Josie Brown
October 2022
If part of your wanderlust involves communing with other book lovers, be sure to check out these wonderful book festivals, both stateside and all over the world. They make perfect reasons to make your calendars for your next road trips. (By the way, if I’ve missed an upcoming events, let me know via Bookish Road Trip’s Facebook page.)
October 2022
Little Rock, AR: SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: October 20-30
Website: https://cals.org/six-bridges-book-festival
Marlborough, MA: FALL IN LOVE WITH NEW ENGLAND ROMANCE READER EVENT
Dates: October 21-22
Website: https://www.fallinlovenewengland.com
Saratoga Springs, NY: SARATOGA BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: October 21-22
Website: https://saratogabookfestival.org
Charleston, WV: WEST VIRGINIA BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: October 21-22
Website: http://wvbookfestival.org
Las Vegas, NV: LAS VEGAS BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: October 22
Website: https://lasvegasbookfestival.com
Louisville, KY: LOUISVILLE BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: October 28-29
Website: https://www.louisvillebookfestival.com
Beaufort, SC: PAT CONROY LITERARY FESTIVAL
Dates: October 28-30
Website: https://patconroyliteraryfestival.org
Boston, MA: BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: October 29
Website: https://bostonbookfest.org
Lexington, KY: KENTUCKY BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: October 29
Website: https://www.kyhumanities.org/kentuckybookfestival.html
Baton Rouge, LA: LOUISIANA BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: October 29
Website: http://www.louisianabookfestival.org
November 2022
Charleston, SC: CHARLESTON LITERARY FESTIVAL
Dates: November 4-13
Website: https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com
Portland, OR: PORTLAND BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: November 5
Website: https://literary-arts.org/about/programs/portland-book-festival
Austin, TX: TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: November 5-6
Website: https://www.texasbookfestival.org
Charleston, SC: YALLFEST BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: November 11-12
Website: https://yallfest.org
Miami, FL: MIAMI BOOK FAIR
Dates: November 13-20
Website: https://www.miamibookfair.com
Cincinnati, OH: BOOKS BY THE BANKS
Date: November 19
Website: https://booksbythebanks.org
January 2023
Charleston, SC: BLACK INK: A CHARLESTON AFRICAN-AMERICAN BOOK FESTIVAL
Website: https://www.blackinkcharleston.org
January 12-14
Black Ink Book Festival’s goal is to promote public awareness of the importance of African American contributions to American literature and public conversation. Authors will present fiction, poetry, nonfiction, memoirs, self-help, and spiritual offerings.
Website: https://www.blackinkcharleston.org
Gainesville, FL: SUNSHINE STATE BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: January 27-28
Website: https://www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com
Florida has an amazing literary history dating back to William Bartram nearly 250 years ago. Today, Gainesville is a leading center of literary culture and home to hundreds of writers, novelists, playwrights, and poets, many of whom you can meet at the Sunshine State Book Festival.
Kolkata, IN: INTERNATIONAL KOLKATA BOOK FAIR
January 29 – February 09
The International Kolkata Book Fair is a winter fair in Kolkata. It is a unique book fair in the sense of not being a trade fair—the book fair is primarily for the general public rather than wholesale distributors.
February 2023
Rancho Mirage, CA: RANCHO MIRAGE WRITERS FEST
February 01 – February 03, 2023
The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a world-class gathering of the finest writers who contribute to the intellectual vitality of our time.
Corpus Christi, TX: TEEN BOOKFEST BY THE BAY
February 4
Website: https://tbfbay.org
Barcelona, Spain: BARCELONA CRIME NOVEL FESTIVAL (BCNEGRA)
February 06 – February 12
Barcelona, Spain is host to BCNegra, the city’s crime noir festival. This in-person festival hosts authors from the national and international literary scene. The event includes round tables, theatre and literary routes, cinema, music, and a poetry slam. The Pepe Carvalho Award is also presented.
Perth, WA AU: PERTH FESTIVAL
February 10 – March 05
Perth Festival is a not-for-profit multi-arts festival that brings world-class performance, music, film, visual arts and literary events to Perth, Western Australia, every summer.
Long Beach, CA: LITERARY FESTIVAL OF WOMEN AUTHORS
February 11
Website: https://www.literarywomen.org
Started in 1982 the Literary Women Festival of Authors is dedicated to helping balance the field of writers. They seek to share work that may not have the stage to do so. Proceeds go to the Long Beach Public Library to purchase books that will be featured at upcoming festivals.
Philadelphia, PA: AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR
February 11, 2023
Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s books in the country.
Vancouver, BC CA: CHERIE SMITH JCC JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
February 11 – February 16
The Cherie Smith JCC Jewish Book Festival is one of Vancouver’s leading cultural and literary events, attracting a large and varied audience of over 5,000 people of all ages.
Marrakech, Morocco MA: MARRAKECH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
February 12 – February 19,
More than forty of the worlds best kown storytellers and poets will tell in languages including English, Darija and Amazigh. There will also be workshops, educational outreach, socializing, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and tell.
Auckland, NZ: SAMESAME BUT DIFFERENT LGBTQI+ WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL
February 15 – February 19, 2023
As part of Auckland Pride, the festival offers up a plethora of literary treats including two gala events, a book launch, poetry readings, panel talks, and even a zine-making workshop. All events are free and provide a space to uphold queer literature and authors, and to encourage the next generation of LGBTQI writers.
Savannah, GA: SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL
February 16-19
Website: https://www.savannahbookfestival.org
The Savannah Book Festival is an independent, nonprofit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors. SBF hosts best-selling and emerging authors in special events throughout the year, including a four-day Presidents Day weekend event that features talks by dozens of authors.
Paisley, Scotland UK: PAISLEY BOOK FESTIVAL
February 16 – February 25
The Paisley Book Festival has creativity and innovation at the heart of its programming, showcasing some of the best and most diverse voices being published today in Scotland and beyond.
Amelia Island, FL: AMELIA ISLAND BOOK FESTIVAL
February 18
Website: https://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org
The annual Amelia Island Book Festival (AIBF)has something for everyone! Whether you are a child, a teenager, a millennial, or a boomer, whether you enjoy thrillers, romance, paranormal, crime, sci-fi, mysteries, biographies, fiction or non-fiction, or all of the above, there is something for you.
Southfield, MI: DETROIT BOOK CITY ANNUAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILY BOOK EXPO
February 18
Founded in 2017, Detroit Book City Annual A-A Family Book Expo event is Michigan’s largest independent Black book fair. We attracts hundreds of authors across the country and an extraordinary crowd of book attendees during the third week of February in Detroit.
Daytona Beach, FL: F.R.E.S.H. BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: February 23-25
Website: https://freshbookfestivals.net
The F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival is an engaging weekend of entertainment in the forms of film, books, author presentations, focus groups, and of course, good music
Website: https://freshbookfestivals.net
Aberdeen, Scotland UK: GRANITE NOIR
February 23 – February 26
Granite Noir is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction in all its forms, by the fantastic contribution that Scottish writers make, by our love affair with Nordic Noir, on the page and on screen, and most of all inspired by Aberdeen, which is the perfect backdrop for the festival.
Sevierville, TN; ROSE GLEN LITERARY FESTIVAL
February 25
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce initially created the festival in 2010 to help local authors, giving them a chance to sell books, meet readers, and network. The event will feature presentations, book signings, and workshops.
London, England UK; JEWISH BOOK WEEK
February 26 – March 06
Jewish Book Week is a literary festival in London, held annually in February and March, that explores Jewish literature, ideas and culture. The festival was founded in 1952 and since 2012 it has been presented at Kings Place.
March 2023
Irving, TX: NORTH TEXAS TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL
March 03 – March 04
The NTTBF is a free book festival created to celebrate teen literature, from both Middle Grade and YA authors. Authors and readers come together for a full day of conversation, book signings, panels and readings.
Ennis, Co. Clare IE: ENNIS BOOK CLUB FESTIVAL
March 03 – March 05
An annual festival and social literary gathering for book club members and readers running since 2007 in Ireland’s friendliest town. A weekend of events takes place on the first weekend of March annually…
Dahlonega, GA: DAHLONEGA LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 4
Website: https://www.literaryfestival.org
The Dahlonega Literary Festival is an annual celebration of books that takes place in March. Situated in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, it is an intimate festival about books and authors with a mission to promote interaction between readers and writers in a relaxed, informal environment.
Fort Myers, FL: SOUTHWEST FLORIDA READING FESTIVAL
Date: March 4
Website: http://readfest.org
There 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 sign them.
Tucson, AZ: TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
March 4-5
Website: http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
The Tucson Festival of Books is a community-wide celebration of literature. Offered free-of-charge, the Festival exists to improve literacy rates among children and adults. All proceeds for the Festival support local literacy programs
New Orleans, LA: NEW ORLEANS BOOK FESTIVAL AT TULANE
Dates: March 9-11
Website: https://bookfest.tulane.edu
Seattle, WA: AWP CONFERENCE & BOOKFAIR
March 8-11
Website: https://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration of the written word.
Boca Raton, FL: PALM BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL
March 09 – March 11
The Palm Beach Book Festival is an annual gathering of NY Times, best-selling award-winning, celebrity authors, taking place in the Palm Beaches.
Denton, TX US: TEXAS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
March 09 – March 12
Join the masters of storytelling at the Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Texas. Held over four days, this festival brings together the best in storytelling for an oral tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Tales of all genres are shared, and various bands perform throughout the event.
NEW ORLEANS BOOK FESTIVAL AT TULANE
March 09 – March 11
The New Orleans Book Festival will bring the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works.
Tucson, AZ: LEFT COAST CRIME
March 16-19
Website: https://leftcoastcrime.org
Left Coast Crime is a convention of fans and authors who gather during the first quarter of the calendar year in Western North America (as defined by the Mountain Time Zone and all time zones westward to Hawaii) to celebrate crime fiction. Happens annually in different cities.
Brimbank, VIC AU: BRIMBANK WRITERS AND READERS FESTIVAL
March 16 – March 25
The Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, as well as promoting lifelong learning for the Brimbank community. The 10 day festival program includes workshops, author talks, and panel discussions.
Alderney, Channel Is GG: ALDERNEY LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 17 – March 19
The Alderney Literary Trust promotes the enjoyment of literature on our lovely Channel Island of Alderney. Every year in the Spring, we hold The Alderney Literary Festival, a long weekend dedicated to exploring and enjoying history through books….
Rossford, OH: NORTHWEST OHIO TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: March 18
Website: https://nwoteenbookfest.com
New Orleans, LA: TENESSEE WILLIAMS & NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL
Dates: March 22-26
The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day New Orleans affair for writers, readers, and theater lovers.
Website: https://www.tennesseewilliams.net
Charlottesville, VA: VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK
March 22-26
Website: https://vabook.org
The Virginia Festival of the Book brings together writers and readers to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Featuring the annual Festival in March plus the year-round Shelf Life virtual event series, our programming offers something for readers of all levels
Lichfield, England UK; LICHFIELD LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 23 – March 26
The Lichfileld Literary Festival is an annual celebration of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more. Held in March, Lichfield Literature Festival sees writers of all styles and genres convene in the ‘creative county’ for a series of talks, workshops, and other literature-related events.
Huddersfield, England UK: HUDDERSFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL
March 23 – April 02
Huddersfield Literature Festival (HLF) is an award-winning 10-day Festival held annually in March. A blended Festival of 50+ digital, outdoor and venue-based events held online and at accessible spaces in Huddersfield, HLF champions accessibility, diversity, and under-represented groups.
Atlanta, GA: REVIVAL: LOST SOUTHERN VOICES
March 23 – March 25
Revival: Lost Southern Voices, a festival for readers, is a celebration of lost or underappreciated Southern writers’ works.
Venice, FL; VENICE BOOK FAIR AND WRITERS FESTIVAL
March 24 – March 25
An event for book lovers. Authors selling and signing their latest books in Centennial Park. Proceeds benefit the Venice Heritage Inc.
Bowling Green, KY: SOUTHERN KENTUCKY BOOK FEST
March 24 – March 25
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.
Oxford, England UK: OXFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 25 – April 02
Oxford Literary Festival is a world-class literary event that brings together leading authors and public figures in a magnificent setting in the central university area of Oxford city each year.
Mudgeeraba, QLD AU: SOMERSET STORYFEST
March 28 – March 30
Somerset Storyfest is a nationally recognised youth literature organisation based on the Gold Coast. Delivering a series of literary experiences along with workshops, masterclasses and featured authors throughout the year, Storyfest nurtures emerging writers and provides opportunities for readers to mingle.
Oxford, MS, US: OXFORD CONFERENCE FOR THE BOOK
March 29 – March 31
Founded by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Square Books, the Oxford Conference for the Book brings together fiction and nonfiction writers, journalists, artists, poets, publishers, teachers, students, and literacy advocates for three days of conversation in the literary town of Oxf…
New Iberia, LA, US: BOOKS ALONG THE TECHE LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 31 – April 02
A celebration of Southern writing and culture, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival takes place in and around the charming town of New Iberia, and features authors, social events, panel discussions, and more. The popular annual gathering draws bibliophiles, arts enthusiasts, and lovers of Louisiana culture.
Newcastle, NSW AU: NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL
March 31 – April 02
The inaugural Newcastle Writers Festival was held in 2013 and was a resounding success. More than 70 writers participated in 38 sessions – half of which were free. In 2014, the festival was enhanced by the addition of a popular children’s program. More than 100 writers participate in this event.
April 2023
Galway City, Connacht IE: CÚIRT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE
April 03 – April 09
Five days and over one hundred events at this Irish festival of literature that features big-name authors from around the world.
SeaTac, WAL NORWESCON
April 06 – April 09
Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s premier science fiction and fantasy convention, and one of the largest entirely volunteer-operated regional conventions in the United States. While maintaining a primarily literary focus
Hattiesburg, MS; FAY B. KAIGLER CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
April 12 – April 14
The Children’s Book Festival annually draws approximately 400 visitors to USM and Hattiesburg annually, including librarians, educators and fans of the genre who enjoy and benefit from the event’s programing that includes lectures and workshops featuring renowned authors and illustrators.
West Palm Beach, FL: BAM FESTIVAL
April 15
Website: https://www.bamwpb.org
BAM Festival, a books, art, and music convention for authors, illustrators, and performers who write for children and young adults, provides a county-wide literary experience bringing together authors, teachers, students, families and the community to share their love of books.
London, England UK: LONDON BOOK FAIR
April 18 – April 20
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….
Rossford, OH US: NORTHWEST OHIO TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL
April 18
Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival is a new teen book festival focused on teens and tweens of Northwest Ohio. The Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival is a volunteer organization made up of lovers of literature, who have come together to create a fantastic opportunity for teens from Northwest Ohio and t…
Moncton, NB CA: FRYE FESTIVAL
April 20 – April 30
The Frye Festival is Canada’s only bilingual international literary festival and the largest literary event in Atlantic Canada. The Frye Festival offers the best of local, Canadian and international authors, including children’s authors, graphic novelists, storytellers, poets, playwrights, spoke word artists and novelists.
Chipping Norton, England UK: CHIPPING NORTON LITERARY FESTIVAL
April 20 – April 23
ChipLitFest has earned its reputation as one of the friendliest and most innovative festivals, bringing a wide-ranging array of writers, poets, public figures and creative people to the town and drawing large and lively audiences.
Spokane, WA US: GET LIT! LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL
April 20 – April 23
The Get Lit! Festival began in 1998 as a one-day marathon of literary readings sponsored by Eastern Washington University Press and EWU’s Department of Creative Writing. Then The Spokesman-Review lovingly called it the little literary festival that could, and they were right. By 2004, the audience…
Columbia, MO US: UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL
April 20 – April 23
Unbound is a book festival in Columbia, Missouri bringing together readers and writers to inspire a lifelong love of books and reading.
Hexham, England UK: HEXHAM BOOK FESTIVAL
April 21 – April 30
Hexham Book Festival is a Not For Profit CIC and delivers an annual festival that takes place in and around Hexham in April/May each year. It has grown significantly since its first Festival in 2006 into an important part of the regional arts calendar.
Chelsea, MI: MIDWEST LITERARY WALK
Date: April 22
Website: https://midwestliterarywalk.org
For more than a decade this unique literary event has showcased more than 60 award-winning authors and poets at historic venues throughout downtown Chelsea. It includes author talks, book signings, and is free and open to the public.
Los Angeles, CA: LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
April 22-23
Website: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The festival was an immediate success and has evolved to include live bands, poetry readings, chef demos, cultural entertainment and artist
Columbus, OH, US: OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL
April 22
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 140 authors and more than 3,000 visitors every year.
Edinborough, Scottland: ROMANCE AUTHOR AND READER EVENT (RARE)
April 22 – April 23, 2023
Meet a mix of traditional and self-published authors of romance fiction. Designed to connect readers and writers, RARE holds multiple events each year in cities around the world.
Clunes, VIC AU: CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL
April 25 – April 26
In 2007 the first Booktown (Booktown for a Day) was held attracting over 6,000 visitors. Since then a two day festival, Clunes Booktown Festival has been held annually in May. Over 60 booktraders from around Australia bring stock to the town and set up shop for the weekend. Street entertainment, food vendors and great fun.
New York, NY: NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR
April 27-30
Website: https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com
Daytona Beach, FL: INTERRACIAL ROMANCE AUTHORS’ EXPO
April 27 – April 29
A three-day weekend bringing together and celebrating readers and authors of interracial romance.
Bellingham, WA US: CHANTICLEER AUTHORS CONFERENCE
April 27 – April 30
The Chanticleer Authors Conference is an event unlike any other. We host a wide variety of guest speakers and experts that wow experienced authors and help new authors take their publishing game to the next level.
Newburyport, MA US: NEWBURYPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL
April 28 – April 30
The Newburyport Literary Association, Inc., was founded in 2005 and hosts an annual Festival that brings together readers and writers for a weekend of readings, panel discussions, and other book-related events.
Annapolis, MD US: ANNAPOLIS BOOK FESTIVAL
April 29
The Annapolis Book Festival is one of the premier community events in the region. Join the Key School for activities, music, refreshments, and more. Every year thousands of people enjoy this free community Festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word.
Brampton, ON CA; FESTIVAL OF LITERARY DIVERSITY (FOLD)
April 30 – May 06
The Festival of Literary Diversity is Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and storytellers, held in historic downtown Brampton. The FOLD provides one-of-a-kind events for kids and adults that engage readers, inspire writers, and empower educators by highlighting important and underrepresented authors.
May 2023
Liverpool, England UK: WOWFEST
May 01 – May 31
Throughout the entire month of May, our annual literature festival, WoWFEST, offers a programme of local, national and international writers, performers, commentators and artists.
Bendigo, VIC AU: BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 04 – May 07
Bendigo Writers Festival gives you time out to tune in to the important things in life. Five different venues will be running hour-long sessions simultaneously throughout the day. Between sessions, you can catch up with a favorite author in the Festival Hub and browse the bookshops.
Melbourne, VIC AU: MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 04 – May 07
MWF brings writers and readers together to be inspired, challenged and thrilled by an intelligent, rousing and diverse program of books and ideas.
Ullapool, Scotland UK: ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL
May 05 – May 07
Founded by a group of literary enthusiasts in Ullapool Entertainments, the local voluntary arts organisation founded in 1982.
Hudson, NY: HUDSON CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
Date: May 6
Website: http://www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com
Montclair, NJ: MONTCLAIR LITERARY FESTIVAL
Date: May 6
Website: https://succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival
Nanaimo, BC CA: VANCOUVER ISLAND CHILDREN’S BOOK FEST
May 06
BookFest is a wonderful, fun-filled day for children and adults alike. Renowned authors and illustrators come from across Canada to present their work, tell stories about their creations and lives, and inspire youth through literature and art.
Montclair, NJ US: MONTCLAIR LITERARY FESTIVAL
May 06
Montclair Literary Festival is a community-wide event that aims to exchange ideas, inspire future literary works and engage with different points of view. Working closely with the Montclair Public Library, Montclair Art Museum, Watchung Booksellers and a team of local volunteers.
Berkeley, CA: BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL
May 6-7
Website: https://www.baybookfest.org
a world-class literary extravaganza taking place each year over two days in Downtown Berkeley. All our programming—250-300 authors on 15 stages—is accessible with one $15 pass, and our Outdoor Fair, a wonderland of literary vendors, kids’ activities, and family fun, is totally free.
Brisbane, QLD AU; BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 10 – May 14
Brisbane Writers Festival brings a page-turning experience to Brisbane in September each year, as well as a year-round program of exciting events.
Bristol, England UK: CRIMEFEST
May 11 – May 14
CRIMEFEST is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Drawing top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world, it gives all delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in a friendly, informal way.
Cornwall, England UK: FOWEY FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND LITERATURE
May 12 – May 20
Taking place in various locations in Fowey, Cornwall’s premier literary festival features a diverse range of authors, speakers, musicians, and artists. Organised by the du Maurier Festival Society, it is staged in the beautiful riverside town of Fowey, which was home to Daphne du Maurier.
Margaret River, WA AU: MARGARET RIVER READERS & WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 12 – May 14
The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is the flagship annual literature event of Arts Margaret River. It is the biggest regional literary event in Western Australia and aims to foster a love of literature and the arts within the community.
Pittsburgh, PA US: GREATER PITTSBURGH FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
May 12 – May 13
The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (GPFB) showcases Pittsburgh’s historic, vital role on the national and international literary stage. Readers, writers, booksellers, publishers, critics, educators, and neighbors will connect with, learn from, and support each other.
Ayrshire, Scotland UK: BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL
May 12 – May 14
The world’s only book festival dedicated to biography and memoir. Normally held at the magnificent Dumfries House, the Festival has become one of the most prestigious cultural events in Scotland and has attracted a host of writers and personalities.
San Antonio, TX: SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL
Website: https://sabookfestival.org
May 13
The free, daylong event is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, bringing books to life through author presentations, innovative panel discussions, and book sales and signings. Also included in this fun day of literary entertainment are family activities.
Homer, AK US: KACHEMAK BAY WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
May 13 – May 16
Held in Homer, Alaska, this nationally recognized writing conference features workshops, readings and panel presentations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and the business of writing. Since 2002, the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been at the heart of Alaska’s growing literary community.
Auckland, NZ: AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 16 – May 21
Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o T?maki is the largest annual literary festival in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1999. It has about 200 public events each year featuring local and international writers as guests.
Salmon Arm, BC CA: WORD ON THE LAKE WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 19 – May 21
A major literary event bringing together writers, readers, editors and publishers in an exciting & stimulating three day festival.
Dublin, IE: INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL DUBLIN
May 19 – May 28
The International Literature Festival Dublin, founded in 1998, is Ireland’s premier literary event and gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. Described by the press as boasting a stunning array of top international literary talent.
Gaithersburg, MD: Gaithersburg Book Festival
Date: May 20
Website: https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org
Baltimore, MD US: SHORT STORY FEST
May 20 – May 21
Short Story Fest is an annual literary celebration held each year in May, coinciding with National Short Story Month. The purpose of the festival is to bring together readers and writers who enjoy great storytelling, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to discover for themselves.
Gaithersburg, MD US: GAITHERSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL
May 20
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence.
Where: Montreal, PQ CA: MONTREAL YA FEST
May 21
Montreal and Quebec’s only festival of its kind that brings authors of the Young Adult genre from across North America for a full-day interactive events.
Sydney, NSW AU: SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
May 22 – May 28
Australia’s largest celebration of literature, stories, and ideas. Many events take place at Pier 4/5 and Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay. We also use other city venues including Sydney Town Hall, City Recital Hall, Sydney Opera House and The Mint.
Chipping Campden, England UK: CHIPPING CAMPDEN LITERATURE FESTIVAL
May 22 – May 27
A much loved literature festival in the heart of the Cotswolds and only a 20 minute drive from The Old Post Office. Our programme covers fiction, poetry, and non-fiction including biography and memoir, and we have events on royalty, spying, fraud, history, politics, celebrity, journalism, and nature.
Listowel, Co Kerry IE: LISTOWEL WRITERS’ WEEK
May 31 – June 04
Listowel Writers’ Week is an international acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry.
Umina Beach, NSW AU: WORDS ON THE WAVES WRITERS FESTIVAL
May 31 – June 05
Words on the Waves Writers Festival is a celebration of words and ideas set on the scenic Central Coast, NSW, Australia. Please join us for conversations, book signings with your favourite authors, workshops, a kids’ program and more.
June 2023
Yeppoon, QLD AU: CAPRICORN COAST WRITERS FESTIVAL
June 02 – June 04
The Capricorn Coast Writers Festival aims to foster the importance of books and reading by bringing together an exciting mix of authors, editors, publishers and industry professionals from all over Australia and our own community, to share their vast wealth of knowledge and passion.
Edinburgh, Scotland UK: CYMERA FESTIVAL
June 02 – June 04
Cymera is Scotland’s festival of science fiction, fantasy, and horror writing.
Perth, WA AU: SWANCON
June 03 – June 05
The longest continuously running science fiction convention in Australia, Swancon celebrates all genres of speculative fiction with panels, discussions, and activities.
Bellingen, NSW AU: BELLINGEN READERS & WRITERS FESTIVAL
June 09 – June 11
The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is Australia’s newest literary event. The inaugural Festival was staged in the magnificent environs of the Coffs Coast, Bellingen and Dorrigo from April, 2011. The festival is a celebration of Australian writing in all its forms.
Montgomery, Powys, Wales UK: MONTGOMERYSHIRE LITERARY FESTIVAL
June 09 – June 11
The Montgomeryshire Literary Festival celebrates writing in Wales and the Welsh borders, with an annual festival circulating through key locations in Montgomeryshire.
Scarborough , England UK: BOOKS BY THE BEACH
June 10 – June 11
An exciting in-person event with a fantastic programme of top authors visiting Scarborough.
Nantucket, MA: NANTUCKET BOOK FESTIVAL
Dates: June 15-18
Website: https://nantucketbookfestival.org
Dalkey, Co. Dublin IE: DALKEY BOOK FESTIVAL
June 15 – June 18
The Dalkey Book Festival is an annual literature festival held in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, for four days in June. The festival includes 60+ events celebrating Irish and international writing, welcoming some of the world’s leading thinkers to the seaside village.
Nantucket, MA US: NANTUCKET BOOK FESTIVAL
June 15 – June 18
The Nantucket Book Festival has established itself as a major summer destination for booklovers with impressive and eclectic line-ups of award-winning authors. The multi-day festival offers author readings, panel discussions and social events in an informal atmosphere that encourages conversations.
New York, NY: SCHOMBURG CENTER LITERARY FESTIVAL
Date: June 17
Website: https://www.schomburgcenterlitfest.org
Woodstock, VT: BOOKSTOCK LITERARY FESTIVAL
Dates: June 23-25
Website: https://bookstockvt.org
Felixstowe, England UK: FELIXSTOWE BOOK FESTIVAL
June 24 – June 25
A community literary event celebrating Suffolk and bringing together renowned authors and readers.
Lisbon, PT: DISQUIET INTERNATIONAL LITERARY PROGRAM
June 25 – July 07
The DISQUIET International Literary Program is a two-week program that brings writers from North America and from around the world together with Portuguese writers in the heart of Lisbon for intensive workshops in the art and craft of writing,
July 2023
Cornwall, England UK: PENZANCE LITERARY FESTIVAL
July 05 – July 08
Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community, the Penzance LitFest celebrates words in all their many forms, and welcomes contributions that will inspire, entertain and inform our enthusiastic audiences. Over four exciting days, we are bringing an eclectic selection of authors.
Buxton, Derbyshire, England UK: BUXTON FESTIVAL
July 06 – July 23
Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, Buxton Festival is a summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature at the heart of the beautiful Peak District.The festival features the most promising up-and-coming, and also international authors.
Newark, Nottinghamshire, England UK: NEWARK BOOK FESTIVAL
July 06 – July 09
Newark Book Festival (previously Books in the Castle) is a literature festival that features and celebrates a range of authors and book events from crime to history and plenty for children and families too.
Moose Jaw, SK CA: SASKATCHEWAN FESTIVAL OF WORDS
July 13 – July 16
The Saskatchewan Festival of Words (established in 1996) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that holds an annual literary festival the third weekend in July with 60+ events over 4 days in and around historic downtown Moose Jaw. The festival showcases literary talent from all over Canada.
Mildura, VIC AU: MILDURA WRITERS FESTIVAL
July 13 – July 17
Held in July, the Mildura Writers Festival presents three days of words, food, and wine featuring Australian and international writers. Throughout the weekend invited guests and audience members intermingle freely sharing an experience that provides thoughtful and challenging ideas about writing.
Detroit, MI US: DETROIT FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
July 16
The Detroit Festival of Books is the largest book festival in the State of Michigan. We have vendors from all over the USA and Canada. The Bookfest is dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and the rich culture surrounding it.
Harrogate, England UK: THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME FESTIVAL
July 20 – July 23
The world-class, award-winning Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, now in its 15th year, celebrates the very best in crime fiction at the magnificent Old Swan Hotel each July. The Festival is a firm date in the literary calendar and has achieved international acclaim for the programming.
August 2023
Calgary, AB CA: WHEN WORDS COLLIDE
August 04 – August 06
When Words Collide is an annual non-profit festival designed to bring readers and writers together in a celebration of the written word. Up to 10 tracks of programming, beginning at 1 PM on Friday and running through 5 PM Sunday, offer informational, educational, and social activities.
Jackson, MS US: MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL
August 19
The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration. Visit our Replay festival pages for highlights, pictures and videos.
San Diego, CA US: BOUCHERCON WORLD MYSTERY CONVENTION
August 30 – September 03
The World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor and author. Bouchercon is an annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, and editors do commune.
Jackson, MS: Mississippi Book Festival
Date: August 19
Website: https://msbookfestival.com
September 2023
BUMBERSHOOT
September 01 – September 03
The Seattle Arts Festival always has active coffee houses and a book fair spotlighting literary artists.
Edinburgh, Scotland UK: BLOODY SCOTLAND
September 15 – September 17
Priding ourselves as the literary festival where you can let down your hair and enjoy a drink at the bar with your favourite crime writer, we strive to put on entertaining as well as informative events during a weekend in September, covering a range of criminal subjects.
East Devon, England UK: BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL
September 20 – September 24
The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, set up in 2008, is now one of the leading cultural events in Devon and the South West. Set on the stunning Jurassic Coast, we run five days of events in September featuring some of the most exciting writers, thinkers, experts and opinion-formers.
Cornwall, England UK: NORTH CORNWALL BOOK FESTIVAL
September 21 – September 24
North Cornwall Book Festival brings together readers and writers (and a few choice musicians) for a half term holiday of literature, narrative, craft, workshops and concerts in a site of outstanding beauty between the holiday resort of Polzeath.
Boston, Lincolnshire, England UK: BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL
September 22 – September 24
full schedule of events ranging from poetry to chicklit, from children’s books to historical fiction, and everything in between. There’s bound to be something to suit you, whether you are an avid reader, or just read when you are on an aeroplane on your way to the sun.
Milford, PA US: MILFORD READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL
September 22 – September 24
The Milford Readers and Writers Festival aims to inspire and ignite conversations between people who love to read books and people who write them.
Marlborough, England UK: MARLBOROUGH LITERATURE FESTIVAL
September 28 – October 01
We celebrate the best of writing and literature during our annual festival held in the beautiful market town of Marlborough. Over the years we’ve had terrific authors such as Lionel Shriver, Howard Jacobson, Alexander McCall Smith, Fay Weldon and Michael Morpurgo.
Newcastle, NSW AU: NATIONAL YOUNG WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
September 29 – October 02
The National Young Writers’ Festival (NYWF) occurs annually in the city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, over the New South Wales’ Labour Day Holiday Weekend in late September/early October.
Chappaqua, NY US: CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
September 30, 2023
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is the largest annual children’s book festival in the tristate region. A free outdoor festival with authors, food trucks, entertainment and more.
