portland fashion—food trucks parked outside on festival day. 

South Carolina

November 7-16: Charleston Literary Festival—Charleston

• • A boutique literary festival that offers attendees the opportunity to engage with renowned authors in unique settings and to contribute to conversations around outstanding books and ideas. Programming is carefully curated on the basis of literary and artistic excellence, originality, and critical acclaim.

Tennessee

November 21-22: WriterFest Nashville—Nashville**

• • A creative gathering for aspiring writers, published authors, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters. Attendees enjoy keynote talks by the best book, song, and screenplay writers in the business as well as in-depth break-out sessions with professional editors, literary agents, filmmakers, and music industry insiders.

Texas

November 8-9: Texas Book Festival—Austin

• • This festival is one of the nation's premier annual literary events. Hosted every fall in downtown Austin, it features over 250 authors of the year's best books and attracts 40,000 book lovers.

International Book Festivals & Events

APRIL

Canada

April 27-May 4: The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)—Brampton, Ontario

• • The festival includes panels, discussions, workshops, and interactive events that allow guests from across Canada and around the world to participate. 

Columbia

April 25-May 11: Bogota International Book Fair—Bogota

• • Promoting and encouraging the habit of reading, this event brings together a large group of book professionals, as well as thousands of visitors who love reading.

April 23-27: Eurasian International Book Fair—Nur-Sultan

• • The largest cultural and educational event in the Eurasian space aimed to unite professionals of publishing and related business from countries of Europe and Asia on one platform.

Oman

April 23-May 3: The Muscat International Book Fair—Muscat

• • According to the Arab Publishers Union, this fair is among the best 10 book fairs at the Arab level and one of the top three fairs at the Gulf level in terms of the number of visitors and publishers. Over 650 publishing houses from 27 Arab and foreign countries are taking part.

UAE

April 26-May 5: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair—Abu Dhabi

• • A creative, cultural event that gives publishers, authors, illustrators, and digital-service providers the chance to do business with their counterparts from around the world.

MAY

Australia

May 15-25: Melbourne Art Book Fair—Melbourne

• • Brings together local and international publishers, artists, and designers, fostering an exchange of ideas and collaboration between industry professionals and printed matter enthusiasts alike.

May 19-25: Sydney Writers’ Festival—Sydney

• • A festival for readers, writers, and thinkers to share ideas, tell stories, and celebrate literature for a week of fun and enlightening events.

Czech Republic

 May 15-18: Book World Prague (30^th Anniversary)—Prague

• • Celebrating the festival’s anniversary, this year will deal with the development of the literary world in the past three decades and discussions focused on the future of literature.

England

 May 2-11: Hexham Book Festival—Hexham

• • Features bestselling writers, thinkers, politicians, journalists, broadcasters, as well as up-and-coming writers and those from the North-East region.

May 8-18: Huddersfield Literature Festival—Huddersfield

• • Showcasing emerging writers and artists alongside major names, the festival offers a diverse program of author talks, workshops, discussion topics, performance poetry, multi-arts performances, and family friendly events.

Germany

May 30-June 1: Mainz Minipress Fair—Mayence

• • Dedicated to small publishers and artists’ books, this book fair showcases a wide range of literary works, including approximately 10,000 titles.

Greece

May 8-11: Thessaloniki Book Fair—Thessaloniki

• • Widely regarded as Greece’s most significant annual event for book enthusiasts and publishing professionals, the fair boasts an impressive lineup of activities, including themed events, literary meetings, a festival for young writers, a translation festival, and roundtables.

Iran

May 1-17: Tehran International Book Fair—Tehran

• • Millions of visitors visit the fair every year, including thousands of university students, scholars, and their families. The event currently serves as the most significant cultural event in Iran.

Poland

 May 15-18: Warsaw International Book Fair—Warsaw, Poland

• • One of the oldest fairs in Europe includes meetings with authors, book promotions, discussions, and much more.

Romania

May 1: Bookfest Bucuresti 2025—Bucharest

• • Romania's largest book fair and one of the world's largest book festivals. A five-day event featuring book launches, debates, seminars, film screenings, interactive events, and more. 

Singapore

May 22-25: Asian Festival of Children's Content—Singapore

• • The leading festival in Asia for children’s stories and young adult (YA) fiction. Targeted at writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, educators and media professionals. This year's country of focus is South Korea, due to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Singapore.

South Africa

May 16-18: Franschhoek Literary Festival—Cape Town

• • Focuses on presenting quality events that inspire, inform, and raise funds for local communities and school libraries. Includes literary and publishers’ dinners, book launches, and writing workshops.

May 24: Kingsmead College Book Fair—Johannesburg

• • More than just a marketplace for books, this is a space where people gather to share stories, build community, explore new ideas, and celebrate creativity. A place where people unite, captivated by the magic of books, immersed in the joy of reading and the beauty of literature.

Spain

May 30-June 15: Madrid Book Fair—Madrid

• • Presenting fiction and nonfiction writers, booksellers, publishers, and distributors, the fair features many activities, author meetups, conferences, workshops, and book signings.

Trinidad and Tobago

May 1-4: Bocas Literary Festival—Port of Spain

• • A lively celebration of books, writers, writing, and ideas, with a Caribbean focus and international scope. The Festival brings together readers and writers from Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the wider world for readings, performances, workshops, discussions, film screenings, and more.

Turkey

May 28 - June 1: Istanbul International Literature Festival—Istanbul

• • An international festival that brings together local and foreign writers and literary professionals with Turkish literature, cultural scenes in Turkey, and writers and publishers of the country, both in Istanbul and in many cities of Anatolia.

United Kingdom

May 23 - June 1: Derby Book Festival—Derby

• • The festival offers more than 100 book events with celebrated authors, including a series of one-off live events, as well as online activities. 

JUNE

Australia

June 20-22: Southside Book Fair—Canberra

• • A large gathering of book lovers comes together to enjoy a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, textbooks, and foreign language books.

Brazil

June 13-22: Bienal do Livro Rio—Rio De Janeiro

• • The biggest literary event in Brazil features topics on culture, literature, and education, with debates and interviews, in addition to cultural activities that promote reading.

Canada

June 7-8: Writers' Guild of Alberta Conference—Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Lethbridge, AB

• • A conference that gives writers the time and space to meet one another, share experiences and knowledge, meet with an editor to see if they're on the right track, and to grow professionally.

China

June 18-22: Beijing International Book Fair—Beijing

• • A large-scale international publishing exchange event covering books, digital, animation, and other industries.

England

June 18-22: Brighton Book Festival—Brighton

• • Brighton's annual book festival provides phenomenal programming with events covering everything from comedy, beauty, food and romance writing, to activism, social justice and amplifying refugee voices.

June 6-8: Books by the Beach—Scarborough

• • The festival brings bestselling authors to Scarborough from all diverse genres for everyone to enjoy.

Kenya

June 26-29: Nairobi Book Festival—Nairobi

Conceived in 2021,conceived in 2021, this festival has quickly become a highlight on the international literary stage, celebrating free expression and cultural exchange. 

Scottish Borders

June 12-15: Borders Book Festival—Melrose

• • Featuring more than just books, the festival now includes health and wellbeing classes, film, opera, comedy, workshops, theater, and fine food and drink.

South Korea

• • Connects those who make books with those who read them, bringing together publishers, writers, scholars, artists, editors, and readers, with the purpose of sharing knowledge and information. 

Spain

June 5-8: Jaipur Literary Festival—Valladolid

• • The energy, substance and vigor of the iconic JLF comes to Europe, uniting writers, poets, and thinkers from two flourishing cultures in a dynamic literary, artistic, and linguistic dialogue in both English and Spanish.

AUGUST

Scotland

August 9-24: Edinburgh International Book Festival—Edinburgh

• • Visitors are invited to engage with the world’s greatest and emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Events include on-stage conversations, workshops, creative masterclasses, think tanks, and more, all informed by a culture of open dialogue.

SEPTEMBER

Australia

September 26-28: Lifeline Canberra: EPIC Bookfair—Canberra

• • A large gathering of book lovers comes together to enjoy a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, textbooks, and foreign language books.

Kenya

September 19-21: Macondo Literary Festival—Nairobi

• • Revolves around bringing diverse voices from all over the globe with writing centered around a specific topic. This years theme is "Chronicles and Currents".

2026 U.S. Book Festivals & Events 

JANUARY

Florida

January 8-11: Key West Literary Seminar—Key West

• • A four-day literary celebration that explores the theme of the novel this year. Brings together acclaimed writers who share how the ties that bind shape the stories we tell.

January 24: JAX Urban Book Festival—Jacksonville

• • Features author interviews, book signings, networking, kids’ activities with free books, and a silent auction.

 January (TBD): Sunshine State Book Festival—Gainesville

• • Authors from around Florida and the nation gather to talk about their writing, sell, and sign books. Includes a panel discussion, story time for kids, and more. It's recommended to check the Writers Alliance of Gainesville website closer to the event for the most up-to-date information.

New Jersey

 January 16-19: Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway—Galloway

• • A participant-focused writers’ conference. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback, and an encouraging community. 

New Mexico

January (TBD): Albuquerque Comic Con—Albuquerque

• • New Mexico's premiere pop culture event, combining the brightest Comic and Media talent for the weekend. Organizers plan to make Albuquerque Comic Con 2026 even bigger, promising more celebrity guests, a larger cosplay contest, and new interactive experiences.

New York

January (TBD): Biographers International Organization (BIO) Biography Lab—New York City

• • ONLINE—Features panels on current issues in biography and the craft of biography, including discussions on building suspense, getting into print, Black women's biography, and much more.

FEBRUARY

Alabama

February (TBD): Murder in the Magic City—Birmingham

• • A mystery conference for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels, consisting of panel discussions and presentations by Guests of Honor. 

February 26-28: Monroeville Literary Festival—Monroeville

• • Discover new authors, celebrate favorite writers and share great times with others who love Southern literature in the courtroom made famous by To Kill a Mockingbird.

California

 February 26-March 1: Left Coast Crime—San Francisco

• • An annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, where readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans can gather to pursue their mutual interests.

February 26-28: Romantasy Book Con—Los Angeles

• • An immersive three-day event with 200+ authors and bookish vendors. Includes book signings, workshops, panels, custom cocktails, cosplay, raffles, a professional murder mystery performance, the signature Realm of Romantasy, and a Midnight Masquerade Ball.

Florida

February 5-8: F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival—Daytona Beach

• • More than 40 authors and editors convene to discuss their books and upcoming projects, and to share insight and wisdom related to their craft.The African American Children's Book Fair

Georgia

February 5-8: Savannah Book Festival—Savannah

• • A four-day festival in Savannah’s Historic District in celebration of the written word and its role in improving the human experience. Authors with a book published within the calendar year of the Festival are invited to give 30-minute solo presentations and host book signings. Submissions for the 2026 Festival are open. 

February 13-15: Love Y'all Romance Book Fest—Atlanta

• • An annual celebration of romance, featuring 80 authors, two days of panels and signings, and exclusive author experiences. 

Kentucky

February (TBD): Kentucky Women's Book Festival—Louisville

• • Brings together Kentucky women, femme writers, and their readers to meet, discuss, and share their love and appreciation of the written word.

Michigan

February (TBD): Black History Book Fair w/The Indie Authors—Wayne

• • Detroit Book City, in partnership with Party with a Tee, hosts its 3rd Annual Black History Month Book Fair w/ The Indie Authors. Residents and businesses in the Wayne area are welcome.

Pennsylvania

February 7: African American Children's Book Fair—Philadelphia

• One of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s books in the country. It features nationally known bestselling authors and illustrators, many of whom have won some of the most prestigious literary awards.

February 23-26: 21st Annual Winter Institute (Wi2026)—Pittsburgh

• • ABA’s premiere four-day annual industry conference features educational programming for indie bookstores, as well as a pilot BIPOC bookseller pre-conference, keynote talks, author receptions, publisher parties, and dedicated time to network with booksellers, authors, and publishers from around the country. 

Texas

February (TBD): Bookworm Book Festival for Young Readers—Houston

• • A free bilingual book festival that celebrates emerging readers and those who create books for them. 

February 13-16: Little BIPOC Book Fest—Houston

• • The Little Fest is for children ages 3 to 10. A celebration centered on underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works that feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other creatives of marginalized communities.

February 28: San Antonio African American Book Festival—San Antonio

• • A festival committed to celebrating the power of Black literature, reinforcing the fact that representation matters, and encouraging black economics.

February (TBD): 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.

Virginia

February (TBD): Williamsburg Book Festival—Williamsburg

Connect directly with hundreds of passionate book lovers and potential readers who are eager to discover new voices and stories. Festival features 40+ nationally and regionally renowned authors, workshops, panels, and presentations.

MARCH

Arizona

March 13-14: Tucson Festival of Books—Tucson

• • A community-wide celebration of literature that aims to improve literacy rates among children and adults. Proceeds that remain after festival expenses are contributed to local literacy programs.

California

March 6-8: The Dreamers & Readers Festival—Dallas

• • Indulge your senses in an array of fantastical delights, from exquisite costumes to mesmerizing entertainment, as you traverse between realms and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us at The Dreamers & Readers Festival for a weekend of unparalleled enchantment, where the magic of fantasy awaits at every turn.

March 28-30: WonderCon—Anaheim

• • Held by the Comic-Con International company, this event takes place every year and offers a variety of comics, original art, toys, and comics-related merchandise.

Florida

March 7: Southwest Florida Reading Festival—Fort Myers

• • A free event presented by the Lee County Library System to promote reading, literacy, and library services. Features author presentations, book signings, writing awards, and family fun.

 March (TBD): Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival—Venice

• • A unique event featuring writing and publishing workshops, and a special day when local and national authors sell and sign books in a beautiful downtown park.

March (TBD) Books by the Bay Fest—Pensacola

• • Celebrating the magic of storytelling and the written word, this is a haven for book enthusiasts of all ages featuring author signings, vendor booths, and presentations by bestselling, regional, and international authors.

Georgia

March 7: Dahlonega Literary Festival —Dahlonega

• • An annual celebration of books and authors held in historic downtown Dahlonega, featuring authors from a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres.

Iowa

March (TBD): DSM Book Festival—Des Moines

• • Connecting people who love books with people who create them, this festival features nationally acclaimed authors, book club-style discussions led by featured commentators, lively panel discussions, hands-on activities, and more.

Louisana

March 25-29: Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival—New Orleans

• • More than just a book festival, TWFest includes writing workshops, culinary and cocktail events, theatre events, music events, and a special focus on the history and culture of New Orleans.

 March (TBD): New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University—New Orleans

• • The festival aims to support and nurture a literary community by connecting readers of all ages and backgrounds with local and national authors through experiences that celebrate the power of literacy and ideas.

Maryland

March 4-7: AWP Conference & Bookfair—Baltimore

• • An essential gathering for thousands of attendees to explore hundreds of events and exhibitors and immerse in four days of vital literary community and celebration.

March (TBD): Lexington Book Festival—Lexington

• • Connects readers and writers, aiming to develop a passion for literature in readers of all ages. It’s a nonprofit that celebrates the power of books and introduces fiction and nonfiction writers to the local community.

Pennsylvania

March 26-30: Lehigh Valley Book Festival—Lehigh

• • A celebration of books and the connections they forge—bringing published authors, illustrators, and readers through thoughtful, approachable, and inclusive programming.

Tennessee

March (TBD): Rose Glen Literary Festival/Appalachian WordFest —Sevierville

• • This one-day event brings together authors, young poets, publishers, and book lovers to celebrate the words and creativity emerging from the Appalachian Mountains.

Texas

March 7: North Texas Teen Book Festival—Irving

• • Features more than 42 panels throughout the day, in which favorite authors speak and answer audience questions. Each panel is thematically connected and loads of fun.

Virginia

March (TBD): Suffolk Authors Festival—Suffolk

• • Previously known as the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, this event gives attendees the opportunity to connect with their favorite bestselling authors and up-and-coming writers, attend meet and greets, and buy and sell books.

 March 19-22: Virginia Festival of the Book—Charlottesville

• • The festival brings together writers and readers from across the nation to emphasize and celebrate the Virginia Center for the Book’s mission and Virginia Humanities’ vision. Their focus remains on accessibility and diversity and features a range of events for all, with many free and open to the public.

APRIL

April 10: Children’s Literature Festival—Redlands

• • Brings together educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, illustrators, editors, and those interested in children’s literature for a unique combination of full conference and small group sessions.

2026 International Book Festivals & Events

JANUARY

Canada

January 16-18: North Island Writers Conference—Courtenay, BC

• • Co-hosted by the Comox Valley Writers Society and North Island College, the conference features a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for writers of all levels.

Egypt

January 24-February 6: Cairo International Book Fair—Cairo

• • Organized by the Egyptian General Book Organization, this iconic event gathers book lovers, authors, and publishers from around the globe to celebrate the written word.

France

 January 29-February 1: Angoulême International Comic Books Festival—Angouleme

• • Featuring workshops, master classes, meetings, and professional discussions, the festival’s events and the various exhibitions attract, each year, thousands of amateurs as well as comic-arts publishers and distributors, producers, authors, and agents.

India

January 10-18: New Delhi World Book Fair—New Delhi

• • Offers exhibitors a unique opportunity for business with this growing industry. It’s also an ideal venue for promoting titles, co-publication arrangements, and trade, opening a gateway to the publishing and intellectual world of India.

January (TBD): Chennai International Book Fair—Chennai

• • Set to attract an audience of publishers, authors, literary agents, educators, librarians, researchers, students, illustrators, and aspiring writers from around the world. Features a diverse range of activities such as conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and more.

January-February (TBD): Kolkata Book Fair—Kolkata

• • Asia's largest literary event brings together global literature and rich cultural experiences to celebrate books, authors, and diverse cultural activities in Kolkata.

Turkey

January (TBD): Çukurova Book Fair—Adana

• • Meet authors from the region, receive special discounts and campaigns from many publishing houses, attend workshops and theater performances, and other fun activities.

FEBRUARY

 February 12-22: Havana Book Fair—Havana

• • Features book vendors, book presentations, poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, and evening concerts.

February - March (TBD): Vilnius Book Fair—Vilnius

• • Promoting and celebrating reading, this event invites visitors to meetings with writers, book presentations, discussions, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and other cultural activities.

Norway

February (TBD): LitFestBergen—Bergen

• • Characterized by literary, linguistic, cultural and geographic diversity, the festival provides the chance for participants to meet authors from around the world and acquire insights into literary works that address the important questions of interest to all.

Pakistan

 February 4-8: Lahore International Book Fair—Lahore

• • Around 165 publishers and educational organizations set up stalls here on a variety of topics including Islam, computer and information technology, medical sciences, literature, law, and more.

Spain

February (TBD): Barcelona Crime Novel Festival (BCNegra)—Barcelona

• • Features a selection of great crime novel writers who participate in round tables and debates during which the public will be able to learn about their favorite authors.

Taiwan

 February (TBD): Taipei International Book Exhibition—Taipei

• • TIBE is a leading book fair that showcases the Asian market, featuring more than 364 publishing houses, 31 countries, and 61 professional rights meetings, in addition to a professional networking event.

MARCH

Belgium

March (TBD): Brussels Book Fair—Brussels

• • A nonprofit event promoting books and reading to all audiences, with 250+ exhibitors, 500 publishing houses, and 1,200 authors in meetings and dedications.

England

 March 10-12: London Book Fair—London

• • The global publishing community unites to develop relationships, gain insights, and define the future of creative content. From publishers, dealmakers, copyright pros, commissioners and global licensers—the entire publishing industry is represented.

Germany

 March 7-8: Buchmesse im Ried—Hesse

• • A supraregional event about books and literature in which readers can get in touch with authors, browse books, visit publisher and bookstore booths, and attend readings and lectures.

March 19-22: Leipzig Book Fair—Leipzig

• • Connecting readers with authors, publishers, and media companies from Germany and around the world. Presents the spring’s new releases, current themes, and trends.

Poland

March 6-8: Poznań Book Fair— Poznań

• • A festival of literature and art, featuring a whole range of publishers in one place—both the largest and well-known as well as niche publishing by authors from Poland and abroad.

Switzerland

March (TBD): Geneva Book Fair—Geneva

• • The only book fair in Switzerland brings together nearly 350 exhibitors from all over the French-speaking world. Readers, publishers, writers, and booksellers get to meet up in exchange for knowledge and contacts in a friendly environment.

APRIL

Italy

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.

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

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