Book Events: Fairs, Festivals, and Conferences (2021 and 2022)
Visit our Photo Gallery, Events Archives, and AALBC’s Events.
A printable list of these events. To add an event to our this list, share the event’s information on the Press Release area of our discussion forum, or complete our form to add a Book Festival or Fair to our Calendar.
Note: As a result of the global pandemic, please check the event’s official website for postponements, cancellations, conversion to virtual events.
63 Events Coming Up
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Curtis Hixon Park
600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, Florida, Tampa, Florida
Hosted by: Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Inc.
Date: January 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Phone: 888-224-1733 ext. 3143
Email: programs@tampablackheritage.org
Description:
The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival is an annual, cultural arts & music festival that takes place over the course of 10 days in Tampa Bay, Florida. They host an Author Village for two days during an outdorr festival. Check out AALBC.com’s coverage of the Author Village in 2017
Learn more about Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival
Diggi Palace Jaipur
Hosted by: Sanjoy K. Roy, Festival Producer
Date: January 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival
Email: info@teamworkarts.com
Description:
Described as the “greatest literary show on Earth,” the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival is a sumptuous feast of ideas.
Learn more about ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Sunshine State Book Festival
SFC Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St
Gainesville, FL 32606
3000 NW 83rd St Gainesville, FL 32606, Gainesville, Florida
Hosted by: Writers Alliance of Gainesville
Date: January 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Sunshine State Book Festival
Email: SunshineStateBookFestival@writersalliance.org
Description:
“Bringing Readers and Writers Together” for three days of literary enrichment with over 75 authors, 6 nationally recognized speakers, and a literary heritage tour of sites where Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, William Bartram, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings lived and wrote in the area.
Learn more about Sunshine State Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
ALA Midwinter Meeting
Hosted by: American Library Association
Dates: Friday, January 22, 2021 to Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Website: ALA Midwinter Meeting
Description:
ALA Annual Conference is the premier global library event each year, bringing together the newsmakers, innovators, thought leaders, and influencers in the library field, from all over the world. News is made at these events, where important announcements are made, updates are shared, relevant legislation and policy are addressed, and discussions take place that have a major impact on libraries, their role, and their ongoing transformation. This event trends nationally on Twitter and are extensively covered in the media.
Learn more about ALA Midwinter Meeting on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Rancho Mirage Writers Festival
71-100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage, California
Dates: Friday, January 29, 2021 to Sunday, January 31, 2021
Website: Rancho Mirage Writers Festival
Email: info@rmwritersfest.org
Description:
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a world class gathering of writers, thinkers, and people contributing to the intellectual vitality of our time — “Coachella for the brain.”
Learn more about Rancho Mirage Writers Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival
Midtown Cultural and Educational Center
925 George W. Engram Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida
Hosted by: Donna M. Gray-Banks, Founder & Director
Dates: Thursday, January 13, 2022 to Saturday, January 15, 2022
Website: F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival
Email: freshbookfestivals@gmail.com
Price: $5
Description:
Teachers and students with ID are free. Seniors are free.
This book festival actually cover three days and features a film festival and author meet and greet in addition to the fair. The F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival was developed to assist young inspiring authors with their marketing and to introduce them to veterans of the book business at the festival.
Learn more about F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
The Hampton Roads Indie Author Book Festival
Family Life Center 1 Redheart Drive, Hampton, VA 23661
1 Redheart Drive, Hampton, VA 23661, Hampton, Virginia
Hosted by: Words to Ponder Publishing Company
Date: February 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: The Hampton Roads Indie Author Book Festival
Phone: 757-751-0953
Email: HRIndieauthor2019@gmail.com
Description:
Upon returning from an out of state book festival, Florenza Denise Lee wondered what would be required to have her very own book festival in her neck of the woods. This internal dialogue lead to the creation of, The Hampton Roads Indie Author Book Festival and Fundraiser. Wanting to pay life forward, she selected REACH, Inc. (Reading Enriches All Children) a 501(c)3 organization that provides literacy programs for homeless and at-risk children in Hampton Roads.
Learn more about The Hampton Roads Indie Author Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Detroit Book City
Northwest Activities Center
18100 Meyers Road, Detroit, Michigan
Hosted by: Janeice R. Haynes
Date: February 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Detroit Book City
Phone: 248-993-3844
Description:
Detroit Book City: African-American Family Book Expo is an exciting one-day event is designed to preserve literacy in our community — at the family level. Enjoy a winter afternoon with over 60 talented, Black Indie Authors of adult & children books.
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Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival
Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center
101 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia
Hosted by: Elegba Folklore Society
Dates: Saturday, February 27, 2021 to Sunday, February 28, 2021
Website: Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival
Phone: 804-644-3900
Email: story1@efsinc.org
Description:
The Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival is a vast display of literature is featured including topics like black history, politics, science, health, African Diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels and children’s books. The public is invited to meet authors, hear their talks and browse and buy books to complement personal collections.
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Virginia Festival of the Book
145 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, Charlottesville, Virginia
Hosted by: Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Virginia Festival of the Book
Phone: 434 924-7548
Email: vabook@virginia.edu
Description:
Produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH), the largest of the 56 state (and territory) humanities councils, the Festival is a program of the Virginia Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors. An abbreviated list of past participants includes Rick Atkinson, Edward Ayers, David Baldacci, Maureen Corrigan, Edwidge Danticat, Kate DiCamillo, Rita Dove, Alan Furst, John Grisham, Jan Karon, Jim Lehrer, Frances Mayes, Colum McCann, David McCullough, Alice McDermott, Katherine Paterson, Jon Scieszka, Lisa Scottoline, Pete Seeger, Karin Slaughter, Alexander McCall Smith, Lee Smith, Bryan Stevenson, Elizabeth Strout, Judith Viorst, and Charles Wright. A more complete list of past participants can be seen here.
Programs range from traditional author readings and book signings to children’s programs and hands-on workshops. All programs are open to the public and, with the exception of a few ticketed events, the majority of Festival programs are free to attend.
Learn more about Virginia Festival of the Book on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Black Writers On Tour
Carson Community Center
801 E. Carson Street, Carson, California 90746 , Los Angeles, California
Hosted by: Dr. Rosie
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Black Writers On Tour
Email: drrosie@aol.com
Description:
Purpose: To promote literacy awareness, to give exposure to African-American authors, writers, and to motivate, and develop aspiring new writers and authors. To showcase Black Businesses, provide exposure and to increase their sales.
Learn more about Black Writers On Tour on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Paris Book Fair
Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 1
Hosted by: Syndicat National de l’Édition
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Paris Book Fair
Email: jai1question@livreparis.com
Description:
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Southwest Florida Reading Festival
Fort Myers Regional Library Campus
1651 Lee St, Fort Myers, Florida
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Southwest Florida Reading Festival
Email: mbyers@leegov.org
Description:
There really is something for all ages to experience at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Everyone enjoys the multiple stages with the celebrity authors who share ‘inside scoop’ about their latest books or what makes a story idea click for them. You will be able to buy books and have the authors personalize and sign them too! You’ll find our numerous book and educational vendors offering the latest in services and new ideas. Kids will be mesmerized by the storytellers.
Learn more about Southwest Florida Reading Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Tucson Festival of Books
University of Arizona Campus
Hosted by: John Humenik
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Tucson Festival of Books
Email: chairman@tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Description:
The Tucson Festival of Books debuted March 14-15, 2009, on the campus of The University of Arizona. The Festival featured 450 authors and presenters and welcomed 50,000 regional visitors, all made possible with generous support from our sponsors and the energetic goodwill of 800 volunteers.
Learn more about Tucson Festival of Books on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
New York Antiquarian Book Fair
Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue (bet 66th and 67th streets), New York, 10065, New York, New York
Hosted by: Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America & International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (sanctioned by)
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: New York Antiquarian Book Fair
Phone: 212.777.5218
Email: info@sanfordsmith.com
Description:
2020 is the 60th Year
This book fair is officially sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. The consumer can rely upon the experience and professionalism of participating dealers and the authenticity of the items available for purchase. All books, manuscripts and related material have been carefully examined for completeness and bibliographic accuracy.
Learn more about New York Antiquarian Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival
Blalock Park
Hosted by: Pam Johnson
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival
Email: info@venicebookfair.com
Description:
The Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival is a small, unique program hosting writers teaching writers on Friday night, and authors selling and signing their books to the public on Saturday. All proceeds from the Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival go to Venice Heritage Inc., the 501(c) 3 fundraising arm of two historic sites in Venice, the Lord-Higel House, currently under restoration, and the Venice Museum and Archives expansion project.
Learn more about Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Children’s Africana Book Awards Festival
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia
Hosted by: Africa Access
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Children’s Africana Book Awards Festival
Email: africaaccess@aol.com
Description:
children can learn to spin a yarn and weave a story, based on tales from Ghana, Morocco and Ivory Coast. A panel of Current and past CABA winners CABA authors/illustrators is featured from 11:30 – 12:30. Current and past CABA winners will be signing their books after the panel discussion. The museum is also opening its newest exhibit, Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts. The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about Children’s Africana Book Awards Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
North Texas Teen Book Festival
Irving Convention Center
500 W. LAS COLINAS BLVD. Irving Texas, 75039, Irving, Texas
Date: March 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: North Texas Teen Book Festival
Email: info@nttbf.org
Description:
The North Texas Teen Book Festival strives to connect our reading community, adding dimension to the reading experience through diverse author panels and dynamic discussions in a safe and fun environment.
Learn more about North Texas Teen Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
London Book Fair
Olympia London
Hammersmith Rd, London, United Kingdom
Hosted by: Reed Exhibitions Limited
Dates: Monday, March 9, 2020 to Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Website: London Book Fair
Email: lbf.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk
Description:
The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Next year, the Fair will take place in April at Olympia, West London, covering all aspects of the publishing industry.
Learn more about London Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
AWP Conference
Kansas City Convention Center
Dates: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 to Saturday, March 6, 2021
Website: AWP Conference
Phone: 301-226-9716
Email: events@awpwriter.org
Description:
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The book fair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP is now the largest literary conference in North America.
Learn more about AWP Conference on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Dahlonega Literary Festival
Historic Square of Dahlonega, GA
Hosted by: Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition
Dates: Friday, March 5, 2021 to Saturday, March 6, 2021
Website: Dahlonega Literary Festival
Email: info@savannahbookfestival.org
Description:
The Dahlonega Literary Festival is an annual celebration of books that takes place in March. Situated in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, the festival continues to grow and become more delightful as the years go on. Ours is an intimate festival about books and authors with a mission to promote interaction between readers and writers in a relaxed, informal environment. Visitors have an opportunity to meet and interact with the authors. In addition to attending speaking events and book signings, attendees can have lunch with their favorite authors at a local restaurant.
Past featured authors include: Frances Mayes, Diana Gabaldon, Terry Kay, Deanna Raybourn, Joshilyn Jackson, and many more. Where else can you see, have conversations with, and even dine with bestselling authors while surrounded by the beautiful North Georgia Mountains.
Learn more about Dahlonega Literary Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Southern Kentucky Bookfest
Dates: Friday, March 26, 2021 to Saturday, March 27, 2021
Website: Southern Kentucky Bookfest
Email: sokybookfest@wku.edu
Description:
The Southern Kentucky Book Fest is one of the state’s largest literary events. Held in Bowling Green, Kentucky each April, Book Fest draws thousands of readers of all ages who welcome the occasion to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their books.
The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership consists of Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Warren County Public Library, and WKU Libraries. These entities collaborate throughout the year on a variety of literary events designed to fulfill the mission of the partnership: to encourage reading and the love of books, and to be a positive force in promoting literacy in our region and state.
Learn more about Southern Kentucky Bookfest on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium
Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Ave., Founders Auditorium, Brooklyn, NY 11225, Brooklyn, New York
Hosted by: Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021
Time: 11 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Website: National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium
Phone: 718-804-8883
Email: writers@mec.cuny.edu
Description:
The 2021 Biennial Symposium will be Held via Zoom
Purchase the Books by the Authors Featured in this Symposium
The 2021 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium, “They Cried I Am: The Life and Work of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams, Unsung Black Literary Voices,” will celebrate the life and works of the late Paule Marshall and John A. Williams.
Featured program highlights will include a keynote address, roundtable discussions, and dramatic readings. Confirmed speakers include Carole Boyce-Davies, Edwidge Danticat, Keith Gilyard, Maryemma Graham, Michael Anthony Green, Lawrence Jackson, Evan Marshall, Liza Jessie Peterson, Ishmael Reed, Linda Villarosa, Mary Helen Washington, and Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch.
Learn more about National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Alabama Book Festival
Old Alabama Town, in Downtown Montgomery
301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 , Montgomery, Alabama
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Alabama Book Festival
Phone: 888-240-1850
Email: alabamabookfestival@gmail.com
Description:
With over lots of authors, vendors and exhibitors, this free public event is the state’s premier literary event. Thousands of people from around the state and the Southeast gather at the festival each year to meet their favorite authors and scholars. A fun activity area for children makes this a day of fun for the entire family!
Learn more about Alabama Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Newburyport Literary Festival
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Newburyport Literary Festival
Email: events@newburyportliteraryfestival.org
Description:
Newburyport is located at the mouth of the Merrimack River, in the far northeast corner of Massachusetts. It is 35 miles north of Boston and 18 miles south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Learn more about Newburyport Literary Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Oxford Conference for the Book
Hosted by: Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Oxford Conference for the Book
Phone: 662.915.3374
Email: jgthomas@olemiss.edu
Description:
The Oxford Conference for the Book brings together fiction and nonfiction writers, journalists, poets, publishers, teachers, and students for three days of readings, lectures, panels, workshops, and social events that celebrate the written word.
Learn more about Oxford Conference for the Book on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Ohioana Book Festival
Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square
75 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215, Columbus, Ohio
Hosted by: The Ohioana Library Association
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Ohioana Book Festival
Phone: 614.466.3831
Email: ohioana@ohioana.org
Description:
Since its inception in 2007, the Ohioana Book Festival has given readers the opportunity to connect with their favorite Ohio writers. Held each spring, the Festival welcomes roughly 100 authors and more than 3,000 visitors every year.
Learn more about Ohioana Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Hosted by: Alscess Lewis-Brown
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair
Phone: 340-692-4152
Email: abrown@uvi.edu
Description:
The second annual Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair was held in April of 2016 with events highlighting and celebrating literature’s role in culture and society. World-renowned author Salman Rushdie will be this year’s keynote speaker. Other highlighted guests include authors Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Nunez and Earl Lovelace. See our Announcements page for updates and a list of featured authors.
Learn more about Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)
Various Locations
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)
Email: info@thefoldcanada.org
Description:
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) celebrates diversity in literature by promoting diverse authors and stories in Brampton, Ontario—one of Canada&rsquos most culturally diverse cities.
Learn more about The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
San Antonio Book Festival
Central Library and the Majestic Theatre
600 Soledad Street, San Antonio, Texas
Hosted by: The San Antonio Library Foundation
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: San Antonio Book Festival
Phone: 210.225.4728
Email: information@saplf.org
Description:
The Festival is a day-long event that unites readers and writers alike. Author presentations are held indoors while outdoors the Festival grounds are active with book sales, signings, children’s story time and learning projects, family activities, and a technology area. Food trucks offer a variety of eats; special tents feature live music and recipe demonstrations by cookbook authors. The large Festival Marketplace offers a lively setting for booksellers, publishers, literary-minded nonprofits, and local artists and craftmakers.
Learn more about San Antonio Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Annapolis Book Festival
The Key School
534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403, Annapolis, Maryland
Hosted by: The Key School
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Annapolis Book Festival
Phone: 410-263-9231
Description:
The Annapolis Book Festival is one of the premier community events in the region. Every year more than 3,000 people attend this free community Festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word. The Annapolis Book Festival brings nationally renowned authors to The Key School in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss their books and the craft of writing. The Festival also features children's activities, live music, refreshments, and new and used book sales.
Learn more about Annapolis Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
OE Book Fair
Oxford Exchange
420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: OE Book Fair
Phone: 813-253-0222
Email: info@oxfordexchange.com
Description:
“It is our mission at Oxford Exchange to continually foster human engagement, spark meaningful dialogue and establish Tampa’s place as a cultural destination. We launched the OE Book Fair in 2015 to provide an open platform for local authors to connect with their community face to face. A broad array of genres and interests are represented, complimented by discussions and workshops throughout the day of the fair. We hope you’ll join us the discovery of local literary talent!”
Learn more about OE Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Florida Antiquarian Book Fair
St. Petersburg’s Historic Coliseum
535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, Florida
Hosted by: Florida Antiquarian Booksellers Association
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Florida Antiquarian Book Fair
Email: FloridaBookFair@gmail.com
Description:
The book fair is the third largest in the country and features more than one hundred specialized booksellers from all over the United States.
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Sydney Writers’ Festival
Carriageworks
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Sydney Writers’ Festival
Email: contact@zeitgeistmediagroup.com
Description:
Each year, Sydney Writers&rsquol Festival presents more than 400 events, attracting audiences of 100,000 plus for a week-long conversation of books and ideas.
Learn more about Sydney Writers’ Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Six Bridges Book Festival
Main Library, Little Rock, Arkansas
Hosted by: Central Arkansas Library System
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Six Bridges Book Festival
Email: SixBridgesBookFest@cals.org
Description:
Previously known for 16 years as the Arkansas Literary Festival, the four-day event in April celebrates reading, literacy, stories and wordsmithing including musical lyrics.
Learn more about Six Bridges Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
National Hispanic Cultural Center Children's Bilingual Book Festival
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hosted by: Valerie Martinez, Director, History and Literary Arts
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: National Hispanic Cultural Center Children's Bilingual Book Festival
Phone: 505-383-4708
Email: valerie.martinez@state.nm.us
Description:
National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is the only one of its kind in the U.S. that features children’s books in Spanish and English and Native languages and English. The festival features author readings, student storytelling, a book fair, workshops for parents and teachers, and creative and book-related activities for young readers (K-6) and their families.
Learn more about National Hispanic Cultural Center Children's Bilingual Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo
5508 N. 50th St., Tampa, FL 33610, Tampa, Florida
Hosted by: WoW Book and Toy Store
Date: April 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo
Phone: 228-229-6873
Email: info@wowbookandtoy.com
Description:
The TBBAE grew from a desire to showcase the diverse literary talent that is alive and well in the greater Tampa Bay area. By creating the only expo dedicated to authors of color here in the Bay area, we’ve created a platform for some of this area’s most creative minds to gather, network and share their stories with their community.
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Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Hosted by: BolognaFiere Viale della Fiera
Dates: Monday, April 12, 2021 to Thursday, April 15, 2021
Website: Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Email: bookfair@bolognafiere.it
Description:
Founded in 1964 The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the most important international event dedicated to the hildren’s publishing and multimedia industry.
Learn more about Bologna Children’s Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Black Pack Party
The Frying Pan, Pier 66 at Hudson River Park, 207 12th Ave
Hosted by: AALBC.com, Linda Duggins, and One Book One Bronx
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Email: troy@aalbc.com
Description:
Rain or Shine! The venue is outdoors, on the water, but can be completely enclosed if necessary.
The Black Pack Party is an annual gathering of publishing industry professionals and writers and is held just before the evening before Book Expo America begins.
Check out photos from the previous gatherings and a retrospective.
Learn more about Black Pack Party on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Book Expo America
Javitz Center
Hosted by: Association of American Publishers, Association of Authors Representatives, Inc., and the American Booksellers Association
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Book Expo America
Phone: 1-800-840-5614
Email: inquiry@bookexpoamerica.com
Description:
BookExpo America (BEA) is the leading book and author event for the North American publishing industry. It’s the best place to discover new titles and authors, conduct business and network, and learn the latest trends.
BEA is the largest gathering of booksellers, librarians, retailers, publishers, rights, licensing, and book industry professionals in North America.
Learn more about Book Expo America on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature
Various Venues
Hosted by: PEN America
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature
Email: festival@pen.org
Description:
PEN World Voices is America’s only international literary festival, attracting the best-known writers from across the globe. Since its founding, they have presented more than 1,500 writers and artists from 118 countries speaking 56 languages in venues across New York City in a weeklong series of literary events with a human rights focus. The Festival was founded by Salman Rushdie, Esther Allen, and Michael Roberts in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, with the aim of broadening channels of dialogue between the United States and the world—a mission that, today, has never been more relevant.
Learn more about PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Greensboro Bound Literary Festival
Various locations in downtown Greensboro, NC
304 S. Elm Street , Greensboro, North Carolina
Hosted by: Greensboro Bound
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Greensboro Bound Literary Festival
Phone: 336-392-5213
Email: jessica@greensborobound.com
Description:
Greensboro Bound celebrates writers and readers of all ages as essential to vibrant cities. The non-profit organization, in its third year, offers programming throughout the year with an annual literary festival held in May at various locations in downtown Greensboro.
Learn more about Greensboro Bound Literary Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Books in Bloom Literary Festival
The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa
Hosted by:
Presented by the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Books in Bloom Literary Festival
Email: jean@booksinbloom.org
Description:
Books in Bloom Literary Festival: a Celebration for Writers and Readers was established in 2005 by the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation as its signature event to promote the value of books and reading. The Books in Bloom Co-chairs are Jean Elderwind, Jennifer Hudspeth, and Lin Wellford, directors on the Public Library Foundation Board.
The Festival provides an opportunity for the public to meet accomplished authors, and to hear them read from or speak about their work. Aspiring writers learn about various aspects of writing and publishing, and avid readers are introduced to authors working in a wide variety of genres.
Learn more about Books in Bloom Literary Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Yallwest Santa Monica Book Festival
Santa Monica High School
601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, Santa Monica, California
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Yallwest Santa Monica Book Festival
Email: shane@yallwest.com
Description:
Over 113 authors including New York Times Bestsellers along with local and acclaimed young adult and middle grade writers, plus notable Hollywood directors and creators.
2 days of panels, book signings, food trucks, bad jokes, rock 'n' roll, killer photo ops & general geeky debauchery
Learn more about Yallwest Santa Monica Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds
31 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Gaithersburg Book Festival
Phone: 301.258.6350
Email: ccrosby@gaithersburgmd.gov
Description:
The festival will feature more than 100 best-selling and award-winning authors who will participate in talks, panel discussions and book signings throughout the day.
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is a celebration of the written word and its power to enrich the human experience. Our mission is to foster an interest in reading, writing and literary conversation.
Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets, and songwriters from across the country. Other festival highlights include exhibiting authors, a Children’s Village, literary exhibitors, the Brew & Vine Cafe featuring live performances by singer/songwriters and poets, Friends of the Library used book sale, and onsite new book sales by Politics & Prose. Visitors of all ages also have the opportunity to participate in free interactive, hands-on writing workshops for children and adults/teens on a variety of topics.
Learn more about Gaithersburg Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
BookCon
Javitz Center
Hosted by: ReedPOP Events
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: BookCon
Phone: 800.777.8774
Email: inquiry@TheBookCon.com
Description:
BookCon is the event where storytelling and pop culture collide. Consumers and brands will experience the origin of the story in all its forms by interacting with the authors, publishers, celebrities and creators of content that influence everything we read, hear and see. BookCon is an immersive experience that features interactive, forward thinking content including Q&As with the hottest talent, autographing sessions, storytelling podcasts, special screenings, literary quiz shows and so much more. BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books, where your favorite stories come to life.
Learn more about BookCon on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Bay Area Book Festival
In Downtown Berkeley
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Bay Area Book Festival
Email: info@baybookfest.org
Description:
The Bay Area Book Festival is the primary project of the Foundation for the Future of Literature and Literacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in California. FFLL’s Tax ID number is 47-3955286. Its business address is 1569 Solano Ave. #635, Berkeley, CA 94707.
FFLL is governed by a Board of Directors. Members include Cherilyn Parsons (Berkeley, CA), Peter Richardson (San Francisco, CA), Mal Warwick (Berkeley, CA), Brooke Warner (Berkeley, CA), and Igor Zagatsky (Berkeley, CA).
Learn more about Bay Area Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Great American Book Festival
Main Street Square
526 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, Rapid City, South Dakota
Hosted by: Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Great American Book Festival
Email: LITERARYCLASSICS@LIVE.COM
Description:
The Great American Book Festival was created by the founders of Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews
In an effort to support the literary arts, Literary Classics Book Awards and Reviews has created the Great American Book Festival. To be held annually, this event has become home to the Literary Classics Book Awards and related events, and will be held in conjunction with a book festival. The Great American Book Festival is slated to be held each year on Labor Day weekend. The festival is open to the public and authors from all regions and genres are invited to participate along with related vendors and food purveyors.
Learn more about Great American Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
LitUp Festival
North Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library
Hosted by: North Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library
Date: May 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: LitUp Festival
Email: litupfest@mymcpl.org
Description:
LitUp is a book festival for teenagers and young adults. There will be free books and food, illustrating and writing clinics, author interviews, amazing keynote speakers, and a poetry slam.
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Go On Girl! Book Club Author Awards Weekend
The L.A. Grand Hotel - Downtown
333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90071, Los Angeles, California
Hosted by: Go On Girl! Book Club
Dates: Thursday, May 20, 2021 to Sunday, May 23, 2021
Website: Go On Girl! Book Club Author Awards Weekend
Email: events@goongirl.org
Description:
The first Author Awards were presented in 1992 as a small event held in Brooklyn, New York to recognize those authors and publishers that made significant contributions in the writing and publication of quality books for and about people of African descent. That year we honored Gloria Naylor for Bailey’s Café and New Authors of the Year Barbara Neely for Blanche on the Lam and Barbara Summers for Nouvelle Soul. We gave a publishing award to Beacon Press for their work in publishing authors of color. We were delighted when they all showed up to accept their awards. That was the beginning of a GOG tradition. The annual Author Awards event has traveled the United States from east to west as well as outside the U.S. to Jamaica, West Indies and Toronto, Canada.
Beginning in 1993, the one-night event became a three-day weekend where chapters meet and take care of business issues and celebrate the winning authors. It's also an opportunity for members to meet and reconnect with their literary sisters from all over the country.
Each year winning authors are selected from our reading list based upon votes from each Go On Girl! Book Club chapter for Author of the Year and New Author of the Year. They are then invited to receive their awards in person at the annual Awards Ceremony. GOG members and guests have had the honor of awarding in person to Pearl Cleage, Bebe Moore Campbell, Walter Mosely, Jill Nelson, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Diane McKinney Whetstone, Lawrence Hill, Daniel Black, Isabel Wilkerson to name a few.
This flagship event is one of the ways of expressing our deep authentic respect for Black literature and authors, reinvigorating our literary sisterhood, and providing a platform for new literary talent to emerge.
Learn more about Go On Girl! Book Club Author Awards Weekend on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Greater St. Louis Book Fair
Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park
Date: June 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Greater St. Louis Book Fair
Email: info@stlouisbookfair.org
Description:
Greater St. Louis Book Fair is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most popular charity book sales. For over 60 years, book lovers and collectors have enjoyed bargain prices on a diverse and quality selection of new, gently-used and rare books. Fair proceeds benefit local non-profit education and literacy programs.
Learn more about Greater St. Louis Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
The Bronx Book Festival
Fordham Plaza in the Bronx
Hosted by: Saraciea Fennell, Founder
Date: June 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: The Bronx Book Festival
Email: BronxBookFest@gmail.com
Description:
The first traditional book festival geared toward all ages to hit the Bronx! #TheBronxisReading
Learn more about The Bronx Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Nantucket Book Festival
Cultural District
Main Street, Nantucket, MA 02554, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Hosted by: Maddie Hjulstrom, Executive Director, Nantucket Book Foundation
Date: June 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: Nantucket Book Festival
Phone: 508-563-2144
Email: director@nantucketbookfestival.org
Description:
Nantucket Book Festival celebrates its 9th year in 2020. They feature a line-up of award-winning authors and local and regional talent. They take center stage, representing genres fiction, poetry, history, journalism, politics, and memoir. Attendees enjoy author presentations Thursday-Sunday, also featured in the garden are storytimes for children. Most events are free to the public.
Learn more about Nantucket Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Austin African American Book Festival
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702, Austin, Texas
Hosted by: Roz Oliphant
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. to 2.p.m.
Website: Austin African American Book Festival
Email: info@aaabookfest.org
Description:
Now [2021] in its fifteenth year, the Austin African American Book Festival is a community-focused event that invites some of the greatest literary talent of our generation to engage directly with readers to foster creativity, activism, and positive change.
Learn more about Austin African American Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
South Florida Book Festival
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hosted by: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Date: July 2021 – Dates to be Announced
Website: South Florida Book Festival
Phone: 954-357-6282
Email: lib-customersvc@broward.org
Description:
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International Royal Music & Art Festival
The Beltway Regulators Barn
636 Trammel Fresno Road, Fresno, Texas 77545
Hosted by: Queen Cora
Dates: Saturday, July 3, 2021 to Sunday, July 4, 2021
Website: International Royal Music & Art Festival
Phone: 713-478-4873
Email: info@theRoyalFestival.com
Price: $15
Description:
The 2021 International Royal Music & Art Festival is set to be an acclaimed cross-genre experience inspired by the historic Woodstock Festival, SXSW and Glastonbury.
Our Literary Pavilion’s featured guest is Troy Johnson, the founder of the AALBC (African American Literary Book Club), the oldest, largest, and most popular online bookstore dedicated to African-American and Black literature from around the world.
Learn more about International Royal Music & Art Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Black Paperback Book Fair
Iroquois Park
2120 Rundill Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40214
Hosted by: Louisville Black Writer Association, Shajuanda Barrow, Event Coordinator
Date: Saturday, July 24, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: Black Paperback Book Fair
Phone: 502-262-6382
Email: scbarr03@gmail.com
Description:
Black Paperback Book Fair highlights and supports black writers in Louisville Ky. The event is hosted in Iroquois Park and provides a nurturing space for black writers that is virtually barrier free, inviting all writers to sell their books. The event consist of author booths, food trucks, and a variety of giant games and lounging space.
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Elm City LIT Fest
Hosted by: IfeMichelle Gardin
Dates: Friday, September 10, 2021 to Saturday, September 11, 2021
Website: Elm City LIT Fest
Email: elmcitylitfest@gmail.com
Description:
Check out the Elm City LIT Fest Podcast, held every other Sunday.
The Elm City LIT Fest is an annual celebration of books, LITerature and LITerary artists with the purpose of enhancing LITeracy while promoting awareness of local, regional and global artists of the African Diaspora. Created in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance for the Greater New Haven region and beyond.
Learn more about Elm City LIT Fest on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Black Authors & Readers Rock
Harborside Hotel
6400 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Hosted by: Sharon Lucas and The Reading Divas Book Club
Dates: Friday, October 1, 2021 to Saturday, October 2, 2021
Website: Black Authors & Readers Rock
Email: sharon@sharonrlucas.com
Description:
BARR is a two day literary conference that offers readers the opportunity to meet and mingle with new, emerging and nationally recognized African American authors from all writing genres, and offers authors the opportunity to greet old friends, meet new readers and sell their works.
Though BARR’s focus is on authors of color, because they are traditionally underserved by the publishing industry, the conference is open to everyone.
BARR brings value to the community by providing attendees the opportunity to learn about the craft of writing, and other related topics, through workshops and panel discussions focused on triggering an exchange of knowledge and ideas. BARR was founded by Sharon Lucas
AALBC’s Founder and Webmaster, Troy Johnson, will be giving a workshop this year!
Learn more about Black Authors & Readers Rock on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Brooklyn Book Festival
Brooklyn Borough Hall and Vicinity
209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Hosted by: Brooklyn Book Festival, Inc. and Brooklyn Book Festival Literary Council
Date: Sunday, October 3, 2021
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Website: Brooklyn Book Festival
Phone: 570-362-6657
Email: lkoch@brooklynbookfestival.org
Description:
The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest free literary event in New York City, presenting an array of national and international literary stars and emerging authors. One of America’s premier book festivals, this hip, smart diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages to enjoy authors and the festival’s lively literary marketplace.
The Brooklyn Book Festival is really more than a week of events which culminates on “Festival Day.”
Learn more about Brooklyn Book Festival on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Fall for the Book
George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus
4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Hosted by: Kate Lewis, Marketing Director
Dates: Thursday, October 14, 2021 to Sunday, October 31, 2021
Website: Fall for the Book
Phone: 571-344-2156
Email: kate@fallforthebook.org
Description:
What began as a two-day literary event in 1999, organized by George Mason University and the City of Fairfax, has expanded into a week-long, multiple-venue, regional festival that brings together people of all ages and interests, thanks to growing community interest and generous supporting partners.
Events take place at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, the festival’s base, and at other locations throughout Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Learn more about Fall for the Book on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University
Tulane University
6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
Hosted by: Roger Dunaway
Dates: Thursday, October 21, 2021 to Saturday, October 23, 2021
Website: The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University
Phone: 504-452-2906
Email: roger@tulane.edu
Description:
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African American Children’s Book Fair
Community College of Philadelphia
17th Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hosted by: The Literary Media & Publishing Consultants
Date: Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Website: African American Children’s Book Fair
Phone: 215-878-2665
Email: vlloydsgam@aol.com
Description:
Check out our photos from the 2020 Festival
The African American Children’s Book Fair is 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 including the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Award. These authors and illustrators have produced some of the best books of our generation.
Parents, caregivers and educators are very supportive of the African American Children's Book Fair because they understand that children who read outside of their normal school course work tend to make more responsible decisions about their lifestyles.
The fun-filled afternoon is packed with activities that promote the POWER and JOY OF READING. Authors and illustrators will make presentations and sign their books. The Literary Row will distribute book-related promotional materials free of charge. Our Educator's Book Giveaway will also distribute brand new books to teachers and librarians for use in their schools. In addition there will be a wide selection of affordable literature available to purchase.
The African American Children's Book Fair is a part of the African American Children's Book Project's initiative to promote and preserve multicultural children's literature.
The organization is leading a campaign entitled PRESERVE A LEGACY, BUY A BOOK. Its goal is to put books back into children's homes. You can't tell a child to read at home if there are no books. Read an interview the event’s organizer, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati
The event is free and opened to the public.
Learn more about African American Children’s Book Fair on AALBC.com.(Back to Top)
Check out our coverage of past events.